Jen Williams to Remain on Ballot for AssemblyWOMAN, District 92

Yesterday the New York Supreme Court Appellate Division ruled unanimously to refuse the bid of Assemblyman Tom Abinanti (D, AD92) to avoid having to share the Democratic primary ballot with his challenger, Jennifer Williams of Irvington.

"My opponent has expended so much taxpayer money on this matter already," said Williams in response to the verdict. "I just hope that he is finally ready to let the voters, not the courts, decide who is best suited to represent the Rivertowns in Albany as their Assemblywoman."

Both Williams and Abinanti filed designating petitions in March for the privilege of running against one another in the primary on June 23. Abinanti then sued to have Williams taken off the ballot, citing irregularities in the format of her petitions. Abinanti lost that case against Williams in the New York Supreme Court in April, when the Court ordered the Westchester Board of Elections to put Williams name on the ballot for the position of New York State Assembly, District 92. Abinanti appealed the decision, which centered around the words Williams used to indicate the title of the public office she sought. The Appellate Court agreed, though, that Williams words were "sufficient to inform the signers, voters, and the Board that the petitioner sought the public office of Member of the New York State Assembly for the 92nd Assembly District, and preclude any reasonable probability of confusion or deception."

"Election rules must not be so rigid or technical that they have a chilling effect on encouraging citizens to become involved in the process," said Williams. "That is why the courts have consistently ruled in favor of cases like mine. Still, it is unfortunate my opponent has used public resources in such a wasteful manner."