WPCNR MR. & MRS. & MS. WHITE PLAINS VOICE. July 17, 2006: An aide to the Power campaign comes to the aid of Mr. Power, in Power's quest for the Common Council vacancy:

John:

I was a top-level aide to the Power for Mayor campaign last year, and have come to know Dennis Power well. I helped handle his communications strategy and publicity efforts, and did so with pride and passion for a good cause.

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I can assure you the people criticizing Dennis Power here on WPCNR aren't the least bit familiar with his policies or his staunch dedication as a Plainsman.

Dennis Power is a long-time devout citizen of this city and has a profound history of service to this community. He has numerous awards and commendations to prove so.

To think that as a member of the Common Council, he would push County agendas over any that directly benefit the citizens of White Plains is ludicrous.

In my 34 years here as a downtown resident, I've met few people that cared more for our fine city -- and its residents -- than Mr. Power. During the campaign, he addressed the challenges of our city with an energy, intelligence and level-mindedness that you probably wouldn't have found in any other candidate.

I can assure you the same people that feign a lack of faith in Mr. Power are invariably the same people who, over the dinner table, are whispering newfound complaints of scarce downtown parking, increased meter fines, rising property taxes and eroding open spaces.

Dennis Power is a step ahead. He addressed those issues a year ago.

Perhaps that's why, with only a tiny fraction of the money of the Delfino 2005 campaign (as Paul Schwarz pointed out), Power earned 42% of the respect of the citizens of White Plains.

Not enough to win, unfortunately. But not 10%. Not 20%. Not any proportion that would constitute the "blowout," "mandate" or other talking point that local Republican operatives would love for you to believe.

One of your readers wrote that we should choose the best person for the job. I agree. In Power we have a former Council member, community servant, and strong leader that was well-prepared to succeed as Mayor very recently.

Does any other candidate offer that experience?

Truly informed residents know that White Plains is very lucky to have Dennis Power available again for City Hall. And I'm very confident that the "Residents come first" policy that awakened so many voters last year is one to which he'll always stay committed. No matter what his other job may be.

Tony Pucca