The Rockland County Legislature finalized its leadership for 2025 during a session Tuesday night, reelecting Jay Hood Jr. as Chairman. Aney Paul was reelected as Vice Chairwoman, and Phil Soskin was named Second Vice Chairman.
The Legislature also confirmed party leadership roles: Alden H. Wolfe will continue as Majority Leader for the Democrats, while Lon M. Hofstein was reelected as Minority Leader for the Republicans. Aron Wieder was appointed Deputy Majority Leader, and Raymond W. Sheridan III was named Deputy Minority Leader.
Chairman Hood expressed gratitude for his colleagues’ support, stating, “I want to thank all of my Legislative colleagues for their confidence in my leadership abilities as we head into another year of serving Rockland County residents.” Hood emphasized his commitment to building on the success of the past year, including fostering bipartisan cooperation.
This marks Hood’s fourth consecutive term as Chairman. First elected to the Legislature in 2007, Hood has served in various leadership roles, including Vice Chairman and Majority Leader. His tenure has been marked by notable initiatives and accomplishments.
Vice Chairwoman Paul, reelected to the position for the fifth time, has been a member of the Legislature since 2020 and previously served as Majority Leader.
The session also saw the reappointment of Laurence O. Toole as Clerk to the Legislature and Mary Widmer as Deputy Clerk. Both were sworn in by Rockland County District Attorney Thomas Walsh, with County Clerk Donna Silberman overseeing the signing of the elected officials’ registry.
Legislative Accomplishments in 2024
Chairman Hood highlighted several achievements from the past year:
- Property Tax Relief: A 2% reduction in county property taxes for the second consecutive year, following cuts in previous years.
- Affordable Housing Initiatives: Creation of a $13.5 million Housing Loan Fund and redevelopment of county-owned properties, including the Sain building, aimed at creating workforce housing and generating substantial property tax revenue.
- Nonprofit Support: A 21% funding increase for nonprofits, addressing growing service demands.
- Pedestrian Safety: A $30 million project to install sidewalks in every legislative district.
- Environmental Conservation: Preservation of over 300 acres of open space and funding for 24 Urban Green Space projects, totaling $10 million.
- Water Conservation: Renewed focus on sustainable water resource management through the Rockland County Task Force on Water Resources Management.
- Health & Wellness Initiatives: Establishment of a new committee, chaired by Dr. Aney Paul, to promote preventative health measures and awareness.
- Volunteer Benefits: The bipartisan Rockland County Volunteer Benefit Act provides financial support for families of volunteer emergency responders who lose their lives in the line of duty.
- Firearms Safety: A bipartisan law requiring safety warnings at firearm sales locations, aimed at reducing gun-related accidents and deaths.
- School Bus Safety: Extension of the law imposing liability on vehicle owners who fail to stop for school buses until 2029.
2025 Agenda
Looking ahead, Chairman Hood prioritized completing sidewalk projects more efficiently and advancing affordable housing efforts. He noted the importance of working with housing organizations to identify new opportunities.
The Legislature is also exploring a mortgage tax holiday for first-time homebuyers purchasing properties under $500,000, an initiative proposed by Legislator Paul Cleary. Additionally, discussions are expected on potential updates to the Rockland County Charter, led by Majority Leader Alden Wolfe.
“Affordable housing is on the table now,” Hood emphasized, adding that the Economic Development & Housing Committee, chaired by Legislator Jesse Malowitz, will play a key role in these efforts.
As Rockland County moves into 2025, its legislative leaders are poised to continue their focus on economic development, public safety, and quality-of-life improvements for all residents.
