Absentee ballot vote-counting is nearing an end in Rockland, but published reports say the leads now held by Democratic state Senate candidate Elijah Reichlin-Melnick and Assembly Republican candidate Michael Lawler are large enough to consider them the winners in their races. The Journal News says seven-term Democratic Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee and Republican Senate candidate Bill Weber both conceded their races. Counting still continues.
News
Ramapo to Vote on 2021 Budget; Orangetown’s Passes
The Ramapo town board is meeting tomorrow morning remotely to finalize and approve the 2021 budget. The $118 million spending plan represents a cut in spending, but depending where you live in town, you could see your taxes go up or down. Ramapo supervisor Michael Specht says new complications in the sale of the former Novartis property in Suffern, whose owners are seeking to have their tax assessment lowered despite reportedly looking to sell at a much higher price, shouldn’t affect next year’s budget…
The Journal News reported last week Suffern Partners LLC wants to sell the 162-acre campus for $55 million, an estimated $14 million more than its market value. The campus’ vacant buildings on Old Mill Road and Route 59 in Suffern, and Hemion Road in Montebello, were sold back in 2017 to another company for $18 million. The $118 million spending plan represents a cut in spending, but depending where you live in town, you could see your taxes go up or down.
Meanwhile, over in Orangetown, their budget was unanimously approved earlier this week, and supervisor Teresa Kenny said some painful decisions had to be made…
The $78 million budget is slightly lower than last year’s and is under the two percent tax cap. The DARE and CANDLE programs in local schools were among the cuts.
Rockland’s Town Supervisors Launch Veterans Turkey Giveaway
Rockland’s five town supervisors officially launched their “Thanksgiving Veteran Dinner Bag” distribution yesterday. Turkeys with all the trimmings will be handed out this Saturday for those veterans or surviving spouses that want one. Haverstraw supervisor Howard Phillips says all you have to do is call your local town hall to reserve one…
The supervisors partnered with the group “Veterans Angels of Hope” and “People to People” to help secure the 800 turkey dinners secured for the giveaway.
NY Boulders Add North Rockland Grad to Pitching Roster, 5 Others
The New York Boulders signed six new pitchers to the roster, including 2015 North Rockland High School graduate Dan Wirchansky. He went on to pitch for Pace University. He had brief stints with the Milwaukee Brewers and the Texas Rangers, though he never got to pitch for either team. He underwent Tommy John surgery and is expected to begin his comeback with the Boulders this spring.
High-Risk Winter High School Sports Delayed until January 4th
The New York State Public High School Athletic Association has moved the start date for high-risk winter sports, including basketball, competitive cheer, ice hockey and wrestling, to January 4th. The change was made to minimize risk and exposure to COVID-19. Low- and moderate-risk winter sports, including bowling, gymnastics, indoor track & field, skiing, and swimming & diving, can begin on November 30th.