It’s now been two days since the Supervisor Face-Off at the
James Harmon Community Center in Hastings-on-Hudson. Nothing has appeared in
the mainstream media as to the debate held in Hastings. ABG has written
previously as to how the lamestream media is in the tank for Mr Feiner. (See: Greenburgh News Blackout, May 30, 2013 and News Blackout Continues, May 31, 2013 on ABG to read more. Add to
the lack of coverage for all-things Greenburgh or if you will, the selective
coverage for all things Paul, and you’ll see why so many “willfully ignorant”
residents continue to vote for more of the same old thing. There was nothing
written of the debate in Westchester’s only daily newspaper or their Express
version. Neither was there any coverage from News 12 or Channels 2, 4, 5 or 7. Why not?
Numerous readers have emailed ABG to let us know about
several other people in attendance that night. Specifically present, but not
mentioned (unintentionally) at the debate were Greenburgh Town Board Council
members Diana Juettner and Francis Sheehan. You’ll recall Ms Juettner was part
of the Town Board recently found guilty with Mr Feiner in the Fortress Bible
Church discrimination case. Mr Sheehan was one of Mr Feiner’s confidantes and
co-architects with most Town projects, developer approvals and web site jockeying.
Mr Sheehan’s also the same Town Councilman Mr Feiner threw under the bus when
Mr Feiner sued Mr Bernstein and Ms Brunson Fantauzzi over ballot petition
signatures, alleging that Mr Sheehan lied on those same petitions! The case was thrown out of court. We’re reminded of the line from the Godfather movie that Mr Sheehan may want to keep in mind. “Michael,
keep your friends close and your enemies closer.”
Many have forwarded the text from David McKay Wilson’s
recent blog saying we could do with it what we wish. While it certainly is good
reading (as is all of Dave’s work), it’s his post and we will not reprint it
without his express permission or request. ABG would still like to thank our
readers who thought highly enough of us to take the time to send it to us. We
trust you’ll understand our position regarding it.
You can read it here:
There were several statements made in this debate by Mr
Feiner that warrant mention and clarification. Mr Feiner came “out of the gate”
on defense. Mr Bernstein was convincingly on offense. Mr Bernstein tried to
discuss the points of projects throughout the Town while Mr Feiner continually
attacked Mr Bernstein’s character and professional work (see below). Whenever
Mr Bernstein quoted facts about Mr Feiner, Mr Feiner would appear agitated and
then hastily rifle through the stacks of papers he had. Mr Feiner said several times
that Mr Bernstein was lying, or sued the Town too much, costing the voters and
forcing increased taxes on the Villages. Or, he would quote something Mr
Bernstein had said in old newspaper articles from 2008 as if changing a
position after five years was a bad thing.
Feiner Fact:
Mr Feiner said Mr Bernstein was against Westhab’s affordable
housing in Fulton Park.
Accurate Fact:
Mr Bernstein’s stated he said he was against the oversized
building because it was 28 units being put on .7 acres and surrounded by blacktop and
the deal had already been agreed to by Mr Feiner and his Town Board.
Feiner Fact:
Town Attorney Tim Lewis denied Wilson’s request to tour the
facility today, saying he needed to check with other members of the Town Board.
Accurate
Fact:
Feiner Fact:
Mr. Bernstein and his former law firm were sued for malpractice,
but the case was dismissed with prejudice with no finding of any wrongdoing by
Mr. Bernstein or the firm, and the $107 million was paid by a former client to
settle price-fixing litigation.
Accurate
Fact: www.dropbox.com/s/lan6j02iids634e/Stipulation%20%26%20Order%20of%20Voluntary%20Dismissal.pdf
Feiner
Fact:
Mr. Feiner claimed he didn’t destroy evidence in the
Fortress Bible lawsuit, the judgment would be for less than the $5 - $7 million
expected, and that insurance would cover the cost.
Accurate
Fact:
Judge Stephen C. Robinson said in his ruling, “at no time
did Mr. Feiner refrain from destroying documents, including electronic documents
such as email,” and the Town’s insurance carriers have notified the Town they
would not cover intentional violations of federal law, which is what occurred
here.
Ruling:
ABG believes the reason there was no media coverage was because Mr
Bernstein was the stronger candidate in the debate and they refuse to show a
failing Mr Feiner. Mr Bernstein exhibited confidence, knowledge and command of
the facts and seemed cool, calm and collected during the entire debate and
while speaking. Mr Feiner spoke better than he usually does in public, but
seemed frazzled at times and kept holding up paperwork and in hopes we might believe it “proves” Mr Bernstein was lying. Mr Bernstein was the one who was
sticking to the facts and maintaining accuracy during the event. We almost expected Mr Feiner to
cover his ears and start saying, “I can’t hear you, na, na, na, na, na, ” over
and over again.
In the end, Mr Feiner, a shrewd and crafty politician, changed his
persona for the debate, but it wasn’t enough. He kept slipping back into the
old persona and just made up what he needed to assault Mr Bernstein. It didn’t
work. When Mr Bernstein spoke, Village residents could be heard saying ,
“That’s not true, oh, that’s not true either.” When Mr Feiner spoke, those same
people could be heard saying, “Uh-huh, That’s true, that’s true.”
Interestingly, the crowd was split with two camps, one for each candidate. What
seemed missing was a third camp without a preconceived notion of which candidate they
might vote for based on what they heard that evening. Both candidates stayed on
their message. Mr Bernstein sought to publicize and challenge Mr Feiner’s
policies, decisions and actions and how they are costing Unincorporated and
Village residents a lot of money. We think he succeeded. Mr Feiner was trying
to prove Mr Bernstein has contradicted himself and lied. He staked the claim
that Mr Bernstein left his old law firm because of a $107M lawsuit against him
(see above). It didn’t work.
The Democratic Primary Election will be on next Tuesday, September 10th.
Only registered democrats can vote in this primary election. We hope our
readers will view the video of the exchange and make an informed decision. We
also hope the “willfully ignorant” will start paying attention – and fast – and
also make an informed choice. It will help us to have A Better Greenburgh.
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