Vann Petitions Invalid for Working Families Line: Testa

PEEKSKILL, NY — The Westchester Board of Elections has disqualified Nancy S. Vann for the Working Families line in this year’s November election. The board made the determination Aug. 3, according to County Legislator John Testa, whom Vann is challenging for the District 1 seat.

Testa said it was determined that 60 percent of the entries on her designating petitions were obtained from individuals not residing in the district. According to Board of Election figures for Westchester County Legislative District 1, a total of 7 qualified signatures/entries are needed to meet the minimum requirement for securing the line for the election. Vann submitted a total of 10. However, when reviewed, it was discovered that 6 of the 10 signatures were not from individuals residing within the district, thus invalidating her as a candidate for the Working Families Party.

Vann's campaign did not respond to a request from Patch for a comment.

“I was really hoping for an election where my opponent wouldn’t attempt some sort of scheme to cheat during the petition process,” Testa said. “I am disappointed but not surprised."

Testa said that 5 of the 10 signatures submitted on Vann's petition were witnessed by Terence (T.J.) Rogers, the former Peekskill Democratic Party Chairman. The other 5 were obtained by Yorktown Town Board member Vishnu Patel. He said all 5 of Patel’s entries were invalid and one of Roger’s was also invalid.

Testa accused the Peekskill Democrats of repeatedly cheating. He cited the 2015 invalidation of petitions for Derek Hartley’s candidacy in that race against him.

“Vishnu should know better than to attempt this sort of shenanigans again,” said Testa. “The number of valid signatures needed was low, so why cheat? It makes no sense. I think it all stems from the Democratic Party mantra of ‘the ends justifies the means.’ Regardless, I will move forward with a positive campaign and proudly run on my record of accomplishment during my tenure as County Legislator serving Cortlandt, Peekskill and Yorktown,” said Testa.

Testa will appear on the Republican, Conservative, Independence and Reform Party lines in November in District 1, which is in the northwest corner of Westchester.