New City, NY — A statement made during Rockland County’s Special Committee on Charter Revision meeting has stirred significant controversy.
Legislator Alden Wolfe, Chair of the Committee, was accused by County Executive Ed Day of publicly suggested eliminating the office of the County Executive—currently held by Ed Day—and replacing it with a County Manager, an unelected position that would report directly to the Legislature.
According to Wolfe’s office in a follow up conversation by Rockland News, as well as a press release provided, Wolfe states that he said the following:
“I don’t think that there’s a interest at this point in making a wholesale change to how county government operates, for example changing from the county executive model to a county manager model, even though many believe that that would be a way of saving significant amounts of tax dollars and making county government operate less with political tension.”
Wolfe’s remarks came during a discussion on the “Charter Reform Process and Issues,” which addressed potential amendments to the Rockland County Charter, the foundational document outlining the powers and responsibilities of county government. Wolfe’s explanation of the nature of a County Manager – if acted upon, would represent a serious change to Rockland’s government structure, shifting executive authority from an elected official to a legislative-appointed administrator.
Regardless – at the time of this writing, it seems that both Day, Wolfe and the majority of the County Legislature are now all in agreement – nobody wants an unelected County Manager.
72 Hours of Suspense Culminates in Consensus
County Executive Day initiated the brief public war of words, by posting a press release about a meeting that occured on Tuesday, March 18th – where Wolfe happened to be speaking.
The press release was singularly pointed at words that were perceived to have been stated by Legislator Wolfe, at the meeting:
“I am shocked that a sitting Legislator would even suggest eliminating an entire branch of government without so much as a real discussion with me, other members of the County Legislature, or the citizens we serve,” County Executive Ed Day stated in a press release. “Dissolving my Office and creating a County Manager who reports directly to the Legislature would be nothing short of an undemocratic power grab.”
Wolfe, in turn – released his own statement: “In grand fashion, Ed Day, the County Executive who vowed to serve just 2 terms in office but is now running at a frantic pace for a 4th term, today issued a press release that is completely off the wall.” The response, according to Wolfe’s release included a statement that although he personally would not be in favor of a County Manager, “…many believe that that would be a way of saving significant amounts of tax dollars and making county government operate less with political tension.”
This could have led to the breakdown in communications. Luckily, everyone seems to be on the same page now. No word yet if both officials plan to meet for coffee.
Critics argue Wolfe’s proposal could undermine democratic checks and balances by consolidating power within the Legislature. Currently, the independently elected County Executive serves as a counterweight to the Legislature, providing oversight and public accountability.
Supporters of the current executive structure cite significant accomplishments under Ed Day’s leadership. The administration has touted the elimination of a previous $138 million deficit, achieved multiple tax cuts—including a 4% county property tax reduction—and eliminated the Energy Tax, equivalent to an additional 8.4% cut. The County Executive’s office also cited expanded tax deductions for seniors and volunteer first responders.
New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli recently praised Day’s fiscal leadership, stating, “I’m not allowed to pick favorites with elected officials, but I love your County Executive—he gets the job done.”
Any changes to the Charter must follow a public legislative process, including a hearing and availability of the proposed law to legislators for eight days without substantial revisions. The County Executive retains the right to veto, though the Legislature can override this with a supermajority. Ultimately, voters must approve charter amendments via referendum.
