The two takeaways from the Yonkers Democratic convention last week, were how incumbent elected officials were able to win the party’s nomination, but also how a dozen Yonkers democrats stepped forward to challenge those incumbents.
Council President Mike Khader, and one of his opponents, were satisfied with the results. “It is an honor to receive the support of the local Democratic Party,” commented Khader, who received 86% of the democratic district and ward leaders. “I am proud of what our party has been able to achieve over the last four years both at the polls and at City Hall, and I am grateful for the committee’s faith in me to represent our party in this critical election season. I have spent the last three years fighting for Democratic priorities in our great city, and I don’t plan on stopping any time soon. I am not taking anything for granted in this race, and I believe that my track record of results for our city speaks for itself, I look forward to the campaign as an opportunity for dialogue and engagement with all Yonkers residents.”
Lakisha Collins-Bellamy, who received 14%, said, “I’m proud to share my vision that represents the heart of the city of Yonkers — our people,” said Collins-Bellamy, a life-long Yonkers resident, Democrat and graduate from Yonkers Public Schools, who is raising a family in her hometown. “I love my city, and we deserve leadership that meets the various needs of our city’s residents. We need diversity in the city’s workforce, an increase in affordable housing opportunities, quality education, and improved public safety measures — during and after COVID-19.”
Collins is currently serving as a Trustee on the Yonkers Board of Education, and as Legal Counsel with the Municipal Housing Authority of Yonkers. She was appointed to the Yonkers Board of Education by Mayor Mike Spano, who also appointed Collins-Bellamy to the Yonkers Police Reform Committee.
Peter Spano, (no relation to the Mayor Mike Spano) also announced his candidacy for the democratic nomination for Council President, releasing a statement which read, “With all indicators of the pulse of the city, the community is tired and frustrated with the stagnated growth and decline of resources in the middle of a pandemic. “Results, Results”, is what the people demand, and Peter Spano has a plan to instill trust and integrity into the process and hope for a great future that the people of Yonkers deserve.”
Spano, who has not run for office before, has community based involvment from his work raising money for the construction of basketball courts and other rectional opportunities for Yonkers children.
City Council races in the 2nd, 4th and 6th Districts, as well as county board races in the 15th, 16th and 17th districts, will be reported on by us in the near future.
