Monsey, NY - Karben's Resignation Shocks, Raises Questions

Monsey, NY - Assemblyman Ryan Karben's abrupt resignation left constituents and officials wondering what was behind the departure of a man whose political ambitions started young and seemed certain to include a run for higher office.

Rockland Republican Committee Chairman Vincent Reda said he was especially surprised at the announcement because Karben had money in his campaign coffers and no serious opposition.
"I think there's more to the story that will eventually be told," Reda said.

Assemblyman Adam Bradley, D-White Plains, said he had dined with Karben, a Monsey Democrat, in Albany on Monday and that Karben had said nothing about resigning.
"I had no inkling whatsoever," Bradley said.

Karben, 31, is known for his aggressive pursuit of publicity. But he announced his resignation in a three-paragraph statement and did not return several messages left on his cell phone. No one answered the door at his Melaney Drive home last night.
The Assembly removed his biographical information from its Web site.

Karben, an Orthodox Jew, grew up in Ramapo on the border with New Square. Through politics and religion, he developed a close relationship with the town's influential Hasidic and Orthodox communities.

Sholomo Koenig, deputy mayor of Kaser, said the community was shocked by Karben's decision and was also wondering why he quit. "Many people have called me and asked me why and what happened," Koenig said. "I don't have any answers for them. It's hard to comment when you don't have a clue. "He grew up politically and climbed the ladder in the community," Koenig said. "We're all shocked."

Assemblywoman Nancy Calhoun, R-Blooming Grove, said she had noticed a change in Karben. "Ryan has appeared to be quiet and more introspective than the usual Ryan," she said.
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, D-Manhattan, will not comment on Karben's resignation, said Charles Carrier, his spokesman.


Suffern - While Ryan Karben was still an assemblyman, the Suffern village Board of Trustees hired his law firm to assist the municipal attorney.