By: Pat Casey Published: April 24, 2009: Monday evening the White Plains Democratic City Committee officially endorsed New York State Assemblyman Adam Bradley as their candidate for Mayor of White Plains, along with two-term incumbent Tom Roach, and newcomers Beth Smayda, and David Buchwald for White Plains Common Council. Councilwoman Rita Malmud, a Democrat, had announced her decision earlier in the year not to seek a fifth four-year term on the Council. Glen Hockley, also a Democrat, who is currently serving out his term on the Council was not nominated for reelection by the party.

Bill Ryan was endorsed for reelection to his seat in the 5th District of the Westchester County Legislature. There was no endorsement for Lois Bronz’s vacant seat in the 8th District, though three candidates were announced: Alfreda Williams, the former town clerk of Greenburgh; Joann Prinzivalli, a lawyer in White Plains; and Karin Wompa, a trustee in Sleepy Hollow. Bronz is retiring after many years of service. There will be a county Democratic convention on May 13 for countywide endorsements, including county district attorney.

Bradley’s Hat in the Ring
In a dramatic announcement on City Hall steps, March 30, Bradley, surrounded by placard-bearing supporters and colleagues at the state and local level, announced his candidacy for mayor. Bradley is in his third term as a New York State Assemblyman, representing the 89th District, which encompasses most of the City of White Plains and the towns of Bedford, Harrison, Lewisboro, Mount Kisco, New Castle, North Castle, and Pound Ridge.

“This election is about property taxes and fiscal management,” Bradley stated. “I will make stabilizing taxes and sound fiscal decisions my top priority. We need thoughtful and responsible planning and better negotiations with developers.”

Bradley is an attorney who received his law degree in 1989 from Pace University School of Law, in White Plains. He has served as an Assistant Westchester County Attorney, and has specialized in family law while in private practice. Bradley and his wife Fumiko have two young children, Fiona, who is attending the White Plains Public Schools, and Celena who attends pre-school.

Mayor Joseph Delfino, a Republican, announced earlier in March that he did not plan to run for reelection. There has been no announcement of a Republican candidate.

The Newcomers
The two newcomers to the Democratic slate bring complementary backgrounds. David Buchwald, a resident in the city’s downtown, is a tax attorney at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. He is a trustee of the White Plains Historical Society and one of Westchester County’s six representatives on the Metro-North Railroad Commuter Council.

Beth Smayda, a resident of the Highlands neighborhood, is a Managing Director at National Public Finance Guarantee Corp. She served as President and then as City Budget Chair of the White Plains League of Women Voters, as well as on the Inaugural City Budget and Management Committee and the citizen’s Annual Budget Committee for the White Plains High School District.

Hockley to Continue
In an interview on Tuesday, Hockley said: “We’ll see what happens.” Certainly not surprised that his party would give him the cold shoulder—he’s been at odds with the other Council Democrats, often voting against them in favor of items presented by the mayor—Hockley indicated he wants to be involved in White Plains City politics. “I hope to be involved and there are several options open as potential,” he said.
Hockley continued: “To me it is about the issues and the people who represent the public and a cross-section of people. You cannot count on any results based on the past today. People are without jobs, people are overtaxed, people are hungry for leadership that cares about people first, not party first.”

Republican Screening
Brian Maloney, chair of the Republican White Plains City Committee, says there have been several interviews for candidates and the process will continue into May. A notice will be sent to party members inviting them to come forward. According to Maloney, anyone is welcome, regardless of party affiliation. “Policy over politics doesn’t work,” he says. “It hurts people. When someone is elected to public office, they become a public servant. It is a disservice to follow the party boss. We will pick our candidates on merit.”

Hockley’s name has been bandied about in the press for candidacy on the Republican ticket for mayor and a potential for County Legislator in the 5th District, running against Bill Ryan. Maloney says he has not spoken with Hockley, and Hockley says he has not approached the Republican Party, though he acknowledges his options.

Maloney did indicate that Bob Hyland, owner of Bob Hyland’s Sports Page Pub, had been interviewed and would be a good candidate for the 5th District of the County Legislature. When White Plains Times interviewed Hyland last week, he jokingly said: “I think politics is a much harder game to play than football.”

Anyone interested in an interview with the GOP should call 428-2512 or email bgmlaw@verizon.net

Clockwise, from upper left: Adam Bradley, David Buchwald, Beth Smayda, Tom Roach
Photo credit: Adam Bradley and Beth Smayda photos by Paula Markowitz Wittlin