Fair Campaign Committee Upholds Perez

RYE BROOK, NY — The Westchester County Fair Campaign Practices Committee met on July 11, 2017 to hear the complaints of Virginia Perez, candidate for Westchester County Legislator, District 17, against London Reyes, candidate for the same position. Virginia Perez appeared and was represented by James Castro-Blanco. London Reyes did not appear.

COMPLAINT: Virginia Perez complained and submitted corroborating information showing that Mr. Reyes’ campaign literature creates the false impression that he is an incumbent for this position, when in fact Ms. Perez is the incumbent and he is not.

FINDING: Unfair. A candidate should not create the false impression that he is an incumbent.


COMPLAINT: Virginia Perez complained and submitted corroborating information that London Reyes is misleading voters by posting photographs of himself with prominent personages (including George Latimer) implying that they endorse him.

FINDING: Unfair. A candidate should not use photos taken with elected officials (or prominent personages) in campaign literature implying that they endorse him.


COMPLAINT: Virginia Perez complained that London Reyes accuses her of “conferencing and voting with the Republicans” on the County Board of Legislators.

FINDING: Unfair. It is a matter of public record that Democrats "conference" or "caucus" with members of their own party, as do the Republicans. A voting record is different and Mr. Reyes has not provided evidence to verify this claim.

The Fair Campaign Practices Committee has taken note of candidates’ increased use of social media, which often includes references or links to third party commentary that may contain inaccurate or otherwise objectionable content. Candidates bear responsibility for materials appearing on their political websites and other related media. Accordingly, the Committee strongly advises that its first recommendation on Guidance to Candidates be adhered to:

A CANDIDATE SHOULD NEITHER ENGAGE IN NOR BE INVOLVED WITH FALSE AND MISLEADING ATTACKS ON THE CHARACTER OF AN OPPONENT NOR IN INVASIONS OF PRIVACY UNRELATED TO FITNESS FOR OFFICE.