Democrat Candidate Accused of Illegal Waste Disposal Near Waterway
Democrat Blake Gendebien faces accusations of illegally dumping trash near a waterway, sparking calls for investigation.
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Democrat Blake Gendebien, a candidate for the U.S. House in New York’s 21st Congressional District, faces allegations of illegal waste disposal near a waterway, drawing sharp criticism from his opponent and raising concerns about environmental violations. According to a sworn statement filed with the New York State Police, Gendebien allegedly directed workers to haul garbage into a wooded creek behind his property, which feeds the St. Lawrence River. This act, which the statement claims was done to avoid waste disposal fees, has sparked a public outcry and calls for an investigation.
Private Investigation and Drone Evidence
On Monday, Republican congressional candidate Anthony Constantino held a press conference to reveal findings from a private investigation into Gendebien’s farm. The investigation, conducted by Brooks Investigations and led by Nathan Couture, included a sworn deposition from a confidential witness who worked on Gendebien’s farm. The deposition detailed how Gendebien routinely directed workers to dump garbage into a wooded creek area, which feeds the St. Lawrence River.
In late July, investigators used a drone to survey the area, capturing images of a dumpsite nearly the size of two basketball courts. The drone footage showed a site choked with garbage, with debris thrown directly into the water. This is not a case of stray bags or accidental spills; it appears to be an organized operation. A waste removal service estimates the cleanup will cost $200,000 and believes the site may contain hazardous waste.
Political Fallout and Calls for Accountability
Constantino, who is running against Gendebien, called the allegations “shameful” and demanded that appropriate authorities launch an investigation. He accused Gendebien of being a “rule breaker with an abusive temperament” and questioned whether Governor Kathy Hochul still supports the candidate, given the allegations. Constantino also urged Gendebien to pay for the cleanup immediately, suggesting that if he refuses, the governor should personally foot the bill.
“If Blake won’t care for his land, we can’t trust him to care for us,” Constantino said at the press conference. “I suspect Kathy Hochul knows he did this and demand she go on record stating if she still supports him.”
Gendebien’s Response and Legal Context
Gendebien responded to the allegations by blaming fuel prices and lashing out at the investigators. Speaking to a local reporter, he said, “Six-dollar diesel is making farming hard enough without this weirdo drone stalking my home and business. I’ve already been cleared here.”
The “cleared” he refers to came from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), which is run by Governor Hochul. A Hochul agency cleared a Hochul-backed Democrat in the middle of a congressional race. Gendebien did not deny the existence of the garbage or offer to clean it up. When confronted with aerial photos of tires in the creek on his property, Gendebien complained about gas prices and called the investigators “weird.”
Environmental and Political Implications
The allegations have significant implications for Gendebien’s campaign, as he runs on a platform of environmental protection and rural values. The sworn statement, which is now with the State Police, suggests that his actions contradict his public stance. The waste site, which is draining into one of the most important waterways in North America, poses a potential environmental hazard, with the possibility of hazardous waste affecting local communities and ecosystems.
Despite the evidence, Gendebien’s campaign has not yet issued a formal response, and the Gateway Pundit has reached out to his campaign for a comment. The situation highlights the intersection of environmental responsibility and political accountability, with voters in the North Country now facing the reality of a candidate whose actions may have serious consequences for their environment and health.
Public Reaction and Ongoing Investigation
North Country voters, who rely on the St. Lawrence River for fishing, swimming, and drinking water, are now aware of the potential risks posed by the illegal dumpsite. The drone images, the sworn statement, and the waste removal cost estimate all point to a serious environmental issue that demands attention. While the DEC may have cleared Gendebien, the evidence remains, and the public is watching closely.
The case has also raised questions about the role of government agencies in ensuring environmental compliance, especially when they are influenced by political appointments. The ongoing investigation into Gendebien’s actions may reveal more about the extent of the environmental damage and the potential for legal action against him.
As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on the environmental impact of the illegal waste dumping and the political implications for Gendebien’s campaign. The public is waiting for a response from the candidate and the authorities, with the hope that the truth will come to light and that the affected communities will be protected from further harm.
Source: The Gateway Pundit
