BY: Keith S. Shikowitz, Editor/Investigative Reporter
Many people say that the county executive is the most important position in any county. Ed Day has proudly been holding this prestigious position for three terms and is now looking to make it a fourth.
Rockland County Executive Ed Day was born in 1951 to Edwin and Jane Day in a housing project in Brooklyn. He is the eldest of three children, he graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School. He then earned an associate’s degree in business administration and marketing from Kingsborough Community College in 1971 and further pursued his education at Pace University while working full-time in sales.
Day went on to join the NYPD in 1979, advancing to Lieutenant-Commander of Detectives, before retiring in 2000. He later became Baltimore’s Chief of Detectives, overseeing executive command responsibility of the 3,200-member force and oversaw a $7 million budget of which he overhauled resulting in a 50% increased success rate for violent crime investigations and reducing overtime expenditures by +10%.
After having served as a volunteer on a variety of town committees, he realized he could better fix government from the inside and announced a run for Rockland County Legislature which he won in 2005. While serving on the legislature, Day observed the poor fiscal decisions being made and the County of Rockland’s growing deficit, ultimately leading him to run and win the election becoming Rockland’s third County Executive in 2013.
“I’ve built my reputation on fiscal discipline, integrity, and results. When I took office, Rockland faced a $138 million deficit and the worst credit rating in New York State. Under my leadership, that deficit became a surplus exceeding $100 million and Rockland achieved its highest credit rating ever, AAA.”
Through his guidance, County Executive Ed Day successfully eliminated the deficit, built up a healthy surplus, and transformed the County into one of the seven fiscally strongest counties statewide in only two terms.
There are many issues that people are concerned about which impact their lives in various ways. The county infrastructure is a major one. When roads are in disrepair people’s cars can get damaged and accidents can happen as drivers try to avoid hazards. How does Day plan on taking care of the infrastructure?
One thing Day did was to open a new County Highway Facility, named Project of the Year by the New York State Society of Professional Engineers, and a state-of-the-art Fire Operations Building, which is the largest investment ever made at the Rockland County Fire Training Center to date.
“Rockland’s growth must be responsible, sustainable, and well-planned. I’ve invested in rebuilding roads, bridges, and drainage systems while pursuing intermunicipal partnerships to modernize water, sewer, and traffic networks. Infrastructure investment is both an economic driver and a public safety necessity and I’ll continue ensuring projects are done efficiently, with accountability and fiscal discipline.”
Along the lines of holding people and companies accountable for infrastructure projects, at a roundtable sponsored by State Senator Bill Weber, held at Global Collision Conference Room 331 U.S. Route 9W
Congers, NY 10920, he told the 20 small business owners he would do everything he could to help them with the issues like the loss of revenue the construction around their businesses is causing. One thing Day is doing is not signing onto a PILOT program that is worth about $14 million from CHPE (Champlain Hudson Power Express) who is doing the work that is disrupting small businesses from Stony Point down to Congers. He says he doesn’t know what effect this is going to have on the situation, but at least they are trying something to help.
New York is one of, if not, the highest tax state in the country. The state government keeps raising taxes in the Democratic majority in the State Assembly and State Senate. People say we are getting less services for our tax dollars from the state. Day came into office when Rockland County was near fiscal collapse. “We turned that around without burdening taxpayers—holding the line on property taxes for nearly ten years. My philosophy is simple: government should live within its means, just like our residents do. I’ll continue protecting taxpayers and keeping Rockland financially strong.”
In his current third term County Executive Day is focused on remaining cautious while bringing reprieve to the hardworking people of Rockland. Notable accomplishments in recent years include eliminating the Auto Registration Tax and the Energy Tax. The Energy Tax alone saved families $12 million annually, equivalent to an 8.4% County Property Tax cut. He also implemented a 2% County Property Tax cut in 2024, following zero County Property Tax increases in 2022 and 2023. He is additionally proposing to another 2% County Property Tax cut for 2025.
While most governments spend carelessly and raise taxes to cover expenses, County Executive Ed Day firmly believes it is an administration’s responsibility to utilize tax dollars efficiently by always looking for ways to offset costs. It is that methodology that has been a major factor behind the success of County Executive Day’s administration.
“We have an obligation to be better and lead by example, showing the right way a government should operate by keeping spending low, alleviating costs, and re-investing in our residents,” said County Executive Day at his Proposed 2025 Budget Announcement. “After all, a budget is not just about numbers… it’s about the families it impacts.”
A resident JR said that while the democrat led cities and towns were offering sanctuary and protection to the illegals, he appreciated what Ed Day did when it came to stopping Mayor Adams from sending many illegal migrants into Rockland.
“When NYC tried sending migrants to Rockland, I stood firm and said no. Together, we rallied against illegal migrant relocations imposed without local input or resources and I’d do it again. My duty is to safeguard Rockland’s residents, taxpayers, and the integrity of our communities.”
Public safety is another hotbed issue. People in many communities around the country are not feeling safe enough to go outside even during the day, never mind at night.
“Public safety is personal to me. As a career law enforcement officer, I know that safe communities are the foundation for everything. I’ve expanded emergency services, supported law enforcement, and launched programs addressing mental health and addiction—balancing compassion with accountability. Rockland is one of the safest counties in the state, and I intend to keep it that way.” Day stated.
“The Palisades Center remains a cornerstone of Rockland’s economy, providing thousands of jobs and millions in tax revenue. But retail is changing and we must adapt. I support creative redevelopment that keeps the mall vibrant while expanding its use to include entertainment, dining, and mixed-use spaces while protecting the surrounding community’s quality of life.”
The main question voters face in any election is who do I vote for? Has the challenger shown me that he or she is a better choice than the incumbent? Has the incumbent show me that he or she is worthy of my vote to stay in office for another term? Day feels he has shown his worthiness to stay in office for another term.
“Rockland is stronger today than it has been in decades. Financially, economically, and in quality of life, Rockland is on better footing, because I’ve focused on results, not rhetoric. I’ve proven that strong, accountable leadership works. I don’t make empty promises; I deliver measurable progress. If you believe in safe streets, responsible spending, and government that works for you, I ask for your vote to keep Rockland moving forward.
“Leadership means showing up, making tough calls, and standing firm when it’s unpopular but right. I’ve led with integrity, facts, and a steady hand through fiscal crisis, a pandemic, and state-imposed challenges. My approach is simple—listen, act, and never lose sight of the people I serve. That’s what leadership looks like.”
On the quality of life, and not losing sight of the people he serves, he reopened the Rockland County Office for People with Disabilities and invested in the County’s Open Space Acquisition Program. In 2023 alone, the County is on track to purchase and preserve 300 + acres for only $4 million in County Capital Funds, thanks to utilizing ARPA funding and federal reimbursements.
Despite the strong fiscal standing of the administration, County Executive Day promises to continue honoring the pledge he made when he was first elected of being a respectful steward of County tax dollars.