Opinion

Out Of The Problem; Into The Solution –Political Commentary

Published 1 year ago1y ago • Bookmarks: 23

October 22, 2024

I am a long-time Westchester resident. And for what feels like a majority of that very long time, I have seen the very same names occupying the very same elected offices. I believe there is a fine line between consistency -which can provide stability- and familiarity, which as the saying goes can breed contempt…or certainly complacency.

At the hyper-local level, things around here seem to be okay, if not a bit flat. Mayors, supervisors, councilmembers, they all do a fine job looking after the day-to-day, the mundane. Taxes are collected, variances granted, public comments can raise an eyebrow or two at an evening board meeting…Check-the-box local stuff. I’m not terribly concerned about town hall. It’s working.

What has my attention and concern is what happens up the Hudson in Albany. Our state capitol is where our quality of life as New Yorkers is determined, and the juggernaut of one party rule has made life here more expensive, less safe, and riddled with onerous business legislation. And they inflict these wounds with the same impunity career criminals enjoy thanks to Albany democrats’ cashless bail laws.

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All of our long-serving state representatives are a part of the supermajority problem. We need to elect new state-level lawmakers to get us into the solution, which is why I was so happy to hear Alessandro Crocco has stepped up to challenge the incumbent, professional politician, Assemblymember MaryJane Shimsky.

The current state of affairs in our area is particularly troublesome as this election approaches: taxes are sky high and climbing, crime is on the same trajectory (up 30 percent in Westchester), illegal migrants seem to be a priority while taxpayers come in second, if at all. Now, Shimsky supports an existential attack on scholastic girls sports by allowing biological males on their athletic teams and in their safe spaces. This is just plain unacceptable and downright frightening.

Is it too much to ask for a fresh voice of reason against the current rubber-stamp status quo?

Alessandro is a remarkably smart, very successful businessman, who has achieved his very own version of the American Dream having legally emigrated from Italy as a young man. With his experience as an elected official representing Italian citizens in the states in the Italian Parliament, he will be ready on day one to represent the best interests of our families. He will ask tough questions, guided by common sense and a commitment to making New York more affordable and safe.

A supermajority with no checks or balances is a problem. Electing Alessandro Crocco will be a huge step towards the solution.

Andrew Haight

Tarrytown

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