Valentine Supporters Enjoy BBQ Spiced with Politics

An enthusiastic crowd came out to Anderson Field in Orangeburg Sunday to support the candidacy of Paul Valentine for the Orangetown Town Council.  The attendees enjoyed a barebecue, wiffle ball, live entertainment and clowns for the kids. 

Well represented at the family outing was a slate of Republican candidates and office holders including town council candidate Tom Morr and Supervisor Paul Whalen.

Valentine, a Blauvelt resident, will be listed on the Republican, Conservative and Independent lines in November’s off-year election. 

“In the past I ran for the county legislature," Valentine said. "At that time I felt that a strong voice was needed for budget issues that I saw coming. This time there are more pressing issues on the town level so I believe that I can be more effective helping residents as a councilman.

“There are several major issues including the future development of the Rockland Psychiatric  Center and several other
large parcels of property at the IBM site. Also, the Kaufmann Campgrounds in Pearl River.  We need a common sense, business-like
approach to future development.  I want to bring in rateables that will not overtax our infrastructure.  My goal is to keep Orangetown clean, green, safe and affordable.”

Regarding the upcoming campaign, Valentine pointed to the importance of looking at the history of candidates.

“The question that Orangetown voters should ask each candidate is what have you done?  Not what are you going to do," Valentine said. "Everybody in this town knows what I have given to my community. 

"I served in the United State Marine Corps, I am a past president of the Blauvelt Lions where I still serve on the board of directors and am a member of the American Legion.  I am on the board of the Rockland Business Association and am president of the International Electrical Contractors in Rockland County. My company donates scholarships
to local high schools and we purchased and installed the score board and press box at Veteran’s Field.”

Valentine explained his reasons for wanting to contribute to the town.

“I raised my kids and own a home in Orangetown," Valentine said. "This community has been good to my family.  The community, including the school district, police department and the sports associations, all played a part in making them great kids.  And it has supported my business. I feel indebted.  I think that I would be a great help to the town because I am running for the right reasons.  I don’t need a job or the money.  I feel that it is important that we have a strong
board.”

Several local residents told why they are supporting Valentine: 

• Eileen Kopunek of Tappan-- “Paul is a great friend who will do anything for anyone.  He has worked tirelessly for what he believes in.  He cares about his community and we
  love him.”
• Karen Swift of Blauvelt (wife of former councilman Tom Swift)—“Paul is one of the most decent and honest guys that I know and he truly cares about his community.”
• Former councilwoman Eileen Larkin—“Paul is a great candidate, a giving person and a good guy.”
• Supervisor Whalen --  “I am here to support a good person who will do a great job.  With Paul’s excellent business skills he will be an asset to the town.”

Morr came in support of Valentine, but also spoke of his own candidacy. 

“My professional background is in accounting and finance.  I have spent six years on the Nanuet Board of Education and served on the town council from 2004 through 2008," Morr said."Like most of us here today we love the town and we want to keep its character and not let it get overdeveloped.  At the same time we need to control the taxes.  I want to assist the supervisor in bringing in good ratables that would not be to the detriment of the character of the town.”

Tappan resident Allan Ryff, a former member of the town council who will run in a primary against Whalen this fall, offered his backing to the Republican council candidates.

“I am here to support Paul Valentine and his running mate Tom Morr,”  Ryff said.

A highlight of the day was the appearance of Tom and Lorraine Lorentz of Blauvelt.  Dressed as members of the KlownKlub they came
to support Valentine, but also to entertain all of the children that were
present.  The Lorentzs  regularly raise funds for the twenty two
Shriners Hospitals for Children and their research centers.