Foresight and Strategy: A Defining Opportunity for the Rockland Community’s Future
For years, the Rockland County community has maintained a strong, consistent tradition of turning out at the polls. As our population continues to grow, so too does our need for dependable, dedicated partners at every level of government. It requires no explanation that having leaders who truly comprehend both our communal requirements and individual challenges is absolutely essential.
In a typical election cycle, the impact of our vote is often short-term, lasting only until the next ballot is cast, and our numbers do not always directly tip the scales, though voting remains vital to preserving our collective political capital. This year’s primary election, however, presents a rare, strategic window of opportunity, the results of which will reverberate for years to come.
This coming November, voters will decide a range of critical seats, from the governorship and federal representation in Washington to state seats in Albany and local town boards. While the general election matchups will undoubtedly be highly competitive, most of these candidates face no internal challenge within their own parties.
The premier exception is the race for Congress. While Mike Lawler runs unchallenged on the Republican line, a fiercely competitive contest is unfolding on the Democratic side. Five candidates appear on the ballot, with polling indicating a dead heat between the top two. Because primary turnout is historically low, registered Democrats have a unique opening to deliver a victory to a proven ally.
Among the contenders, only one has a tangible track record of delivering for our Rockland County community: County Legislator Davidson of Nyack. Serving on the legislature alongside our community’s advocates, she has consistently been an accessible and reliable resource for both individual residents and communal organizations. As a local resident, she inherently understands the regional landscape and has worked tirelessly to ensure that vital emergency services like Hatzolah and Chaverim receive expanded county backing.
Community leaders can attest to her open-door policy and her willingness to advocate for our needs, even when facing blowback from certain factions within the county, including vocal critics in her own backyard. She courageously backed recent business-friendly measures, aimed at streamlining the process for young entrepreneurs looking to open businesses, standing firm even when anti-growth activists packed legislative sessions to protest community inclusion. These opposing elements have made their frustration clear, routinely attacking her on social media for her close ties to our community, attacks that have only intensified during this congressional campaign.
Furthermore, during last year’s county food distribution initiative, Legislator Davidson personally intervened to guarantee the inclusion of kosher options, collaborating with Orthodox legislators to ensure the Tomchei Shabbos organization received a substantial allocation. Her legislative record also includes sponsoring a bill to cap sales tax on gasoline when prices exceed three dollars a gallon, providing direct economic relief to local drivers facing high fuel costs.
The vast influence of a congressional seat needs no embellishment, particularly when held by a member of the majority party. Control of the House frequently shifts, and current political currents suggest a favorable environment for Democrats, which could place them in the majority. The alternative candidates in this primary do not hail from our area and have made little effort to meaningfully engage with our community, relying instead on generic, last-minute advertisements. Conversely, Legislator Davidson maintains constant, substantive dialogue with our community leadership. It is critical that Rockland voters send a clear message to the political establishment: we practice Hakaras Hatov (gratitude) and deeply value enduring partnerships.
The stakes this year are heightened by the fact that state lawmakers in Albany began redrawing district boundaries this week. Once these maps are finalized, our community risks losing its cohesive voting power to tilt close elections. If our congressional representative lacks local roots or a commitment to our constituency, we face the distinct threat of our county being carved up into multiple districts, which would dilute our influence even in primary elections. We need only look to Borough Park as a cautionary tale, where fragmented redistricting has left only a portion of the community able to impact a highly contested race between a proven ally and a radical candidate.
It is vital to emphasize that voting in this primary carries no obligation for the general election in November, where you remain entirely free to vote for any candidate on the ballot. This primary simply empowers registered Democrats to select a candidate who understands our values and possesses a proven track record, safeguarding our interests should the seat flip.
The primary election will take place next Tuesday (Parshas Chukas-Balak). Early voting is available daily through this coming Sunday.
