Unfortunately, in the Town of Harrison, the national game of “gotcha politics” has come into the sleepy Town and Village of Harrison, resulting in accusation of corruption and wasting taxpayer dollars, coming from the democratic slate of candidates, led by Frank Gordon for supervisor.
One of the mailers in this campaign accuses Belmont and his administration of corruption. We find this word inaccurate in what has happened under Belmont. The Harrison Police Department has seen the recent firing of Police Chief Anthony Marracinix, and resulting lawsuits filed against the town by the former top cop. Another police chief was brought in, and after it didn’t work out, that chief was let go.
That is not corruption. Corruption is stealing money, or fraud against the taxpayers and homeowners in Harrison. Belmont is not guilty of any of it, nor can we find any hint of corruption by Belmont and the Town Board.
Belmont can proudly run on his record of accomplishment and we can proudly endorse him for re-election. Belmont has effectively balanced the needs of the community and their desire for quality services with the state-mandated property tax cap.
Another issue raised by Belmont’s opponents is that he has “overcharged” the taxpayers because of a surplus that now sits in an account in Town Hall. Belmont has properly explained that there are plans to use those funds for capital projects in the months ahead.
Finally, we find no rationale by the Harrison Democratic slate to elect them Nov. 5. There are lots of political mailings (paid for by the State Democratic Committee, a first in Westchester for a local race) and accusations, but no specifics about what would be done differently and how it would benefit the average resident, family or homeowner.
Belmont has also placed school resource officers in the Harrison schools, which we believe is the most prudent safety decision to make for students, parents and staff.
We endorse Belmont, for re-election as Harrison mayor/supervisor on Nov. 5.
