Meet the Candidates: Civic Groups Put Political Hopefuls in Spotlight

Two local civic groups are joining forces to help the public get to know candidates in several major political races this fall.

Gerry O'Rourke, president of the Congers Civic Association says his group and the Valley Cottage Civic Association have set their Candidates Forum for Monday, Sept. 13, at 7 30 p.m. at the Congers Lake Park auditorium on Gilchrest Road, Congers.

The event is focusing on the race for Congress in the 18th District, the Rockland race for state Senate and the race for the state Assembly District that covers Clarkstown.

Scheduled to attend are incumbent U.S. Rep. Nita Lowey, D-Rockland/Westchester, and opponent James Russell, R,C-Hawthorne. Also scheduled to attend are Clarkstown Town Clerk David Carlucci, D-New City, and Rockland County Executive C. Scott Vanderhoef, who are running for the state Senate seat that was held by the late state Sen. Thomas Morahan. This seat represents all of Rockland and part of Orange County.

The forum is also scheduled to include incubment Assemblyman Kenneth Zebrowski, D-New City, and his opponent, Repulbican County Legislature member and Valley Cottage businessman Frank Sparaco.

O'Rourke said each candidate can present an opening statement on their campaigns and their political positions.  He said there will be a question-answer-period from attendees and then the candidates will be able to give a closing statement.

Serving as moderators for the event are O'Rourke and Lou Marino, president of the Valley Cottage Civic Association, as well as Chris Cefola, vice president of the Valley Cottage group.

O'Rourke said candidate statements and responses will be timed in the interests of fairness. With the order of presentations decided by random draw.