Clarkstown Councilman Ralph Mandia Resigns

 

(New City) Clarkstown Councilman Ralph Mandia is resigning effective February 1, 2009 from the Clarkstown Town Board.  As a result of failing health, Councilman Mandia feels he can no longer serve the residents of Clarkstown as he has for the past 20 years. 

Councilman Mandia said, “I thank the people of Clarkstown for their many years of support.  I especially thank all our Town employees for the great work they do for the Town.  So many have been very kind and supportive of me during my illness."

 

Supervisor Gromack said, “Ralph Mandia has been a true public servant to the Town of Clarkstown.  His passion and dedication to the Town and his constituents has been an inspiration to us all.  It has been a pleasure to work with Ralph in a bi-partisan manner for the betterment of Clarkstown residents.  I could not have a better partner and friend.”

 

Councilman Mandia is the second longest consecutive serving Council Member.  He was first elected to the Clarkstown Town Board in 1989 and has been re-elected four times. 

 

As Councilman, he was very active and supportive of volunteer housing for our emergency service volunteers.  He worked tirelessly on this issue as he believes in helping and retaining our fire and emergency service volunteers here in Clarkstown. 

 

Ralph was a leader in the creation and construction of the West Nyack Hamlet Green Park.  He was a member of the Police Commission for many years and was liaison to the Highway Department, Assessor’s Office and others.     

 

Ralph, always an advocate for senior housing, played a significant role in creating and supporting Clarkstown’s Active Adult Residence Zone, which will provide a range of independent living accommodations for residents 55 and older. 

 

Three years ago, Ralph conceived and created the ‘Pride of Clarkstown Awards’, designed to recognize outstanding commercial properties, nominated by individuals and civic organizations for their contribution to the beautification of Clarkstown. 

 

Ralph always looked for innovative ways to save the Town money.   He sponsored a law enabling the Town to generate revenue through insurance companies for emergency services at no cost to residents and another offering long term care insurance to employees at no cost to the Town.

 

In addition to his work as a Councilman, Ralph was very active in a number of community organizations.                                                                                           

Councilman Mandia concluded, “I thank Supervisor Alex Gromack and the entire Town Board for their friendship and I will miss working with them.”

 

Councilman John Maloney said, “I served with Ralph for twenty years on the Town Board, he is like a brother to me.  Ralph Mandia is always concerned about the people of his Town more so than political persuasions.  First and foremost every vote by Ralph Mandia was a vote to make the quality of life better for the citizens of Clarkstown.  He is a man of integrity, who believes in fair play for everyone.”

 

Councilwoman Shirley Lasker said, “I have worked with Ralph for over ten years, both in my role as Rockland Civic Association President and as a fellow Town board member.  We have always had a warm and friendly relationship.  Ralph has been a dedicated public servant whom I respect and admire greatly for his keen mind and big heart.  I will miss him and wish him the best.”

 

Councilman Frank Borelli said, “I learned so much from Ralph Mandia, as a mentor and a friend.  He was such a big asset to the people of Clarkstown and his advice and counsel on Town matters will be very missed.” 

 

New York State law allows the remaining Town Board members to fill the vacancy, by a majority vote until the next election, to be held in November 2009, which coincides with the end of Mandia’s term. 

 

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