Bill Clinton endorses David Fried for Rockland County executive

Rockland County's executive race just got presidential, with former commander-in-chief Bill Clinton handing down an endorsement for hopeful David Fried.

The surprise statement from Clinton was read aloud by Rep. Nita Lowey (D-Harrison) at a fundraising event Sunday night in Nyack.

"I worked closely with David Fried when he served in my administration, traveling the country and world with me and Hillary," the statement read. "I have followed his career and I believe he has the vision and experience to lead Rockland forward to a new era of fiscal responsibility and government accountability. I am happy to endorse my friend David Fried for Rockland County Executive."

Fried, who worked as a presidential advance aid for Clinton from 1998 until 2001, traveled the globe ahead of his boss, ensuring official trips went smoothly while handling correspondence between the Secret Service and local government officials.

"I've had the opportunity to learn directly from (Clinton) the past 15 years on policy and democratic values and fiscal strength," Fried told Newsday. "He has always made it clear that service is the top priority . . . and has always been focused on good social and fiscal policy on the goal of making our community stronger and providing people with a better opportunity for the future."

Fried, who served as a county legislator from 2004-08, said he worked closely with Hillary Rodham Clinton while she was a New York senator addressing the needs of the Hudson Valley.

Orangetown Supervisor Andy Stewart -- the first town supervisor to endorse an executive candidate in this year's race -- also announced his support for Fried Sunday night. Fried is backed by Lowey, County Legis. Nancy Low-Hogan (D-Orangeburg) and the mayors of Nyack and South Nyack.

Fried, who stepped down from his position as a Spring Valley village justice in November to run for county executive, has set consolidation of county government and the county's fiscal woes at the top of his election agenda. The county is operating some $100 million in the red.

Current County Executive C. Scott Vanderhoef, who has been in office for the past two decades, announced late last year he will not seek re-election. Legis. Ilan Schoenberger (D-Wesley Hills), Suffern Mayor Dagan Lacorte and Spring Valley resident Vladimir Leon are also seeking the Democratic nomination.

Legis. Edwin Day, of New City, is the lone Republican in the race and has been endorsed by the United Council of Emeralds. He said Monday that he will not seek the endorsement of any former presidents.

"I think it sounds very good and I'm very happy for David Fried," Day said. "But Mr. Clinton isn't really attuned to the issues affecting Rockland County, with all due respect."