“Over the past week, there have been three separate incidents of hate graffiti throughout the county. This coupled with the growing trend of other hate speech over the past year is deeply concerning and frankly, is disgusting. Although speaking out against these cowardly acts of hate is necessary, condemnation is not enough.

We must take swift action to prevent future incidents of hate by ensuring racist, anti-Semitic or anti-gay slurs have no place in our community. From social media, to our classrooms, to our kitchen tables, we must eradicate hateful speech by standing up for what’s right. We need to create a culture in our county that ostracizes those who attempt to normalize such behavior. The debate on actual issues is too often full of vitriol and hate; creating an environment where having productive conversation is reduced to name calling and finger pointing.

These acts are not indicative of the Rockland that I know and must stop immediately. I plan on speaking with community and religious leaders in the coming weeks to develop a model for productive dialogue in the county.”