Discussing Political Extremism, Religious Insularity & Ultra-orthodoxy,
Land Use, and the Future of Rockland County and the Nation
POSSIBLE PROGRAMS
RELATING TO THE HASIDIM
Online and In-Person
The Serve Rockland Civic Association will endeavor to sponsor online programs (e.g., using Zoom) and perhaps in-person programs to discuss the important issues we seek to raise.
ROCKLAND COUNTY--
LAND USE ISSUES
Overdevelopment and Environmental Constraints in Rockland County
We see many challenges regarding the need to both protect our landscape and environment, and housing needs.
These competing interests should be discussed and, to the extent possible, addressed. We need sound, principled, land use planning.
The density pictured--Kiryas Joel--will likely be viewed as too dense, and too urban, to many Rockland County residents.
.jpg)
STONY POINT --
PUBLIC SPACES AND PUBLIC LAND FOR RECREATION
The Future of Stony Point's Golf Course,
and Camp Bullowa?
If a public asset, such as the Stony Point Golf Course, remains in public hands, the citizenry has control of the land's future use.
If the land falls into private hands, the only thing that is certain is that the "Law of Supply and Demand" will eventually dictate high density housing, if there is a market for it (and there certainly is).
.jpg)
ADEQUATE SECULAR EDUCATION FOR ALL CHILDREN
Segregated Schools. Little or no meaningful instruction in history, literature, science and civics. Not good.
An informed, educated electorate is necessary for democracy to work. If children are deprived of an adequately secular educate, they are denied both personal opportunity and also the ability to contribute as they should to the larger society.
THE ESTABLISHMENT CLAUSE
It Prohibits the "Establishment" of Religion in Governance
Yet, is it not a fair observation that New Square, Kaser and Kiryas Joel are, in essence, religious enclaves where the religious leadership governs. Is that not theocracy in our midst?
Is it the opposite of the "melting pot" that has creates the best in American society, and a core cultural value?
POSSIBLE PROGRAMS
RELATING TO GOOD GOVERNMENT & THE ENVIRONMENT
Online and In-Person
NON-TRANSPARENCY IN GOVERNMENT
Open Government, not Closed Door Deal-making, is what we need.
Too much governmental decision-making is conducted behind closed doors. The public is entitled to see what their elected representatives are doing. FOIL is one tool, yet we need much more.
Why not broadcast all town, village and county meetings on zoom or similar online service, and allow citizens to provide public input from their own homes instead of being forced to travel to Town Hall?
Why do local governments in Rockland County increasingly restrict public participation input to three (3) minutes, even though the speaker might have much valuable information to present? Why is so much governmental business a "done deal" before the municipal board even meets? This is not open government, and must stop.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION & QUALITY OF LIFE
Clean Air. Clean Water. Places to Hike. Public Parks and Recreational Facilities
We must safeguard our natural resources, and be stewards of the natural environment. This is for ourselves, and for generations to come.
FIGHTING GOVERNMENTAL CORRUPTION
Partisan politics often breeds corruption. Corruption has many causes, but usually boils down to money and power.
An active, informed citizenry can help reduce corruption, by 1) voting the rascals out (regardless of political party) and 2) reporting suspected corruption to state or federal law enforcement personnel.
