Debbie Kozak
By Dan Murphy
As we were writing recently about the resignation of Christopher Johnson, the appointment of Symra Brandon, and the democratic primary victory of Councilwoman Shanae Williams in the election for County Legislator in the 16th District in Yonkers, we also thought about the other candidate in this race.
Her name is Debbie Kozak and she is running on the Republican and Conservative Party lines in November. We reached out to her to find out about her campaign.
“I was born in NYC and raised in the Bronx, I graduated from Pratt Institute with a BS in Construction Management, and two associate degrees from WCC in Civil Technologies & Accounting. I’ve been a work-from-home+from-everywhere-else Mom, and grassroots activist for the past 18+ years and most recently, a published author.
“The issues I’m running on are:
I-What do we call them: Illegal Aliens? Migrants? Or Asylum Seekers? Call them what you want; it makes no difference. NYC dumped these hapless individuals in Westchester County’s District 16 and throughout the County. Clearly their needs will impact the residents of Yonkers and Westchester County, overstressing our already struggling community-based organizations with real, black-and-white longterm costs associated with housing, medical expenses, education, legal defense, safety, and other social services.
Yonkers was given zero advance notice of NYC’s intention to transport and house these individuals into our city. I’ll be at the forefront and fight to have the information you/we deserve and need, to get our families through this crisis. My opponent was and still is silent on this issue.
II- Help for our Forgotten Seniors: Among the most forgotten of our community are senior citizens. Former Westchester County Legislator Bernice Spreckman was a champion for seniors and put them first. She was admired for her tenacity and fight and her untimely death has left a void. In the spirit of Bernice, I will do my utmost to fill that void and promise to support all senior citizen programs. I will advocate for senior citizens as they face daily hardships.
III- Eliminate or reduce unnecessary taxes, regulations, and fees wherever and whenever possible: We need value for the tax dollars that we are obligated to pay. I promise to vote against any County budget that raises our taxes without providing value for service.
IV- Quality-of-Life Improvements: Supporting safe and clean year-round recreational facilities are a must. I commit to providing funding for on-going County Police to patrol the parks, maintenance & much needed upgrades for facilities and equipment, so that residents may enjoy an optimum quality of life.
Example: I’ll promote and support a variety of festivals and events in District 16’s multi-cultural community so our residents can come together to learn about and to enjoy each other’s company. It’s the American way.
V- Commitment to Public Safety: Drug and alcohol addiction + gang violence is on the rise and many residents of Yonkers District 16 are afraid to leave their homes–even during the day. I’ll support the County and, in collaboration with YPD, assist with the promotion, funding, and provision of resources to Neighborhood Watch Groups and Block Watchers.
People need to feel and be safe in their homes and their communities. Supporting law enforcement to combat crime is a top priority—and I’ve already taken the Heritage Action Police Pledge (Look it up!).
Additionally, I will support expanded funding for the homeless to provide them with housing and social services, thus enabling them to live with dignity…and I will add my support for expanded funding for ongoing addiction, correction, and prevention programs.
This November, Yonkers District 16 voters will get their first chance in 20 years to vote for the only WCL candidate who hasn’t voted to raise property taxes on homeowners… who has a track record of serving the underserved… volunteering in and for the local community… and who has taken on state and local agencies and insurance companies, to fight for the services that were necessary for children…and I won! Yonkers District 16 residents will have no greater fighter for their interest than Debbie Kozak: A true advocate for the district and beyond
