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Castelli, Buchwald Clash At Harrison Forum

HARRISON, N.Y. – Assembly member Robert Castelli (R-Goldens Bridge) and David Buchwald (D) tackled questions regarding a number of issues Tuesday night at a forum for the New York State Assembly District 93 candidates in Harrison. The forum ended with Buchwald attacking the incumbent Assembly member about his vagueness in answering certain questions.

“At the end of the day it’s about electing someone who is going to produce results and not just simply talk about the issue,” Buchwald said in his closing statement.

The forum was held at the Harrison Public Library and hosted by The League of Women Voters (LWV). Moderated by LWV member Nate Levin, Castelli and Buchwald fielded questions that were created by the LWV and from the dozens of audience members in attendance.  The hot topics included unfunded mandates, gun control laws and creating a positive state economy.

On the topic of creating a fiscally responsible state economy, Castelli cited the need to create jobs and lower taxes while not “chasing businesses out of New York.” Buchwald cited his work on the White Plains City Council in which the council rezoned unoccupied business park office spaces into scientific research facilities to create 150 new jobs. Buchwald said he would like to take a similar approach to towns within the 93rd District.

Castelli took his toughest stance on the issue of gun control, referencing his background in the New York State Police Department. Buchwald brought up his support of microstamping ammunition in order to help prosecute individuals involved in gun crimes. Castelli said similar plans have been implemented in the past and failed, resulting in a loss of millions of dollars to taxpayers.

“It’s totally ineffective,” Castelli said. “It may sound like a good measure, but at the end of the day it must carry through with the legislation.”

Castelli currently represents the 89th Assembly District. He is seeking re-election after taking office in February 2010. Buchwald is running for state assembly for the first time and has served on the White Plains City Council for the past three years.

The 93rd District includes Bedford, Harrison, Lewisboro, Mount Kisco, New Castle, North Castle, North Salem, Pound Ridge and White Plains.

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