Rising Rockland Star David Carlucci Inaugurated to State Senate

Commits to 'Efficiency, Transparency' in Major Address at RCC NYSHA among community groups, civic leaders attending celebration

In a gala ceremony attended by hundreds, including several NYSHA leaders, former Clarkstown Town Clerk David Carlucci was sworn in this Sunday, January 30 as Hudson Valley's newest State Senator.

Carlucci (D-New City), a rising political star in the Hudson Valley, will represent the region's 38th District in a seat long held by the late Thomas P. Morahan (1931-2010). The District is home to a flourishing multi-ethnic community, including many individuals with special needs served by NYSHA agencies. The inauguration began at 12 p.m. on a sunny winter afternoon, as about 250 elected officials, public servants, community activists and others converged upon a hall at Rockland Community College, where Carlucci graduated.

In attendance were State Assembly members Ellen Jaffee (D-95), Kenneth Zebrowksi (D-94), U.S. Congress members Nita Lowy (D-18), Eliot Engel (D-17) and Sen. Charles Schumer (D-New York). All also spoke.
Also present were numerous East Ramapo and Spring Valley elected leaders and officials, as well as other public servants NYSHA agencies have successfully worked with in the past.

Following the presentation of colors, the Pledge of Allegiance and the actual swearing-in ceremony by Spring Valley Judge Christine Theodore, Carlucci, 25, laid out his agenda.

Carlucci centered on the increasingly-popular themes of government efficiency, job creation, private-sector promotion and bureaucracy elimination—the same common-sense fiscal conservatism pushed by Andrew Cuomo in his successful gubernatorial bid and, most recently, by President Barack Obama in his State of the Union Address.

The newly-elected State Senator also promised to address the MTA Payroll Tax, an issue of great concern to Hudson Valley commuters.

"I am so glad this day is here," said Carlucci. "Now let's get to work."

In chatting after the ceremony with NYSHA founder and Hamaspik of Rockland County Executive Director Meyer Wertheimer, Director of Community Affairs Joseph Landau and Hamaspik Gazette Yiddish editor Isaac Schnitzler, Carlucci conveyed familiarity with the health and human services provided by NYSHA agencies in the region.

The late Mr. Morahan, Carlucci's predecessor and the long-time chair of the State Senate Committee on Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities, enjoyed a working relationship with Hamaspik of Rockland County on many levels, assisting its beneficiaries throughout his long public stint.

NYSHA congratulates Sen. Carlucci on his new position, and looks forward to working with him in meeting the needs of the district's special-needs individuals and their families.