Jewish American Heritage Month

Posted By admin on August 31, 2021

HAVERSTRAW Rockland Democrats have planned their nominating convention for Tuesday night in Bowline Park on the Hudson River after settling on precautions concerning COVID-19.

The convention to choose a party chair, recommend an elections commissioner, and fill committee vacancies kicks off at 7 p.m. Committee members are asked to show up at 6 p.m. to sign in. The park is located on Bowline Road off Samsondale Road.

Originally scheduled for last week, the convention got delayed when a faction on the party's executive committee wanted it to be held outdoors and follow specific COVID protocols, including committee members showing proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test. The committee voted 13-11 on the precautions, as well as mandatingmask-wearing and distancing if theconvention was held at the West Haverstraw Community Center.

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TheRockland Democratic Party standoff involving the extent of precautions against the deadly COVID-19 virus is wrapped up in a political split between the party's progressive wing and other Democrats, including the influential Ramapo Party, who are backed by the Hasidic Jewish bloc vote.

The convention is being held as COVID numbers in Rockland increase and areas in the county have full vaccination rates among adults as low as16%.

Acting Chairman Christian Sampson of Ramapo first rejected theexecutive committee's vote. He countered the committee members concerned about COVID could vote by proxy. Proxy voting allows a committee member to submit votes by those who decline to attend.

Sampson, a former Ramapo Town Clerk and East Ramapo School Board member, said the West Haverstraw venue wouldhave mandatory mask-wearing and spacing of seats. He said the building has a state-of-the-art air filtration systemthat kills COVID and many other viruses.

An incorrect address for the center in the convention notification also meant the party members had to be renotified last week.

The Democrats are looking to replace Kristen Zebrowski Staviskyas party chair and elections commissioner. She has beenappointedas the Democratic co-executive director of the New York State Board of Elections.

Sampson is seeking the party chair. Former Rockland Legislator Nancy Low-Hogan of South Nyack has expressed interest in leading the party.

For elections commissioner, the Democrats are likely to choose between Kathy Pietanza, the deputy commissioner and adecades-long elections office employee, and Barbara Petlin, a Spring Valley resident whose spouse Joel is the Kiryas Joel schools superintendent. Petlin has support among Ramapo Democrats.

Republicans and Democrats choose their own election commissioners and deputies. The Rockland Legislature has traditionally approvedthe party's recommendations.

Steve Lieberman coversgovernment, breaking news, courts, police, and investigations.Reach him at slieberm@lohud.com. Twitter: @lohudlegal.Read more articlesandbio.Our local coverage is only possible with support from our readers.

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Rockland Democrats' convention adjusted for COVID concerns - The Journal News

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