Westchester Independent Democrats : The former director of the Westchester County Solid Waste Commission has sued County Executive Rob Astorino, accusing him of "political cronyism."

Mt. Vernon Independent Democrats "Our Mission"

“If that body of elected officials are ignorant, reckless and corrupt, it is because the people tolerate ignorance, recklessness and corruption. As members of Mt. Vernon Independent Democrats we will demand any fraud of the people be stopped.”

The Mt. Vernon Independent Democrats (MVID) will use innovative grassroots organizing strategies to help candidates break through the political glass ceiling. The MVID will target and mobilize support for all the races (including any important ballot measures) in one coordinated campaign. We also recruit and endorse strong community activist early in their political careers, recognizing that a candidate may have to run more than once to win.

The Mount Vernon Independent Democrats will be the voice for residents of Mt. Vernon in the politics of the Democratic Party. Born from the idea of the need of reform of the usual party boss rule for political gain without gain for the people in Mt. Vernon that includes all ethic groups and economic backgrounds.

As Independent Democrats we will continue to support progressive government and issues, help elect honest and intelligent public officials, and supports deserving and qualified judicial candidates. We serve as a direct conduit to local elected officials, organize forums to introduce prospective candidates to the voters, and then organize support behind our endorsed candidates.

With the MVID dedicated membership, and its network with other grassroots and community organizations, the MVID offers distinct benefits to both the candidates and the causes we support, as well as to the people who contribute to them. This is an organization "For the People and by the People."

Sunday, May 18, 2014

The former director of the Westchester County Solid Waste Commission has sued County Executive Rob Astorino, accusing him of "political cronyism."

From The Journal News' James O'Rourke:
In the lawsuit filed in state Supreme Court, Bruce Berger -- who was appointed to the position by the Westchester County Board of Legislators in 2000 after nomination by Astorino's Democratic predecessor -- claims he was let go last month by Astorino's Republican administration based solely on political motivations.Berger, who also names Westchester County as a defendant in the suit, seeks unspecified damages and reinstatement as executive director of Solid Waste Licensing.In court documents, Berger claims Deputy County Executive Kevin Plunkett told him on April 10 "that he was being terminated from his position and that he was going to be replaced by a judge from Astorino's political party who had been defeated for re-election the prior November."

Astorino, of course, is the Republican candidate for governor. He'll challenge Gov. Andrew Cuomo this November.

Berger has been outspoken against Astorino since he was let go last month. His son confronted Astorino after a speech last month to New York University's Republican club.