Kaplowitz the Choice to Continue in District 4
When County Legislator Michael Kaplowitz sets his mind to a project he will see it through to the end. For that reason the voters in Board of Legislators District 4 should re-elect him on Nov. 8.
Both Kaplowitz and his challenger, Dr. Terrence Murphy, a Yorktown councilman, are smart politicians who advocate for what they believe is best for their constituents.
Murphy touts how he helped bring in $150 million in development projects to Yorktown in the 22 months he has been in office. Kaplowitz, on the other hand, is proud that after a 10-year battle to overcome opposition, the Legacy Ball Fields are finally open in Yorktown and have become the premiere field to play on.
During his 13 years in office, Kaplowitz has brought countless initiatives to fruition, such as expanding the types of plastics accepted for recycling pickups. The action not only helps the environment but generates additional revenues for the county.
Kaplowitz is known by his colleagues as being someone they can work with and find consensus, even if they do not agree with his positions.
It is his years of experience that have allowed him to have the foresight to know that not only does the economy work in cycles, but that sometimes you cannot give up on an idea. You just have to seize the right moment.
The recent proposal by the city’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is an example of how Kaplowitz’s persistence will pay off for his constituents. Residents in several New Castle communities are in dire need to be hooked up to the county’s sewer system but politics have blocked the way. Now the DEP wants the nearly 300 parcels in question to be connected to a sewer line as part of its terms for turning over the land to the county.
In addition, Kaplowitz is receiving support from his old adversary on the board, George Oros, who had been in opposition to the project when he was on the board.
Murphy has the potential to be an outstanding official, but should finish his first term as a Yorktown councilman to become more seasoned and show his constituents he is fully committed.
One drawback surrounding Kaplowitz is that he has been running for elected office five of the last six years. When he was not winning re-election to represent District 4, he has been unsuccessfully vying for the state Senate’s 40th District, in 2006 against former state Senator Vincent Leibell and last year against Greg Ball. High aspirations to hold higher office, which he again did not rule out last week, could mean his commitment to the district might be compromised.
Still, experience counts and Kaplowitz’s breadth of knowledge on county issues overwhelms Murphy’s 22 months on the town board.
Martin has more than 30 years experience covering local news in Westchester and Putnam counties, including a frequent focus on zoning and planning issues. He has been editor-in-chief of The Examiner since its inception in 2007. Read more from Martin’s editor-author bio here. Read Martin’s archived work here: https://www.theexaminernews.com/author/martin-wilbur2007/