- Affiliated Police Associations (APA) of Westchester County endorses Foster, Bennett, Riley and Schuder;
Cites Commitment to Law Enforcement and Support of Community Safety -

Mary Foster and her running mates continue to accumulate endorsements this week, with the announcement that the County's law enforcement association, which includes Peekskill, has thrown its weight behind the Democratic candidates. The Affiliated Police Association is the Westchester County umbrella of the local Police Benevolent Association, which represents 71 law enforcement professionals in Peekskill.

"This is an important endorsement for us," said Councilwoman Mary Foster. "Our team has long held that if you want to increase the quality of life in Peekskill, you need to provide the appropriate level of support to our local police department and code enforcement office. You can't talk about cracking down on quality of life crimes if you are not willing to make the investment necessary to do so. We plan to make that investment. I have seen firsthand the work of our local police force and know the positive impact they have in our neighborhoods. I would like to see that impact broadened."

This past summer Foster joined the anti-crime unit on a 6 p.m. to midnight shift to witness firsthand the efforts of the local force in combating crime throughout the city.

Democrats on the Council plan to beef up the local police department with an additional five officers and increased foot patrols. Republicans have scoffed at the Democrat's proposal, claiming that redeployment of the existing 36 patrolmen is all that is needed. The Republicans just don't get it, says Council candidate Joe Schuder.

"There is nothing more comforting than seeing officers walk the beat when you are out shopping or dining, particularly in the evening," said Schuder. "I look at this endorsement as validation from our law enforcement professionals that we get it."

The APA's is just the most recent in a series of endorsements the Democrats have secured over the last several weeks. Councilman Don Bennett and Council candidate Patricia Riley received the backing of the Westchester-Putnam Central Labor Body (AFL-CIO); Patricia Riley received the endorsements of the Plumbers and Steamfitters Union Local 21, the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, District Council 9 and Don Martino retired President of Local 664 of the United Auto Workers. Councilman Bennett received the endorsement of the Black Democrats of Westchester; Councilwoman Foster and Patricia Riley were awarded grants from the Eleanor Roosevelt Foundation; and all four candidates received the backing of the Working Families Party.

"This is the ticket that represents the best interests of our middle class and working class families," stated Council candidate Patricia Riley. The APA's endorsement, along with those that preceded it, supports that claim.