Democratic Party Press Release
NEW ROCHELLE, NY – The Democrats on the New Rochelle City Council – Mayor Noam Bramson, Council Member Barry Fertel and Council Member Marianne Sussman – today issued the following joint statement concerning the vacancy in Council District Three:
Jim Stowe’ s sudden and tragic passing has set in motion a process defined under both the New Rochelle City Charter and New York State Public Officers Law for choosing a new Council representative in District Three.
We believe strongly that this critical choice should be made directly by the people of the Third District through their votes in a special election on November 2nd, and that the Council should not impose its will on District Three residents by making any appointment prior to the election.
Furthermore, we believe that, as soon as the special election outcome is clear, the City Council should appoint the people’ s choice, whether he or she is a Republican or Democrat, so that the new Council representative can get to work immediately, rather than waiting until January 1st to take his or her seat. This will ensure that the period of vacancy in District Three is brief, and that the residents of District Three are accorded the full and equal representation of their choice that they deserve.
Had this vacancy occurred earlier in the year, at a time when the special election was more distant, then our judgment might be different, but in this instance, with the election only a few weeks away, waiting for the decision of the voters is the only respectful and responsible course of action.
We extend an invitation to our Republican colleagues to join us in this commitment, and to make in advance a bipartisan pledge that we will appoint the winner of the special election, whether that winner is a Democrat or a Republican.
