The following press release was received by the Gazette and is reprinted here without editing or comment. We will provide space for press releases from all legitimate candidates for local public office.

Bramson chokes on his own words:
Bramson's IKEA record haunts him

Press Release

( October 18, 2002 ) In recent debates Assemblyman Tocci (D-New Rochelle) has challenged his opponent Noam Bramson to defend his record on the issue of IKEA, which affected the communities of New Rochelle, Larchmont, and Mamaroneck.

"Bramson seems to have trouble remembering his position on the IKEA issue. He is trying to hoodwink the people into believing that he was opposed to the project, while the record shows his unquestioned support for IKEA." Tocci said.

On WVOX Bramson stated "That the distress that it (IKEA) would have caused to the people who would have been dislocated could not be justified by the economic benefits, if any associated with the project."

This is in direct contradiction to Bramson's voting record and the position he takes publicly. Bramson stated. "If indeed IKEA is genuinely interested in this site, then that increases the probability of this deal ultimately occurring. I've always thought it was an appealing concept; it's just a matter of whether the numbers add up. It's good news that they are interested." (Journal News, December 10, 1998)

Bramson later claims he was legally obligated not to speak out against this project, but there is no documentation that confirms his "gag order." Bramson showed strong support for the IKEA project throughout the entire ordeal. He even voted against the best interests of the residents and businesses he represents and designated the area blighted which paved the way for the property to be taken (by eminent domain) for IKEA's benefit.

"Because of this blighted designation people in this neighborhood were coerced into selling their homes and businesses for less then market value. Bramson showed no sensitivity for their welfare as he was blinded by dollar signs." Tocci said.

The following year the record still showed Bramson's wholehearted support for IKEA. He is quoted in the New Rochelle Sound Report saying, "The decision to uproot residents and business owners was a 'difficult' one but the project's benefits outweigh its drawbacks." (New Rochelle Sound Report, 1999)

Bramson's rhetoric only began to change on the issue when he received local opposition. His constituents began to speak out against the project and against Bramson's lack of concern for their now blighted neighborhood.

Tocci, on the other hand, voiced early opposition of IKEA. "The Draft Environmental Impact Study proved to me what I already knew; the suburban character of New Rochelle, Larchmont, and Mamaroneck neighborhoods would have been destroyed. IKEA was just not right for this area and would have been a complete environmental disaster."

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