Roxanne Donnery: A Devoted Advocate for Orange County
Roxanne Donnery, a highly regarded American politician, devoted her life to the service of Orange County, New York. Born around 1943, she made substantial contributions as a member of the Orange County legislature, representing the 14th District as a proud Democrat. Her district included the town of Highlands and a significant portion of Woodbury, both within Orange County's boundaries. Roxanne Donnery gained recognition for her unwavering dedication to public service and her drive to create positive change in her community.
Pioneering a Political Path
Roxanne Donnery's political journey was marked by her decision to challenge the incumbent, Nancy Calhoun, who had represented the 96th District in the New York State Assembly for two decades. This bold move showcased her commitment to introducing fresh perspectives and progressive policies to Orange County politics.
Advocacy on Critical Issues
Throughout her tenure as a legislator, Roxanne Donnery championed various vital issues that significantly impacted Orange County. One of her standout initiatives was her resolute opposition to the Kiryas Joel pipeline proposal. In 2004, she played a pivotal role in initiating legal action against Kiryas Joel and securing funding for the county's legal battle over concerns related to the environmental review of the pipeline project. Her steadfast stance reflected her dedication to safeguarding the interests of Orange County residents.
In spite of legal challenges, Roxanne Donnery remained unwavering in her pursuit of justice. She continued to express her dissent even after County Executive Eddie Diana dropped a second lawsuit against the pipeline in March 2010. Donnery supported the efforts of three municipalities—the Town and Village of Woodbury and the Village of Harriman—in their ongoing lawsuit against the pipeline, particularly addressing unresolved issues, including those related to sewer treatment.
In her role as Chairwoman, Donnery initiated the formation of an independent watchdog agency—an inspector general—committed to exposing instances of waste, fraud, and abuse within county government. Despite facing opposition, her persistent advocacy led to the successful passage of this initiative during the 2009 legislative session. Regrettably, County Executive Eddie Diana later vetoed the bill, posing another hurdle in her pursuit of accountability and transparency.
Advocating for Valley View Nursing Home
Roxanne Donnery actively participated in the discussions concerning the county-owned Valley View Center for Nursing Care and Rehabilitation. When the Legislature voted in May 2010 to explore future ownership and operational options for the facility, Donnery opposed those advocating for its sale. She voiced concerns that privatizing Valley View could jeopardize the quality of care provided, place a financial burden on many patients, and potentially result in job cuts. Donnery consistently voted against studying the sale of the facility, underlining her commitment to preserving the welfare of its beneficiaries.
A Heartfelt Farewell
Roxanne Donnery's lifelong dedication to public service was tragically cut short when she succumbed to cancer on January 2, 2023, at the age of 79. Her legacy as a devoted and determined advocate for the people of Orange County lives on, serving as an inspiration to all who value principled and passionate leadership.
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