Two Democrats have announced they will seek their party’s nomination to challenge incumbent Republican Robert Castelli in November’s race for the 89th state Assembly District.
Public-interest attorney Jeremiah Frei-Pearson made his plans known in a statement on Tuesday, while David Buchwald, a member of the White Plains Common Council, told The Journal News on Thursday that he is tossing his hat into the ring.
The 89th District covers Lewisboro, Pound Ridge, Bedford, Mount Kisco, New Castle, North Castle, Harrison and most of White Plains.
Frei-Pearson, who in 2010 was a Democratic candidate for the 36th Assembly District in Queens, moved to White Plains last year, but is no stranger to Westchester County.
“My wife, Karla, and I both grew up in Westchester,” Frei-Pearson said in his announcement. He lived in Lewisboro, Mount Kisco and Bedford Hills as a child and graduated from John Jay High School .
“We have returned home to start a family,” he said. “Unfortunately, times are tough, and there is a real risk that the community we grew up in may not be able to provide the same opportunities to the next generation of children or to our parents as they grow older. ”
Frei-Pearson works at the law firm of Meiselman, Denlea, Packman and Eberz in White Plains, where he represents underpaid workers.
Buchwald, a tax lawyer who was elected to the Common Council in 2009, said he’s been seeking the advice of people in the district. “I’m enthusiastically putting my name forward,” he said. “I bring a wealth of experience both in local government and as a tax lawyer. I have a passion for good government and helping people and I want to bring that passion to Albany.”
Castelli, a retired state trooper who lives in Lewisboro, was elected in February 2010 to complete the term of Adam Bradley, who was elected White Plains mayor. Castelli was elected to a full two-year term in November 2010.
