By Debbie Kozak
I read Ron Matten’s, “The Civil War in Yonkers GOP” in the Yonkers Times regarding his take on the challenges surrounding the current Yonkers Republican Party leadership. While I agree with many of his observations, there are a few points where I respectfully disagree.
Matten is right that the Spano influence has significantly co-opted much of the Republican Party in Yonkers, as well as the Conservative Party. That’s why I believe my involvement in the realignment of the Republican Party—particularly in our Northwest Yonkers community—is more important than ever. Our neighborhoods have gone too long without genuine representation. Too many elected officials and party insiders have prioritized political ambition and high-paying patronage positions over the needs and interests of the people they claim to serve. Unfortunately, that pattern continues this year.
Our community deserves better. We need leaders who care deeply about our neighborhoods, not individuals using politics as a steppingstone for personal gain. Those who know me understand that my commitment has always been, and will always remain, focused on the well-being of our community, not a political job.
Despite the division within our party, I remain hopeful. The recent efforts to make the Republican Party more independent gives me a sense of optimism. It is possible to break free from the Spano grip and offer voters a credible, principled alternative.
Within both factions of our party, there are hardworking individuals and true believers in Republican ideals. After the primaries, we must come together, set aside our differences, and focus on building a stronger, more independent Republican Party that puts the City of Yonkers, and its residents, first.
For those who are more interested in holding grudges and sowing division, rather than working together for a better future, then frankly, leadership in the Yonkers Republican Party is not the place for you.
By Debbie Kozak, President, John P. O’Leary NW Yonkers Republican Club and 2023 Republican Candidate Westchester County Legislator District 16 (Yonkers).
