Letter To The Editor: Astorino Beholden To Donors With Agendas

To the Editor,

In the candidate debate at Iona College, Rob Astorino bragged about his administration’s high ethical standards but facts prove otherwise. The County Executive has a pattern of receiving donations from companies that do business with the county. In addition to the revelation that Astorino received over $200,000 in donations from companies that contracted to do work at the County Airport, Astorino also received campaign donations totaling $45,600 from Spectra Energy and a Spectra contractor, Otis Eastern Service.

Spectra Energy subsequently negotiated a revocable license in order to expand the Algonquin pipeline in county-owned Blue Mountain Reservation. When negotiating the license, the agreement stipulated that “(No Westchester public official ) has received any payment or other consideration for the granting of this license agreement.” Yet the administration approved the license and allowed Spectra to use additional property in the park, a violation of the conflict-of- interest clause.

Astorino’s claims about ethics do not stand up to scrutiny. These quid pro quo deals demonstrate just how this administration conducts itself. Does it surprise Westchester residents that the County Executive also received a $1,000,000 donation from Breitbart’s Robert Mercer, a Trump and Bannon ally? What strings will be attached to that donation?

We need a County Executive who will work for the people, not one who is beholden to generous donors with their own agendas. I have known George Latimer for over 25 years and he is a true public servant who represents his constituents diligently. Vote for George Latimer on November 7.

Susan Van Dolsen

Harrison, NY

914-525-8886