“This annexation is going to set a terrible and dangerous precedent. Never before has state law been used in such an aggressive land grab scenario. An annexation of land by the Village of Kiryas Joel will create huge problems for all of Orange County, and only a fraction of the 400,000 residents of the county were allowed a say in the process. The Monroe Town Board’s own consultant voiced its opposition to annexation, citing unsustainable population growth and devastating environmental impact, not to mention the stress it would put on the local school districts. The KJ village government and the Monroe Town Board’s unwillingness to listen to the pleas of its own citizens has been the highlight of one of the least transparent processes I’ve ever seen in government on any level; this will only serve to increase the level of distrust among voters. I will continue to work with Orange County residents to try and minimize any issues that stem from this unfortunate decision.”