WPCNR County Clarion-Ledger. By John F. Bailey. January 20, 2006: WPCNR has been told by knowledgeable sources that  Dennis Power, former White Plains Councilman, recent candidate for Mayor of White Plains, is being considered by County Executive Andy Spano for the post of Director of Economic Development for Westchester County government.

Dennis Power Moving on Up to the Machaelian Building? Mr. Power, center with Mayor Alfred Del Vecchio (Mayor of White Plains, 1976-1993), and Sy Schulman, (Mayor of White Plains, 1993-1997) in October, 2005 on steps of City Hall. Photo, WPCNR News Archive.

When asked by WPCNR Thursday evening at the White Plains Times launch party at Vintage Restaurant, if he had been offered the position by the County, Mr. Power denied it. Asked if he had discussed it with Andy Spano, Power said he had been in talks with the County. Power told WPCNR he would inform WPCNR as soon as there was anything. Asked if he would accept the Director of Economic Development job, Mr. Power said he'd be in touch if it were offered.

The Department of Communications of Westchester County could not be reached for comment. The County Office of  Economic Development to WPCNR's knowledge and is reported on the county website as headed by Sal Carrera. WPCNR has contacted Mr. Carrera to see if he has plans to leave the position.

Chairman of the County Board of  Legislators,  William Ryan who represents White Plains,  attending the same launch party, was asked about whether he knew Mr. Power was under consideration for the post. 

Ryan made reference to the fact that Mr. Spano, the County Executive knew Mr. Power had resigned his position with the Hudson River Museum (last spring), and had the option of going back there, and added,  "Let me just say this, Andy Spano would like nothing better than to see Dennis Power as Director of Development."

Mr. Power resigned his position as Director of Development for the Hudson River Museum last May to devote full-time to run for Mayor of White Plains.

He was lobbied by the Democratic Party of White Plains to run for Mayor in late May when no other challengers of the Mayor, including Mr. Ryan stepped forward.

Power was heavily recruited by party insiders to run, after Ron Jackson, the African-American advocate volunteered to run for Mayor. He accepted and Mr. Jackson's candidacy was given a "show" hearing by the Democratic Party after Mr. Power had already sent out letters to Democratic District Leaders for their support in the Mayor's race, inferring he already had the nomination.

Power held two news conferences in June, then did not campaign flamboyantly  for the months of July and August. He began his campaign with more vigor in September, concentrating on bringing more citizen involvement into development decisions and city planning.

He criticised the Delfino Administration relationships with developers.  He was endorsed by former White Plains Mayors Alfred Del Vecchio and Sy Schulman who issued detailed statements on Mr. Power's behalf, sharply critical of the White Plains Renaissance track record in  growing the city.

 However Mr. Power did not exploit a number of issues that could have been made against the Delfino Administration in a campaign that got started too late and was underfunded 10 to 1 by his own Party in contrast to the Delfino war chest, which was reported as $250,000, to Mr. Power's $25,000.

Power has worked with the Westchester ARC as Director of Development in the 1990s, before moving to the Hudson River Museum. He has been involved in providing housing for the homeless. A community presence throughout Westchester, he organizes the Friendly Gathering party every year, one of the highlights of the city social calendar.