To the Editor: I write to support the re-election of Representative Jamaal Bowman, in the upcoming Democratic Congressional primary on June 25th. In his two terms in office, Congressman Bowman has been a strong advocate for our community, and our district. He has brought in over $1 billion in investments in education, child care, affordable housing, workforce development, as well as gun violence prevention – all solid investments that have immensely benefited his constituents.
Congressman Bowman’s primary opponent, County Executive George Latimer, is campaigning on the slogan — “Results, not Rhetoric” – to try and paint Mr. Bowman as a show horse, not a work horse. Elect me, says Mr. Latimer, and I will bring home the bacon since my opponent has not. This gimmicky catchphrase is transparently false, starting with the illogical premise that results and rhetoric are mutually exclusive. They are not, of course, and there’s nothing inherently wrong about rhetoric either. We should always applaud solid results (which Jamaal has demonstrated), and captivating rhetoric (which he is a master of!). What’s wrong with getting stuff done, as the Congressman has manifestly shown, AND speaking out for a more humane, equitable and inclusive multiracial society?
In stark contrast to his opponent, let’s not forget that Congressman Bowman has also been a forceful spokesman for climate justice, having been an early champion of the “Green New Deal” (GND). He’s also not afraid to take on the big polluters (i.e., fossil fuel power plants), and the fracking industry. He has also fought for a GND for Public Schools that would address the crumbling state of far too many public schools in underserved neighborhoods that suffer disproportionately from polluting infrastructure. Meanwhile, his opponent blithely vows that if elected “There is not going to be a George Latimer climate change bill.” No surprise there from a pay to play County Executive whose “green” agenda includes keeping the Peekskill Wheelbrator, Westchester county’s number one polluter, operating through 2029.
Jamaal has also demonstrated courageous and moral leadership in drawing attention to the plight of Palestinians and the need for both a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and a change in Israeli leadership. His opponent, meanwhile, fueled by millions in donations from right wing groups like AIPAC, has studiously avoided taking any concrete positions on Gaza, and in effect has validated the annexationist aims and ethnic cleansing of the extremist Netanyahu coalition.
Furthermore, during his televised debate last month with Congressman Bowman, Mr. Latimer infamously remarked “I’m not worried about who is giving me donations.” I believe Mr. Latimer should be worried because many of us are (worried). We have learned of late that he has failed to file –as required by election law – a candidate financial disclosure statement. That failure does not install confidence.
Finally, let me express (and I’m certain I’m not alone in my sentiments) how fatigued and disgusted I am at the relentless deluge of flyers and attack ads that have saturated my e-mail inbox, TV screen, radio, etc. during this seemingly interminable primary contest. It is true that both candidates have engaged in this war of attrition. However, the sheer volume of Latimer’s mailings and ad spots – enabled by over $7 million in outside spending from reactionary groups such as AIPAC and MAGA donors –has been overwhelming. Win or lose, this does not speak well for the Latimer “brand,” such as it is, and suggests a degree of desperation that his message has not been winning over any new voters.
On or before June 25th, (early voting begins on June 15), please vote to re-elect Jamaal Bowman to Congress. I believe he is the superior candidate to deliver progress, and moral leadership to our district.
Bill Gaston
Bronxville Democratic Party District Leader
The views expressed in this letter are his own, and do not represent the views of the Bronxville Democratic Committee, which has not endorsed any candidate in the race.
Editor’s Note: Latimer filed his ethics disclosure forms two weeks ago.
