Volume 6/ Issue 11 June 2023 Pre-Primary Issue

JUNE 17 - JUNE 25

Founded in 2014 by DAMON K. JONES AJ WOODSON

Published by URBANSOUL MEDIA GROUP 455 Tarrytown Rd., Suite 1318 White Plains, NY 10607 (914) 979-2093

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AJ WOODSON

@BWEditorInChief

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Brenda L. Crump

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FROM THE PUBLISHER’S DESK

As Publisher of Black Westchester Magazine (BW), I would like to thank everyone for their support of our efforts to bring information to the people of Westchester County. As we embark on a new chapter for BW, we hope to continue to empower the reader on issues in their communities.

Independent media like BW has become more than a mere institution; instead, the independent media acts as a direct participant in the traditional three-branch system of governance. What many fail to realize is that independent media serves a fundamental role in making democracies run efficiently, even though there are frequent clashes. Independent media system thus often “reflects the political philosophy in which Democracy indeed functions”. This being said, BW will not be disregarded as a trivial player in the responsibilities of being a check and balance system in the political process of the Black Communities of Westchester. BW’s purpose is not only to address the political process that affects the everyday lives of communities of colour in Westchester County. BW’s mission has also been to shine a light on the brilliant culture, morals, values and elegant lifestyle of Black people. It’s time to change the narrative on how Black people are portrayed in media.

As Publisher of BW, our doors are open to the public. From the publication, the website, our radio show and now the newspaper; our doors are open to the people. We do not do this for any grander position or status; we do it for the people.

A FEW WORDS FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Welcome to our special Pre-Primary Edition (we will be giving you last look at every race in the June 27, 2023 Westchester County Democratic Primary. I know I said we would not be endorsing any candidates in the election but as I was finishing up the issue I made an editorial decision to make one exception. Black Westchester is proud to announce Shanae Williams for County Legislator - District 16 as our SOLE endorsement. I agree 100% with Thomas Meier, Chairman of the Yonkers Democratic City Committee when he said “Shanae has been a fighter for her community as a Councilwoman and will fight for Yonkers as a County Legislator.” We have endorsed her for Council in 2019, for Clerk in 2021 and we proudly endorse her for County Legislator in 2023.

We will be releasing our regular June issue in a week or so but we wanted to put out this Special Pre Primary issue and give info on all the cnadidates. As well as all the information on election day, early voting dates, times and locations and more.

As always we would like to take this time to thank all the readers, listeners, supporters, sponsors, contributors, and advertisers for their support in our effort to deliver the “News With The Black Point Of View,” since 2014. We are always looking for writers, photographers and interns, email BlackWestchesterMag@gmail.com to inquire.

Send us your feedback, let us know what you think of this issue. Let us know subjects/ topics you would like to see us cover in the future and send your letters to the editor to BlackWestchesterMag@gmail.com.

Peace and Blessings

AJ Woodson, Editor-In-Chief and Co-Owner

EARLY VOTING FOR JUNE 27, 2023 PRIMARY ELECTION: SCHEDULES AND LOCATIONS

Westchester County registered voters in the village of Mamaroneck, towns of Harrison, Mount Kisco, Pelham, and cities of Mount Vernon, New Rochelle, and Yonkers are eligible to cast an early voting ballot. Westchester County registered voters can vote in person before Election Day at any of the ten designated early voting centers. Voting during early voting is the same as voting on Election Day. When you get to the early voting center, you will check in to vote, receive your ballot, and vote as in any other election. There will be instructions available at the early voting centers to familiarize you with the ballot. There will also be a notice to voter and bill of rights. You may ask an election inspector to explain how to vote, or if you need any assistance.

Early Voting Hours

The Early Voting period will be from Saturday, June 17, 2023, through Sunday, June 25, 2023. The complete schedule is listed below. •

17, 2023, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.

• Sunday, June 18, 2023, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.

• Monday, June 19, 2023, from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.

• Tuesday, June 20, 2023, from noon until 8 p.m.

• Wednesday, June 21, 2023, from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.

• Thursday, June 22, 2023, from noon until 8 p.m.

• Friday, June 23, 2023, from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.

• Saturday, June 24, 2023, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.

• Sunday, June 25, 2023, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Early Voting Centers

You can vote at any of the ten designated Early Voting sites throughout the County. These Early Voting centers are listed below.

• St. Gregory The Great Church, 215 Halstead Avenue, Harrison, NY 10528

• Mamaroneck Town Center, 740 W. Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, NY 10543

• Mt. Kisco Public Library, 100 Main Street, Mt. Kisco, NY 10549

• Doles Community Center, 250 S. 6th Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY 10550

• Mount Vernon City Hall, 1 Roosevelt Square, Mount Vernon, NY 10550

• New Rochelle City Hall Annex – 90 Beaufort Place, New Rochelle, NY 10801

• New Rochelle United Methodist Church, 1200 North Avenue, New Rochelle, NY 10804

• Westchester County Board of Elections, 25 Quarropas Street, White Plains, NY 10601

• Grinton I. Will Library, 1500 Central Park Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10710

• Nodine Hill Community Center, 140 Fillmore Street, Yonkers, NY 10701

• Riverfront Library, One Larkin Center, Yonkers, NY 10701

YONKERS COUNCILMEMBER SHANAE WILLIAMS CHALLENGES CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON FOR COUNTY LEGISLATOR 16D SEAT

One of the races in the 2023 Democratic Primary that is being heavily covered is the race for the County Legislator 16 District seat, currently held by Chrustopher A. Johnson.

On January 9th Yonkers City Councilwoman Shanae Williams announced her candidacy for Westchester County Legislator, in the 16th District.

“Today marks the day the residents of Yonkers’ 16th Westchester County Legislative District can expect accountability, transparency, and above all else, action from your County Legislator. I am running for County Government to ensure that we finally address issues that affect our everyday quality of life such as homelessness, affordable housing, better youth supports and safety nets, and equitable access to county resources,” said Williams, who has served for 4 years on the Yonkers City Council, and whose term expires at the end of this year.

Williams will challenge the incumbent democrat, County Legislator Christopher Johnson, in a democratic primary in June. The winner of the Democratic primary on June 27th will almost certainly get elected in November in the democratic 16th district.

“My experience, history and record on the City Council, coupled with my dedication to the community has primed me to serve as the next County Legislator. I have been a resident of the 16th District for over 24 years. I have spent 12 years working in city government with the last 6 years on the City Council creating policies and initiatives that impact the people of Yonkers. These include fighting for more affordable housing, providing funds for education, youth programs and nonprofits, creating the homeless task force that led to solutions for this vulnerable population, allocating funding for our public servants including police, fire and public works employees, and having invested in the city’s infrastructure while focusing on climate solutions.”

These two have history beginning with Williams being appointed to the City Council seat in Yonkers First District vacated by Johnson when he was elected to the County Board of Legislators, January 1, 2018 . Williams was subsequently elected to the Council in 2019. Johnson was elected to fill the seat vacated by Ken Jenkins when he was picked by County Executive George Latimer to serve as his Deputy County Executive, the first African American to hold the position. Williams was not Johnson’s choice or included in a list he gave Mayor Spano for possible individuals who fill his seat.

There are many layers to the race, Williams challenge of Johnson is heavily watched and publicized; it also leaves the District 1 seat up for grabs. Contenders include Deana Norman-Robinson, who has 6 years of experience working as an aide to Councilwoman Shanae Williams and many think she is the favorite to succeed Williams. But she will have to face Effie Phillips and Shatika Parker in the June 27, 2023, Democratic Primary. Parker is the former Legislator Aide for Legislator Christopher Johnson, who many insiders say Johnson planned to back against Williams in the Council race. Williams instead decided to challenge Johnson for his seat in the Board of Legislators.

It got even more interesting when Councilmember Williams won the Yonkers City Democratic Committee endorsement over the incumbent, County Legislator Christopher Johnson, on Wednesday, February 22nd. Williams won 5,705.99 of the weighted votes compared to Johnson’s 3,146.99 weighted votes. After the vote, Williams said, “I thank everyone who participated in the democratic process last night and congratulate all endorsed candidates. I am grateful to our party chairman, all the district leaders, ward leaders and executive committee members for their support and confidence in me to be their candidate for County Legislator of District 16.”

Thomas Meier, Chairman of the Yonkers Democratic City Committee said, “Shanae has been a fighter for her community as a Councilwoman and will fight for Yonkers as a County Legislator. The Yonkers Democratic Party is happy and honored to support Shanae Williams for County Legislator.”

If there was nothing left to report at this point, this race would still be heavily watched, but this story was the gift that kept giving from a media perspective. There was the fallout when Westchester Board of Legislators (BOL) staffer Anand Singh was captured in a “to catch a predator” style Youtube video soliciting sex from a suspected underage girl in December 2022. He was caught when he drove 2 1/2 hours to NJ to get with who he thought was an underage teen in December and it was allegedly brought to the attention to the BOL leadership, and nothing was done. Now a YouTube video was made public by OBL, Wednesday, April 12th.

A quick google search shows that Singh works for the BOL’s Legislative Director who works for the BOL as a body and Chairwoman Catherine Borgia and Majority Leader Christopher Johnson. There were questions of when the legislators knew and if Legislator Christopher Johnson and others attempt to sweep Singh’s actions under the rug. Councilmember Williams was among those suggesting that members of the board knew of Anand Singh’s transgressions months prior. She has called for an investigation into who, if anyone, knew about Singh’s behavior. Councilwoman Williams accused Johnson of “concealment of staffer accused of sexual misconduct with a 14-yearold minor,” in a press release on April 14th.

“It’s disturbing to know that Majority Leader Johnson allowed this staffer who engaged in horrific conduct to continue working as a legislative staffer in his office. It’s even more disturbing that Majority Leader Johnson who is also someone who

works with minors in our public schools, chose to sweep this under the rug. If we cannot trust that he will do the right thing as Majority Leader and hold his staff accountable, how can anyone in the community trust his leadership in our government? Sexual predators that target our children have no place in our community and that should be the message, no exceptions!”

Johnson told Black Westchester that he became aware of these allegations only 30 minutes before the staffer in question was terminated from employment. Johnson accused Williams of playing dirty tricks. Williams called for an investigation into who, if anyone, knew about Singh’s behavior.

The race remained in the headlines when it came out in May that Johnson purchased a home outside his legislative district is his principal residence. Lohud reported that in the mortgage document Johnson signed to buy it 11 prior, he declared that it would be his primary home.

“A Tax Watch review of mortgage documents that Johnson and his wife signed on June 10, 2022, found that the Johnsons declared they would make the three-story colonial on Rose Hill Terrace, in the 15th District, their principal residence by mid-September that year. Johnson, whose current legislative term expires on Dec. 31, 2023, serves the 16th District,” Lohud reported.

“I will occupy the property and use the property as my principal residence within 60 days after I sign this security instrument,” stated the notarized document signed by the legislator. “I will continue to occupy the property and use the property as my principal residence for at least one year.”

Williams said the Board of Legislators needs to act expeditiously to remove Johnson from his seat. “The county board should remove him for vacating his seat and be done with him,” she said.

Williams said Johnson, who is part of the top echelon of board leadership, was involved in developing the redistricting plan and forging consensus to win its approval. She said it was wrong that Johnson did not disclose that he had moved from North Broadway and that the new 16th District lines included his new home.

Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano on Thursday called for an audit of the city’s affordable housing program, just days after Tax Watch reported that a Westchester County legislator retained ownership of his affordable condominium after buying a $770,000 home outside of his legislative district.

“You can’t have two primary residences any more than you can have two primary marriages or two primary birthplaces,” said Spano. “Primary means one, pure and simple. Unfortunately, Legislator Johnson’s apparent abuse of the program requires that we make sure this is an isolated case and not widespread.”

Inspector General Liam McLaughlin, the former Yonkers City Council president, said Johnson’s circumstance has raised a broader issue that needs further investigation. McLaughlin on Tuesday, May 23rd announced an inquiry into Johnson’s declaration that the affordable condominium was his primary residence, which is a requirement for continued occupancy of the affordable unit.

Williams welcomed the expanded probe by the inspector general. “The city should know that people are being honest about affordable housing and aren’t taking advantage of it,” she said. “We need to make ensure that the program is working the way it was intended.”

Williams is also calling for Johnson to give back the salary he was paid since he moved out of the district.

That is a summary of some of the media attention this race has gotten. And while we are clear these are just allegations and Johnson hasnt been found gullty of anything as of press time. These incidents made it easy for us to announce our sole endorsement in the 2023 Democratic Primary. Blalck Westchester is proudly endorsing Councilwoman Shanae Williams for Board of Legislator 16 district. For more on Shanae Williams visit her website: www.shanaewilliams.com and follow her on Facebook @ShanaeVWilliams01 & Twitter @shanaevwilliams

WESTCHESTER COUNTY PRIMARY CANDIDATES

Here is a list of the candidates running in the upcoming primary throughout Westchester County. There will be Primary Elections in the village of Mamaroneck, towns of Harrison, Mount Kisco, Pelham, and cities of Mount Vernon, New Rochelle and Yonkers on Tuesday, June 27, 2023 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. There are Democratic Party primaries in the village of Mamaroneck, towns of Mount Kisco, Pelham, and cities of Mount Vernon, New Rochelle and Yonkers.

There are also Republican Party primaries in the town of Harrison and city of Yonkers.

COUNTY LEGISLATORS

District 11

Ximena Francella

Terry A. Clements (Incumbent)

District 16

Shanae V. Williams

Christopher A. Johnson (Incumbent)

MOUNT VERNON

Mayor

Shawyn Patterson-Howard (incumbent)

Andre D. Wallace

City Council (Vote for two)

Lauren S. Carter

Axel Ebermann

Derrick Thompson

Jaevon Boxhill

NEW ROCHELE

Mayor

Yadira Ramos-Herbert

Damon Maher

City Council

District 3

Lianne Merchant

David Peters

District 4

Ivar Hyden

Shane Osinloye

YONKERS

City Council

District 1

Deana Robinson

Effie Phillips

Shatika L. Parker

MT. KISCO

Mayor

Lisa C. Abzun

Helen Pesce

VILLAGE OF MAMARONECK

Trustee

Mallory C. Chinn

Nora A. Lucas

WESTCHESTER REPUBLICAN PRIMARY CANDIDATE LIST

YONKERS

Yonkers City Council

District 5

Ronald Schutte

Michael B. Breen

HARRISON

Council/Trustee (Vote for two)

Rob Baker

Michael J. Dicostanzo

Angela Vaccaro

Helen Pesce

NEW YORK WORKING FAMILY PARTY ENDORESEMENTS

Joyce White Cortlandt Town Council Member

Robert Mayes Cortlandt Town Council Member

Maritza Fugaro-Norton Cortlandt Town Justice

Richard Becker Cortlandt Town Supervisor

Judith Beville Greenburgh Town Clerk

Gina Jackson Greenburgh Town Council Member

Jonathan Campozano Greenburgh Town Council Member

Daniel Welsh Lewisboro Town Council Member

Antonio Goncalves Lewisboro Town Supervisor

Thomas Murphy Mamaroneck Village Mayor

Mallory Chinn Mamaroneck Village Trustee

Derrick Thompson Mount Vernon City Council Member

Jaevon Boxhill Mount Vernon City Council Member

Shawyn Howard Mount Vernon Mayor

Martha Lopez New Rochelle City Council Member District 1

Kwamain Dixon New Rochelle City Council Member District 3

Shane Osinloye New Rochelle City Council Member District 4

Yadira Ramos-Herbert New Rochelle Mayor

Elizabeth Feldman Ossining Town Supervisor

Brian Pugh Village of Croton-on-Hudson Mayor

Cara Politi Village of Croton-on-Hudson Trustee

A LOOK AT THE YONKERS 2023 MAYORAL RACE

The two most watched and possibly most heated elections in Westchester County will be the 2023 Mount Vernon and Yonkers Mayoral races. Each started with at least 3-4 candidates running in the Democratic primary. But, unlike Mount Vernon which is primarily a Black run heavily Democratic municipality, the winner of the Yonkers Democratic Mayoral race will face a Republican challenger, Councilman Anthony Merante in the General Election in November.

While all eyes will be on be on the heated elections of Mount Vernon like the previous years, the many moving parts in the Yonkers election makes them a contender for the most watched and covered election. In addition to the mayoral race, there are some other interesting storylines that will play out this year include Councilwoman Shanae Williams challenging County Legislator Christopher Johnson. Greenburgh’s primary will also be one to watch we will do a deep dive in that race in a later in the issue, but for now let’s take a look at the 2023 Yonkers Democratic Mayoral Primary.

Mayor Mike Spano now in his 11th year in office is running for his fourth term. After being elected twice, the city council have voted to extend term limits twice which allowed him to run for a third term in 2019, which he won, easily defeating republican Mario De Giorgio and now a fourth term. The Council voting for the extension of term limits has been contested by Yonkers voters who feel they should have given the opportunity to vote on extending term limits especially since the last the time the residents overwhelming voted against extending term limits back in 2001.

Spano, the incumbent while favored will have face at least two Democrats, Rev. Margaret Fountain Coleman – who announced her candidacy on January 15th – and Democratic Councilwoman Corazon Pinada Issac, who annouced Thursday, February 16th with more than 150 constituents in her home district on South Broadway.

Both Pinada Issac - daughter of immigrants from the Dominican Republic, working mother of three and lifelong Democrat - and Rev. Fountain-Coleman who made history as the first African American to serve as a trustee in the Village of Tuckahoe in March 2018 and was also elected to the town council in South Boston, Viriginia are both looking to make history as the first woman and first person of color ever elected Mayor of the third biggest city in New York

MAYOR MIKE SPANO - THE INCUMBENT

A lifelong Yonkers resident, husband, father of three, and former State Assembly Member, Mayor Mike Spano has dedicated his life to standing up for Yonkers families.

Elected in 1992 as the youngest member of the State Assembly, Mike proudly represented Yonkers for two decades, fighting for students, protecting taxpayers and supporting economic growth. He led the Task Force on Sex Crimes Against Children and Women (SAVE New York), fought for the passage of Megan’s Law, and secured legislation to protect children across the state. He also wrote the language enabling Yonkers to receive a direct portion of revenue from video lottery terminals at Empire City Casino. It was an enormous victory for Yonkers and its public schools, providing $20 million in direct aid annually for education in the city.

His campaign website says, ‘Since taking office as Yonkers’ chief executive in 2012, Mayor Mike Spano has led the passage of balanced, bi-partisan budgets, without cuts to services, while providing historic investments to Yonkers Schools.Mayor Mike Spano is committed to securing a strong financial future for Yonkers and building upon its greatest strengths –its location, its history, its pride and its people.’

For more on Mayor Mike Spano visit his website: mikespano.com and follow on Facebook & IG @ MayorMikeSpano

REV. MARGARET FOUNTAIN COLEMAN

Rev. Margaret Fountain-Coleman made the announcement that she’d be running for office at the Yonkers Veterans Memorial, Sunday, January 15th. If she is victorious in the upcoming election, she will be the first female elected Mayor of the city of Yonkers.

“We have African American people who cannot remain and people of color who cannot remain in their homes because of escalations of rental costs, affordable cost of living…We’re going to get that legislation passed. It is going to be signed off by me so that people can truly live here in Yonkers and have quality housing, decent and quality housing,” she said.

Rev. Coleman was the 1st major candidate to challenge incumbent Mayor Spano in the 2023 Democratic Primary. She is the wife of Frank Coleman Jr., a pastor at Messiah Baptist and the President of the Yonkers branch of the NAACP. Alongside 11 other Yonkers voters, he sued the Mayor and the City in December over the extension of term limits without a voter referendum.

Margaret Fountain-Coleman is an innovative and efficient leader that represents what Yonkers needs for its students and this community, said Bryan Boyd, Yonkers Teacher

For more on Rev Coleman visit her website: Margaret4mayor.com and follow her on Facebook @ Margaret Fountain-Coleman & IG @ Margaret4mayorofyonkers

COUNCILWOMAN CORAZON PINADA ISSAC

“The people of Yonkers are ready for a change and as Mayor I’ll bring a fresh vision and new leadership. I’m not from a political dynasty. I’m an Afro Latina daughter of immigrants, a working mother of three children and a City Councilmember who understands that I answer only to the people I represent. I am running to make real progress on affordable housing, prioritize public education and take a proactive and holistic approach to public safety. But more importantly, when I am elected, I’ll restore the pride of what it means to be from Yonkers, something we’ve lost under the current Mayor,” Democratic Candidate for Mayor Corazón Pineda-Isaac shared.

Corazón Pineda-Isaac currently serves as the Yonkers City Council representative for the second council district of Yonkers, New York. First elected in 2013, Corazón PinedaIsaac is currently serving her third four-year term representing the second district in the Yonkers City Council. As a life-long Democrat, she fights every day to ensure that the City of Yonkers continues to improve its schools, fight crime, build affordable housing and provide high quality municipal services to all neighborhoods.

For more on Councilwoman Pineda Issac vist her website: www.imwithcorazon.com/ and follow her on Facebook @ CorazonPinedaIsaacForMayor & IG @ corazonpisaac

Upcoming candidate forums in Yonkers include the River Communities Coalition of Yonkers (RCCY) on Wednesday, June 7th @ 7pm in person, the Westchester Black Women Political Caucas (WBWPC) Yonkers Chapter wil host a candidate forum on Monday, June 12th it will be virtual. And District Leader Candidate Night Wards 1, 3 and 4 on Thursday, June 15th @ 7pm in person at the Chemo Center. Check BlackWestchester.com for more information on this forums.

2023 MOUNT VERNON MAYORAL RACE - AND THEN THERE WERE TWO

In the previous democratic primaries for mayor in the city of Mount Vernon voters had to choose from a crowded field of four or more candidates, with the winner, emerging victorious by less than 40% of the vote. The race has been heated and gets more contentious with every election. In 2023 three candidates enter the campaign season, the current mayor and two former mayors. After court challenges of candidate petitions only two remain, making this the first one on one mayoral election in awhile. With the city dealing with an uptick in violence (four murders in the first four months of the year - atleast one in broad daylight), severe sewer issues, threats of increase taxes due to lawsuits against the city, no credit rating leaving the city unable to secure much needed bonds and a having the lowest paying Police Department in the county who have been working without a contract since 2017 and leaving the city in record numbers for municipalities that pay more and have less crime, pot holes and the closure of the Animal Shelter are among the top issues on the ballot. Now to be fair many of these issues pre-date the current administration but voters will be left with the choice on who they feel can move Mount Vernon Forward (pun intended). Not everyone is happy with the current mayor and not everyone is sold on the former mayor, but you have to decide who you think will govern the city the best AND THE CANDIDATES ARE...

Democratic nominee Shawyn Patterson-Howard (SPH) made history, November 5, 2019 when she became the first female mayor elected in the City of Mount Vernon. She started out as the underdog beating Richard Thomas be just over 200 votes in the primary.

Mayor SPH, former Mount Vernon Planning Commissioner and former Chief of Staff in the Thomas Adminsitration has run the YMCA in Yonkers for many years. She campaigned on a good government platform, pledging to end the dysfunction in City Hall.

PROS

While Mayor SPH enjoys the support of the Mount Vernon City Democratic Committee as their endorsed candidate and has recieved the endorsement of the Working Family Party. She was sworn in Friday, April 21, 2023 as the new president of the African American Mayors Association and is hoping to become to first mayor in Mount Vernon to win re-election in two decades.

She Partnered with New York State to receive a $160 Million grant to repair our sewers Memorial Field and some of the bridges over the MTA have been re-opened for the first time in decades on her watch

CONS

While she touts crime is down, the MV PBA Presidents advocate group Save Mount Vernon- two of her most outspoken critics contridicts her claims. The PBA has been very critical of her for a proposed contract that consisted of zero raises from years 2018-2023 and blames her for the increased badge drain.

You have to ask yourself do you feel safer than you did 4 years ago? Is the city running smoothier than it was 4 years ago? Did she deliver on what she promised when she was campaigning for your vote in 2019? That is a question only you can answer for yourself. If the answer is yes then you should vote to re-elect her, if the answer is no, then you have a decision on your hands.

Campaign Slogan: Forward Together. Backwards Never.

For more on Mayor SPH visit her website: www.mayorsph.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter & IG @MayorSPH

I truly believe Mount Vernon’s greatest days are ahead, but we must work together to get there. We must understand the honor, responsibility, and extraordinary privilege it is to serve the public and make a meaningful impact on the lives of so many. The opportunity to make a difference should never be taken lightly, nor should it be confused with advancing one’s personal agenda. As public servants, we must conduct ourselves in a manner that gives credit to all of our citizens, one that honors those values we all believe in – truth, integrity, and responsibility. As your Mayor, I promise to honor these values and principles and give you my solemn commitment to changing Mount Vernon for the better.

André Wallace, the former city councilman and council president who spent the last six months of 2019 as mayor after New York State Supreme Court Judge Lawrence Ecker ruled on the month-long question of who is the legitimate mayor of Mount Vernon following the exit of Richard Thomas in July.

“I truly believe Mount Vernon’s greatest days are ahead, but we must work together to get there. We must understand the honor, responsibility, and extraordinary privilege it is to serve the public and make a meaningful impact on the lives of so many.

As mayor for six months, Wallace was instrumental having all the toxic soil removed from Memorial Field and handing the keys ovet the county so they can finally begin restoration. He doesnt often get credit since it opened under SPH’s watch.

Crime and clean streets are his top priorities, according to his campaign announcement. He also promised immediate action on fronts, saying that in his first 100 days in office he would:

• Reject the current mayor’s salary increase

• Roll back garbage fees

• Roll back sewer fees

• Roll back water rates

• Revise budget projections to stop abusive tax increases

• Reopen the animal shelter with a responsible operating plan

• Fix the building department and provide timely permits

• Reopen the Armory and fire house, now, not later.

Campaign Slogan: The Change We Need, The Mayor We Want

For more on Andre Wallace visit his website: andrewallace.com and follow him on Facebook & IG @ MayorAndreWallace & Twitter @ aw4mv

SHAWYN PATTERSON-HOWARD

ANDRÉ D. WALLACE

The Mount Vernon branch of the NAACP hosted the ONLY 2023 Mount Vernon Mayoral Candidate Debate on Tuesday, June 13th at 6:30PM at Friendship Worship Center located at 261 Lincoln Ave. If you missed it you can always go to BlackWestchester.com and see it in its entirety.

NR MAYOR NOAM BRAMSON IS NOT RUNNING FOR REELECTION

New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson announced on Monday, November 21, 2022 that he will not be a candidate for re-election in 2023. When his term concludes at the end of the year, he will have served as mayor for 18 years and on city council for 10 years. That left an opening for a growing field of candidates who hope to replace longtime mayor. When the dust clear, two were on the ballot to become the next mayor...

AND THE CANDIDATES ARE...

YADIRA RAMOS-HERBERT

New Rochelle Councilwoman Yadira Ramos-Herbert (District 3) has thrown her hat into the growing field of candidates who hope to replace longtime Mayor Noam Bramson when he leaves office after this year. Bramson – who has been the mayor of the city of New Rochelle for two decades.

Ramos-Herbert wants to build on the work she has done in her time on the council, including housing affordability, redistricting, expanding our summer youth employment program, police accountability and COVID response and recovery.

“I’ve had the honor and privilege to serve our city as a Councilwoman and I will bring that same passion and energy that I used to tackle police accountability, COVID-19 vaccine distribution and increasing summer youth employment to the Mayorship. I promise to give all of our neighbors, community groups and organizations a seat at the table when decisions are made so that everyone has a voice in how we tackle issues that matter.”, said Ramos-Herbert.

The most important issues facing New Rochelle are housing affordability, climate resiliency and ensuring quality of life concerns are addressed.

“With the continued growth in our downtown core, the Mayor and Council need to continue to work to expand housing affordability. New Rochelle is also not immune from the impact of climate change and proactive planning is necessary to protect residents. Finally, it is imperative that we ensure two-way dialogue among all residents to ensure the City is listening and responsive to community concerns,” explained Ramos-Herbert.

Prior to her 2019 election to the New Rochelle City Council, Yadira served as a New Rochelle Public Library Trustee, a member of the Lincoln Avenue Task Force, a planning committee member for the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, a member of the Task Force on Reducing Violence in the Lives of Children and Youth, board member of NewRo Runners, youth group leader at New Rochelle United Methodist Church and president of her homeowner’s association.

Yadira Ramos-Herbert: Yadira is a mom, wife, attorney, District 3 homeowner and volunteer ready to use her skills and experience to advocate for her community!

For more on Yadira Ramos-Herbert visit her website: yadirafornewro.com and follow her on Facebook & IG @yadirafornewro

DAMON MAHER

County Legislator Damon Maher is running to become the next Mayor of New Rochelle. Damon will continue his engagement and real work for the diverse communities of New Rochelle after serving over 5 years as a County Legislator, representing the people of Eastchester, Tuckahoe, and half of New Rochelle. Damon is ready on day one to deliver for all the communities in the City of New Rochelle.

As Legislator, Damon helped to enact laws, policies, and budgetary appropriations that made big improvements for his constituents. Damon worked hard to increase equitable availability of housing for all demographics, protect low wage workers and immigrants, reduce access to guns, improve roads, bridges, and wastewater recovery facilities, and increase investment in quality daycare, and provide for those most impacted by the pandemic.

As Mayor, his priorities would include more affordable housing and more accountability to make sure developers meet community needs, including exploring creative solutions to improve downtown parking. He would fight for real environmental solutions including flood mitigation programs, food waste composting, and bike and pedestrian safety. As Legislator serving on the Budget Committee, Damon has always been committed to maximizing our precious county resources for residents in Eastchester and New Rochelle. Damon is focused on taking measures to make public safety a reality for all residents!

Damon is a lifelong Westchester County resident, born in Yonkers, and has lived in Hastings-on-Hudson, West Harrison, Larchmont and, since 1994, New Rochelle. He is a managing partner in a small law firm that concentrates on employee rights and civil litigation.

He has been active for many years in local volunteer organizations, serving on the Boards of the New Rochelle Bar Association, NewRo Runners, New Rochelle Public Library (as Trustee), Westchester Foster & Adoptive Families, and Youth Soccer of New Rochelle Travel Division, which he also served for many years as a successful coach.

Campaign Slogan: Experienced and Ready To Be Our Mayor on Day One

For more on Damon Maher visit his website: electdamonmaher.com and follow him on Facebook @friendsofdamonmaher and Twitter @Electdamonmaher

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FOUR YEARS STRONG AND COUNTING

About Black Westchester: BlackWestchester.com is a magazine (website) and print newspaper for people of color for Westchester and the Tri-State area of New York at every economic level. Black Westchester is committed to being a platform to profile life, culture, economics, politics, sports, and entertainment and those who are representing vision in these marketplaces and who can both encourage and provide role models to other men and women. Black Westchester, through its online magazine, print newspaper, weekly talk radio show, and editorial content, will be a vessel of community information throughout Westchester and the Tri-State area of New York. Our mission is to promote the concept of “community” through media.

The Black Westchester Newspaper is a monthly newspaper, 10,000 distributed monthly throughout Westchester and Surrounding Areas with a heavy concentration in Mount Vernon, New Rochelle, Yonkers, Elmsford, White Plains, Greenburgh, Peekskill, Tarrytown, NE Bronx, Harlem, Stamford, CT with a slightly smaller presence elsewhere in the county and surrounding areas.

Black Westchester is the best vehicle to reach communities of color throughout the county, but not limited to just communities of color, we have a large non-African-American readership as well.

Black Westchester and the People Before Politics Radio Show started in July and August of 2014 respectively and the print edition started on our threeyear anniversary in August 2017. In such a small amount of time, Black Westchester has heavily influenced the county, public policy, and the elected officials while informing the public in a way that was missing, filling a necessary void.

DEMOGRAPHICS

GENRE

Male - 42.55%

female - 57.45%

RACE/ETHNICITY/NATIONALITY

Black/ African-American- 62.24%

Hispanic or Latino - 6.12%

White - 23.47%

Asian - 2.04%

Caribbean - 10.20%

Native American - 7.14%

Other - 2.04%

AGE

17 OR YOUNGER- 5.15% 18-20 - 1.03%

21-29 - 4.12%

- 50.53%

Independent - 25.26%

Something Else - 18.95%

Larger news outlets such as The Journal News (Lohud), News 12 Westchester and Fios1 News, The New York Post, ABC News, and others also follow us and have quoted us for breaking stories that they, in turn, did follow up stories on. Black Westchester is the voice of the voiceless and has covered many stories that other news outlets often overlooked and in turn followed our lead and reported later.

Black Enterprise Magazine reported, “Black buying power currently stands at over 1.1 Trillion dollars annually and is on the road to hit about $1.5 Trillion by 2021. These figures have also been documented by the Huffington Post, The Atlantic, MediaPost.com, Fortune Magazine, and many other respected media outlets. This collective buying power means that nearly 2 Trillion dollars will be flowing through Black American annually very soon, making us a centerpiece for various researchers, marketers, advertisers, and other campaigns designed to influence black spending patterns.

With that said, for businesses who do business and want to do business with communities of color in Westchester County and surrounding areas, advertising with Black Westchester, not only makes dollars but also makes perfect sense. We are the voice of the Black Community.

Sponsorship and advertising are also available in our weekly talk radio show, People Before Politics Radio, where we have been bringing you Real Talk For The Community since 2014.

WESTCHESTER REPUBLICAN PRIMARY CANDIDATE LIST

There are two Republican Primaries in Westchester County as well, one in the city of Yonkers and the other is the town/village of Harrison, Here is what you need to know about them...

YONKERS CITY COUNCIL PRIMARY RACEDISTRICT 5

Michael B. Breen (Incumbent)

Minority Leader Councilman Mike Breen was first elected to the Yonkers City Council on November 8, 2011 and was sworn in January 1, 2012 as the 5th District Councilman.

Mike was re-elected November 3, 2015 and was sworn in January 1, 2016 for his second term. In 2018 Mike was honored to have been elected amongst his peers to the position of Minority Leader.

Mike Breen has been a resident of Yonkers for the past 34 years and has lived in southern Westchester his entire life. For 30 years, Mike lives in the Longvale neighborhood, where he had the pleasure of serving as the President of his local homeowners group for many years.

He has been very active in the community, not only with the homeowners group, but also as a member of the 1st Precinct Community Council and the Tuckahoe Road Watchdog Group, a coalition of civic groups in and around the Tuckahoe Road corridor. Mike is a longtime member of the St Joseph’s Men’s Club where he served as treasurer and continues to coach the girls’ softball team.

Mike was one of the owners of Pondfield Trip Service, providing his clients with personalized service to area airports and NYC for over 35 years. For 14 years he served as a volunteer member of the Westchester County Taxi & Limousine Commission. He is a graduate of Fordham Prep and Fordham University, where he graduated with a BA in communications. He attended the Fordham Graduate School of Business in Tarrytown.

Mike and his wife Patty have been married for over 35 years and have four children: Patrick, Katherine, Megan and Danny.

R onald Schutte’

Background - The extension of term limits is my main reason for challenging the incumbent Councilman in the 5th District. However, if elected I do have the skills and experience to necessary to be an effective representative.

Education - Let’s look at the Yonkers School System differently and make education relevant for the needs of the students and the city at large.

Infrastructure - There are several areas of the 5th District that has been plagued with flooding. It is time to bring the State, County and the Federal agencies together to once and for all correct this problem.

For more on Ronald Schutte’ visit his website: friendsofronschutte.com

HARRISON - Council/Trustee

There are four candidates running for two seats

Rob Baker is the incumbent.

He is a 23 year Harrison Resident running for a Town Councilman position. He lives in West Harrison and is endorsed by the Harrison Republicans,

For more on Rob Baker follow him on Facebook @FriendsofRobBaker

Other canddiates running for Harrison Council/Trustee are Michael J. Dicostanzo, Angela Vaccaro & Helen Pesce

YOUR VOTE IS NOT A VALENTINE, IT’S MORE LIKE A CHESS MOVE!!

BY AJ WOODSON

I originally wrote this editorial in November 2022 for the national midterm election last year, but when reading it over and realizing all poliitcs are local and how fitting this topic was for this local election I decided to revise it for our Pre-Primary edition.

“Democracy is on the ballot” is probably the most ubiquitous phrase that pays in every political speech and commentary during this midterm election season. You could not go an hour without hearing it on radio or on television or reading it multiple times in traditional newspapers and online on social media, this past November. It was a phrase repeatedly invoked by President Joe Biden, and practically every Democratic candidate, and left leaning news outlet. We hear before every election, ‘vote like your life depends on it because this is the most important election of your life.’

The truth is the act of voting has never felt so critical. With accusations of rigged elections, voter fraud, machine malfunctions, and vote tampering, the ballot is at the center of the debate, and many election-denier are on the ballot in key races around the country.

Black Westchester had no intention to join the noise and sing choruses of why you should vote, tell you that you must vote for the Democrats, how so many people died so you can have the right to vote or even try to explain the power of the Black Vote, yet again. But I’ve seen so many people talking about the candidates in this election with many saying they are sitting this one out. Acting like there is such a thing as a perfect candidate. To them I say, “Your Vote Is Not a Valentine, it’s more like a chess move!!!”

All politics are local so we have to come out like we did in November for the presidential election now during these local elections. The results of these local elections actual will effect your day-to-day life and quality of life much more than an election for president and congress can.

I revise this editorial again because much like I heard last year I am hearing locally. Some people do not like any of the candidates. Others are talking about sitting this election out. Some only come out to vote when its for a president. But we must come out in record numbers in selecting our next mayors and town supervisors, council members or trustees, our county legislators and in case our city court judge, county judges, NYS supreme court judges.

Why are local elections important. In most of our cities, towns and villages - accepts cities like New Rochelle that has a City Manager - your mayor appoints the police commissioner, the fire commisisoner, your dpw commissioner, etc etc. When there is a vacancy the mayor or town supervisor appoints the city court judge. So if you do not like how your municipality is being policed, you need to vote for a new mayor.

When you cast your vote it doesn’t require you like 100% of what the candidate represents. That would be unrealistic, and simply ridiculous. You aren’t choosing a spouse; you are choosing a mayor, city councilmembers and county legislators. Passion may be required to choose a spouse or a career, but love is not a requirement when choosing a candidate.

“A Vote is not a Valentine, you aren’t confessing your love for a candidate, it’s a chess move for the world you want to live it” – Rebecca Solnit, a writer, and activist who spoke powerfully about the importance of voting as a strategic choice rather than a solemn duty.

The Lincoln Project pointed out last year that we will save America, if we are united: “The biggest threat to democracy isn’t Trump, rigged elections, or radically obstructionist Republicans. It’s apathy!”

The truth about democracy is that every two years we are voting on whether we want to continue this great experiment called democracy, nationally and locally, even though we don’t hear about as much as before any election like we are now!

“Silence is complicity.” This is no time to stand aside,” Biden declared before the election last year. “There’s an alarming rise in the number of people in this country condoning political violence or simply remaining silent. In our bones we know democracy is at risk, but we also know this: It’s in our power to preserve our democracy.”

Biden’s speech — focused squarely on the right to voting and the counting of that vote — amounted to a plea for Americans to step back from the inflamed rhetoric that has heightened fears of political violence and challenges to the integrity of the elections.

Biden is not the first United States President to plead to Americans about the importance of saving our democracy. President Abraham Lincoln thought it was the sacred duty of every president to preserve our Union. As defined by Abraham Lincoln, democracy is a government “of the people, by the people, and for the people”. It means a democratic government, which serves the people, is made up of members of the public elected by their fellow citizens.

“Hated and hailed, excoriated and revered, Abraham Lincoln served as President of the United States in an existential hour. Other Presidents have been confronted with momentous decisions—of war and peace, of life and death, of freedom and power. Yet it fell to Lincoln to adjudicate whether the nation would, in his phrase, remain “half slave and half free”—and whether the American experiment would survive the treason of a rebellious white South that put its own interests ahead of the Union itself,” Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer Jon Meacham wrote in his cover story ‘Lincoln Saved American Democracy. We Can Too,’ in the October 24/ October 31, 2022, double issue of Time Magazine.

Meacham goes on to describe Lincoln as “A President who led a divided country in which an implacable minority gave no quarter in a clash over power, race, identity, money, and faith has much to teach us in our own 21st century moment of profound polarization, passionate disagreement, and differing understandings of reality. Newspaper headlines warn of an impending civil war, and in a recent YouGovEconomist poll 54% of self-identified “strong Republicans” thought “a civil war was at least somewhat likely in the next decade.””

While the threat of a divided country still looms we have to do our part to protect our democracy in our own local municipalities. We are starting to see more divided communities. This election this year is for how you want your city to be governed. How you want your city policed, it will effect your garbage pick up, the services in your community and much more.

“But while the threat to American democracy is real, I want to say as clearly as we can: We are not powerless in the face of these threats. We are not bystanders in this ongoing attack on democracy. There are far more Americans — from every background and belief who reject the extreme ideology than those that accept it. And, folks, it is within our power, it’s in our hands — yours and mine — to stop the assault on American democracy.”

Its bigger than whether you like your current elected official or the candidates challeging them. To be honest all elected officials, all politicians have their issues and have their own agenda, there is no perfect candidate. There never will be. Elected officials in all of our municipalities in Westchester County were all flawed individuals. Same goes for every candidate on the ballot right now.

I repeat “You aren’t choosing a spouse; you are choosing a mayor or town supervisor, a councilmember or village trustee. Passion may be required to choose a spouse or a career, but love is not a requirement when choosing a candidate. – A Vote is not a Valentine, you aren’t confessing your love for a candidate. It’s a chess move for the world you want to live it.”

Our democracy is imperfect and always evolving, but that’s the nature of democracy. The changes, for better or worse, reflect the will of the people. There has been some debate among historians whether the Unites States is the oldest democracy, but I believe it is the longest standing democracy. Whether the United States is the oldest democracy or not, it is the first to include elements of democracy, it is the oldest existing nation with a constitutional government in which the people elect their own government and representatives.

I am not a diehard Democrat who preaches vote ‘Row A’ all the way. I am not going to sell you dreams that by voting for Democrats in the election, everyone is going to get everything they are fighting for. But if you do not vote for democracy in this election, I guarantee – whether it is civil rights, LGBTQ+ rights, rights to choose (abortion, same-sex marriage, etc), police reform, voting rights and so much more – you will have no chance in getting any of these and like the overturning of Roe V Wade you will lose whatever rights you do have now.

You won’t have to worry about voting or sitting out another election because you do not like the candidates because your right to vote will definitely be lost, if some on the ballot get their way. It’s as simple as that. Now this great experiment we call the democracy of the United States is far from perfect, as a Black Man in America, I know that more than anyone. But with all its flaws, do you really want to live the way they do in Russia, North Korea or one of the many other autocratic countries?

I am not trying to scare you to vote I am simply giving you some Real Talk. You do what you will with it.

This election is not the one to sit out, and not to sound repetitive like a broken record, Democracy Is On The Ballot. History has its eyes on you. Before you decide to definitely sit this one out, just think about the type of world you want to leave your children and grandchildren, because that is who is going to benefit or suffer from our decisions in this election and that’s REAL TALK!

MOUNT VERNON CITY COUNCIL RACE

LAUREN S. CARTER, AXEL EBERMANN, DERRICK THOMPSON, JAEVON BOXHILL

The Fleetwood Citizens Society and the Chester Hill Park Neighbors Assoc held a City Council Candidates Forum at the Riverside Memorial Chapel, located at 21 West Broad Street, June 14th. Each of the four candidates attempted to make their case that they are the best person to represent the residents of the city of Mount Vernon. Four candidates are on the ballot vying for the two seats, This primary election will decide who wins the general election in November and who gets one of the two City Council seats that are up for election. Black Westchester gives you one last look at the candidates and how you can find out more about them so you can make an informed decision at the ballot box

AND THE CANDIDATES ARE...

I am saddened to see the decline which has accelerated over the last few years. I know it won’t be easy, but I will work for all citizens, restoring our quality of life and fortifying the economy. I can do this in a manner that respects all elected leaders, staff, and most importantly, every resident and business owner within Mt. Vernon.

Lauren Carter was born and raised in Mount Vernon. A shining product of Mt Vernon Public Schools, her academic excellence propelled her to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in English and Political Science from Fordham Univ and a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning from the Univ of Southern California. With a life purpose grounded in service, Lauren has volunteered in the community since she was a teenager.

This mother of adult twin daughters, has also faithfully served the city in local government for over seventeen (17) years. She worked as an employee in the Department of Planning and Community Development as the Land Use Board Clerk and Deputy City Clerk. Her experience makes her the most qualified of any City Council candidate.

Lauren also has private industry experience as a planner for a transportation consulting firm. She currently works as an Associate Analyst for MTAConstruction and Development. She monitors and reports on capital program performance for some of the most critical infrastructure projects in North America’s largest transportation network. Lauren serves as a food pantry volunteer for non-profit organizations. She is a member of the NAACP, the Democratic County Committee, and the American Planning Association.

Let Lauren’s education, experience, knowledge, and service-oriented mindset work for YOU! Let’s not continue to go in the wrong direction; let’s LEVEL UP Mount Vernon!

For more on Lauren Carter visit her website: laurencarterforcitycouncil.com and follow her on Facebook & IG @laurenforcitycouncil

Axel Ebermann

Mount Vernon is full of wonderful, decent, and smart people, many I am proud to call neighbors and friends. But sadly, our City’s governance has fallen short of our expectations. I am a community activist. I never aspired to go into politics. But just like many of you, I have grown tired of watching the same potholes in front of my house and seeing the same rotating group of candidates making the same excuses during every election season. I want to bring fresh ideas and a new perspective to City Hall, but I need your support. Together, we can shape a brighter future for our community. Let’s start to reimagine Mount Vernon, together.

Axel is currently the president of the Oakwood Heights Homeowners Association (OHHA) is one of the largest and most active neighborhood associations in Mount Vernon.

If elected your City Council Member, he says he will make public safety his top priority. He says “We must foster a culture of vigilance and care, where every community member is ready to “see something and say something.”

Fully aware that the root causes of gun violence, such as poverty, systemic racism, and easy access to firearms, are manifold and complicated and won’t go away overnight. He feels we need to to everything within our power to harness our collective pain and anguish to curb gun violence in our community By uniting parents, neighbors, schools, and government, we must strive to create a safe and hopeful Mount Vernon for all.

“We must be present for the grieving families and communities, offering our support and understanding. But our love and empathy aren’t enough – we must seize this opportunity to act and put an end to the devastating violence.”

For more on Axel Ebermann visit his website: axelebermann.org and follow him on Facebook @axelebermannformountvernoncitycouncil

Jaevon Boxhill

Jaevon epitomizes integrity and professionalism. Jaevon obtained a degree in Economics and Finance from Lehman College and a Law Degree from Albany Law School. Jaevon is also a proud product of the Mount Vernon Public Schools System. He attended Graham Elementary School, Davis Middle School, and Mount Vernon High School. Originally born in Jamaica, the City of Mount Vernon raised and nurtured Jaevon. He, his wife, and his children proudly call Mount Vernon home.

Jaevon has been in public service for over a decade, starting as an accountant in the Mount Vernon Comptroller’s office before rising to 1st Deputy Comptroller, overseeing all financial operations for the City of Mount Vernon. In that capacity, he managed one of the most successful auctions of City-owned properties ever for the City of Mount Vernon, generating over $3 million in much-needed revenue. In the process, he stabilized neighborhoods by restoring abandoned and blighted properties to the tax roll.

Jaevon then worked as the fiscal analyst for the Westchester County Board of Legislators, and he was part of the team that secured $29.9 million that was used to rebuild Memorial Field. Jaevon is now a Senior Budget Analyst for Westchester County. He oversees and implements an annual budget of over $2.3 billion, funding everything from the county airport, the correctional facility in Valhalla, the county police department, childcare facilities, and first-class parks and green spaces.

Endorsements include The Working Family party, Westchester/Putnum Central Labor Party AFL-CIO, MV Democratic Committee and FDMV

For more on Jaevon Boxhill visit his website: jaevonboxhill.com and follow him on Facebook @jaevonboxhill

Derrick Thompson (6A)

Councilman Derrick Thompson is a Mount Vernon native. Being a product of the Mount Vernon School district, he attained his schooling at Robert Fulton elementary school, Holmes elementary school, A.B. Davis middle school, and Mount Vernon High School. Thereafter, he began his tertiary education at Mercy College where he acquired both his bachelor and master’s degree. In 1995, upon acquiring his scholastic achievements, councilman Thompson begun his career journey at the Mount Vernon School District since September of 1995.

He credits his mother Deborah Seward-Thompson for instilling the values in him to survive and always do right by other people. Derrick enjoys being a father, son, uncle, cousin, nephew, educator, entrepreneur and motivational speaker, but most of all; he loves being a servant to his community and helping people in need, uplifting, encouraging and teaching people gives him great joy.

Furthermore, since the Covid-19 pandemic stormed the world in 2020, councilman Thompson has been on the front lines making sure the residents of Mount Vernon were taken care of. Councilman Thompson considers himself a no-nonsense gentle giant who holds everyone accountable for their actions. He makes it his business to drive around the city of Mount Vernon, NY every day to address the needs that plague our community. “My whole life has been of service and I will always make sure the people in the city I love are taken care of.

First elected to the city council in 2019, Thompson endorsed by the Mount Vernon Democratic City Committee is running for re-election.

For more on Derrick Thompson visit his website: dtformv.com and follow him on Facebook @derrick.styles.98

Lauren Carter

NEW ROCHELLE CITY COUNCIL RACE

DISTRICT 3

through her formal training and from having held senior leadership roles of increased responsibility and scope throughout a successful career in real estate finance and investment.

NRMHA Executive Director Angela Davis-Farrish: “I am extremely pleased that Lianne Merchant has been selected as the Democratic nominee for City Council District 3. She has a record of achievement and strong commitment to our children.

Lianne’s current accomplishments include founding and leading the capital-raising firm Cortlandt Partners Ltd., a real estate private equity firm affiliated with Young America Capital. She developed her expertise in capital-raising at Park Hill Group which was owned by Blackstone, a leading global investment firm that invests capital on behalf of pension funds, large institutions, and individuals. Before joining Park Hill, Lianne led iStar Financial’s Marketing and Investor Relations group. Lianne began her real estate career at General Electric’s pension fund.

Lianne Merchant

“New Rochelle’s future relies on continuous growth to ensure opportunities for our young people to learn, live, and thrive in our communities and for families to access services, reliable infrastructure, and sustainable environments. This is possible and essential; it begins with knowledgeable and capable leadership”

Lianne Merchant has been a resident of New Rochelle City Council District 3 for over 34 years and she is running to represent District 3 on the New Rochelle City Council. Committed to both historical preservation and future progress, she has an insider’s understanding of the district’s residents, its history, and its needs.

For over twenty-two years Lianne has devoted herself to the people and the children of New Rochelle.

Service and leadership have been integral to Lianne’s life in New Rochelle. For ten years, she served on the New Rochelle Board of Education, including two years as President. Previously she held a seat on the New Rochelle Library Board for twelve years, including two years as President. Today, Lianne serves on the boards of the New Rochelle Historic Landmarks Review Board and the Westchester Children’s Museum.

Lianne brings well-honed business acumen and deep expertise to every endeavor - knowledge, skill, and abilities developed

Lianne received her undergraduate degree from Brown University and her MBA in Finance and Real Estate Finance from Columbia University.

For more on Lianne Merchant visit her website: liannemerchantforcitycouncil.com and follow her on Facebook, Twiiter & IG @Lianne4NewRo

David Peters

“For 30 years, I worked in child abuse protection and foster care, rising to a regional management position, training child-protective workers in the state of New York. I stopped working in 2010.”

Up until 2007, David Peters was the Director of the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment (“SCR”). According to seethroughny.net, David R. Peters retired from the New York State Department of Children & Family Services on December 11, 2007 Follow david Peters on Facebook @FriendsOfDavidPeters

DISTRICT 4

and the board of the Castle Gallery at the College of New Rochelle. He is endorsed by Senator Nathalia Fernandez, County Legislator Terry Clements, Council Members Marta Lopez and Liz Fried, County Clerk Tim Idoni, and Linda Tarrent-Reid (President, Lincoln Park Conservancy).

For more on Ivar Hyden visit hsi website: ivarhyden.org and follow him on Facebook @CouncilmanIvarHyden

ShaneCommunityOsinloye Advocate

Ivar Hyden

Serving New Rochelle for 10 Years

“I am a pragmatic progressive who believes in building consensus to get things done. I have lived and run a small business in District 4 for over 25 years.

I began my public service career as a member of the New Rochelle Municipal Art Commission and became its Chairman. I have served on committees related to the Public Library, the Business Improvement District, and the School District. I am currently on the Retail Advisory Committee and am the Vice-chair of the New Rochelle Industrial Development Agency and the Corporation for Local Development.

My wife Diane and I have three grown sons who attended local public schools.”

Ivar Hyden has strong roots in the New Rochelle community. He has lived in District 4 for the past 16 years, both in the downtown and Glenwood Lake. He has operated businesses in downtown New Rochelle for over 20 years, currently the Backstreet Gallery on Lawton Street. Ivar’s wife Diane was born and raised in New Rochelle. They have 3 grown sons and currently 6 nieces and nephews in the school system.

Ivar is the former chairman of the Municipal Art Commission and has served on the boards of several other organizations, including the New Rochelle Public Library Strategic Planning Committee

We deserve new leadership. Local development does not benefit our daily lives. With 30 new buildings of nearly 10,000 new units, none of them are available to own and they are over 90% unaffordable. Environmentally destructive projects receive a rubber stamp. After demolishing homes in communities of color, they want a beautification pet project where high demand housing stock could be built. Economic negligence is forcing our next generations to start their careers elsewhere. Poor communication between city government and citizens mask the few great things being done. We are in a housing crisis! You deserve leaders who will grow our city without giving away any more of our home. On June 27th, 2023, vote for me so I may serve you! New Rochelle needs new perspectives in leadership. Renters, home owners and historical neighborhoods must be protected. Development must be community-oriented, affordable, have ownership opportunities, and be vetted by our citizens. Socially responsible economic opportunity must be created so our young adults can start careers and earn a living wage in their home city. Our city charter must be strengthened to ensure that the duly elected council is directing our city towards an equitable and responsive future. I am determined be a voice for those who have been disenfranchised in New Rochelle for decades.

Being on New Rochelle City Council will be the culmination to the full body of his community advocacy. Shane was endorsed by Congressman Jamaal Bowman

For more on Shane Osinloye visit his website: shane4newro.com

YONKERS CITY COUNCIL RACE

DEANA ROBINSON

Lifelong Democrat, Community Advocate, and Mother of 2

“I am running for Yonkers City Council to make sure city government works for everyone! The Yonkers City Council can have a great impact on the daily lives of those in our community, and I want to make sure that impact is positive”, says candidate Deana Robinson. “I look forward to spending the next few months speaking with and meeting with the voters of the district and asking them to give me the honor to serve as their Councilwoman.”

Deana Robinson brings years of public service in her bid to serve the people of District 1 on the Yonkers City Council. Robinson has 6 years of experience working as an aide to Councilwoman Shanae Williams, who she hopes to succeed and Williams has her eye on a County Legislator seat. In addition, Robinson created an organization with the key purpose of promoting small businesses throughout Yonkers.

34-year-old Deana has lived in Yonkers for 27 years. When she think about District 1 and the city of Yonkers she think of her family, and the many families and people with whom she grew up, the many businesses and business owners, new and old developments. District 1 is her home, and she has seen it transform over the years and look forward to being a part of the positive progression here in our city. Anyone who knows her, knows she love people and acts of servitude. Giving back and bettering our community has always been on her heart and instilled in her from childhood by her father Rev. William Norman Sr. and her mother Pastor Tamara Norman, and if elected she tells Black Westchester she look forward to doing that on wider scale in her role as Councilmember of the first district.

“There are many important issues at hand, including housing, jobs, furthering job equality, diversity, education, the development, creation and sustainability of small businesses and so much more. I plan to continue addressing and fighting for all of these issues, while working hard to make sure that we, the people, continue to be heard, supported, and seen. My personal motto has always been to inspire, uplift, and inform and I will continue to do so to the best of my ability, leading with love and integrity while advocating for the best interests of the residents in the first district. One public servant cannot change everything, but a community on one accord can make all the difference.”

She has volunteered and worked with several different organizations throughout the city of Yonkers over the years, such as YMCA, YWCA, Westhab and YCAP. Deana is a member of SolidRock Christian Center, 914 United and Westchester Black Women’s Political Caucus to name a few. She has a passion for serving people and my community

For more on Deana Robinson visit her website: deanafordistrict1.com - follow her on Facebook @deanarenee.normanrobinson and IG @deanafordistrict1

EFFIE PHILLIPS

Raised in the Bronx Effie Phillips has called Yonkers home for the past 16 years. She strongly believe that you don’t have to be originally from Yonkers to be about the business of Yonkers. Born in Manhattan and raised in the Baychester section of the Bronx she attended St. Francis of Assisi Elementary School in the Bronx, went to junior high in Florida, Our Savior Lutheran HS in the Bronx and Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, and have been an active registered Democrat since I was 18.

“I have had the privilege of working and cultivating relationships with many community leaders that have guided me in my mission to be about positive change in our community. Prior to my current career path, I worked for over 20 years in social services providing housing for mentally disabled adults, life counselor to underserved parents and children living with autism. I’ve worked at a domestic violence shelter and with a job readiness program.”

Several years ago, a candidate was running for City Council and knocked on her door to introduce himself. she remember asking him, “how do I do this someday,” and they advised her to become a district leader, which she has been ever since. The constituents in her Election District know who she is, and the ones in the entire district will too. She have supported many elected officials throughout the years by working on campaigns, canvassing with candidates, phone banking, and post carding. She is a union baby 1199, and now a Shop Steward and a Labor Council Delegate with CSEA Unit 9200.

“When elected to office my vision is to build bridges not gaps between the community and city hall. With your support I plan to accomplish meeting the needs of the district. I will continue to battle and have those tough conversations around affordable housing, education, homelessness, the environment, seniors, financial and food insecurities and a better quality of life for all. While always ensuring that All Lives Matter and that our voices are heard.”

For more on Effie Phillips visit her website: effie4yonkers.com and follow her on Facebook @jaevonboxhill

SHATIKA PARKER

Yonkers Native, Democrat and Community Advocate

“I am a product of the best and the worst of this city” said Parker, “and I vow to fight for funding and legislation that will improve the quality of life for residents in the 1st District. This race is not about me, it’s about finally having a community voice on the City Council and with community support and action, we will have just that.”

A 31 year old Yonkers native; Shatika Parker IS the First District. Parker was born and raised in Yonkers, graduated from Yonkers Public Schools , worshipped and worked in Yonkers. She went away to college and returned to Yonkers in order to continue working and adding to the culture and lifestyle Yonkers offers. Parker now has a daughter she is raising in Yonkers and is 100% invested in the issues and people of the 1st Council District.

Unlike other candidates, Parker brings a unique perspective developed from a lens of lived, educational, and career experience. She is no stranger to the issues of the 1st District, namely the housing crisis – having lived in a vast array of housing this city has to offer, including but not limited to, Municipal Housing, Section 8, private housing, and housing regulated by the City’s Affordable Housing Ordinance.

Not only the first person in her family to graduate high school, Parker would continue on with her education, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from SUNY Albany. She’s also had the opportunity to help the 1st District through her nonprofit organization, Project Inspire Yonkers, as well as through her previous 6-year tenure as Legislative Aide to County Legislator Christopher Johnson, where she fought for Yonkers residents and their concerns.

As a City Council Member, Parker intends to push back against the status quo, using her deep roots, community engagement, education, and career experience to drive change for better housing, education, and employment opportunities for the people of the 1st District, who have been often underserved by current city government.

For more on Shatika Parker visit her website: parkerforyonkers.com and follow her on Facebook @iamsparker & IG @shatikaparker

VILLAGE OF MAMARONECK

There is one Democratic Primary for Board of Trustee in the Village of Mamaroneck. Trustee Nora Lucas will be challenged by Mallory Call Chinn in her bid for re-election.

Trustee Nora Lucas, lifelong Mamaroneck Democrat, is serving in her sixth year as Village Trustee. She has volunteered with numerous local organizations, including the Village’s Mamaroneck Affordable Condominium Corporation, Landmarks Advisory Committee and Flood Mitigation Advisory Committee, as a Girl Scout Leader.

Mallory Chinn is a lifelong Mamaroneck resident and a 26 year veteran seventh grade social studies teacher. Chinn is a mother of three, spouse of the Mamaroneck Avenue School music teacher, Mamaroneck Community Chorus Manager, Political Action Coordinator for Chappaqua Congress of Teachers, Planning Board member, Democratic District Leader for District 17, and the SAT testing coordinator for Horace Greeley High School. In the summer, Chinn serves as the Assistant Director of Camp Pinebrook.