Clarkstown council member faces challenger

On Tuesday, November 5, Clarkstown residents in Ward 1 will be asked to choose between current Board member John Valentino (R/C) and his challenger, Mark Licker (D).

Valentino was appointed by the Town Board to fill the vacancy left by the death of Councilman Mark Woods earlier this year. Valentino, a retired NYPD Lieutenant, is currently employed as a funeral director at Higgins in New City. Saying he had “big shoes to fill,” Valentino also serves the community on the Rockland County Shields, New City Little League, New City Rams and is a member of the Knights of Columbus.

His challenger, New City attorney Mark Licker, declares it is time for a change, pointing to high taxes in Clarkstown that he says have only gotten higher as a result of two lawsuits brought against the municipality Palisades Mall and Shoppes at Nanuet that forced the municipality to issue a bond to cover the $30 million settlement.

Both men say they have the best interests of Clarkstown at the forefront, and voters will decide who is best qualified three weeks from now.