SHARE

Supporters Rally In Westchester For Cuomo Challenger Zephyr Teachout

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. -- Despite being from the same party, Zephyr Teachout's vision for New York is very different from Gov. Andrew Cuomo's.

Zephyr Teachout speaks in front of White Plains City Hall on Friday.

Photo Credit: Suzanne Samin

The Democrat who is running against Cuomo in the primary on Tuesday, Sept. 9 met with supporters on the steps of White Plains City Hall on Friday afternoon.

She made a point to make Republican gubernatorial candidate and Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino's stomping grounds one of her 16 campaign stops before the primary.

Teachout addressed a handful of supporters and passersby with no microphone, railing against Cuomo and citing what she called his "old boys club," politics, support of big banks, and lack of concern for schools and cities as main reasons why Democrats should not vote for him in eleven days time.

"New York is facing this really important choice between two totally different futures," she said. "In (Cuomo's) future we don't fund our schools. In that future, we may allow hydrofracking. In that future, our priorities are tax breaks for big banks and one-percenters."

Teachout said as governor, she would strive to create the best public schools in the country, and help lead the country in renewable energy development. She added she would emphasize support for schools and small local businesses.

Erin Heaton-Meyer of Armonk said she supports Teachout because New York Democrats feel abandoned by Cuomo.

"He's not been hearing us on a number of very large and critical issues," she said. "His ethics reforms have failed miserably, and he hasn't done a lot of things he promised. He's very good at seizing upon the popular moment, then going in his own direction. Democrats are very upset."

"It's also exciting to have someone new and different," she said.

Barry McGoey of Yonkers, who is president of IAFF Local 628 Yonkers Firefighters, said his union has officially endorsed Teachout because they believe she has the right vision for the state.

"Many of (Cuomo's) initiatives have failed municipalities like Yonkers and the state of New York – especially his cuts to education and his cuts to municipal aid," he said. "He needs to stop giving tax cuts and breaks to the wealthiest people and big banks, and start helping out the taxpayers and cities like Yonkers." 

"Who better to get rid of the old boy's club in Albany than a fresh, young woman."

@suzannesamin

to follow Daily Voice Peekskill and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE