Hey Orange County,
I hope all the dads and everyone who fills the role of father had a wonderful Father’s Day weekend.
I was grateful to spend some quality time with my kids and my dad. Being on my family’s farm always reminds me of what’s important: family, connection, and the simple joys of life.
While the rain may have interrupted BBQs and outdoor plans, it is helping our fields, gardens, and reservoirs thrive. Hang in there! Summer will be here soon, hopefully bringing lots of sunshine and fun adventures.
As we look ahead, I want to share an important update that puts our children’s safety front and center. I’m proud to announce that the Orange County government has expanded the school bus stop-arm photo enforcement program to include Warwick Valley Central School District, Greenwood Lake UFSD, and Goshen Central School District. That means every school bus in these districts is now equipped with technology to catch drivers who illegally pass stopped buses, a reckless and dangerous act that puts children at serious risk.
The safety of our children is non-negotiable. So please, when the bus stops, you stop, or you will get a ticket. It’s that simple.
I was honored to speak at the Orange County Land Trust’s annual benefit gala. We’ve never had a stronger partnership with our local conservation organizations than we do today. I was proud to be there with several of our county department heads, who have played key roles in preserving open space throughout our beautiful county.
A shout-out to Orange County Commissioner of Planning Alan Sorensen, who closed out the night with a beautiful song he wrote and performed about the Neversink River. He’s got talents beyond just planning!
The Orange County Land Trust, Open Space Institute, and the New York/New Jersey Trail Conference continue to be incredible partners in this work. The Orange County Legislature has unanimously backed my efforts to earmark millions in funding for land preservation. So far, only a few towns have tapped into these funds. I’m confident more will follow as we build on recent successes, such as Sugar Loaf Mountain and Boehmler Pond.
We also have several farms currently applying for support. Many are looking for relief to help them stay in business and continue their legacy. If there’s a parcel of land or natural area you care about in your town, village, or city, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local leaders. A lot of our success stories started with a single phone call from a concerned resident. It truly starts locally, and together we’re making a difference.
Congratulations to the 70 students who officially became certified New York State EMTs. What an incredible accomplishment! That same evening, we recognized outstanding professionals in EMS, including Paramedic and Nurse of the Year, as well as the Town of Newburgh Emergency Medical Services, which was named Agency of the Year for their exceptional work and training efforts.
To all our EMS professionals: I’m incredibly proud of you. Thank you for your service, your dedication, and everything you do to keep Orange County safe.
Finally, I was honored to be the keynote speaker at Garnet Health’s 2025 Resident Graduation and Awards Ceremony. Congrats to the Class of 2025, and thank you to Garnet Health for your commitment to training the next generation of physicians. Your work matters more than ever.
Please stay safe and well. I look forward to seeing you around the county!
