Spring Valley Mayor Strikes Again Against Police Chief

Spring Valley Mayor Alan Simon is facing allegations of physically confronting Police Chief Richard Oleszcuk. The incident allegedly occurred on Thursday at the police department, escalating tensions between the two officials.

Witnesses claim that Simon grew furious over a road construction project approved by the town’s board of trustees, on Union Road, which the Mayor strongly opposed. He ordered Oleszcuk to arrest workers and impound their vehicles. However, when the chief refused, Simon attempted to forcibly remove him from the police department, with his behavior being described as erratic and unlawful.

In an email obtained by NBC New York, Simon informed Oleszcuk of a 30-day suspension for insubordination. However, Simon lacks the authority to suspend the chief, as only the board of trustees can take such action.

This is not the first clash between Simon and Oleszcuk. In 2023, the erratic mayor unsuccessfully tried to suspend the chief over a separate dispute.