Borgia Refutes Outhouse Charges Of Criminal Conduct

Robert Outhouse, who is challenging Westchester County Legislator Catherine Borgia for the District 9 seat, accused her this week of conflict of interest and failure to disclose financial interest in a project on which she has decision-making authority as an elected official. Both are illegal.

The issue that concerns Outhouse is the proposed redevelopment of the Hudson Institute property in Cortlandt.

"I challenge Mr. Outhouse to substantiate his most recent false allegation, suggesting I have any involvement with the Hudson Institute," Borgia said. "Contrary to his fictitious assertions, I am not involved, nor will I benefit financially from any real estate transaction on that property. These are only the most recent of several outrageous lies told by my opponent’s increasingly unhinged and dirty campaign, since he doesn't have a single substantive issue to run on. I challenge Mr Outhouse to present his evidence of conflict of interest charges to the District Attorney. But of course he won't, because his claims are entirely without merit."

Outhouse said Borgia should have told voters she works for the real estate firm that lists the property for sale. And, he said, working there means she has a financial interest in the sale, and she should tell people that too.

"To punctuate her using her public position for the private benefit of her clients, Borgia even uses her photo from the county Board of Legislators website to promote her services with the Real Estate firm," he said.

Borgia points out that she, like many real estate agents, is a private contractor. She is not involved with that listing and will not see a penny from it, she said. She also pointed out that she has never kept her job a secret.

Outhouse also insists because that the development of the property will require planning and zoning variances, Borgia has a conflict of interest.

Borgia points out that local officials have planning and zoning authority and that the County Legislature has no role.

Outhouse is concerned not only about the development on the Hudson Institute grounds but also the expansion of the Sunshine Home, both in the Teatown neighborhood and both vehemently opposed by neighbors.

"When it comes to the proposed development on the Hudson Institute or the Sunshine Home, or any other commercial development in residential neighborhoods, we need to trust that our local zoning and planning boards are working in our best interest and that these developers are forced to be good neighbors if they want to expand in our backyard," he said. "As voters, we deserve to know that Catherine Borgia is not poisoning the well on behalf of her clients, and not using her influence as an elected official for her own private benefit."

SEE:

• Cortlandt Residents Fight Plan For Ex-Hudson Institute Site
• Court Rules For Cortlandt ZBA Over Drug Rehab Center Plan
• Ossining Neighbors Oppose Sunshine Home's Expansion Plan