Johnson Named Majority Whip
The Westchester County Board of Legislators began the 2020-21 term Monday, re-electing Ben Boykin (D-White Plains, Scarsdale, Harrison) as chairman and Alfreda Williams (D-Elmsford, Greenburgh, Sleepy Hollow, Tarrytown) as vice chairwoman.
In a ceremony in the board’s chamber, all 17 legislators were sworn in, including three new legislators beginning their first terms – Colin Smith (D-Cortlandt, Peekskill, Yorktown) in District 1; Vedat Gashi (D-New Castle, Somers, Yorktown) in District 4; and Ruth Walter (D-Bronxville, Yonkers) in District 15. Also sworn in was Jose Alvarado (D-Yonkers) in District 17, who returns to a seat he held from 2001-11.
Outgoing Majority Leader Catherine Parker (D-Harrison, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, New Rochelle, Rye) chose not to seek the position. Democrats, who hold a 15-2 majority, selected MaryJane Shimksy (D-Ardsley, Dobbs Ferry, Edgemont, Hartsdale, Hastings-on-Hudson, Irvington) as majority leader and Christopher Johnson (D-Yonkers) as majority whip.
The minority caucus selected Margaret Cunzio (C-Mount Pleasant, North Castle, Pleasantville) as minority leader and David Tubiolo (R-Yonkers, Mount Vernon) as minority whip for 2020.
“While we achieved a lot in the last term, there is more work to do,” said Boykin. “We must fearlessly address challenges and seize opportunities with regard to affordable housing, economic development, infrastructure, the environment, and public safety. And in these times we must make sure that all our residents are safe, secure and welcome, regardless of race, religion, gender and sexual orientation. Hate and bigotry have no place in this county and acts of hatred and bigotry will not be tolerated.
“We look forward to a new term brimming with fresh energy and ideas, building on our record of progressive achievement to ensure a better tomorrow for the people of Westchester. We will be bold, we will act bold, and we will implement a bold agenda.”
In addition to County Legislators Johnson and Tubiolo, two new legislators representing Yonkers were sworn in: County Legislator Jose Alvarado returns to the BOL representing southwest Yonkers, where he served for 10 years before losing to outgoing Legislator Virginia Perez. Now Alvarado replaces Perez on the board.
Legislator Ruth Walter represents parts of Yonkers and Bronxville in the 15th District, where she replaces Gordon Burrows on the county board.
