John O’Leary
Opposes Yonkers GOP Chairman Moffit’s Proposed By-Law Changes
To All Republicans:
My name is John P. O’Leary. I was proud to serve as a Republican Westchester County Legislator representing the 15th Legislative District, in Northwest Yonkers, from January 1976 through December 1985.
At the end of my term, I chose to step down and not seek re-election. I was given the honor of recommending someone whom I believe could continue representing our district with integrity and dedication. My choice was the Honorable Danny Thomas, who went on to serve our county with distinction. Sadly, Danny has since passed away, but he will always be remembered as a dedicated public servant and Republican leader.
I have been around the Republican Party long enough to know what makes an organization successful—and what can weaken one.
That is why I am deeply concerned about the proposed bylaws being advanced under Yonkers Republican Chairman Robert Moffitt that would eliminate the guaranteed leadership role for women in our party.
During the 1980s, the Yonkers Republican Party was a strong and active political organization under the leadership of Chairman Frank Coppola and Republican City Co-Chair, and 6th Ward Leader (Ms.) Ellie Klein. Women weren’t treated as an afterthought in our organization.
They were leaders, organizers, campaign workers and an essential part of our party. Ellie Klein, as Republican Party City Co-Chair and 6th Ward Leader, was the backbone of the Yonkers Republican Party.
She worked harder than twenty men put together. As 6th Ward Leader, she tirelessly supported Republican candidates, organized campaigns and contributed to Republican victories throughout Yonkers.
Ellie’s contributions went far beyond elections. As City Co-Chair, she helped organize successful fundraisers that strengthened our party and supported Republican candidates throughout the city. One of her most memorable accomplishments was organizing our annual Secret Santa event for children who otherwise might not have had much of a Christmas. It became much more than a political event. It brought Republican families together before the holidays while providing children with gifts, happiness and the joy of Christmas.
That was the Republican Party I remember—community, family, service and political leadership working together. Women like Ellie Klein weren’t simply included in our Republican Party. They helped build it, lead it, and hold it together.
That is why I question the wisdom of changing our bylaws in a way that would eliminate a guaranteed leadership role for women.
At a time when we should be expanding the Republican Party, recruiting new members and encouraging more women to become involved, we should be discussing how to increase their participation and leadership—not reduce it.
Instead of eliminating women’s leadership positions, we should be expanding opportunities for Republican women to participate as district leaders, Ward leaders, committee members, candidates and party officers.
I have seen what a strong Yonkers Republican Party looks like. Men and women worked side by side, respected one another and understood that everyone willing to work for our Republican principles had something valuable to contribute.
We should learn from that history as we decide what kind of Republican organization, we want for the future.
John P. O’Leary
Former Westchester County Legislator
15th Legislative District
1976–1985