Harriet Cornell

08/12/2019

“What do we want? CLIMATE JUSTICE! When do we want it? NOW!” Those were the chants of Rockland residents participating in Friday’'s Climate Strike in Nyack. The event was led by brave and hard working young people from our own community. Similar events were held across the world to pressure world leaders meeting in Madrid for a global climate summit to increase their ambition and commitment in addressing the climate crisis. I was proud to march and encouraged by the critical role young people are playing in raising awareness and holding elected leaders accountable. This is the third Climate Strike I’ve attended, run primarily by Nyack High School students determined to save the planet for future generations. I am so proud of what they are doing!

06/11/2019

Of course I am thrilled to have won re-election with a large margin of victory—but disappointed and sad that so many of my “running mates” for County and Town positions did not prevail. It is particularly painful that my friend and colleague Nancy Low Hogan is caught in a very close race, that Thom Kleiner with his vast experience was defeated for Orangetown Supervisor, that Nicole Doliner, a brilliant fiscal analyst, was not elected Clarkstown Supervisor, and that superb young Democratic candidates for County Legislature and Clarkstown Town Council were also unable to win—with the exception of Patrick Carroll, incumbent, who ran a great race! All ran positive campaigns of real ideas, but it proved difficult—this time-- to overcome the countywide campaign of disinformation spread by opponents running on other party lines. But here’s the good news: in our democracy there will be elections in two years and four years and on—and the tide will turn, as it is happening in other states. If I have one message, it is this: be well informed; don’t believe everything you read on Facebook; attend government meetings; ask questions; pick your candidates carefully and support them when they are brave enough to run for office—which can be very daunting.

I congratulate all those who emerged victorious in their races throughout Rockland, whatever their political persuasion. I urge them to reach across the aisle and find common ground so that all can work for the betterment of the community and the County. Maybe that’s why I’ve been re-elected over and over.

05/11/2019

TODAY’S THE DAY! While Presidential elections are where the media focuses attention, local elections directly affect our lives—everything from public health—think measles and the opioid crisis—safe neighborhoods, clean air and water, climate change, reliable transportation and opportunities for good jobs so people can stay in Rockland after they finish school. Your vote helps ensure that your priorities are reflected by election of local leaders who hold similar beliefs and will fight for them I fight every day for an affordable Rockland—so our young people will choose to remain in /Rockland and our elderly can remain in the community they love. I have a record of accomplishments, benefitting all, regardless of political persuasion. I ask for your support and your vote. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.. If you’re not sure where to vote, please call the Board of Elections at 638-5172. Thank you!

01/11/2019

Today I joined State Assembly Member Ken Zebrowski in calling for the NYS Department of Transportation to hold a public hearing to solicit input on Hudson Link service, now that it has been in service for one year. I offered use of the Rockland County Legislature’s Chambers for the hearing.

At a press conference at Lot J, Palisades Center, where many commuters catch Hudson Link buses, we stressed that a hearing would be an opportunity for the DOT to hear directly from commuters about Hudson Link.

I served on the Governor’s Mass Transit Task Force—and from the very beginning said that the mission should not just be how to get Rockland residents across the bridge to Westchester, but how to best serve them. Rockland residents would love rail service from Rockland that comes close to the service provided Westchester or Long Island residents—trains running frequently to NYC during the day and late-night trains returning. And a one-seat ride to boot. I’ve said and I repeat: Rockland is treated as a “transportation orphan” by the state of NY. We are New Yorkers and deserve better!

I know from meetings I have hosted this year in the Rockland Legislature as Chair of the Special Committee on Transit, hearing riders’ complaints about service, commuters would be satisfied with reliable, on-time, every time bus service. Rockland residents deserve nothing less.

31/10/2019

It was an honor to speak tonight to members of Rockland County Shields, a fellowship for all active and retired police officers who have worked or lived in Rockland County. The Shields invited county and town candidates running for office in Rockland to give informal remark at a Candidates’ Night held at Casa Mia Manor House in Blauvelt. They gave all of us their full attention and a very warm welcome!

27/10/2019

Orangetown Democrats and Democratic candidates marched tonight in the Nyack Halloween parade. We participated as the Democratic Blue Wave, complete with the Blue Wave truck and thirty foot long blue wave ribbon. It was tons of fun. We reminded people to get out and vote.

27/10/2019

With Barbara Williams and Dominican and Marydell Sisters at the Rockland County Human Rights Commission Civil Rights Hall of Fame luncheon on October 24 at the Nyack Seaport. With a beautiful ceremony three individuals were inducted as new members -- Barbara Williams, Paul Adler .and Virginia Norfleet. These exceptional people were recognized for making significant contributions to the advancement of equality, diversity, human rights and civil rights in Rockland County.

25/10/2019

Photo with former Rockland County Legislator Connie Coker at Palisades Interstate Park Conservancy annual event at Ross Dock near the GW Bridge on October 23. I presented Distinguished Service Awards to Jim Hall, who has retired as the PIP Executive Director, and Edward Goodell, longtime head of The New York-New Jersey Train Conference, who has also retired. Both of these exceptional leaders may be leaving these posts, but will certainly continue to contribute to our nation's environmental challenges. I enjoyed working with Jim and Ed on a variety of issues. Some years ago, the Trail Conference presented me with its major award for help I provided. My husband Martin served as Board President of the PIP and was instrumental in saving Sterling Forest.

23/10/2019

I am so deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my friend, Regent Judith Johnson. We have lost an educator who devoted her life to the truest of causes – the betterment of children – all children everywhere. She developed policies and programs to guide comprehensive school reform and improve student achievement. She was truly one of the most outstanding people I have ever known - in any field of endeavor.

Judith Johnson’s life was the stuff of dreams that are possible in a democracy – dreams achieved through a tremendous amount of hard work. From her earliest years as an elementary school teacher in New York City to her rising through many ranks, including service as the Director of Curriculum for the Nyack Public School District, the Superintendent of Schools for the Peekskill City School District, and the Deputy Assistant Secretary and Acting Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education in the U.S. Department of Education.

Judith lived in New Hempstead and her deep caring and devotion to children and their best futures made us all feel like she was truly our neighbor.

Judith was named New York State School Superintendent of the Year in 2008, becoming the first African American to receive the honor, and for her many contributions, she was inducted into the Rockland County Civil Rights Hall of Fame in 2015. We also recognized her for her many contributions during the Rockland County Legislature’s Black History Month celebration in 2017.

It was only 2-1/2 weeks ago that I saw Judith at the first Women’s Hall of Fame in Rockland, sponsored by the Center for Safety and Change, where 40 of us were being inducted - but few of us could match Judith’s career, accomplishments or brilliance. To think that a neighbor had reached such heights as an educator and had been elected to serve as a NY State Regent was truly overwhelming but not surprising. It was so clear that this truly brilliant educator, thinker, public speaker, and witty human being was someone special!

Judith’s work and inspiration will live on, not only through the directives and policies she helped establish, but through the success of the thousands of children who have and will experience the fruits of her best efforts

18/10/2019

https://www.harrietcornell.com

Rockland faces big challenges. I’m running for re-election so I can continue to serve the public. I’ve spent most of my life in Rockland, raising four children, involved in community life and recognizing the dedication of residents who saw needs and created organizations to provide services—...

16/10/2019

I have had a long relationship with Head Start of Rockland and was invited to induct a new group of "Parent Presidents" into the Head Start Council. The men and women were thrilled by the ceremony and excited to receive from me a Certificate of Appreciation from the Rockland County Legislature − each one personalized with the individual's name − thanking them for their willingness to work on behalf of Head Start and all the children who benefit from that wonderful organization.

11/10/2019

I was delighted to present a Proclamation from the Rockland County Legislature to Lia Toyota of Rockland on the celebration of their Grand Renovation and Re-Opening on Route 303 in Blauvelt. Lia Auto Group was founded in 1977 by William Lia, Sr., who is joined by his three sons Michael, Bill and Vincent, in operating 22 locations throughout New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts. I presented the Proclamation to Vincent Lia. Pictured with me is John Vitro, the Manager of Lia Toyota of Rockland.

Lia Toyota marked the occasion with generous donations of $10,000 each to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rockland and BRIDGES.

My Proclamation applauds Lia’s public spirited support by stating “The Lia Group is engaged with the community, providing assistance to those in need,.”

BRIDGES Executive Director Carlos Martinez said BRIDGES will use the funds to support Veteran Transportation events. Meanwhile, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rockland Gillian Ballard said the donation guarantees continued support services to Rockland County’s families.

BRIDGES was founded in 1987 under the name Rockland Independent Living Center (RILC) as a community-based, not-for-profit organization dedicated to advocacy and leadership on behalf of people with disabilities.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rockland County is a full-service, accredited youth mentoring organization serving “at-risk” youth from one parent homes between the ages of 7– 18 years throughout Rockland. Big Brothers Big Sisters has been the leader in one-to-one youth services for 35 years.