The Only Candidate to Miss Cortlandt Event on October 17th
Did Not Show Up for October 25th Yorktown Debate
Claims to be Attorney Despite Law License Being Suspended Since 2013
Failed to Sign Fair Campaign Pledge
County Legislator John G. Testa participating in the Yorktown Chamber Debate on October 25th.
Democratic candidate for county legislator opposing incumbent County Legislator John G. Testa, Nancy Vann, has neglected to participate in two crucial debates for the election. First, she failed to show up for the Town of Cortlandt Candidate Forum on October 17th and then she was a no-show for the Town of Yorktown Candidate Debate hosted by the Yorktown Chamber of Commerce on October 25th. When given the opportunity to commit to and sign a fair campaign pledge she refused that as well.
Speculation for the avoidance of public appearances stems from recent discovery of her law license being suspended since 2013. She was also thrown off the Working Families Party ballot line after it was discovered the petitions she submitted had a majority of invalid signatures. Despite these revelations, Vann continues to improperly claim she is endorsed by the Working Families Party and claim to be an acting attorney. By doing so Vann clearly is violating standard ethical campaign practice and in the case of claiming to be an attorney, possibly breaking the law. Her actions may explain her refusal to pledge to conducting a fair and ethical campaign.
“Many lawyers from both sides of the political aisle contacted me during the summer upset to see Vann indicating she is an attorney on all her campaign literature since she has been prohibited from practicing for the last 4 years,” said Testa. “They were outraged that their profession was being mocked and tainted in that way. It is a clear violation of The Rules of Professional Conduct and all lawyers are well aware of it. Some indicated to me it was even illegal to proclaim to be an attorney with a suspended license and that the reason for the suspension does not matter,” added Testa.
Given that these two very serious violations were bound to surface in a public debate, Vann has avoided the issues by not appearing before the public. Vann has also offered no concrete platform or reason for running against a very accomplished and experienced incumbent. Her only record is that of an anti-establishment activist.
“Nancy Vann has no idea what it takes to work in a bipartisan way to solve problems and work through issues, said Testa. “She seems to be against a lot of things but I haven’t been able to see anything she is actually in support of. That is not someone who could sit down and rationally work through issues and successfully work with others to solve problems. Protesting and holding signs seems to be her strong suit, she should stick with that,” said Testa.
County Legislator Testa signing the Fair Campaign Pledge.
The two public forums that Vann avoided were the last of the campaign season. With less than two weeks left until election day, avoiding the debates was a missed opportunity to speak directly to the voters. “I always enjoy the discussion of issues and setting the record straight during the debates,” said Testa. “The citizens look forward to the exchange between candidates and hearing what they stand for; it is a slap in their face to simply not show up. I appreciate those who organize the debates and thank those in Cortlandt and Yorktown for the opportunity,” Testa said.
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John – they have no answer to you – thank
goodness because of all the good you do!!
Sent from my iPhone