The biggest issue on the ballot this election is Proposition 1, not the Melnik vs. Weber, or the Lawler vs. Jones race. Proposition 1, dishonestly portrayed as an equal rights amendment will negatively impact the community in many ways for years to come. See Vote No On Prop 1. This is why almost all organizations and all Rabbonim are urging the community to vote no. Even Agudah, not exactly a hard right organization, is urging a no-vote. Agudath Israel: Vote No on Prop 1 – Agudath Israel of America  “The proposed amendment would enshrine a litany of new protected classes in New York’s constitution, which would jeopardize religious freedom and undermine parental rights.” The only frum politician publicly in favor of Proposition 1, is Aron Wider who is currently running for NYS Assembly.  

In a recent debate at the League of Woman voters, Wieder was asked about Proposition 1. His opponent McGowan strongly opposes it as do all Republicans. In response Wieder said, “I am supporting Proposition 1 and I would say for those who disagree there is never enough protection for equal rights, the more the merrier.” In an email Wieder sent out he wrote “When I was first asked about Proposition 1, I didn’t know all the details and thought it was only about civil rights. Now that I’ve looked into it more closely, it’s clear to me that I cannot support it.”

Wieder would like you to believe that he was unaware what rights are code for in the Democratic Party. For a guy in politics for many years this is almost impossible to believe. But even if he’s telling the truth what does this say about his future as an elected politician? Wieder is either ignorant or dishonest, either of which should be disqualifying. If he blew the single biggest issue in this election, what other mistakes will he make?

Worse, Wieder has not issued a public retraction. Intentionally or not, he’s effectively having it both ways: Endorsing it publicly to get Democratic votes while privately telling people he opposes it.

Wieder’s explanation would be more credible if this was the first time he stepped into a hot button issue and landed on the hard left. It isn’t. In 2022 when the Biden-Harris administration threw open the borders, Aron Wieder went to welcome them at Port Authority Station invoking the memory of his grandparents. Rockland Lawmaker Helps Immigrants Bused From Texas | New City, NY Patch.

Immigration is one of the reasons East Ramapo has the highest property taxes in the country; the cost of education illegal immigrants is prohibitive. But Wieder wants to welcome more of them. Additionally, Rockland County suffers from a severe housing shortage. It is an open secret that many homes are rented out to illegal immigrants at $800-$1000 per room raising the prices of these houses out of the reach of young families.

So, while Wieder may be able to get grants for some well-connected organizations the policies he supports are contrary to our community’s values and will harm all voters and Mosdos not only in his district but across the state. Vote no on Proposition 1, and vote No on Wieder.

Avi Yankelewitz, Esq.

The writer can be reached at avi@yankelewitzlaw.com