This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Where's Laurie Cumbo's Letter to REBNY to Cease and Desist? Asking Again.

     Dear Readers, Ursula Hegewisch and Jafia Lieberman,
     Thank you for reading my news brief, "Where's Laurie Cumbo's Letter to REBNY to Cease and Desist?"  It's a simple question -- which neither of you touched.
     I pose the question sincerely because it would quiet those who doubt such a letter exists, was ever written, ever sent.  Publication of the letter would silence the skeptics.  
     When REBNY/JOBS4NEWYORK announced their plans to buy their way onto the City Council, and when Laurie Cumbo first learned -- surprise! -- she was one of 19 candidates they picked to win, why didn't she immediately call a press conference to read her letter of denunciation of their crude, unauthorized attempt to corrupt her maiden campaign with hundreds of thousands of dollars?  You could argue that REBNY/JOBS4NEWYORK really wanted to knock her out of contention because she was steaming along, running a very steady and well-tuned race before REBNY's pay to play hit in the media.  
     Since then Ms. Cumbo has lamented the money gushing around her.  She says it has hurt her and that she has no power to stop it.  Threatening a lawsuit would have been a good beginning.  If my name and image were appropriated without permission, I'd go after whoever had taken them.  I would send a Cease and Desist letter -- or else.  One's good name is priceless: I would be outraged if a cutthroat organization like REBNY had put a price on mine, and if I were running for office I would be outraged to have a price put on my campaign.  I would immediately hold a press conference and read my cease and desist letter for REBNY and all the world, all the voters in the 35th District, to know.  It would be a nasty letter.
    We know Laurie Cumbo didn't do that.  The question remains, did she QUIETLY write a letter to REBNY to stop?  If so, let's see it.
     The statement in the Patch is all anyone has ever seen of Laurie's "repudiation" of REBNY.  A wink and a nod.  Didn't affect REBNY.  The money has kept coming.
     Ursula, there's no question that Laurie has a string of impressive accomplishments to her name and she's right to be running on them.  On the stump she refers to herself as a "doer" not a "talker."  I think we all agree:  She has proven she can gets things done, admirably succeeds where others would have given up.  Yet she can't do anything against REBNY?  Can't do anything to stop these unscrupulous manipulators from contaminating her good name and clean campaign?
     I am puzzled, though, when you say, "Laurie Cumbo is not in the pocket of ANY Real Estate, period...She was the frontrunner...The Real Estate industry has huge interests in the district and decided to direct their PAC money at the frontrunner."  I doubt I'm the only one who finds your statements inconsistent.  
    Not sure what you're talking about, either, Jaifa.  Where's the "hatred?"  Pointing out the facts or questioning lack of same is not "hatred," but rather simple questing for solid information.  The kind sincere voters can take to the ballot box. 
    Thank you again for your insights.
    Sincerely,
    Schellie Hagan 
     

       

     
     
     
     

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Fort Greene-Clinton Hill