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.”

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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.