Mayor Mike Spano takes oath of office
Deana Renee Robinson takes oath of office for City Council First District
Councilman Mike Breen takes oath of office
Councilwoman Tasha Diaz takes oath of office
By Dan Murphy
Inauguration day in the City of Yonkers is always a special and unique occasion. Set in the Yonkers Riverfront library auditorium every two years, the intimate setting offers limited seating for family, friends and supporters of the candidates being sworn in for office, and city officials.
On Jan. 2, 2024, Mayor Mike Spano was sworn in for his fourth term leading New York’s third largest city. Mayor Spano was joined by wife Mary Calvi, and his children.
The mayor’s daughter, Alexandra, stole the show by giving a well delivered introduction to her father. “I was 10 when my father was elected Mayor. I was so proud and excited about what was to come.”
“He has guided us through the pandemic, brought Hollywood to the Hudson, and students in the Yonkers Public Schools have a 97% graduation rate. He is there for the city at any moment and considers it a privilege to serve,” said Alexandra who finished with a story about her grandfather, Len Spano, who used the phrase-”one step at a time”, as a mantra to get through difficult times in war, government, or everyday life.
Mayor Spano took the oath from Judge Elena Goldberg. “This is the greatest honor that any person can achieve, in the greatest city in America. I was born and raised in South Yonkers, and I knew back then, when I was a student at St. Peter’s, that I wanted to be Mayor.
Spano said that Yonkers’ future is bright. “The sky is the limit. We are the top city in educating our children. We are the top city in keeping our community safe and attracting new businesses. It is our time to fulfill our potential.”
Deana Renee Robinson took the oath of office for City Council -First District. Robinson took the oath of office from Deputy City Clerk Nerissa Pena. “Thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To my family and my sons, I pray that I make you proud. Thank you to County Legislator Shanae Williams for being my friend and mentor. It is my honor to represent the First District and continue the work. And Mayor Mike Spano thank you for your support.”
Robinson has already worked with the other members of the City Council as an aide to Shanae Williams, so she plans on getting right to work on the council.
City Councilwoman Tasha Diaz was sworn in for her second term representing the Third Council District, taking the oath from Judge Janet Malone. “I am proud and humbled to be reelected. When I first took office, I ran on a message of finding solutions to problems that are equitable for everyone. I am proud to say that I have delivered on this promise, and I will continue to deliver transparency and accountability. I promise the people of this great city that I will continue to work towards progress.”
City Councilman Mike Breen took the oath of office from Judge Charlie Wood for his third term, representing the Fifth Council District. “I look forward to working with Mayor Spano and the city council in a bi-partisan manner to move the city forward.” Breen predicted that “2024 is the year MGM gets the green light,” for a full gaming Casino. “Yonkers is ready now.”
City Clerk Vincent Spano served as the Master of Ceremonies. Yonkers City Court Judges Karen Beltran and Judge Arthur Doran III were sworn in for a 10-year term.
