John Degnan

Infobox_Politician
name = John A. Degnan


imagesize = 225px
residence = flagicon|New York|size=30px Brewster, New York
office = Mayor of Brewster, New York
party = Republican ["Risnit, Michael. [http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080530/NEWS01/805300334/1006 Ball gets GOP endorsement in Westchester] ." "Poughkeepsie Journal." May 30, 2008.]
salary = $15,600
term_start = 2005
term_end = 2007
predecessor = John Cesar
successor = Jim Schoenig
occupation = Columbia University instructor" [http://www.columbia.edu/cu/bulletin/uwb/subj/ENVB/N0480-20082-001/ Columbia University Directory of Classes] ". "Columbia University". Retrieved June 17, 2008.]
spouse =
children = 2

John A. Degnan (born 1960) is an American politician and the former mayor of Brewster, New York, a position which he held from 2005 to 2007. [" [http://www.putnamcountyny.com/boe/hist/2005elections/WEB%20PAGE%20%202005%20ELECTION%20RESULTS%20GENERAL%20NOVEMBER%208%202005.pdf 2005 General Election Results] ". " [http://www.putnamcountyny.com/boe/ Putnam County Board of Elections] ". Retrieved May 9, 2008.] [Gross, Eric. " [http://www.zwire.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=15708419&BRD=1708&PAG=461&dept_id=72445&rfi=8 Degnan administration assumes power in Brewster] ". " [http://putnamcountycourier.com Putnam County Courier] ". December 8, 2005.] Prior to serving as mayor, Degnan served four terms as a village trustee. In 2007, he ran unsuccessfully for supervisor of Southeast, New York, though came in a close second after a long and bitter race. In April 2008, Degnan testified before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Water Resources and the Environment about superfund sites and Brewster at the invitation of Congressman John Hall. [" [http://www.midhudsonnews.com/News/April08/12/superfund_hrng-12Apr08.html House members conduct local hearing on remediation of Superfund sites] ".]

As mayor, Degnan led efforts to revitalize downtown Brewster and the village economy. [Gross, Eric. " [http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=15828420&BRD=1708&PAG=461&dept_id=72445&=6 Senator Charles Schumer is bullish on Brewster] ". " [http://putnamcountycourier.com Putnam County Courier] ". December 29, 2005.] He was also active on issues of environmental sustainability, law enforcement and public safety, illegal immigration, infrastructure improvement and affordable housing. [Risinit, Michael. " [http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?s_site=thejournalnews&f_site=thejournalnews&f_sitename=Journal+News%2C+The+%28Westchester%2C+NY%29&p_theme=gannett&p_product=WJNB&p_action=search&p_field_base-0=&p_text_base-0=%22Peace+officers+may+get+a+chance%22&Search=Search&p_perpage=10&p_maxdocs=200&p_queryname=700&s_search_type=keyword&p_sort=_rank_%3AD&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date%3AB%2CE&p_text_date-0= Peace officers may get a chance] ". "The Journal News". November 25, 2003.] [O'Connor, Anahad. " [http://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/05/nyregion/nyregionspecial2/05webrew.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=In+Brewster+a+backlash+against+day+laborers&st=nyt&oref=slogin In Brewster, a Backlash Against Day Laborers] ". "New York Times". February 5, 2006.] [Rojas, Marcela. " [http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?s_site=thejournalnews&f_site=thejournalnews&f_sitename=Journal+News%2C+The+%28Westchester%2C+NY%29&p_theme=gannett&p_product=WJNB&p_action=search&p_field_base-0=&p_text_base-0=%22Brewster+pairs+with+Leibell+nonprofit+to+purchase+building%22&Search=Search&p_perpage=10&p_maxdocs=200&p_queryname=700&s_search_type=keyword&p_sort=_rank_%3AD&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date%3AB%2CE&p_text_date-0= Brewster pairs with Leibell nonprofit to purchase building] ". "The Journal News". July 24, 2006.]

Degnan has also worked as an adjunct instructor at Columbia University. In June 2008, he taught a course on sustainability in the university's School of Continuing Education. [Columbia University Directory of Classes" [http://www.columbia.edu/cu/bulletin/uwb/subj/ENVB/N0480-20082-001/ Columbia University Directory of Classes] "] .

Degnan is currently a candidate for the New York State Assembly in the 99th Assembly District and is running to unseat freshman incumbent Gregory R. Ball. The 99th NY Assembly district spans portions of Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess counties.

Education

Degnan graduated from Fordham University with a degree in economics, and studied Construction Management and Finance at New York University. [Biography [http://www.johndegnan4townsupervisor.org/html/about.html| John Degnan for Town Supervisor] ."]

Political career

Degnan began his political career in 1999 when he was elected to the first of what would be four terms as a Brewster Village trustee.

In his first year in office, Degnan opposed plans by Putnam County to expand Brewster's social services center, expressing concern that an expanded center would exacerbate illegal immigration in the village and require taxpayers to pick up the tab for services provided to non-taxpaying day laborers. [Wilson, David McKay. " [http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?s_site=thejournalnews&f_site=thejournalnews&f_sitename=Journal+News%2C+The+%28Westchester%2C+NY%29&p_theme=gannett&p_product=WJNB&p_action=search&p_field_base-0=&p_text_base-0=%22Brewster+center%27s+expansion+opposed%22&Search=Search&p_perpage=10&p_maxdocs=200&p_queryname=700&s_search_type=keyword&p_sort=_rank_%3AD&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date%3AB%2CE&p_text_date-0= Brewster center's expansion opposed] ". "The Journal News". September 25, 1999.] In 2000, though Degnan estimated that 300 day laborers could be found on the streets of Brewster in a given day, he again opposed a proposal by the Putnam County executive to construct a day laborer hiring center in Brewster for similar reasons. [Wilson, David McKay. " [http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?s_site=thejournalnews&f_site=thejournalnews&f_sitename=Journal+News%2C+The+%28Westchester%2C+NY%29&p_theme=gannett&p_product=WJNB&p_action=search&p_field_base-0=&p_text_base-0=%22Day+workers%27+employers+targeted%22&Search=Search&p_perpage=10&p_maxdocs=200&p_queryname=700&s_search_type=keyword&p_sort=_rank_%3AD&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date%3AB%2CE&p_text_date-0= Day workers' employers targeted] ". "The Journal News". March 31, 2000.] In time, Degnan would come to view a hiring center as a way to reduce the loitering and crime which many village associated with day laborers. [Rae, Leah, and Garcia, Ernie. " [http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?s_site=thejournalnews&f_site=thejournalnews&f_sitename=Journal+News%2C+The+%28Westchester%2C+NY%29&p_theme=gannett&p_product=WJNB&p_action=search&p_field_base-0=&p_text_base-0=%22Finding+what+works+for+day+laborers%22&Search=Search&p_perpage=10&p_maxdocs=200&p_queryname=700&s_search_type=keyword&p_sort=_rank_%3AD&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date%3AB%2CE&p_text_date-0= Finding what works for day laborers] ". "The Journal News". September 5, 2005.] But in 2000, he remained opposed.

Degnan also played an important role while trustee in refurbishing the old Brewster war memorial by overseeing the design and construction of a veterans honor roll, and by securing funding from private individuals, the village of Brewster, the town of Southeast, Putnam County and New York State. [Gross, Eric. " [http://www.vfwpost672.org/courier.htm Plans for Southeast Honor Roll unveiled] ". " [http://putnamcountycourier.com Putnam County Courier] ". September 30, 2004.] [Rojas, Marecla. " [http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&ct=res&cd=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jrfa.com%2FNewsArticles%2FJournalnews411.pdf&ei=jaJZSPPcEpHGgwLf5qC5CQ&usg=AFQjCNESYIWjCZounMUK3ix3Nda4HYom0A&sig2=4Mqq8Uj4r_YjaQWLfOJlqQ Community comes through for veterans] ". "The Journal News". April 11, 2005.]

In 2005, Degnan challenged the eighty seven year old, six term incumbent Cesar for the mayorship of Brewster. As a result of New York's electoral fusion system, Cesar ran as a Conservative and Independent; Degnan, on the Democratic and Republican lines. In the end, Degnan defeated Cesar, then New York's oldest sitting elected official, by 97 votes. [" [http://www.putnamcountyny.com/boe/hist/2005elections/WEB%20PAGE%20%202005%20ELECTION%20RESULTS%20GENERAL%20NOVEMBER%208%202005.pdf 2005 General Election Results] ". " [http://www.putnamcountyny.com/boe/ Putnam County Board of Elections] ". Retrieved May 9, 2008.] [Gross, Eric. " [http://www.zwire.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=15708419&BRD=1708&PAG=461&dept_id=72445&rfi=8 Degnan administration assumes power in Brewster] ". " [http://putnamcountycourier.com Putnam County Courier] ". December 8, 2005.]

Mayor of Brewster

Upon taking office, Degnan helped lead the "Team Brewster" sustainable growth initiative, which while Degnan was still a village trustee, had commissioned members of the Urban Planning Department of Columbia University's School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation to develop a master plan for the Brewster's revitalization. "Team Brewster" consisted of elected officials and concerned residents and met regularly to discuss ways to improve the village's infrastructure, to add housing, promote commerce, improve transportation and to revitalize Brewster. U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer, who joined the group on one occasion, called the group's work "inspiring," and suggested that Brewster's revitalization plans could act as a model for other economically distressed areas of New York State.

As mayor, the village trustees adopted a budget which raised Degnan's mayoral salary from $8,563 a year to $15,600. Degnan later said he believed higher pay was in line with the job's long hours.Risinit, Michael. " [http://lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080509/NEWS01/805090398 Degnan is running for Assembly against Ball] ". "The Journal News". May 9, 2008.]

The Brewster Master Plan

.]

Among the master plan's more controversial recommendations was its call to established an employment center to serve day laborers. The center was proposed as a way to reduce laborers' loitering downtown—long a concern of local residents and business owners—and to facilitate employment. [" [http://www.arch.columbia.edu/Studio/Spring2003/UP/Brewster/recommendations.html Analysis & Recommendations] ". "Columbia University School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation". 2004.] "The immigrant laborer community is a vital aspect of the overall workforce diversity and a source of economic vitality in the Village," the plan's authors argued. "This vitality can be harnessed and enhanced through investments in the laborer community. The principal way to achieve this goal is to create an employment center at a central and accessible location in the Village."Brewster Master Plan. [http://www.brewstervillage-ny.gov/ Brewster Master Plan, Chapter 10] . Retrieved June 16, 2008] . In addition to aiding laborers in the job attainment process, the plan's authors also suggested that the center could provide training opportunities for workers, language classes, social services, transportation and help with housing placements for all members of the Brewster community.

Support for the proposal among local residents was mixed, however.Risinit, Michael. " [http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?s_site=thejournalnews&f_site=thejournalnews&f_sitename=Journal+News%2C+The+%28Westchester%2C+NY%29&p_theme=gannett&p_product=WJNB&p_action=search&p_field_base-0=&p_text_base-0=%22Day-laborer+plan+gets+few+supporters%22&Search=Search&p_perpage=10&p_maxdocs=200&p_queryname=700&s_search_type=keyword&p_sort=_rank_%3AD&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date%3AB%2CE&p_text_date-0= Day-laborer plan gets few supporters] ". "The Journal News". January 13, 2000.] Proponents argued that it would help the community by reducing undesired loitering by laborers and by providing much-needed services to day laborers and their families. Opponents argued that it was an inappropriate and possibly illegal use of public funds, since many laborers were undocumented immigrants. [O'Connor, Anahad. " [http://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/05/nyregion/nyregionspecial2/05webrew.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=In+Brewster+a+backlash+against+day+laborers&st=nyt&oref=slogin In Brewster, a Backlash Against Day Laborers] ". "New York Times". February 5, 2006.] [According to the nonpartisan [http://www.fairus.org/site/PageServer?pagename=iic_immigrationissuecenters192e Federation for American Immigration Reform] , laborer hiring centers are illegal under the 1986 Immigration Reduction and Control Act, however, they also exist in Los Angeles, California, as well as Glen Cove, Long Island] Believing it would enhance the local economy, Degnan supported the proposed center, but registered his opposition to illegal immigration by signing a petition which called on the federal government to take action to address the problem. [O'Connor, Anahad. " [http://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/05/nyregion/nyregionspecial2/05webrew.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=In+Brewster+a+backlash+against+day+laborers&st=nyt&oref=slogin In Brewster, a Backlash Against Day Laborers] ". "New York Times". February 5, 2006.]

The hiring center ultimately never got off the ground after the sites proposed by the village were rejected by the state in 2006 and when "Team Brewster's" plans for a privately-funded center also failed to gain approval from the proposed site's landlord. [Rojas, Marecla. " [http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?s_site=thejournalnews&f_site=thejournalnews&f_sitename=Journal+News%2C+The+%28Westchester%2C+NY%29&p_theme=gannett&p_product=WJNB&p_action=search&p_perpage=10&p_maxdocs=200&p_queryname=700&s_search_type=customized&p_text_base-0=Brewster+searches+anew+for+shelter&p_field_base-0=&p_bool_base-1=AND&p_text_base-1=&p_field_base-1=&p_bool_base-2=AND&p_text_base-2=&p_field_base-2=&p_sort=_rank_%3AD&p_text_YMD_date-0=&p_field_YMD_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_YMD_date-0=date%3AB%2CE&Search=Search Brewster searches anew for shelter] ". "The Journal News". May 30, 2006.] [Rojas, Marecla. " [http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?s_site=thejournalnews&f_site=thejournalnews&f_sitename=Journal+News%2C+The+%28Westchester%2C+NY%29&p_theme=gannett&p_product=WJNB&p_action=search&p_field_base-0=&p_text_base-0=%22Shelter+for+day+laborers+rejected%22&Search=Search&p_perpage=10&p_maxdocs=200&p_queryname=700&s_search_type=keyword&p_sort=_rank_%3AD&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date%3AB%2CE&p_text_date-0= Shelter for day laborers rejected] ". "The Journal News". April 3, 2006.] Despite the fact that the center was not going to get off the ground, in his 2007 state of the village address, Degnan reiterated his view that a hiring center would be an effective way to help the transient and needy, to improve public safety, and to enhance the local economy. Among Brewster residents, the debate continued as well. In July, Assemblyman Greg Ball organized a "Stop the Work Station" rally even though no hiring center was actually planned. [Rojas, Marcelas. " [http://immigration.lohudblogs.com/2008/05/08/state-assemblyman-gets-a-challenger/ State Assemblyman Gets a Challenger] ." "The Journal News". May 8, 2008.] It drew local residents to speak out on both sides of the issue. [Howard, Brian. " [http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070702/NEWS04/707020344 Rally in Brewster protests planned day laborer hiring site] ". "The Journal News". July 2, 2007.]

Affordable housing

As a part of his efforts to revitalize Brewster, in 2006, Degnan bid $1.9 million on behalf of the village for 50 Main Street, a rundown building on the village's main corridor. Degnan and then worked with State Senator Vincent L. Leibell and his Putnam Community Foundation, a nonprofit housing agency, to restore the building. [Rojas, Marcela. " [http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?s_site=thejournalnews&f_site=thejournalnews&f_sitename=Journal+News%2C+The+%28Westchester%2C+NY%29&p_theme=gannett&p_product=WJNB&p_action=search&p_field_base-0=&p_text_base-0=%22Brewster+pairs+with+Leibell+nonprofit+to+purchase+building%22&Search=Search&p_perpage=10&p_maxdocs=200&p_queryname=700&s_search_type=keyword&p_sort=_rank_%3AD&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date%3AB%2CE&p_text_date-0= Brewster pairs with Leibell nonprofit to purchase building] ". "The Journal News". July 24, 2006.] "It (the building) was one of the big elephants in the room. It reflected blight in the community," Degnan would later say, adding: "When you revitalize a community, you have to start with the housing stock." The restored building included both affordable housing for seniors and moderate-income families, as well as ground level retail space for commercial and village use.Rojas, Marcela. " [http://lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080617/NEWS04/806170376/-1/SPORTS Main Street senior housing set to open in Brewster] ". "The Journal News". June 17, 2008.]

Brewster police force

.]

The constable program began in May 2006, but was temporarily put on hold after the first day when the officers discovered that theirhand-held radios could not reach other agencies. [Rojas, Marcela. " [http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?s_site=thejournalnews&f_site=thejournalnews&f_sitename=Journal+News%2C+The+%28Westchester%2C+NY%29&p_theme=gannett&p_product=WJNB&p_action=search&p_field_base-0=&p_text_base-0=%22Brewster%27s+constables+stalled+by+radio+glitch%22&Search=Search&p_perpage=10&p_maxdocs=200&p_queryname=700&s_search_type=keyword&p_sort=_rank_%3AD&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date%3AB%2CE&p_text_date-0= Brewster's constables stalled by radio glitch] ". "The Journal News". June 17, 2006.] Several months later, with new radios in hand, the program was reinitiated thanks to the donation of a used police vehicle which boosted their communications capabilities. [Rojas, Marcela. " [http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?s_site=thejournalnews&f_site=thejournalnews&f_sitename=Journal+News%2C+The+%28Westchester%2C+NY%29&p_theme=gannett&p_product=WJNB&p_action=search&p_field_base-0=&p_text_base-0=%22revs+up+constable+program%22&Search=Search&p_perpage=10&p_maxdocs=200&p_queryname=700&s_search_type=keyword&p_sort=_rank_%3AD&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date%3AB%2CE&p_text_date-0= Car revs up constable program] ". "The Journal News". July 16, 2006.]

The officers soon became concerned that they were not authorized to carry firearms, and temporarily stopped reporting to work in protest. [Rojas, Marcela. " [http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?s_site=thejournalnews&f_site=thejournalnews&f_sitename=Journal+News%2C+The+%28Westchester%2C+NY%29&p_theme=gannett&p_product=WJNB&p_action=search&p_field_base-0=&p_text_base-0=%22Brewster+Police+Department+opens+up+Main+Street+headquarters%22&Search=Search&p_perpage=10&p_maxdocs=200&p_queryname=700&s_search_type=keyword&p_sort=_rank_%3AD&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date%3AB%2CE&p_text_date-0= Brewster Police Department opens up Main Street headquarters] ". "The Journal News". March 14, 2007.] Degnan initially resisted arming the officers, stating: "We're hearing that the professional police officers feel that the gun is mandatory. Right now, show us results with enforcing quality-of-life issues. Later we can talk about the evolution of the constabulary force." [Rojas, Marcela. " [http://www.thehighroad.org/archive/index.php/t-214850.html Brewster denies village constables' request for guns] ". "The Journal News". August 9, 2006.] But following several high profile crimes in late 2006, Degnan changed his view. The officers were then armed and the constables officially became the Brewster Police department. [Rojas, Marcela. " [http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?s_site=thejournalnews&f_site=thejournalnews&f_sitename=Journal+News%2C+The+%28Westchester%2C+NY%29&p_theme=gannett&p_product=WJNB&p_action=search&p_field_base-0=&p_text_base-0=%22Revival+of+Brewster+Police+Department+welcomed%22&Search=Search&p_perpage=10&p_maxdocs=200&p_queryname=700&s_search_type=keyword&p_sort=_rank_%3AD&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date%3AB%2CE&p_text_date-0= Revival of Brewster Police Department welcomed] ". "The Journal News". December 8, 2006.]

Water rates

In the spring of 2006, in an effort to raise money for a $7.5 million overhaul of the village water system, the Brewster Village board of trustees approved a new rate structure for the village's water system designed to shift the cost burden toward high-usage customers. As a result of the new structure, most residents went from paying a flat rate of $600 a year to a fee based on suage. The new rate structure resulted in higher rates for many local businesses, whose owners protested the change as well as the fact it was retroactively applied. [Rojas, Marcela. " [http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?s_site=thejournalnews&f_site=thejournalnews&f_sitename=Journal+News%2C+The+%28Westchester%2C+NY%29&p_theme=gannett&p_product=WJNB&p_action=search&p_field_base-0=&p_text_base-0=%22Hefty+water+bills+have+some+in+Brewster+grousing%22&Search=Search&p_perpage=10&p_maxdocs=200&p_queryname=700&s_search_type=keyword&p_sort=_rank_%3AD&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date%3AB%2CE&p_text_date-0= Hefty water bills have some in Brewster grousing] ". "The Journal News". May 23, 2007.] Amid the furor, officials determined that applying the new rates retroactively was illegal, and as a result, the village sent out revised bills correcting the error, prompting Degnan to respond: "We simply made a mistake and we apologized to the community." [Scharfenberg, David. " [http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9906E4DF1330F93BA35753C1A9609C8B63 A Furor in Putnam Over Water Rates] ". "New York Times". October 8, 2006.] The new fee structure went into effect in 2007 and allowed the village to raise more than $1 million in revenues to put towards a new water and sewer system for the village. [" [http://www.brewstervillage-ny.gov/docs/2008-2009%20Budget/Village%20of%20Brewster%20Adopted%20Budget%20FY2009.pdf Village of Brewster Adopted Budget FY2009] ". "Village of Brewster". Retrieved May 14, 2008.]

Immigration issues

Rquote|right|"Our policies for enhanced quality of life are applied to all members of our community without regard to race, ethnicity or creed, so that we can ensure the health, safety and welfare of all. Faced with many challenges, including illegal immigration, our daily community life can only be enhanced by harmonious, humane approaches that remain within the law."|John Degnan|State of the Village, 2007 Stating his belief that "the Federal Government is the only branch of government empowered to enforce immigration laws", Degnan secured assurances from US Immigration Enforcement officials and special agents that they would "only pursue illegals who commit serious crime".Mayor John A. Degnan. " [http://www.brewstervillage-ny.gov/docs/STATE%20OF%20THE%20VILLAGE%202006.html State of the Village Address, 2007] ". Village of Brewster, New York. June 6, 2007.] Degnan also later announced that the village of Brewster would be one of the first communities in the state to participate in the Immigration and Nationality Act Section 287(g) that provides training for local law enforcement officers to work as ICE agents and file immigration violation charges. [McCune, Marianne. " [http://www.wnyc.org/news/articles/85612 Brewster Plans to Enforce Immigration Laws] ". "WYNC". September 14, 2007.] [Rae, Leah. " [http://lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008805090404 Outcry grows over deportation powers] ". "The Journal News". May 9, 2008.]

Seeking to make it easier for local law enforcement officials to identify and deal with undocumented immigrants guilty of committing quality-of-life infractions, in 2007, Degnan invited an official from the Guatemalan consulate to the village to discuss providing local undocumented immigrants with photo IDs issued by their country of origin. "A photo ID issued by the country of origin - not at taxpayer expense - would go a long way in helping us enforce violations from indecent behavior to trespass and even public disturbance," Degnan would later say. [Gross, Eric. " [http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18683119&BRD=1708&PAG=461&dept_id=72445&rfi=6 Retired federal agent opposes issuing ID cards to illegal aliens] ". " [http://www.putnamcountycourier.com Putnam County Courier] ". August 10, 2007.] He ultimately cancelled the invitation, however, when his opponent for Southeast town supervisor, Michael Rights, assailed him for being "soft" on illegal immigration. [Gross, Eric. " [http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18683119&BRD=1708&PAG=461&dept_id=72445&rfi=6 Retired federal agent opposes issuing ID cards to illegal aliens] ". " [http://www.putnamcountycourier.com Putnam County Courier] ". August 10, 2007.] Given the contentious and vitriolic nature of the supervisor race, Degnan said he was concerned how a Guatemalan diplomat would have been treated by Rights and others had one visited: "Given the tactics of this campaign, I was concerned about how some in our community may have treated a senior diplomat of a foreign country. A spate of race related crimes in greater Brewster have been attributed directly to the inflammatory political rhetoric of one group of candidates. I ask these men to stop the lies and recognize that their words have led to criminal activity." [Gross, Eric. " [http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18683119&BRD=1708&PAG=461&dept_id=72445&rfi=6 Retired federal agent opposes issuing ID cards to illegal aliens] ". " [http://www.putnamcountycourier.com Putnam County Courier] ". August 10, 2007.]

2007 Campaign for Southeast supervisor

The disagreement over the documentation issue was but one flare up in a race for Southeast town supervisor that centered on illegal immigration. After losing the Republican primary to Michael Rights, who had the backing of Assemblyman Greg Ball, Degnan received the Democratic and Conservative parties' nominations for Southeast supervisor. [Rojas, Marcela. " [http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071025/NEWS04/710250397 Southeast candidates square off on town issues] ". "The Journal News". October 25, 2007.] [Applebome, Peter. " [http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/11/nyregion/11towns.html?ref=nyregion When an Election Becomes a Forum on Immigration] ". "New York Times". November 11, 2007.]

During the campaign, Rights ran on an aggressive anti-illegal immigrant platform and accused Degnan of not doing enough while Brewster mayor to address the issue. "The Journal News" called Right's campaign "dangerous" and "a macabre cartoon of fear-mongering over illegal immigrants and blithe lies about his opponents." [Applebome, Peter. " [http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/11/nyregion/11towns.html?ref=nyregion When an Election Becomes a Forum on Immigration] ". "New York Times". November 11, 2007.] Degnan additionally blamed a series of allegedly racially-charged crimes during the campaign on what he referred to as Right's "inflammatory, self-serving political rhetoric." [Rojas, Marcela. " [http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?s_site=thejournalnews&f_site=thejournalnews&f_sitename=Journal+News%2C+The+%28Westchester%2C+NY%29&p_theme=gannett&p_product=WJNB&p_action=search&p_field_base-0=&p_text_base-0=%22Candidate+blames+crimes+on+rival%22&Search=Search&p_perpage=10&p_maxdocs=200&p_queryname=700&s_search_type=keyword&p_sort=_rank_%3AD&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date%3AB%2CE&p_text_date-0= Candidate blames crimes on rival] ". "The Journal News". August 3, 2007.] He also criticized Rights' campaign for making robocalls to voters falsely stating that Degnan had begun issuing ID cards to illegal aliens, even though Degnan never had. [Rojas, Marcela. " [http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?s_site=thejournalnews&f_site=thejournalnews&f_sitename=Journal+News%2C+The+%28Westchester%2C+NY%29&p_theme=gannett&p_product=WJNB&p_action=search&p_field_base-0=&p_text_base-0=%22Southeast+supervisor+candidate%27s+robocalls+inflame+immigration+issue%22&Search=Search&p_perpage=10&p_maxdocs=200&p_queryname=700&s_search_type=keyword&p_sort=_rank_%3AD&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date%3AB%2CE&p_text_date-0= Southeast supervisor candidate's robocalls inflame immigration issue] ". "The Journal News". August 1, 2007.]

Other major issues in the campaign included a sewage treatment plant for Southeast, property taxes, and the widening of Route 22. [Applebome, Peter. " [http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/11/nyregion/11towns.html?ref=nyregion When an Election Becomes a Forum on Immigration] ". "New York Times". November 11, 2007.]

Election day brought an inconclusive result with Rights leading Degnan by eight votes. A court fight was waged and recount commissioned. [Risinit, Michael. " [http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071121/NEWS04/711210346 Southeast supervisor hopefuls appear poised for court; vote results likely delayed] ". "The Journal News". November 21, 2007.] During the legal wrangling, Rights hired a private investigator to interview absentee voters to determine whether their ballots were in fact legitimate, and leveled accusations that Degnan supporters voted twice in Southeast and the incorporated village of Brewster. [Rojas, Marcela. " [http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071116/NEWS04/711160382 Private eye raises ire of voters in Southeast] ". "The Journal News". November 16, 2007.] [Risinit, Michael. " [http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071120/NEWS04/711200348 Rights keeps lead in Southeast supervisor race] ". "The Journal News". November 20, 2007.] Degnan also filed legal challenges to his opponent's absentee ballots. Despite the legal wrangling, in the end, Rights still led Degnan by a nineteen vote margin and was declared the winner. [Risinit, Michael. " [http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071122/NEWS04/711220384 Rights relishes win in Southeast supervisor's race] ". "The Journal News". November 22, 2007.] [" [http://www.elections.state.ny.us:8080/plsql_browser/getfiler2?filerid_in=C32940 FRIENDS OF JOHN DEGNAN] ". " [http://www.elections.state.ny.us New York State Board of Elections] ". Retrieved on May 8, 2008.]

2008 Campaign for State Assembly

In May 2008, Degnan announced he was a candidate for the New York State Assembly in the 99th district against freshman incumbent Greg Ball. [Gross, Eric. " [http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19685889&BRD=1707&PAG=461&dept_id=72297&rfi=6 Degnan to challenge Ball in 99th Assembly District] ". " [http://pawlingnewschronicle.com Pawling News Chronicle] ". May 15, 2008.] Rojas, Marcela. " [http://immigration.lohudblogs.com/2008/05/08/state-assemblyman-gets-a-challenger/ State Assemblyman gets a challenger] ". "The Journal News". May 8, 2008.] Degnan acknowledged that he faced an "uphill battle", but promised to wage a "positive and upbeat campaign dealing with the issues".Gross, Eric. " [http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19687588&BRD=1708&PAG=461&dept_id=72445&rfi=6 Degnan aims to kick out Ball] ". " [http://putnamcountycourier.com Putnam County Courier] ". May 15, 2008.] "It's evident. People want change. People are tired of the fear tactics imposed by the incumbent who is nothing more than a bully," Degnan said in June 2008 at a campaign stop in Somers, New York, as he outlined his rationale for running. "Mr. Ball sponsored a bill for veterans and voted against the appropriation. His stand against illegal immigration did not result in a single reform, just divisive politics perpetuated to divide and conquer. I promise to go to Albany and work on cutting waste and cutting taxes."

Although Ball had made his Republican affiliation a cornerstone of his political identity, after announcing his intention to run, Degnan was unanimously endorsed by the Southeast Republican Committee, and won the Putnam County Republican Committee's backing by a vote of 97-50. [Risnit, Michael. " [http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080524/NEWS01/805240369/1231/NEWS0403 Putnam GOP endorses Degnan over Ball] ". "The Journal News". May 24, 2008.] The Westchester Republican Committee narrowly endorsed Ball over Degnan, while the Pawling Republican Committee--the only Dutchess GOP committee in the 99th Assembly District--chose not to endorse either candidate. [Gross, Eric. " [http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19764074&BRD=1708&PAG=461&dept_id=72445&rfi=6 Degnan's support growing in his bid to unseat Assemblyman Ball] ." "Putnam County Courier." June 12, 2008.] [Risinit, Michael. " [http://lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008805170354 Ball fails to get Pawling GOP backing] ". "The Journal News". May 17, 2008.] Though a lifelong Republican, Degnan was also subsequently backed by the Putnam County Democratic Party Committees, and leading Democrats in Westchester County. [Gross, Eric. " [http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19764074&BRD=1708&PAG=461&dept_id=72445&rfi=6 Degnan's support growing in his bid to unseat Assemblyman Ball] ." "Putnam County Courier." June 12, 2008.]

The Democrats' cross-endorsement, coupled with Degnan's decision to run on the Democratic line (as well as on the Conservative line) for Southeast town supervisor in 2007, prompted the New York State [http://nyracc.org/index2.aspx Republican Assembly Campaign Committee] , which rarely involves itself in primary races, to announce it would support Ball. [" [http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2008/05/19/ball-has-a-friend-in-racc/ RACC’S GOT GREG BALL’S BACK] ". "New York State [http://nyracc.org/index2.aspx Republican Assembly Campaign Committee] ". May 19, 2008.] [Risinit, Michael. " [http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2008/05/19/ball-has-a-friend-in-racc/ Ball has a friend in RACC] ". "The Journal News". May 19, 2008.]

Degnan called himself a "proud Republican" but also a "man of inclusion" and said that he would seek as many positions on the ballot as he could. Degnan promised to work in Albany to "find ways of putting an energy policy together while dealing with escalating taxes as the local level and putting a cap on unfunded mandates." [Gross, Eric. " [http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19685889&BRD=1707&PAG=461&dept_id=72297&rfi=6 Degnan to challenge Ball in 99th Assembly District] ". " [http://pawlingnewschronicle.com Pawling News Chronicle] ". May 15, 2008.]

Degnan also received the endorsement of the Working Families Party, a third party which strives to "inject the issues of working-class, middle-class, and poor people—like jobs, health care, education, and housing—into the public debate, and hold candidates and elected officials accountable on those issues." [" [http://www.workingfamiliesparty.org/aboutus.php?show=smenu2 About Working Families] . The Working Families Party. Retrieved June 16, 2008] [Joseph Spector. " [http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2008/06/12/working-families-party-makes-143-state-endorsements/ Working Families Party Makes 143 State Endorsements] ". "The Journal News". June 12, 2008.] [" [http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/files/2008/06/wfpendorses.doc List of endorsements] ". "Working Families Party'. Retrieved June 12, 2008.] [ [http://www.workingfamiliesparty.org/issues.php?show=smenu4 Our Issues] The Working Families Party. Retrieved June 16, 2008.]

References