Politics & Government

White Plains Councilman Considers 89th Assembly Run

David Buchwald has served on the White Plains Common Council since 2010, and works in the tax department of the law firm of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, LLP representing businesses and pro bono clients in need of tax advice.

White Plains Common Councilmember David Buchwald says New York's future should include ethical, accessible government that enacts environmental protections, and offers solutions for economic vitality and curbing growing municipal and school district budgets.

He says he has the skill set to guide help guide the 89th Assembly District into this future. 

“I see government as playing a positive role in people's lives, not as a barrier that gets in the way,” said Buchwald, 33, a Democrat who has been on the council since 2010. “Government is and should be there not only to provide essential services, but also to assure a level playing field, educate our children, promote safe work places, protect our environment and fight discrimination of every kind.”

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Buchwald—who works in the tax department of the law firm of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, LLP representing businesses and pro bono clients in need of tax advice—says government has no place in personal life decisions of citizens.

“The Republican incumbent has it backwards,” said the councilman, who lives in Downtown White Plains. “His [Assemblyman Robert Castelli] vote against marriage equality and his failure to adequately support a woman's right-to-choose are simply out of touch with the district.”

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Though Buchwald isn’t officially running against the Republican incumbent for the 89th Assembly seatwhich White Plains public interest attorney Democrat  is also vying forhe said he is strongly considering it.

“I would run because of my belief that I can help people who turn to government in difficult times and deserve a government that is accessible, provides essential services, and can assist them to obtain the tools and skills they need to improve their lives and those of their families,” said Buchwald.

The councilman grew up in Larchmont, attending Mamaroneck Public Schools and has lived in White Plains for a decade—where his parents and sister, a psychologist at Westchester Medical Center, and her fiancé also reside.

He worked at NERA economics research firm, where he focused on antitrust economics, for three years after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in physics from Yale University. Buchwald also has a law degree from Harvard Law School and a masters of public policy from the John F. Kennedy School of Government. 

“I interned in a district attorney’s office and likewise gained experience in the legislative offices of Congresswoman Lowey and the Senate Science and Technology Caucus,” said Buchwald. “In short, I have an array of experience and education that I can draw on as issues arise in the Assembly.” 

Buchwald is a member and former corresponding secretary of the White Plains Democratic City Committee and a member of the White Plains Historical Society. He has also served as director of issues research for the successful George Latimer for Assembly campaign; was appointed by Governor David Paterson to serve as one of Westchester County’s representatives on the Metro-North Railroad Commuter Council (MNRCC); and is currently the MNRCC's chairman.

Buchwald said he’s ready to tackle the New York’s biggest issues that concern residents including the economy, as well as the state, municipal and school district budgets.

“We need to accomplish real mandate relief and I am committed to that task, because I have seen how state laws are often the biggest obstacle to saving money,” said Buchwald.

Buchwald says he has a history of supporting government ethics, enhancing the environment, fiscal responsibility and promoting efficient and accessible transportation in White Plains. 

“Those issues are essential to restoring the economic vitality of New York State and our region, as well as the reputation of Albany,” said Buchwald.

“There also are specific concerns affecting individual towns in the district, and that is why I am spending time talking to community leaders and getting their perspective on what is needed from their representative in Albany.”

To learn more about Councilman David Buchwald visit davidbuchwald.com


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