Rockland County: Finkelstein Memorial Library Board President Resigns

by FrumNews

Rockland County, NY – Mrs. Esther Waldman, a local Monsey Mechaneches and Title I director in New Square, who is a Trustee at the Finkelstein Memorial Library in Spring Valley, submitted a formal complaint against the Library board president, Mr. Denet Alexandre.

The complaint detailed multiple instances of misconduct, incapacity, neglect of duty, bylaws and policy which have repeatedly been broken by the board president.

Refusing to allow the negligence of the Library board president to continue, Mrs. Waldman filed a formal complaint and demanded that a special meeting with the Library board be held to discuss the matter. The board refused to discuss the matter with her, and even tried to brush the issue aside.

Many local residents stated that the ongoing issues and lack of transparency with Finkelstein Memorial Library, and the board president, date back to last year, to before the library election. In that election, Ms. Vivian Street, a former board member who had served many terms, was reelected to her seat on the library board. But, she neglected to take her oath of office within 30 days of the start of her new term, the board members voted not to reappoint Ms. Street, after failing to take her oath on time.

During that very same election, Sandra Duncan and Esther Waldman were elected as trustees to fill what they believed were two newly created seats. However, following the election, it was discovered that when the Library board had voted to expand from five to seven trustees, the board at the time had neglected to research whether this change was legally valid. As a direct result of the board’s negligence, the votes which were casted by registered voters in the East Ramapo School district, were not legally binding, and the two new trustees, Sandra Duncan and Esther Waldman were appointed instead of elected to their positions. Because of this legal change, the five-year term the residents had voted for, was altered to only be valid for one year. This means that to continue serving as a trustee, they need to run for reelection.

This week, the Finkelstein Memorial Library Board President resigned. The Library director, Laura Wolven, issued a statement to the media:

• “After 15 years of service on the Finkelstein Library board, Denet Alexandre has resigned as trustee. As Vice President, Darnett Davis will serve as Board President until the annual organizational meeting in July. We thank Mr. Alexandre for his service, and look forward to continued improvement of our services, governance and transparency.”

In a statement to FrumNews, Mrs. Esther Waldman stated:

• “For too long, the library board has struggled with a lack of integrity and transparency. With new leadership, we can finally implement positive change and improve the services the library can offer. I am looking forward to May 6 when the people can choose to reelect me and three other new trustees who want to serve their community with dignity and transparency. I look forward to turning the page and moving forward with the new board.”

*****

Mrs. Esther Waldman will be running for reelection on May 6, 2025, to maintain her trustee position on the Library board and continue to implement positive change for all residents of the district.