Commentary
As we turn the calendar to July, summer is in full swing, and Independence Day is right around the corner. From historic celebrations to neighborhood cookouts, the Fourth of July is a time to come together as a community and reflect on the values that unite us: freedom, service, and tradition.
If you’re looking for ways to celebrate, there’s no shortage of events across Orange County. Whether you’re planning to catch a local parade or take in a fireworks show with family and friends, you can find everything you need at PickOCNY.com. Our tourism team has compiled a great list of fireworks displays and events to help you make the most of the holiday weekend.
Before we celebrate our country’s birthday, let me share a few things that have been happening in our neck of the woods. Speaking of birthdays, next year marks the United States of America’s 250th, and I had the opportunity to attend a special event hosted by the Constitution Island Association. I was honored to speak at the Rev 250 Opening Ceremony this past weekend alongside some terrific Hudson Valley representatives and our own county historian.
Constitution Island, just across the Hudson River from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, played a key role in the American Revolution as a strategic fortification point for the Continental Army. The ceremony was a meaningful reminder of our history and a great way to kick off the lead-up to the 250th anniversary of the Revolution.
Fitting for the upcoming Fourth of July, we welcomed 78 new U.S. citizens at a naturalization ceremony led by Orange County Clerk Kelly Eskew. Representing 40 countries, most notably the Dominican Republic, these new citizens now proudly share one important title: American.
Sound infrastructure is so important, and we’re building for the future. This week, we held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the completed Main Street Bridge #2 in the Town of Cornwall. As a key entry point into the downtown area, this bridge is more than just infrastructure; it symbolizes smart planning, collaboration, and progress. Kudos to our Orange County DPW team for getting it done ahead of schedule and under budget. And when you drive over it, keep an eye out for a small personal touch that marks it as a county road: a Seabees seal on the pavement, honoring the motto, “We build, we fight.”
Importantly, I joined our Finance and Budget Commissioners to visit Standard & Poor’s in New York City to discuss the county’s strong financial standing and get feedback—more on that in an upcoming column.
Finally, a quick reminder: Orange County Civil Service Exams are open to the public. If you’re looking to start a new career in public service, now is the time to apply: https://orange-portal.mycivilservice.com/post/exams. The Human Resources tab on the county’s website is a great place to find information about available positions and requirements/qualifications.
Whatever you do to celebrate the Fourth of July and the start of summer vacation, stay safe and enjoy. I hope to see you around the county!
