Democrats Elect Wolfe As Majority Leader; Republicans Elect Hofstein As Minority Leader
Stilley Appointed Deputy Majority Leader; Sheridan Appointed Deputy Minority Leader
New City, NY (Jan. 8, 2026) – The Rockland County Legislature voted Thursday night to fill its leadership positions for 2026, reelecting Jay Hood Jr. to a fifth consecutive term as Chairman. Aney Paul was reelected Vice Chairwoman, and Phil Soskin was named Second Vice Chairman.
Democrats reelected Alden H. Wolfe as Majority Leader, while Republicans reelected Lon M. Hofstein as Minority Leader. Dana Stilley was appointed Deputy Majority Leader, and Raymond W. Sheridan III was appointed Deputy Minority Leader.
“I am grateful to my colleagues for once again placing their trust in me,” Chairman Hood said. “I look forward to continuing our collaborative work within the Legislature and with the County Executive and Administration to deliver responsible governance and positive results for Rockland County residents. We accomplished a great deal in 2025, and I am confident we can build on that momentum in 2026.”
Chairman Hood has served in the County Legislature since 2007 and previously was Vice Chairman and Majority Leader. Prior to joining the Legislature, he served on the Haverstraw Town Board.
Legislator Paul was elected Vice Chairwoman for the seventh time. She was first elected to the County Legislature in 2012 and previously served as Majority Leader.
County Legislator Moshe Hopstein, who was appointed last year and in November won election to fill the seat vacated by Aron B. Weider following his election to the state Assembly, was also sworn in.
Legislators also unanimously reappointed Laurence O. Toole to a one-year term as Clerk to the Legislature. He appointed Mary Widmer as Deputy Clerk.
All were sworn in by Rockland County Clerk Donna Silberman.
Chairman Hood also highlighted key accomplishments in 2025, including continued property tax relief, with no increase in county property taxes for 2026 following 2 percent reductions in both 2025 and 2024, and no increases in 2023 and 2022.
Additionally:
- The Legislature acted quickly to provide up to $2 million in emergency funding for local food pantries after federal SNAP funding ended on Nov. 1, 2025, with any unspent funds returning to the county.
- 2026 Budget funding was also increased for nonprofits and government agencies serving children, veterans, and seniors, bringing total support to $2.677 million – up 14.3% over 2025’s budget – to meet growing community need.
- Affordable housing remained a priority through the Housing Loan Action Opportunity (HALO) program, a $13.5 million revolving loan fund financed with federal ARPA dollars. In 2025, 4 major HALO awards were approved to support affordable and senior housing projects – a total of 441 new and 90 preserved units.
- Additional accomplishments included progress on redeveloping county-owned properties, including the Sain building for workforce housing and as much as $500 million in annual property taxes; the preservation of more than 300 acres of open space to protect drinking water aquifers, steep slopes and historic sites; continued investment in the county’s $30 million Complete Streets initiative to install sidewalks along county roads to increase pedestrian safety.
- The Legislature also amended a law previously referred to as the Rockland County Volunteer Benefit Act that was more limited in its scope. The new version designated the Jared Lloyd Rockland County Volunteer Benefit Act, or simply, the Jared Lloyd Act provides up to $1 million in support to the families of Volunteer Firefighters. EMS, Auxiliary Police, HazMat & Technical Rescue Team members lost in service. In Rockland County, outside of law enforcement, every emergency member who responds to the call for help is a volunteer.
Laura Incalcaterra
Communications Director
Rockland County Legislature
11 New Hempstead Road
New City, NY 10956
(845) 638-5184