By Dan Murphy
Yonkers City Councilwoman Shanae Williams is in the middle of her first year representing the residents of the First District, encompassing all of downtown Yonkers. Williams, who was appointed by Mayor Mike Spano to the council after Christopher Johnson was elected to the County Board, enjoys her new positions and the challenges to represent her constituents.
“I enjoy being on the council. I wanted this job because I grew0 up in Yonkers for most of my life, and I see that good and the questionable changes going on and the impacts that it has. I wanted to make sure that my neighbors, friends and family who have been here forever have a say in the future of this district and the City. I don’t think that has always been the case.”
Williams has no opposition against her this November. Democrat Mark Hynes had collected signatures to get on the ballot for a Democratic primary, but his petitions were rejected by the Board of Elections. Williams will be elected in November to serve out the remaining one year on Johnson’s term, and then will have to run again for a four-year term in November 2019.
“I see a big disconnect between many people in the neighborhood and City Hall, and I’ve been trying to be that bridge between both and talk to people and inform them about the council and what we do. I have been speaking with people in my district at school and churches and everywhere I can.”
Williams first City budget as a member of the council was a difficult one, which she described as “intense.” Massive layoffs were avoided in a budget that passed with a 6.1% property tax increase.
“I’m happy that we got through the budget this year and I learned a lot. But I think the whole community learned a lot, and as democrats are now the majority on the council, we need to step up and make a positive difference. It’s always going to be a challenge, but we know that we can’t keep going back to Albany at the last minute.”
“We need to start earlier and come up with new strategies and get everyone involved, parents, community leaders and everyday people who are impacted by the budget. I’m excited about being part of the democratic caucus and we are all in agreement that we need to be more hands on in the budget throughout the year, on both the Board of Education side and the City side. That is how we can solve the crisis instead of just closing the gap at the end.”
Another issue Williams is working on is economic development and affordable housing in her district, which includes downtown Yonkers and the waterfront, the location of many major development projects completed and underway. “All of the economic development that is going on is having a big impact on the community, but I want to make sure that everyone has an opportunity and access to have a chance and be a part of it.”
“My constituents need to be able to afford to live here and have a good education for their children and a good job. Those are all interconnected. So, I want to focus on the growth that we are seeing without neglecting anyone,” said Williams who is reviewing the City’s Affordable Housing Ordinance passed several years ago, which requires 10% of all development projects include affordable housing. “We need to see if its working. I want to make sure that the units are available so that residents can go through the process to live there.
During one of her first council meetings, Williams spoke about the need to work on serving the homeless and mentally ill population in downtown Yonkers. One of the drop-in shelters includes The Sharing Community in Getty Square and in the First District.
“This is not a new issue, but we have neglected it. I have created a homelessness task force to work with the county and to make sure that the homeless have a voice. They are residents and people and they matter.”
Westchester County has the responsibility and financial obligation to care for the homeless in Yonkers and throughout the county. Williams has been working with the county, including Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins, to try and begin to address some off the issues.
“Our goal is to make sure that the City and the County are doing everything they can to transition back into society and contribute. One rule that we changed was that the homeless had to leave the drop-in shelter at 6AM, but there is nowhere for them to go and no services available. With the help of the county the doors now remain open and they can stay indoors.
“Other issues are not that simple, like helping them find housing so that they can get out of the shelter. That calls for more services and day programs. We are working with some partners, like Disabled on the Move, and I will submit a council resolution urging the county to provide more day programs for the homeless population.
“The county will not provide assistance if the person is not in the system and they are not entitled to get help. We are trying to help those people that are in the drop-in shelters, they are of a concern to me. We need to help bridge the gap for them or else they are out on the street with no services and no job,” said Williams.
Quality of life issues like garbage and the parks in the First District are what Williams hears when speaking to the community. “They want to be sure that they are getting the same service that residents on the East side receive. I make sure of that, and the services are the same.
Basic maintenance of our parks and the collection of garbage are always items that I will make sure are addressed but our community also needs to be responsible and not litter and keep our neighborhoods clean. A lot of parks in my district needs improvements. That comes from the Capital budget and making a priority of it.”
Williams said that many parents with children in the Yonkers Public Schools tell me that they are totally not getting the right services for their kids and they don’t get an audience from the Board of Education. “
Before joining the City Council, Williams worked in Mayor Mike Spano’s office dealing with the same concerns that she welcomes and works on as a councilmember for the residents of the First District.
“I have to be the one to stand up for them, and I do reach out to follow up on certain complaints and make sure they are put on the forefront
I came from a place in the Mayor’s office where I dealt with complaints all day long and I know how important that role is now on the council. My staff really does a good job in being helpful, which is important to do because some constituents fell they have been neglected.
Does her relationship and past working for the Mayor help her as a councilmember? “I have a good relationship with Mayor Spano. We both want the very best for the people and it has nothing to do with an alliance or being in his pocket. We are both working on the issues that have to get done, and I think it helps get me access and help my constituents. “
Despite running unopposed, Williams is asking for the residents of the First District to get out and vote in November, but also to know that she is there is they need help from City government.
“Regardless of the election, everyone should know who is in office and representing them. I want people to get to know me and ask me the tough questions. I am continuing to campaign and to listen to their concerns, that is what I value most.
Williams said that she is “excited about serving on the City Council and plans on sticking around for the people of Yonkers, if I can make a difference.”
