Lalor says potential successor “not ready for prime time”

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email
Print

EAST FISHKILL – Town Councilman Anil Beephan of East Fishkill recently won the support of the Dutchess County Republican Committee in his bid to succeed Kieran Lalor as assemblyman in the 105th District.  Beephan defeated County Legislator Michael Polasek by one vote at last week’s committee meeting.

Prior to the meeting, a letter was circulated to committee members pointing out that Beephan had recently been sued by JP Morgan Chase over an outstanding debt.  Beephan settled, admitting that he owed the bank more than $11,000.  The candidate offered a very vague explanation in a letter to committee voters. “Sometime late last year, I concluded a settlement with J.P. Morgan regarding some disputed charges stemming from 2020. I used the judicial process to reach a settlement that benefits both parties. This process is an ordinary proceeding in the business world and protected by orders of the court.”

Assemblyman Lalor, who is not seeking reelection, chastised Beephan for the explanation. “In reality, Beephan was sued by JPMorgan Chase Bank for $11,042.85 because he borrowed money and didn’t pay it back.  According to the court documents, Beephan agreed that he owed every penny JPMorgan Chase Bank claimed he owed.  He didn’t dispute the charges. He admitted they were his. That’s not a negotiation followed by a settlement as Beephan leads readers of his letter to believe. It’s getting caught not paying and then admitting you owe the entire amount once served with a lawsuit.”

Beephan is 27-year-old. Lalor says the councilman lacks the real-world experience needed to be an effective lawmaker.  Beephan refutes the claim, saying that his experience working as a legislative aide for Senator Sue Serino (R-Hyde Park) as well as his employment in the private sector has given him insight. He has a resume of non-government work that can be found here.

Lalor says that he is not supporting the Democratic candidate but added “I’m also not going to support a kid who is unqualified.” Beephan responded, saying “While Kieran Lalor is entitled to his opinions, I wholeheartedly disagree with his sentiment.  For me, elected office is about helping people, giving a voice to the voiceless, and supporting our local community. There is no age restriction on being an effective representative or public servant.” The GOP endorsed candidate also noted that “Marc Molinaro, Pat Manning, and Colin Schmitt were all around the same age that I am now, when they took office as assembly members.”




Popular Stories