Non-partisan Examiner Endorses Catalina

No one should be surprised that former City Council members who were part of the Foster Administration have come out in the Patch and endorsed the mayor. However, when it comes to endorsements that are made by independent people or institutions that have no dog in the hunt, the most compelling endorsement in this election cycle has come from the news outlet that is the closest thing we have in Peekskill to being a “local” newspaper that focuses on hard news.  In its most recent edition, The Northern Westchester Examiner, has endorsed Frank Catalina for Mayor of the City of Peekskill over six year incumbent Mary Foster.
 
The Editors acknowledged Peekskill's perception as a crime ridden city has changed but credited that in large part to the promotional efforts of the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce.
 
"Catalina, the longtime local attorney who attended Assumption and Peekskill High School believes the city can prosper and has laid out an elaborate plan of action that is both creative and eyebrow-raising" the endorsement stated. Catalina's Plan is prominently displayed on the campaign website catalinaformayor.com.
 
 The Editors said Peekskill’s unruly City Council meetings have given Foster and her Administration a black eye and a reputation of being out of control, and turning a "deaf ear" to constituents. "Many of the juvenile rule changes, such as clapping, have been ill-advised, and there's no other municipality that has such a large police presence at meetings. Most have none at all".

 Regarding other Foster actions, they said: "Not providing funding for the longstanding Peekskill Celebration, which helped showcase the city to outsiders, resulting in its being cancelled was also a poor decision, as was charging poor kids to use the Kiley Center. But what really made Foster and the Council appear out of touch was not knowing about a planned methadone clinic moving from the Hudson Valley Hospital Center to a building off Highland Avenue until it was reported in the media".
 
 In a stinging criticism of the Foster campaign, they said: " ...to dig up some controversy from (Catalina's) past in another community was really a dirty trick and uncalled for....he wants to try to make a difference, just as Foster did. She was given an opportunity, now let’s see what Catalina can deliver".