Candidate Profile: Robert Brower, Jr. For Westchester Legislator

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY — In 2021's general election, residents of the Hudson Valley will be voting for local officials. In anticipation, Patch asked candidates in the contested races to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Robert Brower, Jr. is seeking election as a Westchester Legislator (District 4) in November. The 33-year-old is running as a Republican candidate.

Learn more about Brower on www.RobertBrowerJr.com

Family

Bobby, his wife (Kelly) and dog (Mischa) moved from Manhattan to Katonah/Somers and welcomed their son (Lincoln) to the world in June of 2019.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

My Father (Bob Brower, Sr.) was elected to the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District for multiple terms, where he served as Chair of the Water Supply Committee. Bob's other community services included Trustee of the Monterey County Business PAC; Trustee of the Monterey Wine Education Foundation, Board Member of the Monterey County Hospitality Association and Board Member of the Workforce Investment Board.

Education

Bachelor of Applied Science in Viticulture and Enology with a minor in Entrepreneurship from California State University at Fresno.

Occupation

Managing Partner at Beverage Power Partners, Inc. (14 Years Experience)

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Board Member: Town of Somers, Affordable Housing Board

Why are you seeking elective office?

I grew up in a family-owned and operated business, and my parents took pride in the community and serving the county. From an early age, I was instilled with the value of passionate leadership and the importance of contributing to community prosperity and success. I’m an innovative and determined leader that pioneers quality ideas and delivers effective results, which can be accredited to my first campaign in High School when elected President, second campaign in college when elected President and my passion to see others advance their careers while overseeing approx. 90 employees before launching my own business.

My decision to run was shaped in large part by my competitiveness to win, especially when you can be a voice for others. I like people, can reason with others of opposing views, and most importantly know how to compromise.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Any issue that has the ability to directly affect the standard of living or safety of the community is important. To highlight a single issue of importance to me, would suppress another issue that may be important to someone else within my community. I’m running for County Legislator to represent the needs and values of both members of each community within District 4, as well as each town as a whole.

However, restoring balance to the Westchester County Legislature is crucial. Currently, the Westchester County Legislature is controlled, 16 to 1, by the same party. Policies and legislation that are being passed affect everyone and it’s important a Republican voice adds to the conversation.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

The level and frequency for which I engage with Town Supervisors within the district, in addition to my active participation and involvement with small businesses, chambers and recreational activities, sets me far apart from my opponent. Vedat Gashi does not play an active role in engaging or meeting with town leadership, attend town board meetings or connect with residents beyond high profile events. All elected officials have the responsibility to put the needs and beliefs of the district ahead of their own agenda.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

The level and frequency for which I engage with Town Supervisors within the district, in addition to my active participation and involvement with small businesses, chambers and recreational activities, sets me far apart from my opponent. Vedat Gashi does not play an active role in engaging or meeting with town leadership, attend town board meetings or connect with residents beyond high profile events. All elected officials have the responsibility to put the needs and beliefs of the district ahead of their own agenda.

How do you think local officials performed in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?

Poorly. Keep people working and keep business's open. If small businesses need to close, so do major corporations.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Individual's still have the most powerful voice when it comes to legislators drafting, supporting, or opposing legislation. More often than not, the average citizen feels like the legislative process is broken or they're not being considered when new legislation is passed and the affect it may have on them. I am a passionate citizen who felt underrepresented and decided to run for office to change and challenge those common narratives. All legislation has the potential to fundamentally change the way our county and town's function; I’m an innovative, determined and common-sense leader that is focused on fiscally responsible solutions.

Support and advancement of small/local businesses: The owners of small businesses are direct members of the community and significantly contribute to the local economy. The money local business make, is spent right back in their community and neighborhoods. If they thrive, we thrive. Small family-owned businesses have been left behind due to over regulation and government policy. It's time we ask, "what can we do for them", instead of further diminishing their value and ability to operate within the towns they're located in.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Throughout my career, I’ve has held various leadership and board positions with industry specific associations in the public sector. I am an entrepreneur and a problem-solver, owning a business which specializes in growth strategy and business development solutions for companies of all sizes.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Accomplish something everyday.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

The fight to restore common-sense policy, and support small business has never been more important. I genuinely care and will fight for my district with a goal of prosperity over politics.

Find information about absentee and early voting here: Election 2021: New Systems For Early Voting In Westchester.
To find all your candidates, as well as statewide, county and local propositions, follow the links offered by the Board of Elections:

• View the 2021 General Election Candidates List.
• View the 2021 General Election State Propositions.
• View the 2021 General Election County and Local Propositions.