Patch Candidate Profile: Johnson Seeks District 16 Legislative Seat

ORANGETOWN, 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.

Daniel A. Johnson is running for the District 16 seat now held by Rockland County Legislator Vincent Tyer, who is not seeking re-election. His opponent is Thomas F. Diviny. District 16 covers part of Orangetown including Tappan, Blauvelt, and part of Pearl River.

Johnson is a real estate agent and political strategist, having managed and advised political campaigns from the local level up to Congress. He served as chief of staff to a New York City Council member, and as senior advisor to a New York State Assembly Member. A Manhattan College graduate, the 36-year-old lives in Blauvelt with his wife and two children.

Campaign website: www.johnsonforrockland.com

Patch: Why are you seeking this office?

Johnson: There is a lot at stake for Rockland right now and our local representatives in Orangetown are nowhere to be found. That is unacceptable. Simply, we deserve better. What are the major differences between you and the other candidate(s) seeking this post? My opponent has been on the Town Board for 14 years and has no record of accomplishments. The only thing he's done is consistently raise our taxes. Furthermore, I'm the only candidate in this race who has never taken campaign contributions from developers. We need new leadership with fresh perspectives who solely have the County's best interest in mind and who is ready and willing to do the work.

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

Johnson: Keeping Rockland affordable. I've talked to my neighbors all throughout Pearl River, Blauvelt, Tappan, and Orangeburg, and taxes are the number one concern that is brought to my attention. I discuss this more below but on an individual basis, I've helped homeowners get the information they need to apply for STAR, Enhanced STAR, or other property tax exemptions.

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

Johnson: First and foremost, we need to hold the line on our taxes and even cut taxes when possible. Rocklanders already pay some of the highest taxes in the country and so many people I talk to are struggling to afford to live here. Seniors who lived here most of their lives and are hoping to retire in dignity, young families who are seeking to raise their children here. We need to ensure that Rockland is affordable for current residents and future generations.

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

Johnson: We need to push the NYS DEC to enforce compliance of their standards and regulations, and possibly strengthen regulations as well. I've spoken with environmental advocates and I'd consider supporting the hiring of a County public health engineer to ensure we have safe drinking water here in Rockland and handle other environmental concerns.

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

Johnson: Supporting local businesses, improving our quality of life, protecting our environment and preserving open space, gun safety, ensuring access to quality and affordable healthcare, and protecting women's reproductive rights.

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

Johnson: My experience working in local and state government. I've run and managed offices and staff for various elected officials where we successfully handled thousands of constituent cases, allocated millions of dollars in capital projects to improve parks, roads, and schools, and passed meaningful legislation.

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

Johnson: "Be curious, not judgmental." - Ted Lasso

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

Johnson: This isn't about red and blue, this is about getting things done for Rockland County. I believe that we all agree on a lot more than we disagree, and I'll work with anyone to make our county better for all Rocklanders.