Dems Unified Behind Bramson for Westchester County Exec
In an emotional convention Wednesday night that pulled together district leaders from all corners of Westchester County, Noam Bramson, currently Mayor of New Rochelle, was the ultimate victor and Democratic nominee for the county executive position to face Republican incumbent Robert Astorino in this year’s election.
After the second ballot of the night, Bramson was ahead by about 10 percent of the vote, enough to give him the nomination. There will be no democratic primary for county executive this year.
As the final decision was made, both Ken Jenkins (Chairman of the Board of Legislators, Yonkers) and Bill Ryan (District 5 Legislator, White Plains), who had aggressively campaigned throughout the county districts, had thrown their support behind Bramson and were encouraging all Democratic voters to do the same.
In an interview after the convention, Bramson told The White Plains Examiner it had been a competitive contest throughout. “I was cautiously confident entering the convention and very grateful of the result,” he said, adding: “Both candidates were very gracious. I am happy to have their respect and to have concluded this race with their friendship in tact. That is a big thing for me.”
As far as governing Westchester County goes, Bramson feels he is most suited for the job after serving 10 years on the New Rochelle City Council and as mayor of the city.
“New Rochelle is a diverse and complex city to run,” Bramson explained. “There are many urban and social challenges similar to those of the entire county. I look to grow the county’s economy and jobs through a clear plan of action that is more efficient for our future. I am committed to the middle class and know we can do better,” he said.
Bramson, who claims he and Astorino are friends, said the debate between the two men is not about personal character – although he does not agree with Astorino’s Pro Life and anti Marriage Equality stance. “It is about the character of how the government is run,” he said. “We need to demand a better degree of engagement. We can do better.”
