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Vanderhoef Won't Seek Re-Election

NEW CITY, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Rockland County Executive C. Scott Vanderhoef said he won't seek re-election for a sixth term.

WCBS 880's Sean Adams On The Story

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The 64-year-old is New York State's longest-serving county executive. He made the announcement at his annual fundraiser before some 100 supporters Wednesday night.

He said he will retire after completing his fifth term.

"We've had good times, we've had tough times, but I think it's time for fresh eyes to look at the county and to come into the position," he said.

An attorney by trade, he said he isn't ruling out running for another office in the future, but for now plans to return to the private sector.

Vanderhoef said the county's budget had nothing to do with his decision. Rockland has a deficit of more than $96 million.

(TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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