David Buchwald
Street Address: 4 Martine Ave. White Plains
Race: Assembly District 93 State legislator
More Assembly District 93 State legislator candidates: Bob Castelli |
Political and civic experience: White Plains Common Council, 2010 - Present; Metro-North Railroad Commuter Council Chairman, 2008 - Present; White Plains Historical Society, Board of Trustees, 2008 - Present
Age: 34
Residency: White Plains, NY
Incumbent?: NoBallot lines:
Party Registration:
Democratic
Education: B.S. in Physics, Yale University; MPP, Harvard John F. Kennedy School; JD, Harvard Law School
Occupation: Attorney, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP; Former Economic Analyst specializing in anti-trust issues, National Economic Research Associates
Twitter: http://twitter.com/DavidBuchwald
Facebook: http://facebook.com/Vote.Buchwald
Why are you running for office or seeking re-election?
I am running for office because I believe I am better suited to solve the big issues facing our communities than our current Assemblyman. We need an Assemblyman who’ll create jobs, lower taxes, and fight for our values, and I’ll work hard to do all three. I believe my record of success on the White Plains Common Council is exactly what we need in Albany.
Since I took office, despite operating in one of the worst economies in generations, we’ve had a lot of notable success. During my time on the Council, violent crime is down 20%, library hours are up 20%, we’re attracting businesses and filling our storefronts, and have been ranked as one of the best places to live in America by Money Magazine.
As Chairman of the Metro-North Railroad Commuter Council, I’ve also fought against service cuts and fare increases, and led the effort to create rider-friendly innovations like quiet cars and, in partnership with Sen. Schumer, a new riders’ bill of rights. That’s the kind of dedication to results that matters to me, and I think it’s the right approach for our district as well.
What in your personal, civic or professional experience recommends your election or return to office?
The most important difference between our current Assemblyman and me is that I have always put results over rhetoric. We need an Assemblyman who isn't just going to talk about the issues that matter to Westchester families; we need an Assemblyman who'll actually produce results for us on important issues like jobs and mandate relief. As a former economic analyst, I understand how the government can be an effective partner with small businesses to help the private sector create jobs. As a City Councilman, I've put that experience to work for the people of White Plains. I helped spearhead an initiative to rezone our office parks to allow scientific research to take place there, which in just the past couple of months has already brought 150 jobs to our area. I've also worked closely with small business owners to solve their issues, and will work closely with Business Improvement Districts and Chambers of Commerce across our area to find real ways to improve our economy.
As a local government official, I've also seen the impact of unfunded mandates up close. Far too often, when our City or school district want to innovate, we are told that the actions we're considering are prohibited by State law. It is absolutely vital that the State work closely with local municipalities and school districts going forward to find ways to make government work better. That is the only way we will actually be able to lower local property taxes, because while the state does not directly levy local taxes, it's actions often force local governments to make decisions they'd rather not take. I'm very proud that White Plains has stayed under Governor Cuomo's 2% tax cap, but to do even better we'll have to actually eliminate unfunded mandates.
And delivering results means actually voting in line with our values on important issues, as well. My opponent is fond of saying that we can't afford more "politics as usual," and I agree. And I think one of the definitions of "politics as usual" is having a voting record in Albany that's diametrically opposed to your rhetoric in the district on issue after issue. Whether it's a woman's right to choose, pay equity, or gun safety legislation, my opponent talks one way and votes another. You will always know where I stand on the issues - and I'll vote that way - because I have always and will always put principle over party and over politics.
What would be your top three priorities if you are elected or re-elected?
The top issue in this election is the state of the economy. My top priority is to create good, middle class jobs in Westchester. There are still too many people out of work and looking for a job, and we need to be taking aggressive action to change that. The second biggest issue facing communities here in the 93rd Assembly District is the high cost of living and our rising property taxes. We need to control the tax burden that our local homeowners and businesses are facing. I’m very proud that White Plains has been in compliance with Gov. Cuomo’s property tax cap, but New York still has a long way to go. Finally, we need to ensure that our Assemblyman is really representing us. We need to build a better connection between us and Albany and make sure our Assemblyman is listening to us on important issues like a woman’s right to choose, equal pay for equal work, gun safety legislation, and equal rights for all regardless of whether they’re gay or straight.
