WPCNR Campaign Trail Telegraph From Frank Cantatore Press Office, October 17, 2003:

Businessman, community leader and candidate for the Fifth District of the Westchester County Board of Legislators, Frank Cantatore is questioning the validity of a recent mailer sent to households in White Plains by the Democratic candidates for City Council and his opponent Bill Ryan.

“I recently received a colorful brochure from the Democratic candidates for City Council and County Legislator. I couldn’t believe my eyes. Next to pictures of bucolic landmarks in White Plains there are statements in which Bill Ryan is taking credit for accomplishments he had nothing to do with. I find it very disingenuous for him to take credit for things that he knows he had nothing to do with. In fact, when I questioned him recently at an Editorial Board meeting of the Journal News on whether or not he’s spoken to Mayor Delfino on various city projects he told me he has not. Everyone in White Plains knows that the sole person responsible for the boom times in the city is Mayor Joseph Delfino.”

A direct mail piece was sent out by Democrats claiming that projects such as the ‘hole in the ground’ at Bank Street was “filled” by them. The fact is that Mayor Delfino made a pledge to get it developed. The mailer also takes credit for the new Super Stop and Shop and Fortunoff. At the grand opening of both stores, Mayor Delfino was singled out by executives of each as the main reason they decided to locate in White Plains. At the Fortunoff grand opening, Lou Fortunoff, President of the family store acknowledged it was Mayor Delfino who contacted him and got the “ball rolling”.  It also mentions the Renaissance project, which will have a Starbucks and will feature dancing fountains. The Renaissance project was made possible from proceeds obtained by Mayor Delfino from the City Center developer as well as an innovated partnership with Starbucks which will help fund a land preserve acquisition fund.

“Fortunately the residents of White Plains know better. The reason taxes in the City are low, and the reason there is so much economic activity is due to Mayor Delfino’s efforts. I would hope that Bill Ryan would include the Mayor when he mentions that great things that are occurring in White Plains,” said Cantatore.