BOL 15th District, East Yonkers and Bronxville
By Dan Murphy
Last week, we interviewed James Nolan, republican candidate for the Westchester County Board of Legislators in the 15th District, (Bronxville and East Yonkers). Nolan is challenging democratic Legislator Ruth Walter, in a race identified by many as the most competitive of the 17 BOL seats up for election Nov. 2.
After our interview we learned that Nolan is not vaccinated for COVID-19. Nolan told us that “I had COVID and beat COVID. I get tested every week for my job in the Yonkers Public Schools. I follow every protocol in the YPS and in my campaign. If I wasn’t tested, I wouldn’t be let into school for my job.”
Nolan, who works for the Yonkers Public Schools and was born and raised in Yonkers, said that his campaign is getting a lot of good feedback from the thousands of people he has met so far in his active campaign. “A lot of people I speak to doesn’t know what a county legislator does,” said Nolan who says one issue he heard alot about on the campaign trail is the need to help flooding victims from the Bronx River in Bronxville and East Yonkers.
“Seniors are also desparate for a voice and are having problems paying their property taxes during the pandemic. While our country property taxes haven’t gone up, they raised the sales tax. I want to make an impact and provide that voice.”
Nolan has the endorsement from 9 unions, and from republicans, including former County Legislator in the 15th District Gordon Burrows, Bronxville Mayor Mary Marvin, Yonkers City Council Minority Leader Mike Breen, and County Legislator Margaret Cunzio, the only other non dem on the BOL. “Elected officials and former elected officials like what I’m about,” We asked Nolan his thoughts if he were the only republican on the board elected come 2022? “I would embrace it because all voices need to be heard.”
“People want change. They don’t want the same song and dance about just showing up for ceremonies. They have concerns and those concerns matter to me. Public safety is one issue, with crime going up. Affordability is another issue, and people want to see where their tax dollars are going. And our infrastructure problems needs to be addressed.”
“They want someone who is not a politician but wants to serve the public. I’m a member of the blue collar workforce. That’s why I’m getting such a positive response. During the pandemic there were a lot of us out there helping people, and there were others who were not around and people didn’t know who to turn to. You need to be seen in the most desparate times,” said Nolan, who lost his brother Michael Nolan, who was shot and killed in Yonkers in 2015.
Since his brothers death, James has created and worked on community causes through the Michael Nolan foundation. “It always hard to remember, but it motivates me. I want his legacy to continue and to make our district better for everyone. I’m a Yonkers guy through and through. I want to stay here and raise my family here.” Nolan also said that he is honored that his race is the #1 race for the BOL. “Our campaign is out there, knocking on thousands of doors and meeting people. This is a serious race,” said James Nolan.
Editor’s Note:
After our interview, we found out that James Nolan was not vaccinated for COVID-19, and that several residents had raised concerns about the fact that he was campaigning and knocking on doors while not vaccinated.
We contacted Nolan who said, “I’m not vaccinated and I have consulted with my doctor and due to my medical history I am waiting on my doctors advice to take it. I encourage people to get the vaccine if their doctor gives them the green light. I wear mask when required and socially distance myself!”
While on the campaign trail, Nolan knocked on a door of a nurse in Yonkers, who asked if he was vaccinated. She raised her obejction to others and her concerns we have heard from other residents and voters in the district.
While on the campaign trail, Nolan knocked on a door of a nurse in Yonkers, who asked if he was vaccinated. She then spoke out against the fact that he was campaigning, and knocking on doors without a vaccination.
Nolan was also invited to a debate on WVOX radio 1460 AM, but because he is not vaccinated, would have to call in and cannot come into the studio.
Nolan’s non-vax also raises the question, should we now ask all elected officials, and their opponents, if they are vaccinated? What about those who endorsed Nolan? Does this fact change their view?
The other question is if elected, would Nolan be welcome in the county board chambers if he is not vaccinated? Another county legislator from Yonkers, Legislator David Tubiolo, tested positive for COVID last year.
All of these questions will be up to the voters on Nov. 2, and next week we interview Legislator Ruth Walter.
