C. Scott Vanderhoef will seek re-election as Rockland’s county executive.

Vanderhoef, a Republican, told The Journal News yesterday that he intends to run for a fifth four-year term.

He will make a formal announcement at 5:30 p.m. tomorrow at the Blauvelt firehouse and, with it, launch a campaign battle against Orangetown Supervisor Thom Kleiner, a Democrat who previously announced his run for the seat.

“I like the county,” Vanderhoef said. “I’ve grown up here and I really care for it and I enjoy being county executive.”

He said the economic challenges facing the county and the projects that still needed to be addressed, including a new county nursing home and a county highway garage, were issues he wanted to help oversee.

He also said he wanted to be sure the county had proper information regarding the state’s new $16 billion Tappan Zee Bridge replacement project.

Further, he said he wanted to continue in office to help address the increase in the number of people needing government assistance.

“The challenges are such that I think it’s important that I seek the people’s backing to see these to successful conclusion, or to at least get them on their way,” Vanderhoef said.

Vanderhoef, 60, has served since 1994 and is in his fourth four-year term.

His Democratic opponent, Kleiner, 50, has served as Orangetown supervisor since 1997 and is in his seventh two-year term.

“I’ve been able to put Orangetown on secure fiscal footing during my tenure here,” Kleiner said yesterday. “The county continues to have serious economic problems that need to be addressed.”

Kleiner said he was the person to address such problems.

“I want to do that, and by working with the community and businesses, to make Rockland stronger,” Kleiner said.

County Republican Party Chairman Vincent Reda said Vanderhoef’s impending announcement wasn’t a surprise and was welcome.

“He’s the guy for the job,” Reda said. “We’re fully supportive behind him. The party is united.”

County Legislator Ed Day, R-New City, earlier expressed interest in running on the GOP line if Vanderhoef declined to seek re-election, but dropped the idea a few weeks ago. Reda said there would be no primary to distract the GOP as it worked to hold on to the county executive’s post.

Rockland Democratic Party Chairman Vince Monte also said he was not surprised by Vanderhoef’s decision, but questioned why it took so long.

“I think there might be a little bit of reluctance because he announced so late,” he said. “It’s basically May.”

He said Kleiner was “well on his way” because he had raised funds, announced early, had the support of the Democratic Party and had leadership experience and a good financial background. He also said people were in the mood for change.

“This will be a very competitive race, financially and in terms of issues,” Monte said.

The county executive’s job pays $137,765 for 2009.

Source: LoHud