By Debbie Kozak, President, John P. O’Leary NW Yonkers Republican Club and 2023 Republican Candidate Westchester County Legislator District 16 (Yonkers).
In a moment that could have marked a turning point for unity and renewal, the Yonkers Republican City Committee instead chose the path of wash-rinse-repeat —electing the same slate of individuals to leadership positions, despite growing calls from within the party to bridge longstanding divides.
Many Republican members, particularly those from underrepresented factions, had hoped this election would signal a shift toward inclusivity and collaboration. There was a clear opportunity to elect a member from the Republican minority—someone who could bring fresh perspective and help heal internal fractures. That opportunity was not realized and only furthered the party’s rift.
The result is a deepening of the divide that has plagued the local party since the Spanos took control over a decade ago. Rather than building a broader coalition, the Committee’s decision reinforces the perception of loyalty to the Spanos, rather than the Republican constituency. This is not just a missed chance—it’s a strategic error.
Continuing down this path risks the alienation of its own base, weakening its electoral prospects, and inadvertently strengthening Democratic dominance in the region. Unity is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. Without it, we cannot expect to win elections, inspire new leadership, or represent the full spectrum of Republican values.
Take for example Majority Leader John Rubbo, who was elected to City Council in 2017 as a Republican, but after being sworn into office in January 2018, switched his party affiliation to Democrat. A betrayal not only to Yonkers Republican Party’s leadership, but also to those who voted for him. Leader Rubbo is widely considered a “no-show” in his District, leaving the resolution of constituents’ issues to his office staff. Rubbo, who is more concerned about running for mayor than getting the job done for his constituents, has allowed the quality of life of his District to diminish since he was elected, all due to his lack of leadership. He changed from Republican because he has no values or loyalty to either party. It’s all about blind ambition about himself.
Meanwhile, Northwest Yonkers is living through our own quality-of-life issues: garbage strewn throughout the streets, drivers speeding on roads with zero care for other cars and pedestrians, and worsening neighborhood conditions that continue to go unaddressed.
The time for insular politics is over. The future of the Yonkers Republican Party, and trajectory of our city, depends on our ability to listen, include, and evolve. Until we do, we will remain divided—and division is the surest path to defeat for all Republican registered voters and candidates.
By Debbie Kozak, President, John P. O’Leary NW Yonkers Republican Club and 2023 Republican Candidate Westchester County Legislator District 16 (Yonkers).
