A large crowd of local residents gathered Thursday evening at the home of Hershy Shtesel for a community meet-and-greet with State Senate candidate Joe Rand, as he continued his outreach across Rockland County.

During the event, Rand spent significant time speaking directly with Chestnut Ridge residents about issues affecting the community, with transportation needs emerging as a major focus of the evening.

Residents discussed the need for expanded and improved transportation options, and Rand reviewed several possible approaches, including state funding and grant opportunities that could be pursued to help address the village’s transportation needs. Rand told attendees that, if elected, he would work to bring additional state resources and funding opportunities to Chestnut Ridge.

The gathering also provided residents with an opportunity to raise other local concerns and speak directly with Rand about issues impacting their families and neighborhoods.

Rockland County Legislator Joel Friedman attended the event, along with other community leaders and local officials.

Thursday evening’s gathering followed Rand’s recent community meet-and-greets in Pomona and Montebello, part of an ongoing series of events aimed at meeting residents throughout the district and hearing their priorities firsthand.