Orange County Democrats Chairman Zak Constantine Condemns Orange County Executive’s Legal Attack Against New Election Laws
Charges County Republicans with repeatedly weaponizing government resources for partisan legal assaults
“Republican county officials have taken a bold step backwards by filing a lawsuit against the State of New York. This lawsuit seeks to overturn recently enacted state legislation designed to both save taxpayer money as well as increase voter turnout by aligning local elections with even-year general elections. This move by Steve Neuhaus and Republicans in the Orange County Legislature is not just an attack on this specific legislative change; it is an attack on the very foundation of our democratic process, where every voice should be heard, and every vote should count.
The recent lawsuit is part of a disturbing pattern by Orange County Republicans, where legal maneuvers are weaponized to serve narrow political interests at the expense of the public good. This wasteful legal battle, funded by taxpayer dollars, aims to suppress voter turnout—a clear admission that the Republican strategy relies on lower participation to maintain their grip on power.
This action is in line with earlier episodes of questionable legal and ethical behavior by local Republican leaders. Last year, Democratic lawmakers challenged this administration’s procurement practices, specifically the $823,000 awarded to StarCIO under dubious circumstances. Despite their revelations leading to a still-ongoing FBI criminal investigation, the legislators were met with retaliation through the threat of defamation lawsuits, and were denied legal defense by the county, leaving them to fend for themselves. In stark contrast, Orange County Republicans did not hesitate to waste significant sums of taxpayer dollars in a windmill-tilting, politically-motivated exercise to strike down a duly-passed state law. Their shamelessness is transparent and knows no bounds.
At a time when we face pressing issues in Orange County, it is unconscionable that Republican leaders divert public funds to suppress voter participation, defend questionable contracts in the face of a criminal investigation, and pursue a political agenda rather than serve the urgent needs of our community.
Let us be clear: The actions of the Orange County Republican Party do not just undermine the legislative process; they undermine the democratic values that underpin our society. It is time for the citizens of Orange County to recognize these maneuvers for what they are: a desperate attempt to cling to power by keeping the electorate small and silent.
The Orange County Democratic Party believes in the power of democracy. We champion policies that encourage voter participation and ensure that every citizen has a voice in shaping the policies that affect their lives. We will continue to fight for fair and open elections, transparency in government, and accountability for those who would use their positions for personal gain.
We urge all citizens, regardless of party affiliation, to join us in calling for an end to these regressive, anti-taxpayer, anti-voter practices. Together, we can ensure that Orange County is a place where democracy flourishes, and where every vote is counted and every voice is heard.”
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