Rev. Al Sharpton to Astorino: 'Settle the lawsuit'

MOUNT VERNON – The Rev. Al Sharpton has a message for Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino: Not so fast.

Standing at the podium of Grace Baptist Church, the civil rights activist delivered a fiery sermon Sunday that mixed politics and spiritual uplift. His sternest message, however, was directed at Astorino for his handling of a federal housing settlement.

"You want a promotion? Do the job you got right now," Sharpton said to loud applause. "Settle the lawsuit."

Astorino, a Republican who this month announced he is running for governor, is asking for permission to sue the Department of Housing and Urban Development again over $10 million in grants from 2012 and 2013.

HUD has withheld the community development grants in a dispute over a requirement that the county analyze zoning in Westchester municipalities to identify obstacles to multifamily and affordable housing. A 2009 fair housing settlement requires the county to fund the construction of 750 units of affordable housing in 31 mostly white towns and take other steps to promote fair housing.

"Right now, federal funds won't come into Westchester County from HUD because county leader Astorino and them have not settled the lawsuit," Sharpton said.

After knocking Astorino's gubernatorial ambitions, Sharpton said black church leaders like the Rev. Franklyn Richardson, pastor of Grace Baptist Church, come under frequent scrutiny and criticism for their community activism.

But their advocacy on issues like affordable housing typically doesn't receive the same type of media attention, he said.

"If I got up and called black people two or three different 'Uncle Toms,' they like that," Sharpton said. "But talk about, 'We need HUD money in here because we need affordable housing in here because everybody in Westchester is not living with the same means,' that is something that is not as appealing."

Richardson, who publicly endorsed Astorino for re-election last year, was away Sunday.

A spokesperson for Astorino did not respond to requests for comment.

Sharpton, who hosts a 6 p.m. news show on MSNBC, is a power broker with New York's minority communities. He founded the civil rights organization National Action Network in 1991.

Anticipating Sharpton's appearance, churchgoers filled the massive white brick church at 52 S. Sixth Ave. for both the 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. services. He was greeted with standing applause.

"He's a standout; he's a voice of the people," said Rodney Anderson, 44, of Yonkers, as he left the church.

Speaking to reporters afterward, Sharpton also weighed in on racist rants leveled at Mount Vernon students during a Feb. 27 basketball semifinal against Mahopac at the Westchester County Center.

"I was at the White House two weeks ago," Sharpton said. "I'm looking at a black president and then I hear about this confrontation. It shows me how far we've come; it shows me how far we have yet to go."