Guest Viewpoint by Bijoy Datta, Chairman of the Broome County Republican Committee

Thank you to the voters of Broome County for again overwhelmingly electing Republicans to office in Federal, State and Local elections this week.

In all, there were elections for 113 offices to represent areas of Broome County on Tuesday. Republicans prevailed in 90 of them while Democrats won 22 (a Republican is also leading in one that’s still to be decided by Absentee Ballots). Wow! I don’t think there’s a sports teams out there that wouldn’t be pleased with an .800 winning percentage.

In Congress, Richard Hanna and Chris Gibson were re-elected. At the State Level, Senator Tom Libous, and Assemblymen Cliff Crouch and Chris Friend were re-elected. Countywide, Sheriff Dave Harder was elected by a massive 19-point margin, while Republicans Rick Miller and Mark Young swept the two Family Court Judge openings overwhelmingly. The Republican Majority on the County Legislature grew from 10-5 to 12-3 with two incumbent Democrats getting beat. We swept contested races in the Towns of Union, Chenango and Binghamton, and won dozens more in other areas.

This year’s enormous number of Republican wins locally isn’t an anomaly. It’s becoming the norm.

I’m proud to say that we’ve changed the political landscape dramatically in the last four years. We’ve flipped seats from Democrat to Republican for Congress, County Executive, the County Legislative Majority, Binghamton Mayor, Johnson City Mayor, and more. There are now 14 Republican Town Supervisors out of 16 total in the County, and we hold a Majority on six of seven Village Boards.

This run of Republican success is not an accident. The policies and ideas of the Republican Party are working because they are your ideas. Our candidates are successful because they are your friends and neighbors. And we’re getting Broome County headed back on the path to prosperity as a result of hard work, a can-do attitude and a commitment to the future of our region.

Our local Republican Party has also put enormous effort into recruiting the best possible candidates, and executing a skillful campaign operation. Heading into 2015 and 2016, we’ll keep up our relentless pace, working hard to win every seat that comes up for election. We consider every seat “in play”, so if you’re interested in getting involved or running for office, please contact us at 723-8201 or bijoy@broomerepublicans.com.

But it’s not all about politics. While campaigns are an integral part of our democracy, campaign season is over and now the hard work of governing begins.

We look forward to the results that the many Republicans who were elected on Tuesday will deliver for our community.

Since our founding at the turn of the 20th century, the Broome County Republican Committee has cultivated the hopes of Broome residents and produced the ideas that have lit our nation, from Binghamton to Albany, to Washington DC and coast to coast. We are truly the Party of the people; we stand with you in good times, and are behind you in difficult times.

Our local GOP remains the Party of smaller government and conservatism. But we are also a Party of ideas, leaders and inclusion. We continually evolve and this is evident by the diverse backgrounds of our leaders throughout the County. Our different upbringings and experiences make us even stronger. We don’t always agree on every issue, but good and honest debate makes us stronger, and because of that Broome County is stronger.

If you haven’t already done so, I encourage you to learn more and consider joining us. You can find out more at www.BroomeRepublicans.com or visit us on Facebook at “Broome GOP”, and together we will continue to light the way for our next generation.

Statement From Broome County Republican Chairman Bijoy Datta

“Tonight Broome County voters again made a clear choice. They overwhelmingly elected Republicans to offices large and small all over the County. Sheriff Harder won by a huge margin. We swept the two open Family Court Judge races. We extended our super-majority on the County Legislature. We held the Supervisor and Town Board seats in the Town of Union. And it appears that we won the open Vestal Town Board seat, though that will likely go to an absentee ballot count.

“In all, Republicans won 80% if the 115 seats that were up for election within Broome County this year. That’s staggering when you think about it – and it’s a reflection of the superior strategy and ground game that we’ve developed and implemented.”

“In the last few years, we’ve flipped seats from Democrat to Republican for Congress, County Executive, the Majority on the County Legislature, Binghamton Mayor, Johnson City Mayor, and more. Heading into 2015 and 2016, we’ll keep up our relentless pace, working hard to win every seat that comes up for election.”

Republicans Call For Tony Fiala To Resign Following His Hit & Run, DWI Conviction

(Binghamton, NY) Broome Republicans today called on Anthony Fiala Jr. to do the right thing by resigning from the Broome County Legislature.

Last week Fiala pled guilty to DWI, a serious misdemeanor charge, after he struck a bicyclist while intoxicated on Clinton Street on October 2nd. The Police Report indicates that he fled the scene, leaving the bicyclist wounded and bleeding on the street. He was later arrest by the Binghamton Police Department.

As a member of the Legislature, Fiala sits on the Public Safety & Emergency Services Committee, which is responsible for oversight of public safety and emergency programs including the STOP-DWI Program, Office of Emergency Services and Sheriff’s Office.

“We all make mistakes,” said Republican Chairman Bijoy Datta. “But in some situations there is an absolute right and an absolute wrong. Driving drunk and hitting another person with your car, and then driving away without regard for the life of the injured person, is wrong – no matter who you are, and no matter how politically connected you are.”

“Mr. Fiala should do right thing and resign immediately from the Broome County Legislature,” added Datta. “He already skipped all of last week’s Legislative Committee meetings, leaving his constituents without representation.”

According to the Police Report, Fiala was driving a car owned by his employer, SEPP Inc., a non-profit organization that receives millions of dollars in government funding, after consuming alcohol to the point of intoxication, when he hit and injured the bicyclist.

"Right now, it’s best that my opponent take a step back to focus on his own personal issues. I hope and pray that he gets the professional help that he needs,” said Karl Bernhardsen, who is running against Fiala for the 13th District seat. “It's surprising that he has not made the right decision yet after pleading guilty to such a dangerous crime. Our community doesn't need this sort of added distraction; our neighbors deserve better."

Following his arrest, Fiala refused a breathalyzer test, automatically revoking his driver’s license for one year. His mother, Barbara Fiala, is the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner and Chairwoman of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee.

Statement by Broome County Republican Committee Chairman Bijoy Datta

"Congratulations to Senator Tom Libous on his strong win in tonight's Republican Primary for State Senate.

"This resounding victory reaffirms that the voters of Broome, Tioga, Chenango and Delaware Counties believe in Tom Libous, and want him to keep fighting for us in Albany. No one has done more for our community over the past 25 years than Tom Libous.

"With the primary behind us, we'll now focus on strong General Election wins for Rob Astorino and the rest of our statewide ticket, for Senator Libous and for many other great local Republican candidates across Broome County, just as we've done over the past few years."

City Councilman John Matzo Receives Documentation Calling Into Question the Residency of Councilwoman Lea Webb

- Councilman Sends Copy Of Documents To Mayor, City Council & Broome County Board of Elections, Calls For All Council Members To Prove Residency -

 

(CITY OF BINGHAMTON, NY) Councilman John Matzo (District 6) has released a report and photographs compiled by a local investigator that brings into question the residency of Councilwoman Lea Webb.

 

The report is written by Dennis Redner of Eagle Eye Private Investigations, LLC, of Binghamton. Redner is a retired investigator for the Binghamton Police Department.

 

The report, dating back to October 3, 2013, cites multiple attempts and difficulty in reaching Councilwoman Webb at her public address at 17 Yager St., Apt. 2 on the City's North Side. The investigator cites several instances where he traveled to the 17 Yager St. address, found no one home, left a business card with contact information and did not receive a response. The report details discussions with neighbors who said, "Webb doesn't live at this location and only uses this address for her City Council position," according to the report.

 

The report also states that all electric meters at 17 Yager Street, including Councilwoman Webb's, were red-tagged and shut off, except for an apartment belonging to Connie Joy. Mr. Redner spoke with Ms. Joy who stated, "she has lived at this location for 6 months and she has never seen Webb in or around the property," according to the report. Joy, who works for the landlord, stated "Webb is being evicted for non-payment because she owes approximately $4000 in rent," according to the report. 

 

The investigator also provided photographs of a mailbox at 1207 Vestal Ave. on the South Side that lists the names "Lea Webb" and "Andrea Webb." 1207 Vestal Ave. is located in Councilman Matzo's district, on the opposite side of the City from District 3, the district Councilwoman Webb was elected to represent.

 

"Investigator Redner provided me with this report because it appears Ms. Webb is not living in the district she was elected to represent," said Councilman Matzo. "Our City Charter clearly states Councilpersons must live in the district they were elected to represent at all times, or they are subject to immediate removal. I am very concerned by the content of this report which appears to reveal that Councilwoman Webb has been living outside her district for quite some time. I have sent copies of the report to Mayor David and the Broome County Board of Elections for review. I am also asking all seven City Council members to bring documentation proving their residency to the Council work session on Sept. 2 so we can get to the bottom of this."

 

Mr. Redner came across the information about Councilwoman Webb’s residency as part of a separate investigation involving the Councilwoman, according to Councilman Matzo. After Mr. Redner tracked Councilwoman Webb to an address outside her council district, he recognized the apparent residency violation and reached out to Councilman Matzo as a community service.

 

The City of Binghamton Charter states:

 

ARTICLE II § C-13. Eligibility. [L.L. No. 1-1951, § 1; L.L. No. 3-1955, § 1; L.L. No. 4-1962, § 1; L.L. No. 1-1963,§ 1; L.L. No. 3-1966, § 2; L.L. No. 6-1977, § 1; L.L. No. 8-1977, § 1; L.L. No. 5-1978, § 1; Amended 1- 22-08 by Ord. No. 3-2008]

 

"No person shall be eligible for appointment or election to a City office or as a City employee, unless, at the time of his or her election or appointment, he or she is a bona fide resident of said City, nor to any ward office unless he or she shall be at the time a bona fide resident elector of the ward for which he or she is elected or appointed, nor to the office of Councilperson unless he or she shall be at the time a bona fide resident elector of the Councilmanic district for which he or she is elected or appointed; and whenever any elected official of said City shall cease to be a resident of said City or of the ward or of the Councilmanic district for which he or she was elected the office or position shall thereby become vacant; and whenever any other employee of said City shall cease to be a resident of the County of Broome the position shall thereby become vacant. Notwithstanding the residency provisions of this section, the Municipal Civil Service Commission of the City of Binghamton shall have the power to waive the residence requirements hereinabove set forth, for City employees, except elected officials..."

DEBRA HOGAN ANNOUNCES CAMPAIGN

BINGHAMTON, NY.   Debra Hogan recently announced her candidacy for the Broome County Legislature. She will be running in Legislative District #14, which covers the east side, the north side, center city and a portion of the first ward.

Debra Hogan detailed some of her priorities. “Four of the most important things I want to work hard for are improving public safety, beautifying our neighborhoods, increasing the cooperation between the City and the County and putting a renewed emphasis on constituent services. I know that there will be other issues that come forward over the coming weeks and months. But these four issues are crucial to Legislative District #14. I know that as someone who has been actively involved in the community for many years.”

Steve Snitchler, chair of the City of Binghamton Republican Committee, added, “Debra would be a great partner with for City officials like Mayor Rich David and the Councilmembers to address problems facing our neighborhoods such as crime. We’re all in this together and it’s only through working together than we can succeed.”

###

Judge Rick Miller officially announced his candidacy for Broome County Family Court Judge

(Endwell, NY) Richard H. Miller II last week formally announced his candidacy for Broome County Family Court Judge in front of a crowd of family and friends at Highland Park in Endwell.

“Today I’m here to make it official: I’m running for Broome County Family Court,” said Judge Miller to loud cheers from those in attendance.

“Family Court serves some of our most vulnerable citizens going through some of the toughest times in their lives,” he added. “We need a Family Court Judge who will uphold the highest level of honesty, compassion, and integrity to help produce the best possible outcomes for the individuals and families who come before the Court.”

A lifelong resident of Broome County, Judge Miller is currently the elected Town Justice for the Town of Union (the most populous municipality in Broome County) and elected Village Justice for the Village of Johnson City. He also operates his own private law office in Endwell.

As a dedicated community volunteer, Judge Miller has served on the Board of Directors for the Roberson Museum and American Civic Association.

He has also dedicated countless hours to helping our community’s children as a coach for Johnson City Little League, Pee-Wee Football, AAU and CYO Basketball, and many other sports programs.

“My dad taught me that giving back to your community wasn’t something you thought twice about. You give back because it’s the right thing to do,” said Judge Miller. “He and my mother taught us to be caring, compassionate, and tough when necessary – all traits that are needed in our next Family Court Judge.”

Judge Miller’s father, Richard “Dick” Miller, served for many years representing the Southern Tier as a legendary State Assemblyman and local elected official.

Aside from his current judgeships and law practice, Judge Miller also has served on the Law Guardian Panel for Broome and Tioga Counties and as an Assigned Counselor for Broome and Tioga County Family Courts. He previously served on the Board of Directors for the Broome County Magistrates Association (including service as President) and New York State Magistrates Association, and as a member of the Broome County Bar Association, New York State Bar Association and National Judges Association.

Judge Miller is a graduate of Johnson City High School, Broome Community College, St. Bonaventure University and the University of Bridgeport School of Law.

He lives in Johnson City with his wife, Dr. Julie Miller, and their four children, Ricky, Lauren, Julianna and Joseph.

Two Family Court judgeships will be on the ballot in Broome County in the Fall 2014 election. Judge Miller and Mark Young are running on the Republican, Conservative and Independence lines while Peter Charnetsky and Daniel D. Reynolds are running on the Democrat and Working Families lines. The top two vote-getters out of the four candidates will take office on January 1, 2015.

City Council Republicans Express Concern Over Council President's Requirement That New City Clerk Or Deputy Clerk Perform Political Activities & Gather "Political Intelligence"

- Candidate Also Required To Spy On Mayor, City Hall Employees & Council Republicans -

(CITY OF BINGHAMTON, N.Y.) Binghamton City Council members Joe Mihalko (R - District 2), Chris Papastrat (R - District 5) and John Matzo (R - District 6) expressed concern and disappointment over a recent e-mail sent to Broome County Democrats at the request of Council President Teri Rennia, advertising a vacancy in the City Clerk's Office. A copy of the e-mail is attached.

"We do not feel the function of the taxpayer-funded position of City Clerk and Deputy Clerk is to gather political intelligence to undercut the opposing party in power," said Council members Mihalko, Papastrat and Matzo. "We should be working with the new Mayor and his team on behalf of the residents, not trading public positions for political gain."

"What this e-mail reveals is a peek behind the curtain as to how the Council President and some members of Council's leadership view the City Clerk's Office," said the Council members. "What we're seeing here is not in the best interest of the taxpayers. We applaud one recipient of this e-mail for recognizing the job requirements were unethical and wrong, and exposing these activities to the public."

"We were elected to work on behalf of all City residents," said the Council Members. "We support the new administration's efforts to pave more roads, add police, attack blight, better manage City finances and address quality of life issues in our neighborhoods. We've had enough of the obstruction that's followed the change in administration. After reviewing this e-mail, what we thought was just resentment from losing the race for Mayor, is actually a more serious and organized effort to undercut Mayor David, City employees and Council Republicans."

"We feel this incident has compromised Councilwoman Rennia's ability to effectively represent this body as President," said the Council Members. "Not only has she failed to renounce this scheme, but she is identified in the e-mail as its architect — requesting it be sent and personally collecting resumes for review. At the next City Council meeting, we will call for a vote to select a new Council President. We urge our Democratic colleagues to support a change, and encourage them to think long and hard about the message they want to send to their constituents."

The author of the e-mail is Marty Doorey, Chair of the City of Binghamton Democratic Committee. Doorey is also Chairman of the Community Development Advisory Committee (CDAC), an official City committee responsible for coordinating citizen input regarding the $1.9 million Community Development Block Grant program and submitting recommendations to the Department of Planning Housing and Community Development and City Council. Doorey represents the 7th Council District on the committee — Councilman Bill Berg's district. CDAC members receive a $500 annual stipend.

"In light of Mr. Doorey's participation in these unethical political activities involving taxpayer-funded positions, we are calling for his resignation from the CDAC, effective immediately," said the Council Members.

The Council members will also consult with the City Attorney because they feel the public trust has been breached. The Council Members will explore next steps with the City Attorney to pursue an independent external review of the matter.

"Candidates should be selected based on experience and qualifications, not political affiliation or years of service to the party. We encourage the Council's Democratic majority to implement a transparent hiring process. The positions should be publicly advertised and any member of the public should have an opportunity to apply."

The source e-mail was supplied anonymously to the Republican Council members. Its legitimacy was then confirmed by a Democratic member of City Council.

For more information, contact Councilman Joe Mihalko, (607) 765-2352.

Broome Republican Petition Hand-In-Party

Please join the Broome County Republicans for our annual Petition-Hand-In Party. 

June 26, 2014 at 5:30pm at Atrio Banquets on Hooper Road, Endwell. 

Binghamton Attorney Announces Candidacy for City Court

(Binghamton, NY) On Monday May 19, at 5:30 PM, longtime Binghamton attorney, Mike Baker, will announce his candidacy for Binghamton City Court Judge in this November’s election. Mike will make his formal announcement surrounded by friends and family at Terra Cotta located at 81 State Street in Binghamton.

“As City Court Judge, I will continue to serve the people of this city.  For over fifteen years, I have represented well over a thousand clients on various matters arising in the Binghamton City Court and will bring the same dedication and respect for the rule of law to the bench that I have long adhered to as an attorney.”  He added, “I look forward to meeting and listening to the citizens of the city during this campaign and hope to earn their trust and vote in November.”

Mike is currently a Senior Assistant Public Defender for Broome County. Prior to joining the office in 2005 and upon graduating from Albany Law school in 1997, Mike began his career with the Binghamton law firm of Chernin & Gold (which later merged with Levene Gouldin & Thompson).

Mike is past President of the Broome County Bar Association, a former member of the Local Rules Committee for the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York, and currently a member of the Board of Directors of the New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

In addition to his legal experience, Mike has also been deeply involved in the community for many years. He was appointed by former Binghamton Mayor Richard Bucci to the Community Development Advisory Committee, as a member of the Broome County Local Conditional Release Commission, on the Board of Trustees for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central New York, completed the Broome Leadership Institute, instructed at Broome Community College and named one of Binghamton’s “20 under 40” in 2001.

Mr. Baker will compete for one of three City Court Judge slots that will be up for election this November.

Broome County has seen a growing trend of strong Republican electoral victories over the past several years, including flipping the Binghamton Mayor’s Office with the victory of Republican Rich David in 2013, flipping the Broome County Executive’s Office with the victory of Republican Debbie Preston in 2011 (and her re-election to a full term in 2012), flipping the County Legislature to a Republican Majority in 2010, and winning and currently holding 15 or 16 Town Supervisor seats.

Binghamton's newest City Court Judge Sworn In

Deputy Chief Adminsitative Judge Michael V. Coccoma yesterday swore in Carol A. Cocchiola, flamed by her husband Kevin P. Dooley and her son Alex, as Binghamton newest City Court Judge at the State Office Building. She'll bring years of valuable experience as a Senior District Attorney and Assistant Attorney General to the bench. Judge Cocciola was appointed by Mayor Rich David to fill the seat following the retirement of Judge Mary Anne Lehmann, and will be on the ballot this fall seeing a full term. 

AL GARDINER ANNOUNCES CAMPAIGN

BINGHAMTON, NY. Al Gardiner announced his candidacy for the Broome County Legislature this afternoon. He will be running in Legislative District #15, which covers the entire south side of the City of Binghamton and a portion of the west side. 

Al Gardiner detailed some of his priorities. “Three of the most important things I want to work hard for are keeping our county property taxes as low as possible, eliminating neighborhood blight, and furthering cooperation between the City of Binghamton and Broome County. There will be other issues that come forward over the coming weeks and months. But these three issues are crucial to ensure that Legislative District #15 takes a step forward, not a step backwards.” 

Mayor Rich David, who was also present, said, “Al would be a great partner with for City officials like myself and the Councilmembers to address problems facing our neighborhoods such as crime. We’re all in this together and it’s only through working together than we can succeed.” 

Councilman Chris Papastrat, who encouraged Al to run, added, “I have been friends with Al Gardiner for many years. He and his family have been proud to call the south side of Binghamton home for over 20 years. I was one of the first people on the south side of Binghamton to suggest to Al that he consider running for County Legislature. He’s the right man for the job. He’ll help the 15th District take a step forwards, and not a step backwards.” 

Al is a Captain with the Binghamton Fire Department and lives with his wife Sharyon and two sons on Hawthorne Road on Binghamton's Southside.

Supporters Cheer on Gubernatorial Hopeful Rob Astorino at Broome Republican Lincoln Day Dinner

(Binghamton, NY) Tonight the Broome County Republican Committee welcomed more than 400 supporters to cheer on Westchester County Executive and Gubernatorial Hopeful Rob Astorino at its Lincoln Day Dinner at the Hilton Doubletree in Binghamton.

The enthusiastic crowd was the largest the Committee has hosted in more than a decade.

“It’s great to see so many Republican activists and supporters come out tonight,” said Chairman Datta. “Locally, Republicans have flipped seat after seat from the Democrats over the last few years because we’re getting things done rather than just talking about it, and we’re gearing up to do the same Statewide this year.”

Mr. Astorino has been featured in numerous statewide and national publications as a formidable candidate against Governor Andrew Cuomo, including in the NY Post, NY Daily News, NY Times, National Review, and many others. His keynote speech focused on how Cuomo has spent his four years in office wasting taxpayer dollars and managing the decline of New York State.

"I'm so honored to be a part of tonight's event," said Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino. "Chairman Datta and the entire Broome County Republican Committee deserve enormous credit for not only putting together an amazing evening, but for creating a strong and vibrant organization. The Southern Tier has been suffering under Governor Cuomo's policies that are driving jobs and people to other states. You could feel the excitement from the hundreds of supporters who are energized about reversing that trend and putting New York back in the winning column. We can make New York great again.

Datta praised Astorino’s record in Westchester County, where he was re-elected by a wide margin last November.

“Rob is a proven winner who has succeeded at getting elected in a heavily Democratic county, and who has delivered on his promises,” said Datta. “He has kept taxes in line and created jobs. That’s what we need more of across the whole state.”

County Executive Astorino was re-elected in 2013 by a 12-point margin, running on the Republican and Conservative lines in a county with a 2-1 Democratic enrollment advantage. He was able to freeze or cut the County tax levy in each year he has served, reducing overall spending by 5.2%. Under Astorino, from 2010 to 2013, Westchester County has created 27,000 new private-sector jobs.

Major elected officials at tonight’s Dinner included Congressman Richard Hanna, Senator Tom Libous, Assemblymen Cliff Crouch, Chris Friend and Gary Finch, County Executive Debbie Preston, County Sheriff Dave Harder, County Clerk Rick Blythe, Binghamton Mayor Rich David, Broome County Conservative Chairman James Thomas and many other local officials.

Influential Republican leaders from across the State traveled to Binghamton tonight to show their support for Broome County’s Republican leadership. Notable political figures in attendance included New York State Republican Chairman Ed Cox, Tioga County Republican Chairman Don Leonard, Chemung County Republican

Chairman Rodney Strange, Oswego County Republican Chairman Mike Backus and Orleans County Republican Chairman Ed Morgan.

“I’m thrilled to be here on the Southern Tier, home to great Republican veterans like Senator Tom Libous and County Executive Debbie Preston, as well as Republican Rising Stars like Mayor Rich David and Chairman Bijoy Datta.  Thanks to all of their great work, Republicans around the state can look forward to another great year in 2014.”

Broome County has received Statewide attention in political circles for its recent trend of strong Republican electoral victories, including winning the Binghamton Mayor’s Office with the victory of Republican Rich David in 2013, winning the Broome County Executive’s Office with the victory of Republican Debbie Preston in 2011 (and her re-election to a full term in 2012), winning control of the County Legislature with a Republican Majority in 2010, and holding 15 of 16 current Town Supervisor seats.

Broome County Republican Executive Committee Endorses Hanna

Binghamton, N.Y. -- The Executive Committee of the Broome County Republican Committee unanimously endorsed Richard Hanna in his re-election bid for Congress, Chairman Bijoy Datta announced today.

The 22nd Congressional District includes nearly all of Broome County. It also includes all of Chenango, Cortland, Madison and Oneida counties, as well as part of Herkimer, Oswego, and Tioga counties.

"The Executive Committee of the Broome County Republican Committee is very proud to call Richard Hanna Representative of the 22nd Congressional District, and we're excited to endorse his re-election," Chairman Data said. "He is a strong advocate for Broome County and the entire Southern Tier. We look forward to Congressman Hanna having another term in the House of Representatives where he can continue his work as a great ally and leader for Broome County."

"

Rising Star to Deliver Keynote at Annual Broome Lincoln Day Dinner

Republican Rising Star Rob Astorino to Deliver Keynote

at Annual Broome Lincoln Day Dinner

The Broome County Republicans are proud to announce that Westchester County Executive and rumored Republican challenger to Governor Andrew Cuomo, Rob Astorino, will be a special guest and Keynote Speaker at the Annual Lincoln Day Dinner on February 28, 2014.

Astorino was re-elected to office in November 2013 by a 12-point margin, running on the Republican and Conservatives lines in a county with a 2-1 Democratic enrollment advantage. Astorino, who is fluent in Spanish, received an estimated 62% of the Latino vote in 2013, and he has built a strong relationship in the African-American community. His willingness to share credit to achieve bipartisan success has become one of his signature strengths.

In 2009, Astorino fulfilled his 2009 pledge to voters and addressed the “tax madness” in a county with the highest property taxes in America. Astorino was able to freeze or cut county tax levy each year he has served, reducing overall spending in the county by 5.2%.  Under Astorino, from 2010-2013, Westchester County has created 27,000 new private-sector jobs.

Additionally, Astorino has stood firmly against a historic federal overreach attempt into Westchester County by President Obama which would make Westchester a national template for a radical social engineering scheme that would give Washington power to dismantle local zoning laws across the nation.

The Lincoln Day Dinner is set for February 28, 2014. Tickets are available for $60 per person, $600 per table, or $1000 for a Premium Sponsorship. Please contact Info@BroomeRepublicans.com or 607-723-8201 to reserve your tickets or for more information.

Sheriff Dave Harder Announces Run for Re-Election

(Endwell, NY) David E. Harder tonight formally announced his candidacy for re-election as Broome County Sheriff.

Sheriff Harder made the announcement before a crowd of approximately 100 supporters at Brothers Two Restaurant in Endwell.

“The Sheriff’s Office has come a long way since I took office in January 1999,” said Sheriff Harder. “When I took over, we didn’t even have computers in the office. Now we have mobile computers in every vehicle and are developing a new mobile app to give the public important information right in the palms of their hands on their smartphones.”

Aside from discussing technology improvements that help make the Sheriff’s Office work smarter and more efficiently, Sheriff Harder shared information about keeping the public safe during the floods of 2006 and 2011, increasing standards at the Sheriff’s Office, and investigating and solving challenging and sometimes disturbing crimes.

“I get out of bed every morning because I want to help people. And I’m not done helping yet,” Harder added. “I look forward to earning your vote again this fall so we can keep doing our best to make Broome County the safest place it can be.”

Following a decades-long decorated career in law enforcement, Harder was first elected Sheriff in 1998, and subsequently won re-election in 2002, 2006 and 2010.

He lives in Conklin with his wife, Linda, and will run again as a Republican this year.

- end-

Rich David Takes Oath of Office

Binghamton, NY – Republican Rich David took the oath and was sworn in as the Mayor of Binghamton.

“I’m very excited and I’m very eager. I mean this is really is kind of the last but most important part of the campaign process being sworn in. Tomorrow I can actually go to work and we can start making decisions and moving in a new direction,” David said.

Succeeding Matt Ryan, Democrat, David is Binghamton’s first new mayor since 2006.

Getting right to work, David says he is ready to fulfill his campaign promises and make Binghamton a safer place. In light of the recent increase in criminal activity, “This city will not be a great city until we are a safe city,” David said, “I’m very concerned by the recent reductions and I’m going to gradually move forward through the ranks and have a full court press on crime.”

David is currently collecting applications for appointed positions. In the next couple months, David hopes to have all appointments filled. To apply visit Rich David’s website.