Patch Candidate Profile: Stilley Runs For Rockland Legislature

PIERMONT, 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.

Dana Stilley is challenging Republican James Foley for the District 17 seat on the Rockland County Board of Legislators, which includes parts of Orangetown, South Nyack, Piermont and Grand-View-on-Hudson.

CEO of the Stilley Agency, she is an adjunct faculty member at Dominican University. She previously worked for Rockland Community College and Merrill Lynch. She is a member of the South Orangetown Board of Education, and served as its president last year. Her education is in finance and management; she received degrees from Brown University and Columbia business school as well as Old Dominion University. The 62-year-old Piermont resident is married, with one child.

Campaign website: Stilley4Rockland.com

Patch: Why are you seeking this office?

Stilley: I care deeply about this county, where I have lived my entire life. I have the skills and determination to seek solutions to the concerns currently facing Rockland. Also, I am a firm believer that diversity of skills and perspectives is essential to creating policy that yields optimal results for everyone. I bring experiences and expertise that I believe will make the County Legislature an even more informed and decisive body.

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

Stilley: The major responsibilities of the office I seek are to set policy, review and adopt the county budget, levy taxes, and appropriate funds. What sets me apart is my strong fiscal background and years of experience and proficiency in policy creation and implementation. I have a proven track record of outstanding leadership and action that get things done. What also sets me apart is my many years of active involvement in various organizations across the county which has provided me with a strong sense of the desires and concerns of constituents.

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

Stilley: The increasing risk of harm to people and property resulting from the changes in our climate. We are experiencing more frequent, powerful storms and Rockland does not have a climate action plan. I will work diligently to ensure that the county adopts a plan to address this urgent matter.

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

Stilley: The community needs a deeper understanding of what affordable housing means, and how it impacts the vibrancy of our county. Affordable housing is when a household spends 30% or less of its income on housing costs. The range of incomes in this county is vast, and the options for affordable, safe housing should be also. I will engage in open-minded communication, and work with our local municipalities, and state leaders to develop alternative housing options so that our senior citizens can afford to remain in their homes, and our adult children can find safe, affordable housing here in Rockland to raise their families.

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

Stilley: We must do more to protect the supply of our water and lessen the contaminants in the water. I will work with closely with the Rockland Water Coalition and other agencies to fight for watershed protection, stricter contaminant regulation, and enhancements to conservation systems and regulations.

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

Stilley: As a Moms Demand Gun Safe Candidate, I continue to advocate for gun sense policies to protect our kids. As an endorsed Eleanor’s Legacy candidate, I have been discussing the need to ensure that women do not experience harassment or intimidation when seeking reproductive healthcare services. There are legislative options available to address this.

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

Stilley: As a member of the SOCSD School Board, my financial acumen was instrumental in the development and passage of a $49 million bond project to upgrade facilities and enhance the security measures for all students and district personnel. Additionally, within 12 months of joining the Board, I was able to successfully collaborate with others to complete work on the DEI policy and move it to adoption. Under my leadership as Board President, we increased our communications to the community, successfully completed an extensive search for a new superintendent, engaged in a community forum, and thoughtfully reviewed and updated many policies.

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

Stilley: Be sure to ask the second question. That advice has taught me to always dig deeper so that I get a better understanding of what others are trying to convey. It has made me a better listener, more inquisitive, more tolerant, and a stronger leader.

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

Stilley: I have spent much of my adult life advocating for others, and quite frankly, I am at my best when I am doing so. I am a collaborative leader with the skills, compassion, and temperament to move Rockland forward. Rockland needs leadership that will lead fearlessly, with enthusiasm and integrity. I welcome the opportunity to serve.