War brewing in Rockland County over who will become next Democratic BOE commissioner

A video shows members of the Rockland County Democratic Committee accusing county legislators of trying to appoint a new commissioner without consent.

News 12 Staff

Aug 2, 2021, 7:26 PM

Updated 1,166 days ago

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There is a war brewing in Rockland County over who will become the next Democratic Board of Elections commissioner.
A video shows members of the Rockland County Democratic Committee accusing county legislators of trying to appoint a new commissioner without consent.
Members of the committee, which is made up of more than 600 people, crashed what they say was a secret meeting among Democratic legislators.
They say the legislators were trying to name a new commissioner behind closed doors and without a vote from the full party.
A spokesperson from the Rockland County Legislature said in part:
"As things currently stand, it is correct to say that the Legislative Majority has the authority to fill the Democratic vacancy on the BOE, a vacancy that has existed since Jan. 1 of this year. Former Commissioner Stavisky had been a holdover since her term expired on Dec. 31, 2020.
A Board of Elections Commissioner can be appointed during a Legislative caucus once an appropriate choice is determined. BOE Commissioner posts are not voted on during full Legislature meetings - Republicans don't vote for the Democratic Board of Elections' Commissioner and Democrats don't vote for the Republican Board of Elections' Commissioner.
The Republican Legislative Minority appointed Patricia Giblin as the GOP Elections Commissioner during a Republican caucus late last year.
Although the Rockland County Democratic Committee has no formal role in the process at this time, legislators recognize that committee members have opinions as to who would be best suited to the Elections' Commissioner position. Legislator Wolfe has written to Kristen Zebrowski Stavisky in her role as Chairperson of the committee asking that she advise members that legislators will be accepting letters of interest from eligible Democrats through Aug. 30."