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			{{short description\|American politician (born 1955)}}
	<!-- Metadata: see ] -->
			{{For\|his father\|Willis H. Stephens}}
	{{Infobox_Politician
			{{Infobox officeholder
	\| name = Willis Stephens Jr.
			\| name = Willis Stephens
	\| image = STEPHENS3.jpg\|200px
			\| image = STEPHENS3.jpg
	\| imagesize = 200px
	\| birth_date = 1955		\| birth_date = {{birth date and age\|November 22, 1955}}
	\| birth_place = ]		\| birth_place = ], U.S.
	\| residence =		\| residence =
	\| death_date =		\| death_date =
	\| death_place =		\| death_place =
			\| state_assembly = New York
	\| office = Assemblyman, 99th District (1994-2006)
			\| district = ]
	\| salary =
	\| term_start = ~~1994~~		\| term_start = 1995
	\| term_end = 2006		\| term_end = 2006
	\| predecessor = ]		\| predecessor = ]
	\| successor = ]		\| successor = ]
			\| party = ]
	\| constituency =
	\| office2 =
	\| salary2 =
	\| term_start2 =
	\| term_end2 =
	\| predecessor2 =
	\| successor2 =
	\| constituency2 =
	\| office3 =
	\| salary3 =
	\| term_start3 =
	\| term_end3 =
	\| predecessor3 =
	\| successor3 =
	\| constituency3 =
	\| party =
	\| religion =
	\| occupation = Lawyer
	\| majority =
	\| spouse = Ginny Stephens		\| spouse = Ginny Stephens
	\| children = 3		\| children = 3
			\| education = ] (])<br>] (])
	\| website =
	\| footnotes =
	}}		}}
	'''Willis “Will” Stephens Jr.''' (born 1955) was a ] that represented the ] in the ]. After serving in the Assembly for twelve years, Stephens was defeated in the ] by Assemblyman ] and lost the Republican nomination. He was one of only three Republicans in the Assembly to be endorsed by ].<ref name="two">{{

			'''Willis''' "'''Will'''" '''Stephens Jr.''' (born November 22, 1955) is an American attorney and former ] who represented the ] in the ]. After serving in the Assembly for twelve years, Stephens was defeated in the September 2006 primary by Assemblyman ] and lost the Republican nomination. He was one of only three Republicans in the Assembly to be endorsed by ].<ref>{{Cite news\|url=http://www.ppany.com/endorsements/index.cfm\|publisher=ppany.com\|title=Planned Parenthood Endorsements\|date=October 3, 2005}}</ref>
	Cite news
	\|url= http://www.ppany.com/endorsements/index.cfm Planned Parenthood of NY Endorsements
	\|publisher=Planned Parenthood
	\|title=Planned Parenthood Endorsements
	\|date=October 3, 2005

			== Early life and education ==
	}}</ref> Mr. Stephens, his wife, Ginny, and their three children reside in ].
			Stephens was born in ]. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in government and political studies from ] and a ] from the ].<ref name="bio">{{Cite web \|title=Willis Stephens, Jr.'s Biography \|url=https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/biography/4395/willis-stephens-jr \|access-date=2022-07-06 \|website=Vote Smart}}</ref>

			==Career==
	==Political career and background==
			Stephens served on the ], ], and the ]s. The former Assemblyman has drawn heavy criticism from ] groups due to his endorsements from traditionally liberal leaning organizations such as the ], ] (American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations), ] (NYSUT), ], and EANY (Environmental Advocates of New York).<ref>{{Cite news\|url=http://www.newscopy.org/assemblyman_willis_stephens/index.html\|publisher=Newscopy.org\|title=Ball's Military Record Assailed\|date=June 2006}}</ref> While serving as a member of the Assembly ] Committee, Stephens was cited by ] groups after using campaign contributions for personal expenses, including a ] for a children's party.<ref>{{Cite news\|url=http://www.gannett.com/go/newswatch/2005/april/westchestercash.htm\|publisher=The Journal News\|title=Watchdogs say elections include questionable spending sprees\|date=April 2005}}</ref>

			On September 12, 2006, in the ] Primary for New York's 99th district, Ball defeated Stephens with 71.14% (4,750 votes) to 28.86% (1,297 votes) for Stephens, the lowest vote total for any incumbent running for reelection to the State Assembly.<ref>{{Cite news\|url= http://www.ny1.com/ny/Election/2006primary/index.html?page_name=assembly\|publisher=NY1 News\|title=Primary 2006\|date=September 2006}}</ref>
	Assemblyman Stephens represented the 99th District of ] which encompasses the municipalities of ], ], ], ], ] and ], in ]; ], ], ], and ] in ]; and ] in ]. His family held the seat nearly continuously for eighty years: his grandfather, ], held this seat from 1926 to 1952; his father, ], held the seat from 1952 to 1982; and Stephens himself served from 1994 to 2006.

			Stephens claimed he had been the victim of a negative campaign, citing mailings that were distributed calling him a 'country-club liberal' and highlighting his close relationship with Assembly Speaker ]. However, Stephens himself drew criticism when he refused to repudiate a letter about challenger Greg Ball which falsely claimed Ball had received a dishonorable discharge from the United States Air Force. Stephens was also criticized heavily for not returning campaign contributions from indicted Connecticut trash magnate ].<ref>{{Cite news\|url= http://www.thejournalnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060913/NEWS02/609130362/1020/NEWS04\|publisher=The Journal News\|title=Ball Defeats incumbent Stephens for GOP Line in Assembly Race\|date=September 2006}}</ref>
	Stephens is a member of the law firm of Stephens and Charbonneau, in Brewster, New York. He was awarded a ] degree from ] school of Law in 1980 and received a ] degree from ] in 1977.

			Due to New York's ] system, the Assemblyman had vowed to remain in the race on the ] and ] lines. Ultimately, Stephens decided to withdraw from the race altogether, instead taking a nomination for Supreme Court Justice in Queens.<ref>{{Cite news\|url=http://www.newscopy.org/2006/09/99th_assembly_d.html\|publisher=Newscopy.org\|title=99th Assembly District Race - Now the Fun\|date=September 14, 2006}}</ref>
	Stephens served on on the ], ], and the ]s. The former Assemblyman has drawn heavy criticism from ] groups due to his endorsements from traditionally liberal leaning organizations such as the ], ], ], ], and EANY (Environmental Advocates of New York).<ref name=”three”>{{

	Cite news
	\|url= http://www.newscopy.org/assemblyman_willis_stephens/index.html
	\|publisher=Newscopy.org
	\|title=Ball's Military Record Assailed
	\|date=June 2006

	}}</ref> While serving as a member of the Assembly ] Committee, Stephens was cited by ] groups after using campaign contributions for personal expenses, including a ] for a children's ice cream party.<ref name=”four”>{{

	Cite news
	\|url= http://www.gannett.com/go/newswatch/2005/april/westchestercash.htm
	\|publisher=The Journal News
	\|title=Watchdogs say elections include questionable spending sprees
	\|date=April 2005

	}}</ref>

	For the first time since taking office in 1994, Stephens was involved in a heated ] ] for the Republican ] in the ] mounted by opponent Greg Ball—a retired ] Captain put on the ballot by the submission of about 1800 petition signatures.

	On ], ], in the ] Primary for New York's 99th District, Ball defeated Stephens with 71.14% (4,750 votes) to 28.86% (1,297 votes) for Stephens, the lowest vote total for any incumbent running for reelection to the State Assembly.<ref name=”four”>{{

	Cite news
	\|url= http://www.ny1.com/ny/Election/2006primary/index.html?page_name=assembly
	\|publisher=NY1 News
	\|title=Primary 2006
	\|date=September 2006

	}}</ref>

	Stephens claimed he had been the victim of a negative campaign, citing mailings that were distributed calling him a 'country-club liberal' and hilighting his close relationship with Assembly Speaker ]. However, Stephens himself drew criticism when he refused to repudiate a letter about challenger Greg Ball which falsely claimed Mr. Ball had received a dishonorable discharge from the United States Air Force. Stephens was also criticised heavily for not returning campaign contributions from indicted Connecticut trash magnate ].<ref name=”five”>{{Cite news
	\|url= http://www.thejournalnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060913/NEWS02/609130362/1020/NEWS04
	\|publisher=The Journal News
	\|title=Ball Defeats incumbent Stephens for GOP Line in Assembly Race
	\|date=September 2006}}</ref>

	Due to New York's ] system, the Assemblyman had vowed to remain in the race on the ] and ] lines. Ultimately, Stephens decided to withdraw from the race altogether, instead taking a nomination for Supreme Court Justice in Queens.<ref>{{Cite news
	\|url= http://www.newscopy.org/2006/09/99th_assembly_d.html
	\|publisher=Newscopy.org
	\|title=99th Assembly District Race - Now the Fun
	\|date=September 14, 2006}}</ref>

	==Controversy==		==Controversy==
	==="Pontificating idiots" email===		==="Pontificating idiots" email===
			In June 2005, Stephens sent an email to a discussion group, or "]" that focuses on the community of Brewster. He thought the message was going to Beth Coursen, an aide in his Assembly district office.<ref>{{Cite news\|url=http://www.unexplained-mysteries.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=44685\|publisher=Associated Press\|title=Politician Tells Voters They're Idiots\|date=June 30, 2005}}</ref> Instead he sent his reply to all subscribers, referring to them as pontificating idiots.<ref>{{Cite news\|url=http://www.ball4ny.com/pdffiles/pressjune29_5.pdf\|publisher=New York Post\|title=POL RIPS VOTERS IN MASS E-MAIL SLIP\|date=June 30, 2005}}</ref>

			The discussion group, called "Brewster10509", has a web site describing what the list is for. Members are free to post anything that has to do with government, education, community organizations and a host of other things related to Brewster and the surrounding Town of Southeast.<ref>{{Cite news\|url=http://www.ball4ny.com/pdffiles/press_july1.pdf
	]In June of 2005, Stephens sent an email to a discussion group, or "]" that focuses on the community of Brewster. He thought the message was going to Beth Coursen, an aide in his Assembly district office.<ref name=”seven”>{{
			\|work=Washington Post\|title='Hey Morons, I'm sorry ... '\|date=June 30, 2005}}</ref> After realizing his mistake, he issued an apology to the users of the message board to which he said, "In fact, now I most closely resemble the type of poster I described."<ref>{{Cite news\|url= http://www.ball4ny.com/pdffiles/pressjune29_2.pdf\|publisher=Fox News\|title=Politician tells voters they're idiots\|date=June 30, 2005}}</ref>

			'''Text of Stephens' email'''<ref>{{Cite news\|url=http://www.thejournalnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050629/NEWS02/506290367/1017\|publisher=The Journal News\|title=Errant e-mail post from assemblyman calls Brewster villagers 'idiots'\|date=June 29, 2005}}</ref>
	Cite news
	\|url=http://www.unexplained-mysteries.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=44685
	\|publisher=Associated Press
	\|title=Politician Tells Voters They’re Idiots
	\|date=June 30, 2005

			{{blockquote\|''Re: Comments on Stephens Campaign Website''
	}}</ref> Instead he sent his reply to all subscribers, referring to them as pontificating idiots.<ref name=”eight”>{{

			more interesting crap.
	Cite news
	\|url= http://www.ball4ny.com/pdffiles/pressjune29_5.pdf
	\|publisher=New York Post
	\|title=IDIOT POL RIPS VOTERS IN MASS E-MAIL SLIP
	\|date=June 30, 2005

			I'm "on" 10509 to monitor what is going on in Brewster. I do not post anymore. Just watching the idiots pontificate. Keeping informed is important and it also gives me a window to what ] and some of his supporters are thinking.
	}}</ref>

			Let me know how you think we should proceed with the website. I'd like to get it up and running before too long and don't want to hurt Michele and Jay ... I like them and they are talented. Maybe a collaboration of some sort? I'll let you be my guide.
	The discussion group, called "Brewster10509", has a web site describing what the list is for. Members are free to post anything that has to do with government, education, community organizations and a host of other things related to Brewster and the surrounding Town of Southeast.<ref name=”nine”>{{

			What's the scuttlebutt on the election ... is Hauser circulating a Conservative ] ... are you going to do an opportunity to ballot on the "D" line? How about an independent line ... like the Save Pawling Party or "Chicks with Balls Party" or some such thing?
	Cite news
	\|url=http://www.ball4ny.com/pdffiles/press_july1.pdf Washington Post
	\|publisher=Washington Post
	\|title='Hey Morons, I'm sorry...'
	\|date=June 30, 2005

			If it is really hot tomorrow you are welcome to come for a swim (a suit would be appropriate :0 ) ... I don't think I'm around this weekend for Guinans ... sounds like a blast though.
	}}</ref> After realizing his mistake, he issued an apology to the users of the message board to which he said, "In fact, now I most closely resemble the type of poster I described."<ref name=”ten”>{{

			Got pozzi's announcement in the AM and then its back to the Law Office ... I feel like I've been away for a month!
	Cite news
	\|url= http://www.ball4ny.com/pdffiles/pressjune29_2.pdf
	\|publisher=Fox News
	\|title=Politician tells voters they’re idiots
	\|date=June 30, 2005

			Later,
	}}</ref>

	'''Text of Stephen’s Email'''<ref name=”eleven”>{{

	Cite news
	\|url=http://www.thejournalnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050629/NEWS02/506290367/1017/
	\|publisher=The Journal News
	\|title=Errant e-mail post from assemblyman calls Brewster villagers ‘idiots’
	\|date=June 29, 2005

	}}</ref>

	{{Quotation\|''Re: Comments on Stephens Campaign Website''<br/>
	<br/>
	more interesting crap.<br/>
	<br/>
	I'm "on" 10509 to monitor what is going on in Brewster. I do not post anymore. Just watching the idiots pontificate. Keeping informed is important and it also gives me a window to what ] and some of his supporters are thinking.<br/>
	<br/>
	Let me know how you think we should proceed with the website. I'd like to get it up and running before too long and don't want to hurt Michele and Jay ... I like them and they are talented. Maybe a collaboration of some sort? I'll let you be my guide.<br/>
	<br/>
	What's the scuttlebutt on the election ... is Hauser circulating a Conservative ] ... are you going to do an opportunity to ballot on the "D" line? How about an independent line ... like the Save Pawling Party or "Chicks with Balls Party" or some such thing?<br/>
	<br/>
	If it is really hot tomorrow you are welcome to come for a swim (a suit would be appropriate :0 ) ... I don't think I'm around this weekend for Guinans ... sounds like a blast though.<br/>
	<br/>
	Got pozzi's announcement in the AM and then its back to the Law Office .... I feel like I've been away for a month!<br/>
	<br/>
	Later,<br/>
	Will}}		Will}}

			Assemblyman Stephens apologized publicly to the members of the group as well as the entire district.<ref>{{Cite news\|url=http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050629/NEWS01/506290323\|publisher=Poughkeepsie Journal\|title=E-mail gaffe leaves lawmaker red-faced\|date=June 29, 2005}}</ref>
	Stephens' e-mail also included what some might consider to be ] remarks directed towards his intended recipient, Coursen.<ref name=”twelve”>{{

	Cite news
	\|url= http://www.ball4ny.com/pdffiles/pressjune29_1.pdf
	\|publisher=WSMTV
	\|title= Assemblyman's wayward email refers to voters as idiots
	\|date=June 30, 2005

	}}</ref>
	"If it is really hot tomorrow you are welcome to come for a swim (a suit would be appropriate :0) ..." he added. Assemblyman Stephens apologized publicly to the members of the group as well as the entire district.<ref name=”thirteen”>{{

	Cite news
	\|url= http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050629/NEWS01/506290323
	\|publisher= Poughkeepsie Journal
	\|title=E-mail gaffe leaves lawmaker red-faced
	\|date=June 29, 2005

	}}</ref>

	===Putnam victory fund===		===Putnam victory fund===
	]Stephens, who also serves as the legal counsel to the town of Southeast, New York, drew heavy criticism after accepting $9,355 from trash magnate, convicted ] and reputed mob boss ], who was in turn awarded a 1.5 million ~~dollar~~ no-bid garbage contract by the town board on Stephens' recommendation.<ref ~~name=”fourteen”~~>{{		Stephens, who also serves as the legal counsel to the town of ], drew heavy criticism after accepting $9,355 from trash magnate, convicted ] and reputed mob boss ], who was in turn awarded a $1.5 million no-bid garbage contract by the town board on Stephens' recommendation.<ref>{{Cite news\|url=http://ncnlocal.com/archives/archives_2006/8-23-06/topstory.htm\|publisher=North County News\|title=Ball Fires at Will\|date=August 23, 2006}}</ref>

			Assemblyman Stephens refused to make public a copy of the secret memo recommending that Galante's contract be renewed for a record $1.5 million without allowing public bids even as Galante had been recently arrested under the Federal ] (RICO), stating that "hat's a legal opinion that is a matter of ]. It's not subject to the New York Freedom of Information Law ... it would be up to the town, not , whether to release the memo."<ref>{{Cite news\|url=http://www.thejournalnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060823/NEWS02/608230309/1026/NEWS10\|publisher= The Journal News\|title=Ball assails Stephens over Southeast trash contract\|date=August 23, 2006}}</ref>
	Cite news
	\|url= http://ncnlocal.com/archives/archives_2006/8-23-06/topstory.htm
	\|publisher= North County News
	\|title=Ball Fires at Will
	\|date=August 23, 2006

			According to the '']'', "Willis H. Stephens, Jr. has received millions of tax dollars in aggregate payments as Southeast's municipal counsel for more than ten years. In 2005 alone, Southeast taxpayers paid Stephens, Jr. an estimated $190,000 for legal work, which included legal work involving a no-bid municipal contract worth an estimated $1.5 million tax dollars to an admitted felon at that time under investigation by Federal law enforcement authorities for alleged racketeering. Although Southeast taxpayers paid Stephens, Jr. for legal work, although pertinent Southeast garbage contract negotiations ceased nearly a year ago, although Southeast taxpayers are bound today under contract terms negotiated by Stephens, Jr. and the Southeast Town Board with a major campaign contributor presently under Federal indictment for alleged racketeering, Stephens, Jr. asserts that taxpayers have no right to see his legal work."<ref>{{Cite news\|url=http://neighbors.newstimeslive.com/opinion/edit.php?id=1011167\|publisher=Danbury News Times\|title=Secrecy is not best reaction to Federal Investigation\|date=August 24, 2006}}</ref>
	}}</ref>

			Galante, who was previously convicted of tax evasion and arrested in June for allegedly conspiring with organized crime to prevent competition in the garbage business in Connecticut, was accused of donating to a ] which laundered money to several politicians who may have used their influence to award contracts to Galante's trash hauling business.<ref>{{Cite news\|url=http://www.newstimeslive.com/news/story.php?id=1011109\|publisher=Danbury News Times\|title=Galante an issue in NY election\|date=August 23, 2006}}</ref>
	Assemblyman Stephens refused to provide a copy of the secret memo recommending that Galante's contract be renewed for a record 1.5 million dollars without allowing public bids even as Galante had been recently arrested under the Federal ] act, stating that "hat's a legal opinion that is a matter of ]. It's not subject to the New York Freedom of Information Law ...it would be up to the town, not , whether to release the memo."<ref name=”fifteen”>{{

			== Personal life ==
	Cite news
			Stephens, his wife, Ginny, and their three children reside in ].<ref name="bio"/>
	\|url=
	http://www.thejournalnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060823/NEWS02/608230309/1026/NEWS10
	\|publisher= The Journal News
	\|title=Ball assails Stephens over Southeast trash contract
	\|date=August 23, 2006

			==See also==
	}}</ref>
			*]

	According to the '']'', "Willis H. Stephens, Jr. has received millions of tax dollars in aggregate payments as Southeast's municipal counsel for more than ten years. In 2005 alone, Southeast taxpayers paid Stephens, Jr. an estimated $190,000 for legal work, which included legal work involving a no-bid municipal contract worth an estimated $1.5 million tax dollars to an admitted felon at that time under investigation by Federal law enforcement authorities for alleged racketeering. Although Southeast taxpayers paid Stephens, Jr. for legal work, although pertinent Southeast garbage contract negotiations ceased nearly a year ago, although Southeast taxpayers are bound today under contract terms negotiated by Stephens, Jr. and the Southeast Town Board with a major campaign contributor presently under Federal indictment for alleged racketeering, Stephens, Jr. asserts that taxpayers have no right to see his legal work."<ref name=”sixteen”>{{

	Cite news
	\|url= http://neighbors.newstimeslive.com/opinion/edit.php?id=1011167
	\|publisher= Danbury News Times
	\|title=Secrecy is not best reaction to Federal Investigation
	\|date=August 24, 2006

	}}</ref>

	Galante, who was previously convicted of tax evasion and arrested in June for allegedly conspiring with organized crime to prevent competition in the garbage business in Connecticut, was accused of donating to a PAC (]) which laundered money to several politicians who may have used their influence to award contracts to Galante's trash hauling business.<ref name=”seventeen”>{{

	Cite news
	\|url= http://www.newstimeslive.com/news/story.php?id=1011109
	\|publisher= Danbury News Times
	\|title=Galante an issue in NY election
	\|date=August 23, 2006

	}}</ref>

	==References==		==References==
	{{reflist}}		{{reflist}}

	== See also ==
	*]

	==External links==		==External links==
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	{{start ~~box~~}}		{{s-start}}
			{{s-par\|us-ny-hs}}
	{{succession box\|title=]\|before=]\|years=1995–2002\|after=] }}
	{{succession box\|title=]\|before=]\|years=~~2003–2006~~\|after=] }}		{{succession box\|title=Member of the ]<br>from the ] district\|before=]\|years=1995–2002\|after=] }}
			{{succession box\|title=Member of the ]<br>from the ] district\|before=]\|years=2003–2006\|after=] }}
	{{end box}}
			{{s-end}}

	{{Persondata
	\|NAME = Stephens, Willis
	\|ALTERNATIVE NAMES = Stephens, Will; Stephens Jr., Willis
	\|SHORT DESCRIPTION = Politician
	\|DATE OF BIRTH = ]
	\|PLACE OF BIRTH = ]
	\|DATE OF DEATH =
	\|PLACE OF DEATH =
	}}
	{{DEFAULTSORT:Stephens, Willis}}		{{DEFAULTSORT:Stephens, Willis}}
	]		]
	]		]
	]		]
	]		]
	]		]
	]		]
	]		]
	]		]
	]		]

Latest revision as of 00:23, 6 December 2024

American politician (born 1955) For his father, see Willis H. Stephens.

Willis Stephens


Member of the New York State Assembly from the 99th district
In office 1995–2006
Preceded by	Vincent Leibell
Succeeded by	Gregory R. Ball

Personal details
Born	(1955-11-22) November 22, 1955 (age 69) Brewster, New York, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Ginny Stephens
Children	3
Education	Cornell University (BA) St. John's University (JD)

Willis "Will" Stephens Jr. (born November 22, 1955) is an American attorney and former politician who represented the 99th district in the New York State Assembly. After serving in the Assembly for twelve years, Stephens was defeated in the September 2006 primary by Assemblyman Greg Ball and lost the Republican nomination. He was one of only three Republicans in the Assembly to be endorsed by Planned Parenthood.

Early life and education

Stephens was born in Brewster, New York. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in government and political studies from Cornell University and a Juris Doctor from the St. John's University School of Law.

Career

Stephens served on the Ways and Means, Rules, and the Judiciary Committees. The former Assemblyman has drawn heavy criticism from conservative groups due to his endorsements from traditionally liberal leaning organizations such as the CSEA (Civil Service Employees Association), AFL-CIO (American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations), New York State United Teachers (NYSUT), Planned Parenthood, and EANY (Environmental Advocates of New York). While serving as a member of the Assembly Ethics Committee, Stephens was cited by watchdog groups after using campaign contributions for personal expenses, including a clown for a children's party.

On September 12, 2006, in the Republican Primary for New York's 99th district, Ball defeated Stephens with 71.14% (4,750 votes) to 28.86% (1,297 votes) for Stephens, the lowest vote total for any incumbent running for reelection to the State Assembly.

Stephens claimed he had been the victim of a negative campaign, citing mailings that were distributed calling him a 'country-club liberal' and highlighting his close relationship with Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver. However, Stephens himself drew criticism when he refused to repudiate a letter about challenger Greg Ball which falsely claimed Ball had received a dishonorable discharge from the United States Air Force. Stephens was also criticized heavily for not returning campaign contributions from indicted Connecticut trash magnate James Galante.

Due to New York's electoral fusion system, the Assemblyman had vowed to remain in the race on the Conservative and Independence lines. Ultimately, Stephens decided to withdraw from the race altogether, instead taking a nomination for Supreme Court Justice in Queens.

Controversy

"Pontificating idiots" email

In June 2005, Stephens sent an email to a discussion group, or "listserv" that focuses on the community of Brewster. He thought the message was going to Beth Coursen, an aide in his Assembly district office. Instead he sent his reply to all subscribers, referring to them as pontificating idiots.

The discussion group, called "Brewster10509", has a web site describing what the list is for. Members are free to post anything that has to do with government, education, community organizations and a host of other things related to Brewster and the surrounding Town of Southeast. After realizing his mistake, he issued an apology to the users of the message board to which he said, "In fact, now I most closely resemble the type of poster I described."

Text of Stephens' email

Re: Comments on Stephens Campaign Website
more interesting crap.
I'm "on" 10509 to monitor what is going on in Brewster. I do not post anymore. Just watching the idiots pontificate. Keeping informed is important and it also gives me a window to what GB and some of his supporters are thinking.
Let me know how you think we should proceed with the website. I'd like to get it up and running before too long and don't want to hurt Michele and Jay ... I like them and they are talented. Maybe a collaboration of some sort? I'll let you be my guide.
What's the scuttlebutt on the election ... is Hauser circulating a Conservative petition ... are you going to do an opportunity to ballot on the "D" line? How about an independent line ... like the Save Pawling Party or "Chicks with Balls Party" or some such thing?
If it is really hot tomorrow you are welcome to come for a swim (a suit would be appropriate :0 ) ... I don't think I'm around this weekend for Guinans ... sounds like a blast though.
Got pozzi's announcement in the AM and then its back to the Law Office ... I feel like I've been away for a month!
Later,
Will

Assemblyman Stephens apologized publicly to the members of the group as well as the entire district.

Putnam victory fund

Stephens, who also serves as the legal counsel to the town of Southeast, New York, drew heavy criticism after accepting $9,355 from trash magnate, convicted felon and reputed mob boss James Galante, who was in turn awarded a $1.5 million no-bid garbage contract by the town board on Stephens' recommendation.

Assemblyman Stephens refused to make public a copy of the secret memo recommending that Galante's contract be renewed for a record $1.5 million without allowing public bids even as Galante had been recently arrested under the Federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), stating that "hat's a legal opinion that is a matter of attorney–client privilege. It's not subject to the New York Freedom of Information Law ... it would be up to the town, not , whether to release the memo."

According to the Danbury News-Times, "Willis H. Stephens, Jr. has received millions of tax dollars in aggregate payments as Southeast's municipal counsel for more than ten years. In 2005 alone, Southeast taxpayers paid Stephens, Jr. an estimated $190,000 for legal work, which included legal work involving a no-bid municipal contract worth an estimated $1.5 million tax dollars to an admitted felon at that time under investigation by Federal law enforcement authorities for alleged racketeering. Although Southeast taxpayers paid Stephens, Jr. for legal work, although pertinent Southeast garbage contract negotiations ceased nearly a year ago, although Southeast taxpayers are bound today under contract terms negotiated by Stephens, Jr. and the Southeast Town Board with a major campaign contributor presently under Federal indictment for alleged racketeering, Stephens, Jr. asserts that taxpayers have no right to see his legal work."

Galante, who was previously convicted of tax evasion and arrested in June for allegedly conspiring with organized crime to prevent competition in the garbage business in Connecticut, was accused of donating to a Political Action Committee which laundered money to several politicians who may have used their influence to award contracts to Galante's trash hauling business.

Personal life

Stephens, his wife, Ginny, and their three children reside in Brewster, New York.

References

"Planned Parenthood Endorsements". ppany.com. October 3, 2005.
^ "Willis Stephens, Jr.'s Biography". Vote Smart. Retrieved 2022-07-06.
"Ball's Military Record Assailed". Newscopy.org. June 2006.
"Watchdogs say elections include questionable spending sprees". The Journal News. April 2005.
"Primary 2006". NY1 News. September 2006.
"Ball Defeats incumbent Stephens for GOP Line in Assembly Race". The Journal News. September 2006.
"99th Assembly District Race - Now the Fun". Newscopy.org. September 14, 2006.
"Politician Tells Voters They're Idiots". Associated Press. June 30, 2005.
"POL RIPS VOTERS IN MASS E-MAIL SLIP" (PDF). New York Post. June 30, 2005.
"'Hey Morons, I'm sorry ... '" (PDF). Washington Post. June 30, 2005.
"Politician tells voters they're idiots" (PDF). Fox News. June 30, 2005.
"Errant e-mail post from assemblyman calls Brewster villagers 'idiots'". The Journal News. June 29, 2005.
"E-mail gaffe leaves lawmaker red-faced". Poughkeepsie Journal. June 29, 2005.
"Ball Fires at Will". North County News. August 23, 2006.
"Ball assails Stephens over Southeast trash contract". The Journal News. August 23, 2006.
"Secrecy is not best reaction to Federal Investigation". Danbury News Times. August 24, 2006.
"Galante an issue in NY election". Danbury News Times. August 23, 2006.

External links

New York State Assembly
Preceded byVincent Leibell	Member of the New York State Assembly from the 91st district 1995–2002	Succeeded byRonald Tocci
Preceded byPatrick R. Manning	Member of the New York State Assembly from the 99th district 2003–2006	Succeeded byGreg Ball

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