Candidates Astorino and Bramson Debate Hot Topics at Local Forums
Candidates for Westchester County Executive Robert Astorino (incumbent, Republican) and Noam Bramson (challenger, Democrat) have addressed many of the hot button issues facing the county during a series of forums and debates in recent weeks.
Two forums last week addressed issues of concern to local businesses and the other focused on the not-for-profit sector.
A survey of residents across Westchester County conducted by the Marist Poll in partnership with the Business Council of Westchester and released by the Marist Poll’s Director Dr. Lee M. Miringoff, moderator for the Business Council debate on October 2, found that 30 percent of adults say taxes should be the top priority for the next County Executive while 21 percent say jobs, 19 percent education, and 12 percent economic development. Seven percent say housing should be the top priority while poverty, crime, or transportation are each mentioned by fewer than 5 percent of respondents.
Miringoff says, “The economy is top of mind and will be an important factor in this November’s election.”
At the October 2 debate panelists asked the candidates questions about small business support, Playland, the HUD housing settlement, mandate relief and Indian Point.
Where the two diverged most pointedly was on the issue of Indian Point. Astorino said the county needs the nuclear power facility to operate economically and Bramson would like to see it closed, though he acknowledged any transition away from centralized nuclear power would require time.
Astorino promoted his view that HUD and the federal government are forcing some municipalities in Westchester to change their zoning codes to suit federal guidelines. He promoted his stance on Home Rule on this issue.
Bramson disagreed saying the county was spending too much money fighting the federal government and that Astorino’s position was nothing more than Tea Party antics.
On Playland, Astorino supported his decision for a government/private partnership to run the park. Bramson countered that there had not been enough due diligence to support the financial promises made.
On October 3, Nonprofit Westchester (NPW), a membership organization that advocates and assists organizations in the county, held a forum allowing local representatives to pose questions to each candidate on issues impacting the nonprofit sector including: housing, healthcare, the environment, the economy, seniors, education, partnerships, arts and tourism and transportation.
Because each candidate was questioned separately the audience was able to see their individual styles and positions without the typical rhetorical exchange found during contentious debates.
Child care cuts and cost issues were dominant as Astorino explained his administration’s decision to up the percentage of parental contribution had allowed more families into the program.
Bramson answered the question by saying he felt early childhood development was key to saving money on problems down the road. He felt the poorest segment had suffered and those who could now not afford health care would have to quit their jobs and most likely would end up on welfare.
