[See Letter to the Editor, WPT, Aug. 10, 2007.]
Thank you for the opportunity to respond to Mr. Bernstein’s latest dissertation on ethics. If only he were more focused on reading opinions than on catering to the interests of out-of-town developers and building interests, he would have known that the decision from the White Plains Board of Ethics was clear. In virtually all cases, there is no conflict between my job at the county and my role as a councilman. That is why the Ethics Board dismissed the case, stopping the proceedings so totally. Despite Mr. Bernstein’s and Republican attempts to keep this going, the authorities have spoken: it’s over! Of course I, like any other elected official, have to make sure in specific circumstances to avoid even the appearance of impropriety in order to maintain public confidence in government.

Mr. Bernstein’s attempts to stifle my First Amendment rights to speak out for what’s right for this city and its residents will not work. I look forward to discussions about the real issues and to explaining our actions and our votes as Common Council members. I will continue my reasoned, thoughtful, independent approach to matters and not worry about balancing my votes between the interests of White Plains’ citizens and the outside interests that fund campaigns.

Let’s also remind the public, Mr. Bernstein, that the ethics complaints filed against me at the state and federal levels have also been dismissed. The NY State Attorney General’s Office, in December 2006, declined on procedural grounds to consider a complaint also filed by the White Plains Republican chair. In June 2007 a letter from the U. S. Office of Special Counsel, Hatch Act Unit, stated there was no violation of the Hatch Act when I ran on the Democratic Party ticket for White Plains Common Council last November. That decision determined there was no inherent inconsistency in my employment with the county and my ability to serve effectively and without conflict on the White Plains Common Council.

As the White Plains Times correctly pointed out, the city’s Ethics Board decision does not require me to seek its guidance before entering into a discussion of issues of interest to White Plains and the county. As the chairman of the Ethics Board stated: “The decision speaks for itself.” And, what the decision demonstrates is that Mr. Bernstein, perhaps acting as Mayor Delfino’s surrogate, is making a false statement. I suggest he take his own advice and “review the decision again.”

Mr. Bernstein should concentrate more of his energies on doing his due diligence on important issues and less on reminding other elected officials how to carry out their duties. Let’s get on with the business of managing the affairs of this city for and with the people of White Plains. My record demonstrates how diligently I pursue what’s in the best interests for White Plains, and people certainly know that I am not beholden to nor conflicted by outside special interest.    

—Councilman Dennis Power