Robert Barra Steps Down as Valley Stream Clerk

Robert Barra, a former Republican state assemblyman from Lynbrook, has stepped down from his position as the clerk of the Village of Valley Stream following comments he made on Facebook claiming that demonstrators in the Women's March last weekend "probably should have been aborted."

Barra told Patch on Wednesday that he was planning on retiring on Friday. But as of Thursday, his picture and information had been removed from the Valley Stream village website.

"The Village of Valley Stream emphatically condemns the personal and private statements expressed by Robert Barra," Mayor Edward Fare said in a statement to Newsday. "Mr. Barra is no longer employed by the Village of Valley Stream, and does not in any way express the views of this administration."

Barra's statements came to light yesterday, and many were quick to condemn him.

"I'm very disappointed to learn of Robert Barra's comments," said Michaelle Solages, the state Assemblywoman that represents Valley Stream. "His words are unprofessional and do not reflect the community in which he serves. Rather than waste time on an insensitive individual, I rather focus on the millions of individuals across the world who marched and exercised their right of free speech. I applaud the demonstration in support of women's rights."

He was also criticized by Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos, who is running for county executive. "Robert Barra, Valley Stream Village Clerk, appropriately resigned as a public official," Maragos said. "There should be no tolerance in the public square for hateful and insulting remarks."

Residents also took to Facebook to voice their concerns over Barra's comments.

Photo: Village of Valley Stream