Croton Democrats Name Slate for Village Elections in November

CROTON-ON-HUDSON, NY — The Croton Democrats have announced their slate of candidates for the November 2017 village board elections. Brian Pugh is the Democratic nominee for Mayor while Amy Attias and Sherry Horowitz will run for two Trustee positions. All three candidates will appear on the Democratic, Independence, Working Families and Women’s Equality party lines.

Currently serving his second term as a Trustee on the village board, Pugh is an attorney and a lifelong resident of Croton. During his tenure on the board, he has consistently fought for and supported initiatives designed to promote environmental sustainability while offering residents greater choice in how they power their homes and businesses. Brian has been an outspoken proponent of Croton’s inclusion in the Community Choice Aggregation, an electrical power purchasing program of Sustainable Westchester that allows residents in participating municipalities across Westchester County the opportunity to buy their power from 100 percent renewable sources. He has also been a leader in the Energize Croton initiative, which helps local building owners save money and cut down on greenhouse gas emissions by reducing energy waste.

“I am honored to represent the Croton Democrats as their nominee for Mayor in the coming election and to have the support of the Independence, Working Families and Women’s Equality parties,” said Pugh in a press release. “I look forward as Mayor to advancing the critical issues of environmental sustainability and transparency in government that I have dedicated myself to as a Trustee. Given all that’s happening in our country, this is a time for local government to press forward, not retreat. We have much to protect, like the environment, and much to invest in and support, including our emergency responders and small businesses, all while safeguarding our finances. I am eager to work with Amy and Sherry, our current Democratic Trustee Ann Gallelli, and the people of Croton to keep Croton moving forward.”

Amy Attias, a candidate for village trustee, is an attorney practicing civil rights and criminal law and a mother of three who raised her children in the Croton-Harmon school district. An accomplished musician, Amy has performed at venues throughout Westchester and lent her talents as a violinist, guitarist and singer in support of numerous charitable fundraisers.

“I am thrilled to run with Brian and Sherry for the village board and the chance to serve this community that I love,” Attias said. “I moved to Croton because of its progressive, environmentally conscious, and highly creative community, but it requires vigilance and vision to keep it that way. This is a time in history that demands action, like stepping into the forefront of dealing with climate change on the local level and actively supporting our immigrant communities. I also want to start a conversation about how we can best address the drug addiction and domestic abuse that plagues Westchester County, Croton included. As Trustee, I look forward to using my skills and experience to give back to Croton in a practical and meaningful way.”

Sherry Horowitz, also a candidate for Village Trustee, is a longtime resident and small business owner in Croton who established and directs the Childrenspace preschool, an institution well known in the village for more than 35 years. In addition to her dedication to early childhood education, Horowitz is a committed advocate and activist for women’s rights, the environment, prison reform, humanitarian causes, and independent media. She is a member of Resist Spectra and is also active in the Croton Climate Initiative, a grassroots organization pursuing sustainable environmental practices.

She is very pleased to be a part of the strong and dedicated team the Croton Democrats are fielding in 2017. "I believe in the importance of strong and compassionate leadership and a local government that is truly responsive to the needs and wants of its citizens. This requires more and better communication to inform and connect people as well as opportunities for free and open dialogue on issues that impact our lives in both large and small ways. These opportunities need to be created and expanded so that we all feel that our cares and concerns are valid, are heard, and are addressed."

Area party leaders have been enthusiastic in their support of the Croton Democrats’ candidates for office.

“The Women’s Equality Party is proud to support candidates like Brian Pugh, Amy Attias and Sherry Horowitz who share our values and our vision for a fair New York for women and men. We particularly appreciate the ability of these candidates to bring historic positive change to their community,” said Rachel Gold, Acting Chair of the Women’s Equality Party.

“The Independence Party seeks to support the very best people for public office, regardless of party. We have chosen to endorse Brian Pugh for Mayor and Amy Attias and Sherry Horowitz for Trustee because they are pragmatic problem-solvers. I applaud their support for 100 percent renewable energy for the Croton community through the Sustainable Westchester power program,” said John Sarcone, Independence Party Coordinator for Northern Westchester.

“It was clear from their interview with the endorsement committee of the Working Families Party that Brian Pugh, Amy Attias and Sherry Horowitz represent the values of working families: smart growth, environmental justice, and economic fairness. On behalf of all citizens who value these same goals, I urge you to join me in voting for them on Tuesday, November 7,” said Peter Feigenbaum, Westchester-Putnam Working Families Secretary and a resident of Croton.

ABOUT THE CROTON DEMOCRATS: The Croton Democrats are longtime proponents of responsible budgeting, environmental sustainability, and open government. They have overcome the resistance of opposing political parties in Croton to: purchase the Croton-Harmon train station parking, which is now the village’s second largest source of revenue after income taxes; develop the Hudson River waterfront and create Croton Landing, a village focal point for recreational and community activities; and promote mixed-use development in the Harmon area, giving small business owners the opportunity to create new revenue streams with the addition of rental apartments. Since their founding, the Croton Democrats have operated under the firm belief that government, with the active support of the community, can be a powerful force for good. The agenda pursued by the Democrats, which is one of progressive values guided by fiscal responsibility, reflects that conviction.