By Ian Bowen
This November, voters across Rockland County will hit the polls to elect our next state senator to fight for us in Albany. New York’s 38th State Senate District, which encompasses the majority of Rockland County, is currently held by Senator Bill Weber, a member of the Republican Party. Senator Weber earned his seat in 2022, beating out incumbent Democrat Elijah Reichlin-Melnick by 3,213 votes. This year, Reichlin-Melnick is running to reclaim his seat, and I wanted to find out what voters need to know about him and his platform. Senator Weber had the opportunity to answer the same questions, but did not respond.
What inspired you to run for this office?
I’m running for State Senate to make New York work for everyone, not just the wealthy and the well-connected. I believe our community deserves leadership that focuses on making life more affordable, improving public safety, and ensuring that everyone—especially middle-class families—has a fair shot. In Albany, I fought for increased school funding, job opportunities, and real solutions to everyday problems. I want to continue that work and make sure our government serves the people, not the powerful.
What is the most important issue for our community that you want to address should you win in November?
The high cost of living is the biggest issue facing our community. Too many families are struggling to afford rent, property taxes, and everyday expenses. I’m committed to delivering middle-class tax cuts and fighting for more housing options while protecting local zoning. It’s very difficult for recent college graduates and young professionals to stay in Rockland. We need policies that make New York more affordable for working families, not policies that price them out of their homes.
What do you think makes you the best person for the job? How have you been involved in the community before being a part of the State Senate?
I’ve spent my career working to make our community stronger. Before serving in the Senate, I was on the Nyack Village Board and helped found the Nyack Tree Committee, which has planted over 100 trees in the village. I’ve also been involved with the NAACP, fighting for civil rights, and served on the advisory board for the SOAR Mentorship Program, helping Nyack Middle School students succeed. My deep roots in Rockland and my track record of getting results make me the best person to fight for our community.
How can the local/state government help support young people as they make their way through high school?
We need to create more opportunities for young people to gain real-world experience while in high school through internships, mentorship programs, and youth advisory councils. Giving students the chance to learn directly from local leaders, businesses, and government helps them build skills and opens doors to future careers. I also believe that state funding should be directed toward expanding programs that connect students with potential career paths, giving them a clear sense of what’s possible after graduation.
What would you say to a young adult who doesn’t go out and vote because they don’t think their voice can make a difference?
Your vote absolutely makes a difference! I’ve seen elections where just a handful of votes changed the outcome. For example, in 2013, a local election in Orangetown (which includes a lot of the Nyack School District) was decided by only two votes, and a colleague of mine in the Senate was re-elected two years ago by just 10 votes out of more than 120,000 votes cast. Every vote counts, and the only way to make sure your concerns are heard is by voting for candidates who share your values. It’s true that not every problem gets solved overnight, but if you don’t vote, nothing will change.
What is your favorite pizza spot in the Nyack/Valley Cottage area?
Turiello's in Nyack has been my go-to spot since high school. Their pizza is a classic! I also really like Tarantella’s in Nyack. You can’t go wrong with either place.
Anything else you would like the students/staff of Nyack High School to know about you?
I’m a proud graduate of Nyack High School, Class of 2002! If you want a laugh, check out my old yearbook photos in the library. While I was at NHS, I was involved in all kinds of activities—drama club, mock trial, academic league, editing the yearbook, and even writing for Spectrum. I was also class president during my junior year. Those experiences gave me an incredible foundation for life after high school, and I encourage everyone to get involved, explore your interests, and make the most of your time at NHS.