In the hush that has fallen over the Peekskill GOP campaign, one can hear the word on the street: Frank won’t debate. If that’s true, I have to think he’s crazy. Who wants a mayor who’s afraid to stand up on his hind legs and debate in front of the voters? So far, his team has postured, pointed fingers, engaged in an unprecedented number of unfair campaign practices and downright lies, and spent a small fortune on marketing experts, graphic artists, and enormous signs.
What they haven’t done is articulate an integrated vision for our city. They haven’t offered up a coherent, achievable strategy. The only tactical thinking they’ve displayed is found in their sordid brand of politics. If they have given any thought to governance, they aren’t sharing their plans with the voters.
Well, they did share one plan with the public, at a press conference held at the Neighborhood Center Plaza on September 6. Frank wants to “streamline” the Planning Commission’s approval process so developers could get through it quickly and easily. He said he would merge the Planning, Zoning, and Historic Preservation boards. John Kelley tried to do something like that years ago. Like a lot of his actions as mayor, the result wasn’t pretty.
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Frank was eloquent on the subject of the city’s “mistreatment” of Ginsberg Development Corp. You remember them: controversy over the pool that was promised at Chapel Hill, a letter sent to every voter threatening to abandon our city if we elected a Democratic mayor, currently being sued by the homeowners at Riverbend. They didn’t abandon us when Mayor Foster was elected, and they are right now discussing their latest ideas for the St Mary’s property with the Planning Department staff.
John Testa and his sidekick taped the press conference, but the tape has gone missing. It’s not on Frank’s Facebook page, his campaign website, or GoPeekskill. I guess only his developer friends get to see it. Reminds me of Mitt Romney’s 47% remark to a private group of his rich supporters. When a candidate thinks the public can’t handle his truth, you have to know he’s not suited to public office.
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Now, after he loudly accused Mayor Foster of holding up the debate, it seems Frank has cold feet. I take it back. Frank isn't crazy. He’s bluffing on a weak hand. If he debates, his bluff will be blown.
(see the lies at http://peekskill.patch.com/groups/politics-and-elections/p/peekskill-mayoral-race-committee-issues-f... )
