Republicans Castelli and Murphy to Debate Wednesday
By Elena Castriota – As the Sep. 9th primary date approaches rapidly, Yorktown Councilman Terrence Murphy and former state Assemblyman Bob Castelli are preparing to show the public why they’re the right choice for the Republican spot in the 40th senate district this Wednesday during a Tea Party hosted debate.
Murphy and Castelli might share some of the same views, but this debate will be a way for voters to see where they differ and get to see them in person.
Both candidates agree that tax reform and ethics are of utmost importance.
“New York is upside down,” explained Murphy, “we have the highest taxes, we’re the least business friendly and ethics is a disgrace.”
During his time on the town board, there have been tax decreases for two consecutive years without the need to cut services or lay any individuals off, according to Murphy. The councilman also voted for a law to have all council members produce a financial disclosure statement to show if they had any stakes in certain parts of the town.
Castelli is also hailed as a reformer. Former Mayor Ed Koch and the New York Times called Castelli a “hero of reform” for his courage to vote for independent redistricting and for other legislature reforms related to ethics. According to the former assemblyman, he was the only one, Republican or Democrat willing to do that. He is willing to step across the aisle since this is a primarily Democratic state.
“Having a republican that can get along with the other side doesn’t mean you sacrifice your values,” he said.
Veteran’s affairs couldn’t be more important to Castelli. As a former sergeant in the US Army during the Vietnam War, he understands what veterans are going through.
Recently, an anonymous flyer has been circulated attacking the candidate for being pro-abortion.
“Pro-abortion is different than pro-choice,” he explained.
As a Roman Catholic, he does not agree with the idea of abortion, however, he respects a woman’s right to chose to do what she feels is appropriate in her own life. “Roe v. Wade is the law of the land and it has been tested time and time again,” he said, “I believe in the rule of law.”
In the most recent flyer, a photo of him walking with former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, and Governor Andrew Cuomo in a Veteran’s Day parade was used to claim he “walks with” the lawmakers in their values, too.
“If you’re going to turn around and get angry at me for honoring veterans, then go ahead,” Castelli said. “It’s my honor to honor our veterans always.”
Murphy has said multiple times that he has no connection to the flyers. Both Castelli and Murphy have called each other friends and want the race to be a fair competition.
That competition will be on display this Wednesday when the Westchester Tea Party has its debate in question and answer format at 8 p.m., located at the North Salem Ambulance Corp. Each candidate will get a 5-minute opening statement and receive open microphone questions from the public. The candidates have two minutes to answer and if the other candidate is mentioned, he has one minute to respond.
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