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Village elections in March are the norm in 90 percent of the villages in New York state because they support the independence of local governance -- including the past 140 years in South Nyack.
Turnout data over the last five years shows that village residents turn out to vote when the issues and candidates motivate them. From a third to half of South Nyack’s registered voters turn out in November. Important, disputed local issues get them back in the spring, according to resident Mary Jane Alexander. In March 2014, contested views about bridge-related quality-of-life issues were on the village ballot. Over half the number who had voted in the November gubernatorial race returned, she said.
Kelly Rames wrote Daily Voice to voice her objection to changing the annual Village of South Nyack vote from spring to fall.
"There is a resolution that was introduced recently that is being rushed through by the Mayor and some Village trustees to be put on the ballot on March 20 to change the way elections are run in the village," Rames said.
"For 140 years local elections on village government and referendums have been held at the South Nyack Village hall in March," she said. "The change on the referendum is to move elections to November with the general elections. . . .
"The Village is facing many critical issues when the new bridge is done and the pedestrian walkway opens," Rames said. "My personal feeling is that it is being rushed through. More time needs to be taken."
South Nyack Trustees Alain Leinbach and Andrew Goodwillie are running unopposed for re-election to two-year terms, which pay $4,000 annually.
Village Justice Dennis Lynch is seeking re-election to a four-year term. His job pays $10,000 annually.
For a Daily Voice summary of other village elections in Rockland County, click here:
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