Call to Action Campaign to Host Candidate Debates

The Westchester County Association (WCA) will host a New York State Senate debate next month in Dobbs Ferry.

On Tuesday, September 28 at 6 p.m., those vying to be Senator for the 35th District (which includes Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow) will debate issues regarding taxation, spending, job creation and the economy.

Incumbent Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins (Democrat) (Working Family) and challenger Liam McLaughlin (Republican) (Conservative), will go head-to-head at Mercy College for the debate.

The debate is part of the WCA's initiative to educate voters about the positions of candidates seeking New York State legislature seats from Westchester.

Two journalists will be the moderators: Richard French III, General Manager/Host, Richard French Live, RNN-TV and Caryn McBride, Editor, Fairfield County Business Journal, Westchester County Business Journal, Fairfield County Business Journal, and  HV Biz.

The WCA is a business membership organization that is committed to business advocacy, economic vitality and to providing a strong and clear voice for the interests of businesses on the regional, national and international levels.

The WCA does not back candidates, but the group's "Call to Action" campaign is aimed at highlighting, and fighting, financial burdens for local businesses. According to the WCA, the Call to Action campaign wants balanced, on-time budgets, is advocating for a non-partisan commission to redraw district lines and wants lawmakers in Albany to vote against unfunded mandates.

Earlier this year, the group held a "Breakfast with the County Executive" function in Tarrytown. The main topics of discussion were reducing taxes and regulations to facilitate business in the county.

Other debates outside of the 35th District, include the 40th Senate District battle between Michael Kaplowitz (Democrat) and the winner of the September 14  Republican primary: Greg Ball or Mary Beth Murphy.

The 37th District debate will involve incumbent Senator Suzi Oppenheimer (Democrat) (Working Family) and Bob Cohen (Republican) (Conservative) (Independent) at 800 Westchester Avenue, Rye Brook.  Full information on those debates can be found here.

The New York State Senate has 32 Democrats and 30 Republicans currently serving and Westchester races could play a role in the balance of power in Albany.

Information about the debates and a list of candidates who have signed the pledge are available at http://www.CalltoActionCampaign.org.