Candidate profiles: RAMAPO DEMOCRATS FOR TOWN COUNCIL

David Wanounou
Candidate for Town of Ramapo Council

LINES – Row A, Democratic Party

BIO

I am an entrepreneur and small business owner who has lived and worked in Ramapo for more than 20 years. My wife and I are raising our five children here. As a businessman and an active member of the community, I believe I can bring new insights to Ramapo’s government.

In addition to being one of the founders and an active member of my synagogue, Kehilas Yeshorim of Wesley Hills, I serve on the Board of Directors of the Hatzalah Volunteer Ambulance Corps. I am an active volunteer at with the youth services organization Areivim, the Monsey Jobs Network, and the Tomche Shabbos/Chodesh food outlet of Rockland, a non-profit that provides free meals to families in Rockland County. I also served for one year as an appointed interim member of East Ramapo Central School District Board of Education.

I am running for Town Board because I have watched Ramapo change in ways that leave me deeply concerned about our future.

RESUME

Marketing executive; Co-founder of the Kehilas Yeshorim synagogue if Wesley Hills; Board of Directors, Hatzalah Volunteer Ambulance Corps; Volunteer with the youth services organization Areivim, the Monsey Jobs Network, and the Tomche Shabbos/Chodesh food outlet of Rockland

ENDORSEMENTS

Rockland County Central Labor Council; CSEA; Building and Construction Trades Council of Rockland County

PLATFORM PLANKS

The biggest problem facing Ramapo today is the lack of public confidence in the integrity of their government. By addressing the challenges we face in a rational and well thought out way we can continue to improve and renew our town. We will do so in a way that is honest, open and transparent for all.

Nothing is more important than ensuring that we have enough housing to support the families that want to move to Ramapo and that we have safe schools in which the children in those families can learn and thrive. To accomplish this, we will create specialized school zones, and explore school zone incentives to promote responsible selection of school sites that will avoid unduly burdening residential neighborhoods.

We will ensure that the newly created Bureau of Fire Safety and Enforcement properly and promptly conducts all required school fire safety inspections so that the health and safety of the students, staff, and our emergency responders are never needlessly put at risk.

LEADERSHIP

Bringing the town together starts with ensuring Ramapo rejects candidates who embrace divisiveness at the county, state or national level. We will reject anyone that tries to win elections by playing to people’s deepest fears. I am committed to running a campaign that is open to everyone in Ramapo, and to ensuring our Town Government gives everyone a voice.

CONTRAST VS. OPPONENT

The difference between the candidates in this election is simple and clear. One side has offered a clear, thoughtful and comprehensive plan for preserving what makes Ramapo great while addressing the challenges we must confront together. I am proud to be a part of that ticket, and look forward to serving our community.

Our opponents offer empty rhetoric, complaints about the past and more of the same divisive approach that focuses on finger pointing and scapegoating. You can’t solve problems without solutions, which is why it is important for Ramapo residents to vote Row A all the way on Tuesday, November 7.

Yitzy Ullman

Candidate for Town of Ramapo Council

LINES – Row A, Democratic Party

BIO

I have lived in Ramapo, where my wife and I have raised our four children, and have been an administrator managing health care facilities for the past 15 years. My experience in both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations informs my role on the Board. I am deeply invested in both the Town and the community at large. I’ve been a Town of Ramapo Councilman for the last 10 years year.  I am a member of the Democratic Committee and my wife is currently serving on the executive board of New York State Democratic Committee. I am a volunteer firefighter for the Spring Valley Fire Department personifies his ongoing commitment and dedication to the Town of Ramapo. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Touro and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Long Island University.

RESUME

Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Touro; Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Long Island University; More than 15 years administering a health care company; Member of the Town of Ramapo Board, acting supervisor, Town of Ramapo

ENDORSEMENTS

Rockland County Central Labor Council; CSEA; Building and Construction Trades Council of Rockland County

PLATFORM PLANKS

We must build back trust in government and get people to remember why they choose Ramapo as their home. Ramapo continues to grow because it is a terrific place to live and raise a family. My top priority as a member of the Ramapo Town Board will continue to be to find ways to address the challenges we face in a way that protects and preserves what makes Ramapo special, balances the diverse needs of our populations, makes Ramapo more affordable for families, and manages growth in a way that is sustainable for all.

We need to make sure that Ramapo grows in a way that is responsible and sustainable for the future. We can’t create a Ramapo For All if we allow parts of our town to become dangerous for drivers, pedestrians and first responders. During my time as Acting Supervisor, we have already begun cracking down on overdevelopment by starting the process to impose a moratorium on zoning changes in the most densely developed portions of Ramapo. This will allow us to conduct a full and public review of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan and determine how to manage growth moving forward.

LEADERSHIP 

Ramapo’s diversity is part of what makes this a great community in which to live and raise our families. When we embrace that diversity, we can thrive and solve our problems together. If we succumb to divisiveness and finger pointing, we will never find solutions. This starts with our town leadership. We are committed to fighting for One Goal, One Voice, One Community, One Town. We will be proactive in giving our residents a Responsible Government that is by the People and for ALL the People. We will resist anyone who seeks to divide us or target any member of our community.

CONTRAST VS. OPPONENT 

This election marks the beginning of a new era for our town. The voters have a clear choice between two different sets of candidates. The Ramapo For All candidates on Row A have offered a detailed vision for the future of our town. We have the experience to get the job done and a commitment to being open and transparent with the public.

Our opponents have a long list of complaints and a history of divisive rhetoric that is focused more on pointing fingers than finding solutions. Unfortunately, complaining and fearmongering won’t make this town any better. We need candidates that offer solutions and can bring this whole town together. That is why I believe it is important for Ramapo residents to vote Row A all the way on Tuesday, November 7.