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Hon. Willis “Will” Stephens Jr. is a Republican representing the 99th District of the New York State Assembly. He is best known for a June 2005 gaffe where he referred to his constituents as “idiots”. Mr. Stephens, his wife, Ginny, and their three children reside in Brewster, New York.

Assemblyman Stephens represents the 99th District of New York which encompasses the municipalities of Mahopac, Carmel, Southeast, Brewster, in Putnam County, Yorktown, Somers, and North Salem in Westchester County, and Pawling in Duchess County. His family has maintained a vice grip on this seat for eighty years: his grand-father, D. Mallory Stephens, held this seat from 1926 to 1952; his father, Willis Stephens Sr., held the seat from 1952-1982; and Mr. Stephens himself has served from 1982 to present day.

Mr. Stephens is a member of the law firm of Stephens and Charbonneau, in Brewster, New York. He was awarded a Juris Doctor degree from St. John's University School of Law in 1980 and received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Cornell University in 1977. Assemblyman Stephens is a member of the Ways and Means, Insurance, and Judiciary Committees.

In June of 2005, Stephens inadvertantly sent an email to a discussion group, or "listserv," that focuses on the community of Brewster, in Putnam County. He had thought the message was going to Beth Coursen, an aide in his Assembly district office, Coursen said. Instead of forwarding an earlier e-mail from the discussion group to Coursen he sent his reply to all the subscribers.

Text of Stephen’s 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

Stephens' e-mail also included what some might consider to be offensive remarks intended for his intended recipient, Coursen. Besides working for Stephens, Coursen is the Republican candidate for Pawling town supervisor in November and a current town board member.

In his message, Stephens inquired about Coursen's campaign and whether she'll seek other party lines on the November ballot. He suggests possible party names, including one that was off-color.

"If it is really hot tomorrow you are welcome to come for a swim (a suit would be appropriate :0) ..." he added.

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.