44°
The duo pledged not to serve more than three four-year terms out of respect for the public trust and to ensure new ideas are brought into town hall.
"The unfortunate reality, as we continue to see on different levels of government, is that elected officials seem unable or unwilling to hold themselves accountable to the people they are elected to serve," said Bernard. "Service to our community is not meant to be a career and today I am pledging to restrict the length of my service in this capacity."
Most recently, former New York State Sen. Malcolm Smith was found guilty of federal charges claiming he set in motion a series of bribes in order to run for New York City mayor. In addition, the New York State Assembly this week elected a new speaker following the arrest of Sheldon Silver after more than 20 years at the helm.
"The ideal version of the American representation system thrives on citizen legislators," said Diana, a former Westchester County police officer .
"If service to the people, who are our neighbors, friends and family, is to remain credible, then I believe it is important to serve for a finite period of time. For that reason I proudly sign this pledge and look forward to serving the people of this great town."
Diana and Bernard also believe the town should continue to work to lower taxes, and cut red tape for businesses which has led to the approval of $300 million in economic develop projects in recent years, such as Costco and the Jefferson Valley mall renovation.
The two candidates will be on the ballot for the special election on Tuesday, March 10, to fill two vacancies.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Yorktown and receive free news updates.
