WPCNR CAMPAIGN 2005. By John F. Bailey. November 8, 2005 UPDATED WITH MAYOR INTERVIEW: The City of White Plains gave Mayor Joseph Delfino a resounding "Well Done" this Election Day by electing White Plains favorite son to another four year term  with 58% of the vote giving him a clear cut mandate to continue his Revitalization Plan for White Plains. Unofficially, only 41% of White Plains registered voters cast ballots at the polls.

The Associated Press reports that statewide New Yorkers defeated Proposition One that would have allowed the legislature to craft the state budget, but voters approved the $2.9 Billion Transportation Bond Issue. White Plains Bill Ryan has won another term as County Legislator for the White Plains-Scarsdale District 5. Andy Spano has won a third term as County Executive and Janet DiFiore has won the office of Westchester County District Attorney.

Mayor Joseph Delfino claims victory last night. Photo by WPCNR News.

With all 43 Election Districts reporting by cellphone to Republican Headquarters at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Mayor Delfino is reporting receiving 7,207 votes to Dennis Power's 5,260, a margin of 58% to 42%, which the Mayor maintained from first District to last.

In the Council races, Rita Malmud and Tom Roach, Democrats outpolled the Mayor, Malmud receiving 7,432 votes and Roach, 7,365. Malmud wins her fifth term on the council, and Roach his second. Glen Hockley won the third Council Seat with 6,447 votes, outdistancing Larry Delgado (5,440 votes) by 1,007 votes.  John Carlson polled 3,494 votes and Frank Mastraccio, 3,440.

Mayor Calls It "His greatest victory."

In an  interview with WPCNR, Mayor Delfino said it was his greatest victory: "I feel tremendous, this was an unusual campaign. I managed this campaign with a sense of its future. We were positive through this entire campaign.There was no reason to be negative, because this city doesn't need negativism.

        "There's no doom and gloom in this city. This city is in excellent condition. And we're going to make it better. Can you build a perfect city in six years? No. Are there issues we must handle? Yes.  That's what our next four years is about: management of the smart growth that we've accomplished in this city which is recognized nationally and internationally. We have been a model for this country. The awards we have won. The response we 've received from Europe, asking how did you do this?"

       "The people of White Plains believed in this growth accepted this growth and gave me this great honor to be Mayor for four more years."

Asked what was next on the radar, Mayor Delfino said, "Next on the radar we have two projects approved, we have three that are being approved. We're a walkable city but we're going to put our trolley system in the city on rubber wheels, obviously we're not going to put them on rail. We're going to expand out to South Lexington Avenue, complete that area, and more important, the issues that come with smart growth that have occurred in this city, we're going to manage those and resolve the issues that seem to be put before us and we're going to make it a better place. That's our object for the next four years."

Unofficially, approximately 12,447 of 29,882 White Plains registered voters (as of October 19), voted in this citywide election. This means 41.7% of registered voters in White Plains cast ballots in the city election. 

The Mayor said a sensitive goodbye to Larry Delgado, crediting Mr. Delgado with being with him in the early years of his first eight years as mayor and supporting him in those early years and during the tough times in this campaign. Mr. Delgado, said he looked back with thanks for the time on the Council, and said "White Plains is in good hands with Mayor Delfino at the helm," saying "the best is yet to be, and you haven't seen anything yet." Photo by WPCNR News

Unsuccessful Republican Council Candidates Applaud the Mayor. Left to right, John Carlson, Francesco Mastracchio and Larry Delgado. Photo by WPCNR News.

John Carlson in a statement said, " The citizens of White Plains have spoken. I wish Mayor Delfino and the successful Common Council candidates Rita Malmud, Tom Roach and Glen Hockley  Godspeed.

White Plains is truly the "capital" of Westchester County -- the residential, cultural, intellectual, governmental and business capital. But the problems still need to be solved so that our quality of life is preserved -- the declining commercial assessments, the rise in violent crime, Moody's Negative Outlook.

I thank those who supported me. Indeed, I am grateful for your support. Let's now look ahead. There are some bumps in the road -- the succesful candidates will need your prayers and support. Myself? I will reamin active as a citizen, working to make White Plains the best it can be."

Franceso Mastraccio said he was "not a quitter," and would be back to run again.

Bill Ryan and Andy Spano are back!

In the County Legislature race for White Plains-Scarsdale District 5, Chairman of the County Board of Legislators, Democrat  William Ryan defeated  Cass Cibelli 6,204 votes to 2,398, a 72% to 24% spread.

In the County Executive contest, Democrat Andy Spano won reelection, defeating Rob Astorino. Janet DiFiore was elected District Attorney, and Timothy Idoni was elected County Clerk.  For complete results on the County level, go to www.westchestergov.com.