Dems Split on Alvarado Back to County BOL
By Dan Murphy
It’s time for all of us to change our political clocks and realize that the political decisions for the Yonkers democratic and republican parties are being made now, and no longer in May. Here is a Yonkers political update…
City Councilwoman Corazon Pineda-Isaac has decided not to run for the County Legislative seat currently held by Virginia Perez, who announced last month that she would not seek re-election. Pineda-Isaac had wanted to face off against Perez in a democratic primary, but with Perez bailing out and Pineda-Isaac happy in her new county position and on the City Council, Corazon is staying put. Plus, now with term limits amended, she could stay on the council for another six years.
So who will run for the County Board in the 17th District of Southwest Yonkers? Former County Legislator Jose Alvarado is expected to be nominated by Yonkers democrats to return to the county board. Alvarado, who has worked in the Yonkers Parks Department for several years, is not a unanimous choice of all of the democratic ward leaders in Yonkers.
Those democrats opposed to Alvarado explained that he was able to win the support of the City Democratic Committee because Alvarado and former City Councilman Wilson Terrero control the district leaders in Southwest Yonkers. But other democratic leaders believe that Alvarado “is an embarrassment because of his past actions,” as one prominent Yonkers democrat told Yonkers Rising.
Alvarado briefly served as Yonkers city clerk in 2012 until it was discovered that he was “double dipping” and working two jobs, one as city clerk and one at White Plains Hospital. Alvarado did not inform City Hall of his second job, used a city vehicle to get to his job in White Plains and was not available at the clerk’s office during normal business hours.
“The democratic party is split on this one. Some support Jose but others don’t want him representing Yonkers on the County Board again,” said another Yonkers democrat.
One possible challenger to Alvarado in a democratic primary could be Lucy Casanova, a community activist and Greyston employee who is well respected in the district. No decision has been announced by Casanova on whether she will collect the signatures in April to run in a democratic primary against Alvarado in June.
Remember, all primaries are now moved up!
Other Yonkers politics include Adam Rodriguez, a partner in the prestigious law firm of Bleakley Platt, will not be a candidate for Yonkers mayor. Rodriguez was under consideration by Yonkers Republicans and his name was tossed out at the recent County Republican dinner in White Plains.
Rodriguez worked for the county under former County Executive Rob Astorino, and the “Astorino crowd” at the dinner was telling everyone that he was going to run and challenge Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano – and the bad blood between Astorino and Spano continues.
One major problem for Rodriguez is that he doesn’t live in Yonkers; he lives just south, in Riverdale. And while the City Charter permits candidates for mayor to live outside the city (they must move into Yonkers if elected), Yonkers republicans are looking for another candidate, and are now debating whether they should field a candidate or leave the line blank. This could be the first time in more than 100 years that republicans in Yonkers don’t have a candidate for mayor.
In the Third City Council District, to replace Council Majority Leader Michael Sabatino, who will not run for re-election this November, democrat Steve Simpson is exploring a council run. Simpson is a community leader, business owner and volunteer in police service.
“I’d like to begin by thanking Councilman Sabatino for his efforts over seven years in office,” said Simpson. “We have been able to get a lot done for the area where I live, northwest Yonkers. Much more needs to be done, as more challenges are recognized on the horizon.
“Following his announcement, I was prompted to take a more serious look at a possible run for office. I am confident that I would be a strong candidate and know that I would work hard for the best interests of the residents of the third district.
“There are many issues at hand and I feel that a fresh perspective from a non-career politician would be valuable,” continued Simpson. “Someone who embodies community and public service and is willing to take a stand for our neighbors defines my past and informs by intended service to the third district.
“We need a motivated solutionist who is out there in the community, ready to take on the challenges and willing to put in the required effort to do just that. I’ve launched an exploratory committee to report back to me on the feasibility of my run for office and the prospect of earning enough support to win the trust and vote for city councilman to Yonkers City Council District Three.”
Another name rumored to be interested in the democratic nomination for council in the third district was Carlos Moran, who currently serves as commissioner of human resources at City Hall. Moran, who is qualified and an attractive candidate, in the end decided not to run and either give up his powerful post in City Hall or retire. He will continue to serve as human resources commissioner, presiding over many of the hirings and appointments by the city.
Some bozos online wrote that Moran was running and got this one wrong.
Former Councilman Dennis Robertson appears to be the choice of the City Democratic Committee and wants to return to the council. Robertson, who has also been a candidate for mayor, told Yonkers Rising last week that he will accept the decision of the party and the executive committee.
