NEW CITY – County Executive Ed Day highlighted the incredible work of Rockland County Government employees during the pandemic and the continued growth and strengthening of Rockland’s economy despite these challenging times. The County Executive spoke Monday night, September 13, from the Auditorium of the Rockland County Fire Training Center in Pomona to Commissioners, Department Heads, employees, elected officials and representatives of local nonprofits.
County Executive Day thanked everyone in Rockland who worked during the pandemic and detailed the actions of county government saying, “each and every one of our county departments has worked to support our broader community. Throughout the pandemic we have adapted to continually provide services while keeping our employees and members of the public safe. Our Health Department, among others, deserves special mention.”
Health Department Accomplishments:
* Performed contact tracing and case investigations
* Trained over 100 new case investigators from other county departments
* Launched COVID-19 Call Center for residents
* Administered over 50,484 COVID-19 vaccinations
* Stored and redistributed nearly 14,000 COVID-19 vaccinations to over 20 Rockland locations
* Partnered with Office for the Aging to help vaccinate 13,000 seniors
Since the start of the pandemic Rockland Community Against Hunger’s (RCAH) Get Fresh and Food Recovery programs have distributed more than 2 million pounds of food to pantries and meal programs. RCAH is a collaborative effort of the County Executive’s Office, the Youth Bureau, the Health Department, the Department of Social Services and several non-profits including TOUCH – Together Our Unity Can Heal, BRIDGES, Meals on Wheels of Rockland and the Martin Luther King Multi-Purpose Center.
“I am so proud of this collaborative effort that helps so many Rockland residents. But to those listening tonight, if you or someone you know is in need of help, please visit www.rocklandhunger.org. New website functionality now allows people to search by name, town, zip code, or even day of the week to find a local pantry that can help,” said County Executive Day.
The County Executive touted the strength of Rockland’s economy and the partnership of Steven Porath and the Rockland Industrial Development Agency (IDA). By the numbers in 2021 alone:
* 17 new project applications
* $981 million in investments
* 400 new jobs created
* Nearly 600 existing jobs retained
* Plus, thousands of temporary construction jobs during the building or expansion process
“This is truly amazing. The projects span multiple job sectors including manufacturing, distribution, recreation, office space and a new datacenter, showing just how broad Rockland’s appeal is. We are business savvy and companies have recognized that Rockland is leading the way in our region,” said Day. “I believe that it is not the role of government to create jobs. Government must create an environment where businesses can thrive and create new private-sector jobs; we have done exactly that.”
The County Executive concluded the speech with a reminder of how far Rockland has come since he took office in 2014 and a look forward.
“We have improved and streamlined county government for the benefit of both the people we serve and for our taxpayers. We have orchestrated a remarkable economic recovery. We have fought a measles outbreak and a global pandemic. Now we are ready to embark on the next chapter. Our years of conservative budgeting have paid off; we are fiscally healthy and can now focus on reviving and rebuilding Rockland for the future.”
“We are building resiliency so that we are ready for whatever comes next. But we are not finished with the renaissance of Rockland County government. And we cannot complete what we’ve begun without each and every one of you. Government alone cannot solve the problems we face as a society. It takes the work of neighbors, friends, families, our entire community working alongside each other.”
“I know Rockland; I know the spirit and strength of those who reside here. I know that when we come together, support each other and work to understand each other there is no challenge we cannot overcome. And I will not stop working to guide this county to the safe and sustainable future that we all hope for.”
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