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NYS Senator Bill Weber Visits Rockland Chambers of Commerce
MONTEBELLO, NY – In a recent virtual meeting with the Rockland Chamber Alliance, New York State Senator Bill Weber (R,C 38th) outlined his vision for bolstering the business community and reversing the outward migration of residents and businesses from the state.
Born in Pearl River and a lifelong resident of Rockland County, Weber brings 20 years of experience as a CFO for a golf course and real estate development company to his role as a state senator. He believes his background in business and finance is critical for addressing the current challenges facing the state, including the financial exodus of residents and businesses.
He emphasized the need for the state to become more business and residential friendly, highlighting that despite the allure of southern states, many residents maintain a strong affinity for Rockland. The state senator spoke about the importance of making it possible for the younger generation to return to their home state after college, something that is becoming increasingly challenging due to affordability and job opportunities.
One of Weber’s recent accomplishments that he shared with the Chamber was the collaboration on a bill with other Legislators on the change of the Mario Cuomo Bridge name to once again include “Tappan Zee”, as it was named since its original bridge opening date in 1955. The new bill is S4558A, sponsored by NYS Senator James Skoufis. The new name, Mr. Weber explained, was a compromise between local and downstate interests, and although not everyone is happy with the outcome, it represents progress. Whether it will be approved by the assembly or the governor remains to be seen.
In addition to the name restoration, Weber highlighted some of the benefits included in the recently passed state budget, such as fully funding public schools and providing free lunch and breakfast in schools. Despite these positives, he expressed concern over the increase in the state budget – from $179 billion to $229 billion in just four or five years – and its impact on the tax burden for residents and businesses.
When asked about plans to support local business sectors, Weber expressed his belief in the importance of promoting local tourism and incentivizing businesses to set up shop in the state. He noted that changing the state’s reputation as being unfriendly to businesses and taxpayers was critical for this to happen. He pledged to work towards making the state more affordable and attractive to both existing and new businesses, emphasizing that this is crucial for getting the state back on track.
He concluded by stating, “What we need to do is really change the attitude, change the conversation so that we make this a more affordable area for people to not only stay but to attract new businesses. I want to be as vocal as possible in state government and also help the local industries and the local chambers to make the proper investment so that we can get this state back on track.”
The Chamber members thanked Senator Weber for his insights and expressed their appreciation for his ongoing efforts to support the local business community. Learn more about the various Chambers of Commerce in Rockland County, at RocklandChamber.org.
Multi-Family Yard Sale at Sacred Heart Church – Saturday June 10
Suffern NY – A Multi-family yard sale at Sacred Heart Church will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2023, from 10AM – 3PM.
The event will be in the Church Parking lot, 129 Lafayette Ave, Suffern, NY. Vendors are welcome.
Call for Information: (845) 357-0035
Clarkstown Police Seek Witnesses in Fatal Route 59 Accident
A fatal collision between two vehicles occurred in New City, NY on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, leading the Clarkstown Police Department to seek witnesses and video footage of the accident.
At approximately 7:15 pm, police officers responded to the crash involving a gray Audi A6 and a black Ford Edge on Rt. 59 and Broome Blvd., Central Nyack. Witnesses at the scene reported observing the Audi being driven erratically along Rt. 59 from Waldron Ave.
The Audi, driven by Corey Womack, a 24-year-old male from New Jersey, collided with the Ford Edge as it neared the intersection by Broome Blvd. The impact forced both vehicles off the road and into the Hub Shopping Center. Womack was taken to Montefiore Nyack hospital for treatment and later arrested. He is currently held at Clarkstown Police HQ and is awaiting arraignment in Clarkstown Justice Court on charges of Criminally Negligent Homicide, a felony, and Reckless Driving, a misdemeanor.
The Ford Edge’s driver, an adult female, was also transported to Montefiore Nyack hospital. However, she was later pronounced dead. Her identity is being kept confidential until her family can be notified.
The Clarkstown Police Department Accident Investigation Team conducted an on-scene investigation, leading to the temporary closure of a portion of Rt. 59.
The police department is actively seeking individuals who may have witnessed the accident or have video footage from the area at the time of the incident. Those with information are urged to contact the Clarkstown Detective Bureau at (845) 639-5840.
The Clarkstown Police Department emphasizes that a criminal complaint is an accusation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Former Haverstraw Trustee Sentenced to 5 Years Probation, Restitution
NEW CITY, NY – Emily Dominguez, the former Deputy Mayor and Village Trustee of Haverstraw, has been sentenced to probation and restitution, for embezzling approximately $11,000 from the Rockland Community Foundation (RCF). The announcement was made by District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II on May 22nd, 2023.
Dominguez was also a board member and past president of the RCF, a non-profit organization responsible for managing and administering numerous charitable funds in Rockland County. Among these funds was the Haverstraw Neighborhood Fund (HNF), which Dominguez co-founded. The HNF was ostensibly established to offer resources and support to Haverstraw residents through various fundraising initiatives, including an annual backpack fundraiser and Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners.
However, between March and October 2020, Dominguez and an accomplice submitted a total of 18 fraudulent receipts to the RCF for reimbursement. These receipts, allegedly from Portobello’s restaurant and catering where Janice Dominguez was previously employed, were entirely fabricated. They claimed to represent food provided to Haverstraw residents, but no such food was ever delivered.
On September 20, 2022, Dominguez pleaded guilty to Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree, admitting her role in a scheme that involved submitting false receipts and stealing money from the RCF. Motions and proceedings were conducted, with an emphasis by the defense on Ms. Dominguez’ decades-long work in the community, work with numerous charitable organizations which she had served without any level of impropriety.
District Attorney Walsh II, in his statement, emphasized the responsibility of elected officials to uphold the law and serve the community with integrity. He expressed satisfaction that the sentencing concluded the criminal investigation, held the official accountable, and ensured restitution to the RCF. He also praised the investigative work carried out by the Rockland County District Attorney’s Special Investigations Unit and the New York State Comptroller’s Office on this multi-agency case.
New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli echoed Walsh’s sentiments, stating that Dominguez had betrayed the trust of Haverstraw’s citizens by stealing from programs intended to assist village residents in need. He expressed gratitude for his partnership with District Attorney Walsh in holding Dominguez accountable for her actions.
Julie Sadowski, Executive Director of the Rockland Community Foundation, stated that the organization remains committed to serving the community through the funds it oversees. She expressed relief at the restitution of $11,000 to the Haverstraw Neighborhood Fund and pledged to work with the broader Haverstraw community to revitalize this project fund in line with its original purpose.
Judge Prisco sentenced Emily Dominguez to 5 years of probation and ordered her to pay $8,966.25 in restitution directly to the Rockland Community Foundation.
This story is being updated as additional information is provided.