Willis Stephens

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.

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.

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 "[t]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 [me], whether to release the memo."

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.

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.

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.