By Dan Murphy
Two Yonkers Councilmembers, Majority Leader Corazon Pineda-Isaac, and Councilman John Rubbo, are running for re-election in the 2nd and 4th Council Districts. Both have challengers and will appear on the ballot in the democratic primary on June 22.
Corazon Pineda-Isaac is running for a third, four year term on the council. “I love the work that I do, and I’m proud of the work that I’ve done. I believe that I’m the strongest democrat on the council because my voting record and legislative record shows that.”
Three issues that Pineda-Isaac has worked on is education, affordable housing and police reform. “In 2015, I saw the importance of how body cameras can improve police relations with the community. We started work on this before the national uprising.”
“I’ve also worked hard in supporting and protecting renters from predatory landlords, and worked to create a landlord registry in Yonkers. And, with many new buildings going up with affordable units, we have also created an affordable housing registry to help people find those apartments.”
“I’m one of the biggest fighters for education. The budget we just passed has increased services and programs to include more librarians and guidance counselors. But there is still work to do and I’m looking forward to it,” said Pineda-Isaac.
“I am working to make sure that the 2nd council district is one of the safest in the city. We have included money in the budget for a lighting study on Elm Street to make it brighter and see how it works to improve it, and then bring it to other neighborhoods. Crime doesn’t happen in areas that are well lit. “
“I want to keep connecting to the residents because they are my greatest teaching tool. It’s their suggestions and concerns that trigger other ideas. It’s a symbiotic relationship that has helped me evolve and serve. I hope to serve for another term and build on what we have started. “
“The pandemic took us all by surprise and turned families upside down. There is food insecurity in the 2nd district and I have worked to help get food to those who need it and help in a small way by connecting with Feeding Westchester and collect donations and PPE,” said the Majority Leader.
Pineda-Isaac’s ‘other hat’ is her work as an Economic Development specialist for Westchester County. “I work hands on to provide grant funding, and can help people in Yonkers on how to apply and how to access funding. Yonkers does it through the IDA but I’m doing it myself.”
The Majority Leader said that “there are many issues that all of us on the council agree on, but we vary in the spectrum. I consider myself to be a progressive and I’m passionate about the issues that I believe in and fight for. We always don’t agree but I will always speak up and fight for my community.”
Councilman John Rubbo is completing his first term representing the 4th council district. Rubbo has lived in the 4th district for all of his life; his parents and grandparents still live in the district. “I’m always in my district, driving my son to school, and I’m traveling every day to look out for the quality of life issues that make our community thrive,” said Rubbo.
Councilman Rubbo addressed two issues raised by his opponent. The Coyne Park Senior Center and paving the roads and potholes in the 4th District. “Coyne park is one of the most popular senior centers and attracts the most seniors because it is an active center and one of the nicer ones. We have identified some upgrades needed in this city building like there are upgrades needed in other city buildings. The parks dept has a 5 year plan to make sure we are ADA compliant, and Coyne with be #2 to be upgraded, with handicapped accesible bathrooms and all of the upgrades made as promised.”
On repaving roads, Rubbo said, “Since I have been on the council, we have already spent more on repaving the 4th council district than in the previous 8 years. I’m committed to investing in infrastructure and with the help of Mayor Spano we have rolled out a pilot paving program that uses new technology to crack seal the roads, you can pave right over them and pave 5 times as many streets. We are looking at new technology to put every tax dollar to work, and we are paving more city streets in the 4th district than ever before.”
Rubbo has also supported the increased funding for the Yonkers Public Schools. “By investing in our schools we are helping to increase our property values and quality of life. My district has a lot of seniors but having a great school system is just as important to them when they sell their homes. There is no reason to run up to northern Westchester, and we are making Yonkers a place to feel comfortable staying here.”
Rubbo added that quality of life issues are very important to him and the people of the 4th district. “Maintaining the quality of life is something that I spend a great deal of time on. Whether its speeding in neighborhoods, or car thefts or having your dogs out of your yard, are issues that I stay up to date on and work with the Yonkers Police Department, and Commissioner Mueller on, to make sure we get out infront of these concerns. If we see a spike in burglaries then we shift resources to the neighborhood where its happening the most.”
Rubbo said that he wants the DPW to return the garbage cans on city streets. “I was willing to give it a try, but we see too much trash and litter along the roads now. I have been calling since last year to bring the cans back. The administration promised 20 in my district, but I want another 30 garbage pails. But we as homeowners and business owners need to keep our outside areas clean. I want our city streets to be pristine, its somethng you notice right away when you drive through a community.”
Rubbo said that serving the people of the 4th district involves, “Being a realist and understanding the complexities of government but also being able to get the job done for the people I represent. My opponent was to see 30% affordable housing across the city, and believe that bail reform has not affected the quality of life. He should go out and talk to the people affected.
“It’s important to stay in touch and not just believe what you read on a blog. I’m in touch with this community. I love Yonkers, we are such a diverse city that has so much to offer, and while we have come a long way, we can continue to do better. I love serving on the council so that I can help people, and make Yonkers a better place to live,” said Rubbo.
