What Hillary’s Neighbors Think About the Presidential Bid
By Janine Bowen and Martin Wilbur – Less than 24 hours after Hillary Clinton announced her candidacy for President next year, residents of her adopted home community of Chappaqua had nothing but good things to say about the decision.
On Monday, some called Clinton’s decision to once again make a bid for the White House is “a great idea.” With the election still just over a year-and-half away, many are already hoping to see her become the nation’s next commander-in-chief.
“I think everybody is very excited about it for sure,” said Marilyn D’Amico, an employee at Great Stuff on South Greeley Avenue.
D’Amico, along with her colleague Karen Rouchou, agreed that with the campaign, Clinton likely won’t be around town nearly as much. But Rouchou felt that if Clinton is successful, it will help make the hamlet an even more recognizable place since it would be the only town that a current and former President would call home.
Rouchou noted that the Clintons are a staple in the community. She sees former President Bill Clinton every Saturday at Starbucks across the street from her shop. While they haven’t had as many encounters with Hillary Clinton, they theorized that her duties as secretary of state likely kept her busy.
“She did have other things to do than morning coffee runs,” said D’Amico.
Clinton made her announcement Sunday in a smartly packaged two-minute, 18-second video.
“I’m getting ready to do something, too,” Clinton began. “I’m running for president.”
She also emphasized that she wants to be the “champion” of average citizens “so you can do more than just get by.”
Resident Sean Bell has seen Clinton in the local shops, and noted that a portion of her presidential announcement video was filmed down the street from his house. He believes that she has had a positive impact on Chappaqua and will bring those same skills to the White House to help the country at large.
“I think she’s been great for the local community,” said Bell
Thomas Condon noted that when the Clintons initially moved to town, it brought added attention to the area. He remembered hearing that the couple had a hand in helping to hire extra police. If Clinton makes it to the White House, it could mean only good news for New Castle, Condon said.
Some residents have had the opportunity to meet the Chappaqua Democrat, who previously ran for president in 2008 but was outfinished by Barack Obama in the primaries. Peggy Klinger stated that she has met Clinton while shopping and had the opportunity to speak with her on one occasion.
“She’s very personable and down to earth, easy to talk to. I think she’s great,” said Klinger.
Of course, for close to 15 years, New Castle has been used to having a former president living in town. Now having a presidential candidate along with a former is an honor, said town Supervisor Robert Greenstein.
He said he “was humbled” when Hillary Clinton swore him in as supervisor in January 2014. At the time he said he would happily return the favor by attending her inauguration as president.
“We have a lot of famous people who live in town. But (the Clintons) aren’t just residents, they’re out there,” Greenstein said. “They’re really contributing to the community.”
Even a prominent Westchester Republican, County Executive Rob Astorino, had only good things to say about Clinton’s announcement.
“Westchester is proud to have Secretary Clinton as a leading candidate for president,” Astorino said. “Mrs. Clinton and I may come from different political parties, but I admire her service and we have always enjoyed a friendly rapport. I wish her the absolute best in the Democratic primary.”
During more than an hour of speaking with residents, The Examiner received also nothing but glowing comments regarding Clinton’s decision. Even those who don’t call the area home were supportive of having another Clinton as president.
A couple visiting from Arizona who declined to give their names, stated that they give “two thumbs up for Hillary” and hope to see her victorious in November 2016.
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