Teachers Union Says Astorino Re-election Mailer 'Political Nonsense'

WHITE PLAINS, NY — A state teachers union has called out Robert Astorino for a misleading and baseless mailer that attacked his opponent in the race for Westchester county executive. The New York State United Teachers said the mailer misrepresents the union’s partnership with state Senator George Latimer, D-Rye, on a number of issues and did not have permission to use the union’s logo.

The union said it endorsed Latimer’s re-election in 2016 based on his exemplary record of support for public education. (For more information on this and other neighborhood stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts.)

“As senator, George Latimer has been a fearless champion for students and teachers, and a relentless fighter for more funding for public schools in Westchester County and across the state,” said NYSUT President Andy Pallotta. “Any suggestion to the contrary is political nonsense.”

When asked for comment, Astorino’s spokesman did not address the content of the flyer, but revisited a charge that has been used throughout the campaign.

“NYSUT should be more concerned about the five years in back school taxes the Latimer household owes,” said spokesman William F.B. O’Reilly. “Delinquent Rye school taxes alone now exceed $35,000 for the Latimers; if you add delinquent county and city taxes, it adds up to $48,972.

“Do state senators have a special exemption from paying taxes now?” O’Reilly said.

Latimer said the taxes in question are for a house owned solely by his wife for which there is a dispute with a relative as to ownership, according to the Journal News.

He said Astorino, through his spokesman, was attempting to distract from the issues.

“Once again, Rob fails the honesty test,” Latimer said in a statement to Patch. “He lied about cutting taxes 20 percent; he lied about the airport deal.

“And just like Trump, when he gets caught in one lie, he doubles down with another,” Latimer said.

Photo caption: Robert Astorino, left, and George Latimer. Photo credit: Patch file photo.