A social media post circulating in a Clarkstown community Facebook group this week has sparked strong reactions from local officials after it called for a “Local Boycott” of several businesses based on what the author described as their public support of Republican politicians.
The post, shared in the “Clarkstown Community (Uncensored)” Facebook group, encouraged residents to consider “supporting alternatives that align with your values” and listed multiple local businesses by name, including Joleen’s Beauty Bar, Prestige Plumbing, Greenlight Handyman, Scott Walter Travel Agency, Dom ToGo, Baby To Go, River Court, Fire & Cork, Rocco’s Family Restaurant, Power House Animal and Pest Control, Bailey’s Smokehouse, Barry’s Jewelers, and Valentine Electric.
In response, Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann issued a statement condemning the effort to single out and boycott small businesses over perceived political affiliations.
“Clarkstown small businesses are the backbone of our community,” Hoehmann said. “Today, I saw a partisan political activist’s social media post targeting many of our local small businesses for a boycott due to the alleged partisan affiliations of their owners. This is an affront to our community and way of life in Clarkstown.”
Hoehmann emphasized the critical role local businesses play in daily life, noting that they employ residents, donate to student groups and sports teams, and provide essential goods and services to families throughout the town. “These businesses feed our families, clothe our kids, fix our homes, and go above and beyond for our residents every day of the year,” he said.
The Supervisor added that he personally stopped at Dom ToGo in Nanuet to purchase dinner for his family before an evening of meetings and pledged to continue supporting the businesses named in the post. He also called on elected officials and candidates to reaffirm their support for local businesses and “reject this unacceptable assault on our Clarkstown small businesses.”
Clarkstown Democratic candidates also released a joint statement addressing the controversy, distancing themselves from calls for a boycott and voicing support for the local business community.
“Small and local businesses have been and will always be the heart of Clarkstown and our community at large,” the statement read. “What individuals decide to boycott is their independent choice, and when it comes to local businesses, we unequivocally condemn boycotting small businesses, so many of which bring light, joy, and support to our community.”
The candidates acknowledged that political disagreement is part of American democracy but cautioned against allowing those differences to divide the community.
“In the 250 years since our Declaration of Independence, where we established each individual’s right to express their own beliefs, we have also defended the right of others to oppose such beliefs,” the statement continued. “Disagreement is woven into the fabric of our country, but we must not allow that disagreement to tear apart what binds us all together. We stand with small businesses, regardless of political views. They are what makes Clarkstown so great.”
Congressman Mike Lawler also weighed in on the controversy, criticizing efforts to target businesses over political beliefs and calling for greater tolerance within the community
“We live in a deeply divided country, with strong political views on both sides of the aisles,” Lawler said. “Many people in our community have expressed their opposition to the President, the Republican Party, and me — that is their right. I respect the right to protest, to voice a different political perspective, and to vote accordingly.”
However, Lawler argued that while political disagreement is part of democracy, attempting to economically target local businesses crosses a line.
“Some of those same people not only demand everyone respect their point of view, but seemingly believe others are not entitled to their political perspective,” he said. “Now these same people are threatening to boycott businesses in Rockland County because of the perceived or real political leanings of the owners. It’s not only wrong, it’s un-American.”
Lawler emphasized that consumers are free to choose where they spend their money, but warned against what he described as efforts to harm businesses and the jobs they provide.
“If you don’t want to frequent a store, restaurant, or service, that is your right,” he said. “But don’t try to destroy a business and the jobs associated with it simply because you don’t like their politics or that of people they happen to support.”
The Congressman concluded by urging residents to focus on unity rather than division.
“If our country and community is to move forward, we all must have more tolerance for those we disagree with and spend more time focusing on areas of agreement,” Lawler said. “Support our community and our local businesses and reject the continued hate based solely on party affiliation. We can do better as a community.”
Good to know, thanks for the information. When I do choose to spend my hard earned pay on overinflated goods I certainly do not want it going to those keeping prices ridiculously high.