Letter to the Editor: Dirty Tricks in the Yonkers Election
Mr. Murphy: I would like to ask you about two, last minute emails and Facebook posts to see if you know where they came from. One was from a group called, Residents Protecting Our Yonkers. The email I received reads, “Former Republican and Chief of the Yonkers Police Department Tim Hodges, seeking to be elected to the Yonkers City Council, and former Republican, Councilman John Rubbo has created a coup to seize control of the Democratic Yonkers City Council, under the advisement of their shared Republican Campaign Manager, Zehy Jereis.
The recently switched Republican Councilman John Rubbo has agreed to support the former Republican, Tim Hodges’ bid for City Council. Tim Hodges seeks to come out of retirement to continue capitalizing on taxpayer dollars following his six-figure City and State-funded pension. Tim has pledged his full support, endorsing former Republican John Rubbo as the Democratic Majority Leader of the Yonkers City Council. Republican Campaign Manager Zehy Jereis orchestrated the coup to secure critical votes on the City Council. Yonkers CANNOT afford to turn back to the days of old.”
Another Facebook post, from a gruop called ‘Coaltion for a More Tolerant Westchester’ posted on Nov. 1, “As a result of the controversy involving Legislator Ruth Walter engaging in what we believe was discriminatory behavior, the Coalition for a More Tolerant Westchester revokes any previous endorsement Ms. Walter may have had and hereby endorses James Nolan for County Legislator in District 15. As a private citizen, Mr. Nolan has done a tremendous amount for everyone in the community, regardless of color, religion, orientation, etc. Please vote for James Nolan on November 2, 2021 and help us send a message: bigotry can never be rewarded, regardless of the political affiliation a proven racist claims.”
I have never heard of either organization, and I consider myself well read and up on the politics of the day in Yonkers. Can you help me?
Katherine Abrigella. Yonkers
Editor’s Note: Katherine, thanks for your letter. I received the same email and read the same Facebook post. Unfortunately, I can’t tell you anything about either group, and I think they want to remain anonymous.
Dear Editor,
Matthew Joseph Slater. If you asked this man what he was most proud of he would say, without pause… MY FAMILY. But, if you know Matt or if you spend a moment talking with him (and it only takes a moment), you will find out what he means by “my family.” For his definition of “family” encompasses so much more than myself, Charlie, Elizabeth, his mom and his grandmother – his definition of family is his community – his town. YORKTOWN IS HIS FAMILY. And he is so very proud to be your Town Supervisor.
I said it before, but some Supervisors get hurricanes, some get power outages, but Matt gets all that AND a global pandemic, but I watched the other night (as I have countless nights before) as he took a call, answered a Facebook message and set up a zoom meeting – all while feeding our little girl an ice pop and playing checkers with Charlie.
Watching this man care for this town and the people of this town like he cares for his own children truly makes my heart leap. Sure, I will admit it, when the pandemic hit I was nervous, I was a little angry and I was scared… why Matt, why after all this time, after he worked so hard to be in this position he was dealt THIS?! And then it hit me. Because he can handle it. Because he was supposed to be here. Now. In this position. Because OUR town needs him and man has he proven that! He rose to the occasion like no other and I have never been prouder to call him my husband, the father of my children, and yes, my supervisor!
Abe Lincoln once said “I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives, I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him.” There is no greater quote to personify Matt Slater. I am so proud to be his wife – he inspires me every day – his tireless work ethic is to be admired, his selfless dedication to his community is bar-none, but above all he always puts the needs of his “family” first.
Kellie Slater, Yorktown Heights
