Bedford Democrats Celebrate Independence Day

The Bedford Democratic Committee held an Independence Day Brunch on Sunday that celebrated party accomplishments and served as a call to action for veteran and younger members to get involved in the political process.

The event drew about sixty people to the Mt. Holly Road home of Westchester County Legislator Peter Harckham and his wife Janet, a member of the Katonah-Lewisboro Board of Education. 

Guests included U.S. Representative John Hall, New York State Senate candidate Mike Kaplowitz, and New York State Assembly candidate Thomas Roach, as well as town councilmen Christopher Burdick and David Gabrielson. The gathering raised funds for the party through tickets purchased beginning at $15 for the young professionals, up to a $150 "host" level.

Men in button-ups and boat shoes and women in khakis snacked on wraps and quiche while children and dogs chased each other about their feet. But the highlight of the event were the short speeches made by special guests. 

All took turns thanking attendees, pitching their ideals, and calling for votes from the short stone step leading into the Harckham home. The sentiment of the day was a call to action, encouraging Democrats to become involved in the difficult coming election. 

"We can't do any good if we're not elected," said Roach, who is looking to unseat Republican Robert Castelli for the 89^th District, which covers Bedford, Lewisboro, Mount Kisco, New Castle, North Castle Pound Ridge, Harrison, and part of White Plains.

Roach, who has said his goals are to overhaul the dysfunctional nature of Albany politics, urged  people to come out to vote and believe in the positive power of government.

Kaplowitz, a Somers Democrate and member of the County Board of Legislators, echoed the need for party activism in getting people to the polls. "I need help," said Kaplowitz,  said. "I need wing people, good people, to get elected. This is a time for politics. If you think the other side isn't doing it, you're misled." 

The 40th Senate District covers Westchester from  Mount Kisco and Bedford at the southern end and goes north, covering all of Putman County and eastern Dutchess County, including near the border with Columbia County.

Bea Rhodes, secretary for the Bedford Democratic Committee, was inspired by their remarks. "There is no doubt in my mind that these candidates are the right ones for the job," she said.

Hot topics among guests included financial affairs in Albany, health care reform and community efforts to promote the Democratic party, including a summer mailing to introduce candiates to local voters.

Rep. John Hall, who is being challenged by Republican Nan Hayworth for New York's 19^th District, also gave thanks for the support received and appealed for more, quipping: "I had a couple of hit records—but not that many." 

The more serious part of Hall's speech recounted personal family struggles with the current healthcare system that led him to support major health insurance reform.

Bedford Democratic Committee Chairman Bruce Yablon was affected by Hall's speech. 

"To see him choke up when talking about family experiences with healthcare really touches home," Yablon said. "He spoke from his heart." 

Yablon, a Katonah-based Home Improvement Contractor, makes it his goal as chairman to build support for candidates at the local level by bringing the community together for events like Sunday's. 

"We have a lot of strong supporters and built up a base of people," he said. "Today was outstanding. I am pleased with the turn out." 

When looking to the future, Yablon is determined. 

"We need to make sure Democrats realize the difference between what we stand for and what the opposition stands for, and that we get out and vote," he said. "A lot has been done, but there is a lot more to do."