44°
I am on the Pound Ridge Republican Town Committee. I’ve chaired our last several campaigns. We’ve had enormous success over the past 4 years and the credit goes to the quality of the candidates we have supported. Yet, in spite of all this, if I had my way I would disband the committee tomorrow, ask the Democrats to do the same and never allow another candidate to run on a national political line again in this town. That’s what the last 9 months of identity politicking in Pound Ridge has brought me to.
For most of 2017, we have witnessed several members of the Pound Ridge Democratic Committee attempt to strip the individualism of town officials and town committee members (THEIR neighbors) because they’re upset by drama in Washington DC. Pay no attention to Mr. Lyman, Ms. Schwartz and Mr. Marchetti’s character and service to Pound Ridge, they say, we have a score to settle… they’re Republicans. Let’s throw them out. Prejudice, defined.
These party leaders have debased themselves at every turn. “Republicans hate the environment!” Dick Lyman received the NY League of Conservation Voters endorsement, for the 2nd time. Bonnie Schwartz reduced the town’s carbon footprint with her energy-saving ideas at the Town House and Conant Hall. Our committee, for the 4th election in a row, proposed doing away with campaign signs… the Democrats refused. “Republicans hate women!” The accomplishment most important to Dick Lyman in 50 years of service to his town is leading the effort on the NEW Dawn ARC project for victims of domestic violence in our area. “Republicans hate immigrants, especially from Central America!” Exactly one candidate in this race has ever sponsored such an immigrant (from Guatemala) for U.S. citizenship. Twice. Supervisor Dick Lyman.
People may occasionally disagree with some of the positions our team takes on certain town issues, but I have never heard any of them questioned on their character, competence or work ethic. I can’t say the same for their opponents.
Tomorrow, Pound Ridge can show once again that it is nothing like Albany or Washington DC and vote for people over party.
Joe Malichio
Pound Ridge
Click here to follow Daily Voice Pound Ridge and receive free news updates.
