INTERVIEW: Newly Sworn-In Assemblyman Aron Wieder Reflects on Past Achievements and Shares Vision for the Future

By Idy Perl

As reported by Rockland Daily, Rockland’s R' Aron Wieder was recently sworn in and is now working on our behalf within the walls of Albany. Aron Wieder has been serving Rockland County for several years and has held multiple public service positions. Rockland Daily spoke with the newly sworn in assemblyman in an exclusive interview to discuss his past accomplishments as a legislator and his new position in the Democratic Assembly.

1.      What are some of your biggest accomplishments from the last few years that you’re most proud of?

I accomplished many things in the first positions that I held. Early on in my career, one of the big projects I worked on was the Stonehouse Road flood mitigation program, which protects hundreds of homes that used to get flooded every year.

As a legislator I got Rockland County to launch the much anticipated $30 million sidewalk project, which will hopefully start construction soon. I passed two consecutive budgets in the last two years that had tax decreases, which is a huge accomplishment and saves money for Rockland County residents.

I also advocated for villages and towns in my district to receive funds from ARPA to build new open green spaces such as children’s playgrounds in Pomona, New Square, and Spring Valley, and to fix Susanne Lake. We also increased traffic and pedestrian safety by adding four-way stop signs at several intersections.

But my biggest accomplishments are the thousands of everyday challenges and issues that I resolved for my constituents. People would often come to me with a variety of problems they were facing, and being able to help them is what I’m most proud of.  

 

2.      What are some of the challenges you faced throughout your career?

Every day presents new challenges. Nothing comes easily in the business of running a local government, but it makes it that much more rewarding.

 

3.      You were recently sworn in as Assemblyman in Albany along with few other frum yidden. What did that experience mean to you?

Yes, I was sworn in together with five shomer Shabbos yidden to the Democratic assembly. I’ve been going to Albany for many years to lobby for various causes, such as the chinuch issue what has been on the forefront the last few years.  I used to pass the chambers and see the assemblymen there, and to walk in now and see a desk with my name on it is very surreal experience. It’s extremely exciting and humbling to be a chassidish person from a chassidish cheder and background, and to have gotten here.  

 

4.      What are some of the first things you want to get done in your new position as assemblyman?

As I mentioned before, the thing on everyone’s mind is the chinuch oversight, which I’m hoping to resolve. Another thing is the East Ramapo School District situation, which needs to be resolved as soon as we can for both the private school parent and for public school students.

More importantly, I want to be a one-stop shop for local residents and to resolve issues that people have. My office has been open for just about a week and the phones have been ringing off the hook and we’ve already been able to resolved many issues for constituents. I’m even surprised myself at the number of things we’ve been able to accomplish in this short amount of time.

 

5.      Do you have a final message to your constituents?

My message is very simple; if you have a problem and think we can help you, please call my office at 845-624-4601 and we will do our best to help you in whatever possible way.