By Dan Murphy
Residents in the third City Council district, which runs from northwest to southwest Yonkers and into Park Hill, will see a familiar name in the June 25 Democratic primary; former City Councilman Dennis Robertson is seeking to return to the board where he served from 2004 to 2007. Robertson seeks at “part two” on the council because he said he wants to continue his almost 30 years of community service to the people of Yonkers, and continue the progress made under Mayor Mike Spano.
Robertson, who ran for mayor in 2007 against Phil Amicone, was considering another run for mayor last year. But after the council approved an extension of term limits, which allowed Spano to run for a third term (Robertson also supported the extension), Robertson supported Spano’s re-election and was approached by Yonkers Democrats to run for his old council seat after the current councilman in the third district, Michael Sabatino, announced he would not run for again.
“I would have supported Councilman Sabatino if he decided to run, but I saw an opportunity to help the mayor move the city forward by serving on the council, and after I was drafted into running, I am excited to use my experience in government and in the community on the council again,” said Robertson.
The Yonkers Democratic Party has endorsed Robertson, but two other democrats are running against him in the primary. Despite the fact that Robertson’s petitions were challenged (a judge ruled that Robertson did collect more than enough valid democratic signatures to get on the ballot), he did not challenge the petitions of either one of his challengers, Tasha Diaz and Subomi Macaulay , because, “I think everybody should have the right to run for office.”
“I embrace this debate and I want to give people a reason to vote for me, not to vote against my opponents,” said Robertson. “I’m running a positive campaign, with no negative mailings. I believe that I’m the best qualified candidate to serve the people of the third district and get things done. That’s what this primary is about – working on the council to help solve the issues that we face.”
For the past four years, Robertson has worked for Spano as a liaison to the City Council, which has kept him abreast of current issues and how the council is working with the mayor. “My recent position with the mayor, which I have resigned to run for council, has given me the chance to be involved with the budget, new development, education – that have been invaluable to me,” he said. “The city has made progress under Mayor Spano, but we still have challenges and I believe the people of the third district will be best served by someone who will listen to the community and make sure their voices are heard.”
And what are the voters telling Robertson as he goes door to door? “The third district includes homeowners who don’t want their property taxes increased, and families who want more funding for education,” he said. “Everyone wants more cops on the street and wants us to stay on top of the quality-of-life issues, or the little big things, like potholes and keeping the parks clean. They also want smart development and affordable housing and rent controls. All of these issues show that no council district is more diverse and I welcome our diversity.”
Budgetary concerns will always be the toughest issue for any councilmember in Yonkers. During Robertson’s first stint on the council, the city was facing a huge budget shortfall, and Robertson worked together with the mayor and councilmembers of both parties to avoid the layoffs of 200 teachers.
“We need to address the education budget, but do it responsibly and come together with our teachers, state representatives, parents and students, with the mission to have a world-class education system so that people want to move to Yonkers for their children’s education,” he said. “That has always been my goal, and homeowners would also benefit because their home values would go up.”
Robertson said he wants to serve again on the council to get results, for the third district and the city, not for self-gratification. “I want to be elected not just to be in office – I’m concerned about people who run for office for the purpose of getting a job,” he said. “This should be about public service and not about a job, that’s why a council seat is a part-time position. The danger of politics is to want to be ‘somebody’ and not focus on the issues.
“I want to get things done for all the people in my district. I want to be a legislator that checks and balances the mayor, who will appreciate my honesty, experience and candor. I will always be open to conversation and listen to the people in the district.
“I have already proven my ability and passion for Yonkers, not only on the council but in youth services for 30 years and in my community, raising six children – four of whom are college graduates,” continued Robertson. “I’m also a small businessman who continues to work outside of government… I’m fully invested in Yonkers and its future, which I see to be a bright future. I have a passion for our city and that’s why I’m running for council again. It would be an honor and privilege to serve again, and you will see results if I’m your councilman.”
The Democratic Primary is June 25.
