Jose Diaz, center, with Mayoral candidate Anthony Merante, and BOL candidate Debbie Kozak, 16th D.
By Dan Murphy
One of the contested races in Yonkers on November 7 will be for Westchester Legislator in District 17, which includes most of Southwest Yonkers. Democrat Legislator Jose Alvarado is being challenged by republican Jose Diaz.
This heavily democratic district usually does not have a republican opponent, but Diaz is running an active campaign. We asked Diaz to write about his campaign and why he is running.
“I am an American of Dominican origin, having become a United States citizen in 1996. I attended Mercy College for a period of almost four years, studying Computer science and programming languages. I also attended Westchester Community College, taking electronics and robotics classes. I made the decision to leave college to help my family financially.
“I have lived in Yonkers most of my life and I love the city I made my home for so many years. My decision to run for the office of Westchester County Legislator was due to my concerns with so many serious worsening problems in the 17th District.
“The 17th District has been inundated with illegal weapons and more control and interception of these illegal weapons are desperately needed. On April 20, 2022 a Yonkers police detective was shot, an incident that took place in the vicinity of Elm and Linden Streets. This detective suffered extensive internal injuries and almost died.
“The months of July and August of this year have seen an increase in shootings, stabbings and residential break-ins and burglaries. The problem of drug dealing has also increased significantly. We have a crisis with the selling and use of fentanyl, a very addictive and dangerous drug; we see drug addicts committing crimes to support their addiction, with many resorting to prostitution, becoming increasingly visible in the community. Many of those addicted can also be seen injecting their drugs openly in public places. It is demoralizing to the community overall and a significant public health issue.
“Yonkers has its own problem with active gangs, made worst by gang members from other municipalities and other areas. These gang members come to our city to start their initiation rituals and killings.
“There is an increase in homelessness in certain neighborhoods in this district, creating a health problem. There are often individuals blocking sidewalks, consuming alcohol in public areas, and defecating and urinating in public places.
The bail reform changes only worsened the effects of the serious crimes in the 17th District.
There are still problems with odors emanating from the Yonkers waste water and sewage plant. The odors released by the plant contain airborne bacteria and germs, which can affect people with compromised immune systems. Many of the residents still complain despite the millions of dollars spent to mitigate the problem.
The people of the city of Yonkers want change. The current legislator forgot that he is a public official accountable to the people he represents, not to the status quo. More than a decade ago it was reported that Jose Alvarado was appointed to the position of Yonkers City Clerk, apparently neglecting to inform City Hall that he already had a full-time job in the private sector. He also apparently used the city vehicle assigned to him to commute to his OTHER full- time job. It is time for change. I will be the representative the people of the 17th District deserve,” writes Diaz.
