Letter to the Editor: Focus on Issues, Not Mudslinging

It has just come to my attention that Peter Michaelis’s attempt to get on the Independence Party ballot has been .  Apparently, what was challenged was the notary’s responsibilities in obtaining signatures.

Because the notary was disabled, Peter Harckham is being wrongfully accused of being insensitive to the needs of the disabled.  This could not be farther from the truth. Being disabled myself from a stroke, I have had many conversations with Mr. Harckham about county issues pertaining to the disabled. 

First and foremost is the scaling back on funds for the county’s Para Transit program. Having been an outpatient at Burke Rehab facilities in White Plains I have seen countless times the dependency my colleagues have on the Para Transit. Not only is it used as public transportation for the disabled, it provides a needed sense of independence for the disabled.  Peter Harckham has been very vocal in opposing the Astorino administration's efforts to cut back the Para Transit for Northern Westchester in next year's budget.

Harckham has also co-sponsored Universal design legislation that will ensure any housing funded by the county will have at least 50 percent of units incorporate Universal Design features built in to aid the disabled or infirmed seniors.

Harckham has also passed Anti-Source of Income Discrimination legislation so that the disabled who use housing vouchers will be able to have housing choices. Apparently, Astorino’s veto on this legislation is bucking the federal housing settlement and is the source of his problems with The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

I have known Peter Michaelis to be an honest man and dedicated to public service.  I don’t want to think this attack is Mr. Michaelis’ work but rather that of his handlers or in kinder words, his advisors.  These are two good and dedicated men.  Let’s hope we can go to the polls knowing who we are voting for, their ideas about running the county government, ideas about what is good for the people of Westchester instead of going to the polls all dirty from the mudslinging leading up to the election.

Earl Ripling, Katonah