WPCNR NEWS COMMENT. By John F. Bailey. August 25, 2004: It’s political season. As the Democrat scramble for who will run for Mayor begins this fall, depending of course, on who will run for the Republicans, they have to decide what issues to run on.

 Should Mr. Delfino run again, and that is what is most likely, because the Republicans have no one else of equal stature to carry on the Delfino charisma. Delfino has also told confidentes privately that he is running next year. He has also held two highly private fundraisers.

 The Usual Suspects Have Unimpressive Rap Sheets.

 Think of it: who could they run: Frank Cantatore, a big-time 2 to 1 loser to Bill Ryan in the County Legislator race last fall, so forget him.

 Jeffrey Binder, Tim Sheehan are  personable but proven not to be able to galvanize the electorate of White Plains even for a council position, allowing the inexperienced political unknown, Arnold Bernstein to beat both of them.

 And now, Mr. Sheehan has the additional albatross around his neck of being the man who presided over the demise of the Parking Authority, as well as spearheading the new parking hours and rates for the Mayor which White Plains hates.

 Could Larry Delgado make a run for Mayor? Unlikely, because Delgado has not been politically active on the issues the city has decided since Glen Hockley usurped his seat. But Delgado’s inactivity is a strength.

  There is the Delgado possibility. He can come off as the man untarnished by the actions of the last three years. He can stake out the voice of the majority Hispanic population in White Plains. 

 Could Mike Graessle, former Commissioner of Planning run? I thought so when he appeared in a public discussion about the need to revisit the Master Plan at a town meeting this spring. However, his message stopped short of actually attacking the Mayor’s policies and galvanizing his candidacy.

 Hockley Party Switch?

 Beyond Delgado, The Republican Party is bankrupt of public figures who could command voter respect in the numbers necessary. Unless – unless Glen Hockley changes parties and becomes a Republican. Hockley is probably going to be shut out by the Democratic Party of any future council runs. Who is Mr. Hockley going to replace?

 Rita Malmud? Robert Greer? Tom Roach? If Roacb does not run for County Legislator). Perhaps Hockley might run for Mr. Roach’s seat.

A Hockley Switch

But, if Hockley changed parties, he would be instantly the most credible candidate the Republicans could run against Mr. Ryan, with strong touchy feely Democrat credentials, and crossover voter potential. The Mayor could even campaign for Mr. Hockley.  However Hockley has to change parties relatively quickly to run with credibility in 2005.

 Think of how Hockley could campaign for Mayor. Mr. Hockley could say:

 1.)   I supported Mayor Joe’s initiatives.

2.)    I helped build the Renaissance.

3.)    I know White Plains. I walk the city.

   Not only that but he has intimate knowledge of the vacillations his possible Democrat opponents: Ryan, Greer, Malmud, Roach knowingly engaged in over the last three years and went along with.

The prospect of a Republican Glen Hockley has this reporter salivating…Ouy! The Angles! The rhetoric! The irony!

Place the chips on Joseph Delfino. He's the only bet. 

All right, how do you beat “America’s Favorite Mayor,” as he is dubbed by Paul Wood, the Acting Executive Officer heir-apparent to George What’s-His-Name. The AEO who cannot return phone calls. That looks very likely. The Mayor has told confidentes just before leaving for Israel that Wood will be appointed in the very near future and ascend to the $130,000 position.

We'll have more on how you beat Joseph Delfino tomorrow.