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WPCNR CAMPAIGN 2013. November 5, 2013:

Now that 49% percent of the county vote is in and unofficially counted as of 11:15  P..M. incumbent County Executive Robert  Astorino holds a 7,784  vote margin over challenger Noam Bramson, a 55% to 45% spread.

In two new developments, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has announced that Proposition One, allowing 7 casinos in New York State, 4 in the Southern Tier, and 3 in New York City, Long Island and Westchester County in 7 years has passed. The Governor in a statement wrote:

“The passage of Proposal One is a big win for local governments, school districts, and taxpayers across New York State. This vote will keep hundreds of millions of dollars spent each year in neighboring states right here in New York, while increasing revenue for local schools, lowering property tax taxes, and bringing proper regulation to the industry. This vote builds on the landmark agreements we reached with Native American tribes this year, ending expensive court battles and unnecessary discord and restoring hundreds of millions of dollars to local governments. Since taking office, my administration has focused on reviving the state’s economy, and today’s vote will further pave the way for the creation of new jobs, construction, and increased tourism in communities across the state.”

The Albany Times-Union-Record reported:” Although the new amendment will ultimately allow seven casinos in the state, the first four will be built in three upstate regions: the Capital-Saratoga region, the Southern Tier region and the Catskills/Hudson Valley.”

Back in the voting races—

Timothy Idoni, the incumbent County Clerk is in a close race against Mary Beth Murphy. leading by 54% to 46% ( 5,801 votes) with half the vote still to go.

Meanwhile, in County Legislative District 5, with 43% of the vote counted, representing White Plains, Scarsdale and part of Harrison, White Plains Benjamin Boykin continues to lead Scardale’s Miriam Levitt-Flisser, 60% to 40%, and appears headed for a seat in the Michaelian Building on the County Legislature.

In the other  County Legislature races, the margin at this time is  12 Democratics leading to 5 Republicans. Only one race,  the District 7 Race between Catherine Parker and John Verni is still too close to call, and the District 9 contest  involving  Catherine Borgia and Peter Tripodi III, is seeing Ms. Borgia pull  away.

However Andrea Rendo is making a move on  Peter Harckham in District 2, trailing by just 539 votes, 6 percentage points behind, after having been substantially behind.

In the local City of White Plains elections, Mayor Thomas Roach  leads challenger Cass Cibelli by a 3 to 1 margin with 52% of the vote counted. Mr. Roach has won his first four year term as Mayor since winning a Special Election in 2011 to complete the term of Adam Bradley leading Mr. Cibelli by a 77% to 23% margin at this time.

24 of  46 Districts reporting in White Plains, 52% of the vote,  Beth Smayda and John Martin, incumbent councilpersons and John Kirkpatrick, seeking election for the first time are leading rivals Claudia Murphy by 21% to 15% margins with Anne Marie Encarnacao and Carl Albanese sitting on about 12% of the vote. Murphy trails Kirkpatrick now  by 1,195 votes as of 11:15 P.M. It looks as Smayda, Martin and Kirkpatrick have been elected.

All Propositions except Proposition 6 (that extends judges’ retirements)  continue to pass in Westchester County.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has just issued this statement 45 minutes ago upon the election of Bill de Blasio as the new Mayor of New York City

“Tonight New York City voters have opened an exciting new chapter in our State’s largest city with the :election of incoming Mayor Bill de Blasio. On a personal level, it is particularly gratifying to see Bill, a true friend and former colleague, win tonight. He has the experience to run New York City, a compelling vision for its future and he and his family epitomize the New York story. As New York City’s next Mayor, I know Bill will be a tremendous partner in moving this great City forward.”

Returns come from the official Board of Elections website, which is working beautifully, we might add.