New City, NY — The Rockland County Legislature held its annual organizational meeting Thursday night, voting to establish its leadership for 2026. Legislators re-elected Jay Hood Jr. as Chairman, marking his fifth consecutive term in the role.
Aney Paul was re-elected Vice Chairwoman for a seventh term, and Phil Soskin was named Second Vice Chairman.
In caucus leadership elections, Democrats re-elected Alden H. Wolfe as Majority Leader. Lon M. Hofstein was re-elected Minority Leader by Republican legislators. Dana Stilley was appointed Deputy Majority Leader, and Raymond W. Sheridan III was appointed Deputy Minority Leader.
Chairman Hood, who has served in the Legislature since 2007, previously held roles as Vice Chairman and Majority Leader. Prior to joining the Legislature, he served on the Haverstraw Town Board. Hood, whose left arm was resting in a sling after a recently sustained minor injury, nonetheless showed up for the re-election.
“I am grateful to my colleagues for once again placing their trust in me,” Hood said in a statement. “We accomplished a great deal in 2025, and I am confident we can build on that momentum in 2026.”
Legislator Moshe Hopstein, who was appointed in 2025 and subsequently elected in November to fill the seat vacated by Aron B. Weider, was also sworn in during the meeting.
The Legislature unanimously reappointed Laurence O. Toole to a one-year term as Clerk to the Legislature. Toole named Mary Widmer as Deputy Clerk. The swearing-in ceremonies were conducted by Rockland County Clerk Donna Silberman.
According to statements from legislative leadership, accomplishments cited from the previous year include:
- No increase in county property taxes for 2026, following 2% reductions in both 2024 and 2025, and no increases since 2022.
- Approval of up to $2 million in emergency funding for local food pantries after the end of federal SNAP benefits on November 1, 2025.
- A 14.3% increase in budget allocations for nonprofits and agencies serving children, veterans, and seniors, totaling $2.677 million.
- Continued implementation of the HALO (Housing Loan Action Opportunity) program, a $13.5 million revolving loan fund. In 2025, four major awards were approved to support 441 new and 90 preserved affordable and senior housing units.
- Redevelopment of county-owned properties, including the Sain Building, with the potential to generate significant property tax revenue.
- Preservation of over 300 acres of open space for environmental and historical conservation.
- Investments in pedestrian safety through the county’s $30 million Complete Streets initiative.
- Amendments to the county’s Volunteer Benefit Act, now named the Jared Lloyd Act, expanding benefits up to $1 million for families of volunteer emergency responders who die in the line of duty.
The Legislature is scheduled to begin its 2026 session with these Legislative positions in place.