WVOX ENDORSES LATIMER, OPPENHEIMER IN EDITORIAL OF THE AIR

Latimer for Assembly, Oppenheimer for Senate
A Whitney Media Editorial of the Air
by William O’Shaughnessy

(October 30, 2008) "I never thought I’d have to sit in front of this microphone to defend George Latimer … or, for that matter, Suzi Oppenheimer.

"However, several of our listeners have registered their alarm that our friends at the powerful Gannett newspapers have abandoned these two veteran legislators in their re-election bids for the seats they’ve held with such great distinction.

"Longtime political watchers in our home heath attribute The Journal News’ dissatisfaction to nothing more than an attempt to find some Republicans at long last worthy of their blessing and imprimatur.

"We would certainly agree that Rob Biagi, who aspires to Mr. Latimer’s seat in the Assembly … and Mayor Liz Feld of Larchmont who would seek to displace the venerable “Senator Suzi” in the State Senate are a substantial cut above the recent crop of lackluster and undistinguished candidates our local GOP has fielded in recent years.

"Biagi is principled and focused, however aggressive. And Liz Feld is attractive, dynamic and comes to the electorate loaded with charisma.

"Like we said, the Republican Party in our home heath has finally come up with two very appealing candidates.

"Now comes the However.

"George Latimer is one of the most devoted and dedicated public servants in New York State. Absolutely no one works harder at the people’s business. And no one is more accessible or passionately concerned with the well-being of his constituents than Assemblyman Latimer.

"He enjoys a statewide reputation for sincerity, decency and honesty and he has excelled every step of the way during a distinguished political career. Some years ago, he was such an outstanding county legislator his colleagues, almost instantly, made him chairman of the board. And the elders of the Democratic Party wanted to run him for lieutenant governor.

"We’ve watched Mr. Latimer grow in wisdom and age over the years. He’s been a class act in every season and deserves – without question – to be returned to fight for the people of Westchester in the state capitol near the head waters of the Hudson.

"As for Mrs. Oppenheimer … we’ve certainly had our differences over the years with Senator Suzi. But she remains a formidable presence in the New York State Senate where she is respected by all the important players in Albany. And her wisdom, knowledge and seniority are undeniable and valuable resources for her constituents in the Sound Shore area. And, like Mr. Latimer, she is an inexhaustible public servant who works at her public trust seven days a week.

"So this time, we’ll stand – confidently and proudly – with Senator Suzi Oppenheimer.

"Both non-partisan Democrats are everywhere apparent in their districts and neither has shown any lack of enthusiasm for their high office or the rigors of public service.

"While we’re at it … we again have to applaud our colleagues – the good folks at our community newspapers – for recognizing the long-overdue return of quality and intelligence in the Republican Party as reflected by Mr. Biagi and Mrs. Feld. But it is our view that you don’t turn out two very superior public officials who have served us in such an enlightened and dedicated fashion over so many years.

"WVOX and WVIP confidently endorse Assemblyman George Latimer for the 91st Assembly District … and Senator Suzi Oppenheimer for the 37th State Senate District.

"They’ve both served us so well … and there is no question they properly deserve re-election.

"This is a WVOX Editorial of the Air. This is William O’Shaughnessy."