Gelfarb: County Dems Would Pressure Brakewood to Oppose Tax, Spending Cuts

The following is a letter from David Gelfarb, the Republican candidate for county legislature District 6:

Monday, September 19, 2011

To The Editor

The County Board of Elections has now reported a winner in Tuesday’s Democratic primary for the 6^th County Legislative District. He’s Dan Brakewood of Port Chester.

I know Mr. Brakewood, and I can tell you he is a worthy and articulate opponent, and that I am looking forward to a campaign based strictly on the issues.

There are major differences between us in that regard.

First of all, Mr. Brakewood will be called upon by Democratic County Legislative Leader Ken Jenkins to be a firm and constant opponent of any and all initiatives of our County Executive, Rob Astorino. Mr. Jenkins is determined to maintain “veto override” numbers in the County Board of Legislators, and he is counting on the District 6 Democratic candidate, Mr. Brakewood, if elected, to maintain that veto override. Mr. Jenkins regards my candidacy as a huge threat, because if elected, I will be another vote for Mr. Astorino’s tax reduction and government spending reduction efforts, and a vigorous opponent of unwarranted tax and spend initiatives. Mr. Jenkins brooks no opposition, even in Democratic ranks, and thus it is very difficult for a Democrat to be independent of him. Rest assured that I will be my own man, and especially, will be voting against every Democratic initiative that will raise your property taxes. My opponent cannot make that claim.

Second, when it comes to track records, my opponent cannot even match the unparalleled tax reduction record I have had in my capacity as Rye Town Council member. Since 2007, when I was elected into office with Joe Carvin and Bob Nioras, our team has reduced taxes by double digits every year we’ve been in office, reduced the Town budget by 25%, and fought for tax fairness by vigorously pursuing deadbeat taxpayers.

There is a clear choice in November. And I have every confidence that when offered that choice, District 6 voters will be supporting my candidacy.

David Gelfarb

Rye Brook, New York

Republican-Conservative Candidate for County Legislature, District 6