By Dan Murphy
In the Town of Eastchester, Supervisor Tony Colavita is running for reelection in Nov. for a two-year term. This year, Colavita faces an opponent: Democrat Cat Sayles.
Sayles is part of a group of Westchester Democrats running against the remaining Republican officeholders in the county, including Colavita, Mt. Pleasant Supervisor Carl Fulgenzi, and County Legislators James Nolan and Margaret Cunzio.
Westchester Democrats are hoping that the new election law, which puts the race for Governor at the top of the ticket for this year’s election, will help them sweep these local elections.
Last month, a disturbing incident took place in Eastchester during a political event for Sayles. An individual entered the facility where the event was being held, started shouting at some people in attendance, and eventually threw a cinderblock at a small group of people- thankfully, nobody was hurt.
After the incident, Sayles and other Democrats in attendance met with the Eastchester police, who explained that the individual was known to police as an emotionally disturbed person who lived in New Rochelle and had been arrested before.
Upon receiving that information, Sayles decided not to pursue any charges.
But several days later, Sayles and the Eastchester democrats made an irresponsible decision; after deciding not to press charges, they used the incident as a political tool in the race for Eastchester Supervisor. The Sayles campaign issued a statement implying the incident was part of an ongoing pattern of behavior meant to harass and intimidate her in her bid for supervisor.
That statement reads, “Over the past several months, my campaign has experienced an escalating pattern of harassment and intimidation. It started with online trolling, then moved to threatening messages that incited violence, specifically death to and cleansing of democrats in our town. Volunteers have been intimidated at public events. Lawn signs began disappearing. Bags of dog waste have been left under signs still standing.
“This past Friday night, at a campaign fundraiser, a man came to the event screaming obscenities at the people there, including a child, and threw a cinderblock toward the group. Thankfully, no one was hurt.
“We filed a police report, and the Eastchester Police Department is on top of it. I’ll be honest, it’s a really tough moment in the campaign. But let me be equally clear: I will not back down. I will not be intimidated.
“No one should be afraid to attend a political event, volunteer for a campaign, sign a petition, or put up a lawn sign for their candidate of choice. A culture of intimidation has been cultivated in Eastchester for too long. Back in March, when we were collecting signatures to qualify for the ballot, many residents expressed reluctance to sign for fear of retaliation. People stated, “he will know.” We don’t need to accept fear-mongering and bullying anymore. It is a big part of why I chose to run in the first place.
“It’s time to choose a different Eastchester: one rooted in dignity, care for our neighbors, and civility when we disagree. Please join us,” stated Sales.
Colavtia responded with the following statement: SHAME ON DEMOCRAT CANDIDATE FOR SUPERVISOR FOR ATTEMPTING TO USE UNRELATED ACTIONS OF NONRESIDENTS FOR POLITICAL GAIN
“I do not now, nor have I ever, condoned any form of violence or threats of violence for any reason.
“Several weeks ago, a person who has not lived in Eastchester for more than a decade, who lives out of state, has never worked for the town, has no connection to my administration nor my campaign, made a foolish statement about “death to Democrats.” My opponents campaign immediately prepared flyers and distributed them throughout the town and made a statement trying to exploit this random act for political purposes.
“Last week, an individual who does not reside in Eastchester and has no connection to this town, my administration, or campaign, threw a block outside of an event for my opponent. This young person is a known Emotionally Disturbed Person (EDP) who has been arrested several times for violent acts and vandalism. At the time my opponent filed a police report with the Eastchester Police Department, she was clearly advised as to his serious disabilities and his past random conduct. My opponent chose not to press charges.
“However, AFTER being advised of his condition and AFTER not pressing charges, she posted on Facebook and portrayed his actions as bullying by me and my supporters. Nothing could be further from the truth. Once again, I have always unequivocally condemned threats, intimidation, and political violence from anyone. No one in my campaign has ever done anything like that. However, exploiting the actions of a vulnerable individual and falsely connecting them to my supporters or administration for political advantage is irresponsible and reprehensible. Culture of intimidation – I think not!
“Eastchester deserves better and an apology, not misleading false accusations. So much for transparency,” stated Colavita.