Patch Candidate Profile: Kennelly Seeks Rockland Legislative Seat

CONGERS, NY — Election season 2023 election is here and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Will Kennelly is facing off against David Bruen for the District 11 seat being vacated by Rockland County Legislator Laurie Santulli.

Kennelly, 64, is a retired New York City Police detective and former restaurant owner. He is married with three children and lives in Congers.

Campaign website: kennellyforrockland.com

Patch: Why are you seeking this office?

Kennelly: I have lived in this Legislative District since I was 5, I love my community and want to keep it a safe affordable place for my family and all the residents. I believe my work and life experiences give me the knowledge to serve on the Legislature.

Patch: What are the major differences between you and the other candidate seeking this post?

Kennelly: Experience, from my career in the NYPD to running a small business.

Patch: What is the single most pressing issue facing your constituents and what do you intend to do about it?

Kennelly: Currently the migrant situation is front and center. This affects both the safety of our community and our financial health of our community. I would support or County Executive, and the Town Supervisor in their efforts. My law enforcement experience would be invaluable in this endeavor.

At this point we must put pressure on NYC to remove its sanctuary city status. It is putting a strain on our state, and it is now affecting the citizens of Rockland and much of NY who should be our number 1 concern. We also can't ignore those migrants here already, but we cannot continue down this path.

Patch: How would you address the affordable housing issue in the community?

Kennelly: Partnerships. We need to work together, both the business community and all levels of government. Start by identifying the issues then solve them, seems simple but sometimes the best solutions can get diluted. Also, fast tracking projects is critical, all too often projects get stuck in government red tape.

Patch: How would you protect the drinking water in the community?

Kennelly: Conservation through education. I think an information and education program to inform residents how to effectively use water for their lawn would be beneficial. Rockland Green could be a good partner on this. We can start with landscape companies and irrigation companies on how to get the most benefit with the least environmental foot-print. Also, it would be a priority to preserve and protect our open space.

Patch: What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

Kennelly: There is a drug problem in our society, whether fentanyl or other opioids, we have reached a critical point. We need to shed light on it and develop strategies to give children the tools they need to avoid them. Also, we need to continue the path of responsible budgeting, Ed Day has put us on a good path and we need to continue that trajectory.

Patch: What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Kennelly: I had a successful Law Enforcement Career, handling some of the toughest situations a person can experience, with split second timing. In addition, I have successfully run a small business for over 25 years, Kennelly’s Restaurant. Running a small business is very challenging, dealing with employees, suppliers, and customers.

As a former Police Detective, I know what it takes to make our community safe. As former business owner I know what fiscal responsibility is and how to achieve it.

The legislature's responsibilities include making laws and controlling tax and spending policies I believe my background as a law enforcement officer and running a business that demands controlling spending makes my background very suitable for this job.

Patch: What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Kennelly: I would have to say something my dad would always tell me. “Work hard, be honest, be respectful and you’ll do well.”

Patch: Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

Kennelly: I am on the VMA Board and Sgt of Arms of the NAM Knights and a member, The Rockland County Shields. I have lived in Congers almost my whole life. I chose to stay here and raise my family and start a business. I love my community and have always been active in it, I would be honored to serve as its next Legislator.