“In a surprising and unexpected move, Rockland County Legislator Aron Weider submitted his resignation as the Leguislature’s Majority Leader.

“A short while ago, I submitted (my resignation) to the president of the legislature”, Weider said.

“The reason I took the drastic step to resign was because some have turned my position as majority leader and strong advocacy to protect the constitutional rights and the civil liberties of the Orthodox Jewish community here in Rockland County a distraction for the work of the county legislature and the Democratic Caucus.

Therefore, I have stepped aside to put those concerns ahead of my own.

Weider was joined at his press conference by by NYS Assemblyman Dov Hikind and COO Of Agudath Israel, Rabbi Yosef Chaim Golding.

In his comments to those gathered Hikind said “It pains me to say this. Dennis Walcott stabbed the entire community in the back.”

Wieder’s resignation is a rection to developments earlier this week when it was announce on Monday that the New York State’s Board of Regents unanimously approved a state monitor with power to veto decisions by the East Ramapo School District.

The three-person panel headed by former New York City Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott recommended 18 additional reforms including an independent election monitor for school board elections.

The recommendation for a state monitor with veto power would require approval from the state Legislature.

The announcement was opposed in statements by Wieder, Hikind and Agudath Israel.

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