The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

election

Clinton vs. Trump: The Race to the White House

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By Amber Mildenhall 

Hillary Clinton vs Donald Trump, it’s a race to the White House. Both are leading the course by becoming their parties’ representatives. In addition to the obvious difference, namely the political parties they support (Hillary Clinton being Democratic and Donald Trump Republican), the two candidates have opposite opinions on so many matters.

I moved to the United States at the age of eight. I didn’t even think about politics until I was in second grade, the same year Barack Obama became President.

My elementary school simulated the election of 2008; each student was given a chance to enter a booth where we could either circle a picture of Barack Obama or his republican opponent John McCain, and therefore “vote” for each candidate.

Unaware that an election was even going on, I chose Barack Obama (whom I didn’t even realize was Barack Obama) based on whatever preference I had as an eight-year old (although I still do support my decision now, eight years later). I went home that day and asked my parents what this alien booth-circling activity even meant. They gave me facts and pointers comparing Obama and McCain, which all seemed quite complicated to my eight-year-old self. So, without further ado, here are the facts of this year’s candidates for all those as confused as I was eight years ago.

Gun control has been a major debate between many politicians. The Second Amendment to the Constitution allowing the right to bear arms is viewed by many as no longer relevant. The United Kingdom has already instituted many laws to prohibit firearms. Hours of paperwork, applying for a license, and proving that you are not a threat to society has limited the violence that results from firearms. The United Kingdom’s firearm-related death rate per 100,000 per year in 2011 was 0.23, and the United States’ rate in 2014 was 10.54. Hillary Clinton wishes to abolish the Second Amendment and have gun control more similar to the UK’s.

Hillary Clinton said, “More than 33,000 Americans are killed by guns each year. It’s time to act. As President, I’ll take on the gun lobby and fight for commonsense reforms to keep guns away from terrorists, domestic abusers, and other violent criminals—including comprehensive background checks and closing loopholes that allow guns to fall into the wrong hands.” Donald Trump has an opposite opinion, and wishes to keep the right to bear arms. Donald Trump wrote, “Democrats want to confiscate all guns, which is a dumb idea because only the law-abiding citizens would turn in their guns and the bad guys would be the only ones left armed.” Donald Trump believes that it is every US Citizen’s right to bear arms, whereas Hillary Clinton views the existence of the second amendment as dangerous.

Donald Trump’s and Hillary Clinton’s postions on immigrants, like gun control, are also opposite. Donald Trump wants to build a wall on the Mexican border and have Mexico pay for it. Hillary Clinton stands for the less extreme measure of a fence along the Mexican border. “They’re bringing drugs, they’re bringing crime, they’re rapists,” Trump said of undocumented Mexican immigrants while announcing his candidacy last June. Donald Trump wishes to allow legal immigration, triple the number of ICE officers (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers), and end birthright citizenship.

Hillary Clinton supports a path to legalization for illegal immigrants whereas Donald Trump believes they should be deported effective immediately. Clinton also wishes to toughen penalties for hiring illegal immigrants, and supports Obama’s executive decision which would have allowed for illegal immigrants who are parents to legal citizens to remain in the USA for a certain amount of time.

Terrorist threats are a major factor in the immigration issue the USA is currently facing, but Clinton continues to believe that, “First, we rely on partners in Muslim countries to fight terrorists. The immigration ban would make it harder.”

Hillary Clinton’s and Donald Trump’s views on gun control and immigration are opposite. Healthcare is yet another subject in which Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton must agree to disagree. Donald Trump wishes to get rid of Obamacare, the unofficial name for the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act which was signed into law by President Barack Obama in 2010, whereas as Clinton wishes to expand it. When one of these two candidates becomes President, completely different policies will be instituted.

Amber is a legal alien, a citizen of the United Kingdom, and a sophomore at Horace Greeley High School who is currently obsessed with Pokemon Go.

Editor’s Note: One of Seven Girls’ Essays featured in the November “If Our Neighbor Becomes President” Cover Story.  The girls were directed by Keri Walsh, Ph.D., who heads the Chappaqua Summer Writing Program for Girls at the Greeley House.

New Community Leader Voices: Hala Makowska and Jeremy Saland

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Editor’s Note: It was a hotly contested election this past November with Jeremy Saland and Hala Makowska winning two Town Board seats. Last election, we featured “Team New Castle,” so I decided to meet with Hala and Jeremy too in December at Chappaqua Station to simply glean their thoughts–at least the way they stood at holiday time–and for some “quick takes” on  various hot button topics in town! It was a pleasure getting to know each of them a little better!

Hala Makowska

FullSizeRenderSince the election, I enjoyed some down time with my family and am ready, excited and looking forward to my role and responsibilities for the town of New Castle. We have everything we need to be a very well-functioning board, and I feel that our diverse perspectives will help us have healthy discussions and ultimately lead to excellent decision making. At this particular point in time, I am focusing on the Master Plan and the downtown revitalization strategies–and making sure that the process ends up being as productive as it can be for the town.

I see Chappaqua Crossing on the top of our priorities, and I would like it to be successful so that our tax base can increase. Also, I think the Roundabout to address the traffic problem on 117 is another good focal point. I think that valid concerns remain about the intersection between the high school and the Whole Foods entrance and the exit from the Saw Mill Parkway coming into the retail zone. The safety concern is for the amount of traffic from retail shoppers, from the high school, and from the parkway.

Regarding Chappaqua Affordable Housing and the Hunts Lane location: As we know, I am not in favor.  It is an unsuitable piece of property. That is where a town parking lot could conceivably go, and I am disappointed that no new site has been identified or rezoned, frankly. I think that should have been the first priority. Now this will be more difficult. I have started to take a look at both the original permit and the present specifications. I am hoping that we can help find alternative locations. This is a timely issue since the provision expires next year.

The ChapLine is another hot topic. (The ChapLine is a functional recreation path which could connect downtown Chappaqua to Horace Greeley High School and to Chappaqua Crossing.) I think we need to closely weigh how the $1.5 million contribution from Summit Greenfield would be spent before it is committed to the ChapLine. And, I think that a more inclusive process to discuss how the available money could best be invested to make Chappaqua an even better place to shop, eat, and socialize, etc. I believe it’s local government that has the greatest impact on the quality of our everyday lives and the value of our property. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Town Board to protect and improve both for all New Castle residents and business owners.

Hala Makowska can be reached at hmakowska@mynewcastle.org

Jeremy Saland

IMG_5675I am very excited to get to work on behalf of New Castle to move the town forward. I am grateful our community had the confidence in me to do so. There are a lot of things going on now and I expect there will be many more things happening during my term and in the years to come. I believe we all benefit when each one of us tries to do our part.

Conifer and affordable housing is one issue that demands immediate attention. It is simply a horrendous location. Living between the Saw Mill Parkway, an exit ramp and the train tracks is not the most welcoming place even though we, as a community, are open and inclusive. It is incumbent upon the Town Board to find a solution, and make sure any development of this type is a safe, inviting and a healthy place to reside.

Whether you support Chappaqua Crossing or not, it is here to stay. Of grave concern is that Chappaqua Crossing created a new hamlet and business district. This development will have a significant traffic impact and change our quiet community as we know it. We need to concentrate on downtown Chappaqua’s development and revitalization to offset this third hamlet. The same is true for Millwood. It is critical that we examine how we can better develop and utilize our existing hamlets while building their infrastructure and making them more attractive destinations.

Another important issue is the proposed ChapLine. On an island it is a good idea, but residents, not just Summit Greenfield and the Town Board, should be involved in this discussion. It’s not often a municipality can potentially access $1.5 million dollars. This opportunity should not be squandered. If the developer wants the best for a community that they are vastly changing and profiting from, then this process should be an open one. Whether it is giving matching funds to businesses, purchasing property, or some other idea, a common good can be reached if all of us are engaged.

Whatever issue New Castle faces, I am confident that with an ethical government, we can work alongside our neighbors and businesses to reach our true potential. Jeremy Saland can be reached at jsaland@mynewcastle.org

Hillary Clinton’s Hometown and State Public Officials Weigh in on her Second Historical Bid

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Hillary Clinton Photo by Ari Bennett

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“I am very pleased to hear that Hillary Clinton is running for President of the United States. It would be a tremendous honor to have a sitting President, a past President and a sitting Governor, all living in New Castle. I was humbled when Hillary swore me in as Town Supervisor of New Castle, and at the time I said that I would happily return the favor by attending her inauguration as President of the United States. I applaud her distinguished career in public service and wish her the best during the upcoming campaign.”
Robert Greenstein, Town Supervisor, Town of New Castle

“I am thrilled to hear about Hillary Clinton’s decision to run for President of the United States and to therefore become…the very first woman president!! Starting with the first time I met the Clintons after they had just moved to Chappaqua, and I was standing outside of my firm’s office (which was then located on South Greeley Avenue), and then throughout the years and the many by-chance meetings while shopping or dining out in town and of course, at all the Memorial Day Parades–I have always felt it a real honor to call Hillary Clinton my “neighbor.” And, a true neighbor she is! Hillary is a warm and friendly presence here, a wonderful role model for our daughters (and sons) and she goes above and beyond–always “shopping local” as an enthusiastic supporter of our business community and our community overall. I couldn’t be more excited!! Go Hillary… all the way to Pennsylvania Avenue!
Dawn Dankner-Rosen, President, Chappaqua-Millwood Chamber of Commerce

“I am very pleased that Hillary Clinton will be running for President of the United States, both as a long-time supporter and her State Assemblyman. Secretary Clinton brings the skills we need in a President to tackle the challenges that face the United States and the world. In addition, the Clintons have played an important role in raising the profile of our region, attracting national attention. To have a sitting President of the United States as our friend and neighbor in Chappaqua would highlight the hamlet’s historic and unique charms. I believe her presidency would be a great step ahead for Chappaqua and the entire country.”
New York State Assemblyman David Buchwald, D-Mt. Kisco

“Hillary has devoted her life’s work to public service. Among her many accomplishments, Hillary was a great partner in delivering relief to New York after September 11th and health coverage for more than 6 million American children. She has advanced women’s and gay rights domestically and internationally, and effectively represented the United States on the world stage. It has been my great honor to call Hillary Clinton my friend and constituent, Senator, and Secretary of State. I will work hard to ensure that in two years, we call her “Madam President.”
Congresswoman Nita Lowey, D-New York

“Hillary Clinton has been a lifelong champion for middle-class families, an advocate for the underserved, and a fighter for civil rights. Her record reflects the steadfast belief that every American, no matter their race, gender or ethnicity, should have the right to achieve economic security and opportunity. She is a tested leader with the resilience and experience to be a great President. I was honored to work closely with her in the Clinton Administration, during a time of historic peace, prosperity and progress for our nation. Having known and worked with her for over 20 years, I wholeheartedly endorse Hillary Clinton’s campaign for President.”
New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

“I was there the night Hillary won her first, tough bid for Senate after months of hard work. And now I hope to be there when she declares victory in November of 2016, as the first woman president-elect in the United States. Make no mistake–she’ll win. And when Hillary wins, we’ll all win. The country will have a president that values the middle class and fights for families the way Hillary has her entire career.
U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer, D-New York

“I am thrilled Hillary Clinton is running and will do everything I can to help make sure she makes history as our first woman president. I will never forget when I heard then-First Lady Clinton speak about the need to improve the lives of women and children around the globe. Her clarion call that women’s rights are human rights was heard around the world and inspired me to choose public service. I cannot wait to help her in the Senate make her vision for a better world a reality. We’re entering a new era of our history with challenges distinct from those we faced even just eight years ago. Our next president must have the intellect, passion and experience to confront what’s ahead and secure the promise of equal opportunity for every American. Hillary shares that vision for a better future, one that we believe in for families and for ourselves. It’s time for us to do what we can together to make that vision a reality for middle class families. It’s time to get to work.”
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, D-New York

Secretary Hillary Clinton’s statement announcing her long awaited for candidacy…

“I was raised with the belief that living in this country was one of the greatest blessings anyone could have.

Today, for so many families, the path to lasting prosperity is unclear.

Families have fought their way back from tough economic times. But it’s not enough — not when the average CEO makes about 300 times what the average worker makes.

Everyday Americans need a champion, and I want to be that champion.

I’ve spent my entire life standing up for women, children, families, and anyone who needed a little help along the way. That’s what this campaign will be about, and that’s what I’ll do every single day as your president.

It’s time for us to fight for people like my dad, who ran a small business and committed himself to building a better life for his family. People like my mom, who relied on the kindness of others to get through a tough childhood — and like my baby granddaughter, who deserves to grow up in a country where every single kid has the opportunity to live up to her or his potential.

This won’t be easy. And I won’t take anything for granted. I’m going to work my heart out to earn every single vote, because I know it’s your time.”

Important Election Day Information Updates

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Late-breaking news: Governor Cuomo has signed an Executive Order allowing citizens displaced by the weather to vote by affidavit ballot at any New York polling site. You are strongly urged to vote at your assigned polling site in order to cast a ballot in races that are not statewide races.

All polling places in New Castle will be open. Check our website, www.lwvnewcastle.org, or www.mynewcastle.org, for updates.

Besides the federal Presidential and Senate races, the following candidates are running in New Castle’s Districts:

US CONGRESS, 17TH DISTRICT
Nita Lowey (incumbent) (D)
Joe Carvin (R)
Francis Morganthaler (WTP)

US CONGRESS, 18TH DISTRICT
Nan Hayworth (incumbent) (R)
Sean Patrick Maloney (D)

NY STATE SENATE, 40th DISTRICT
Gregory Ball (incumbent) (R, C, IN)
Justin Wagner (D, WF)

NY STATE ASSEMBLY, 93rd DISTRICT
Robert Castelli (incumbent) (R, C)
David Buchwald (D, WF, IN)

WESTCHESTER COUNTY COURT JUDGE
David Zuckerman (D, WF)
Matthew Troy III (R, C)

To find your polling place and information about the candidates go to www.vote411.org.

Remember to exercise your right to vote!