The Court Report
By Richard Blassberg

Ernie Davis And A Handful Of Supporters Bring Frivolous Action In Federal Court To Overthrow Results Of Mount Vernon Election

White Plains, Thursday, Nov. 8 - Self-described Civil Rights attorney Stephen C. Jackson of New York City appeared at the Federal District Courthouse, White Plains, to file a civil rights lawsuit on behalf of Ernest Davis and several of his supporters against the United States Justice Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Attorney’s Office, the New York State Board of Elections, the Westchester County Board of Elections, Clinton Young and Janet Snyder, alleging Civil Rights violations of the rights of candidate Ernest Davis as well as the rights of some of his constituents under 42 U.S.C. Section 1973 to 1973aa-6 (Voting Rights Act of 1964), 197, 142 U.S.C. Sections 1983, 1985 and 1988 as well as the First, Fourth, Fifth and Fiftheenth Amendments to the United States Constitution.

Claiming jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. Sections 1331 and 1341 (3) and (4), the action seeks to overturn the result of Tuesday’s election for Mayor in the City of Mount Vernon, as well as damages in the amount of $600
million.

Questioned by the Westchester Guardian, “Does this action seek to vacate the results of the election?”, Mr. Jackson acknowledged that it did. The Guardian then asked, “Isn’t this whole action outcome determinative; had
Ernie Davis won the election, would you still be attempting to overturn the election?” Attorney Jackson admitted that he would not be attempting to overturn the result of the election, but might still be bringing an action in
court on behalf of Mount Vernon voters.

Contacted, Mayor-elect Clinton Young issued the following statement denouncing Davis’ court filing:
“This action is vindictive and defies logic and reason. The people of Mount Vernon have spoken. The election is over. Yet, there are a few members of the Davis campaign who cannot accept the election results despite the overwhelming voter turnout and decisive victory. Instead, these people seek to further divide and tear our city
apart for their own self-serving interests. In response to outrageous allegations, I have never had any contact with or knowledge of any activities by the FBI or the US Attorney’s Office. These allegations of voter intimidation are false and baseless, and I will vigorously fight any attempt to deny the will of the Mount Vernon people.

Furthermore, I call on Mr. Davis to denounce this action and help to unite the city. Mount Vernon needs to move forward. We must not let frivolous lawsuits distract us from addressing and resolving the real issues facing our community.”