Pete Spano
Chuck Lesnick
City Council President Lakisha Collins-Bellamy
Mike Khader
Councilwoman Tasha Diaz
By Dan Murphy
We have heard a few bloggers write about how there is no democracy in Yonkers and candidates no longer run for office. Nothing can be further from the truth after the Board of Elections approved more than a dozen candidates to be on the ballot for City Council President, City Council, and County Legislator.
With little or no excitement in other political contests in Westchester this year, the race for Yonkers City Council President will be the TOP political contest in Yonkers and across the county.
All five democrats who sought to get on the ballot for a democratic primary for council president in June made the ballot. They include incumbent Council President Lakisha Collins-Bellamy, Councilwoman Tasha Diaz, former Council Presidents Mike Khader and Chuck Lesnick, and Pete Spano.
Let us start with someone with a famous last name but someone you may not be familiar with. Pete Spano is unrelated to Yonkers’s large and political Spano family. But he has been involved over the years in helping raise funds and rebuild parks and basketball courts in the city.
Pete Spano got on the ballot and ran for council president four years ago, losing the Democratic primary to Collins-Bellamy. Khader is also on the Democratic vote.
Now that he has obtained ballot status for the second time, we wanted to talk to Spano about his campaign. “It’s very humbling and blessed to have the opportunity to serve. I enjoy advocating for seniors, youth, and the middle class.
“Yonkers stands on the edge of a promising new chapter. With strong community spirit and dedicated leadership, our best days are still ahead. Electing Peter Spano as City Council President is a major step toward a brighter, more united future for all who call Yonkers home.”
“My campaign is about giving Yonkers another choice and chance,” said Spano.
Peter Spano said that the last name he shares with the Mayor and many others in Yonkers is good and evil. “Some love the Spano, and some don’t. I think I’m different from many of the Spanos, but I have worked with the Mayor on basketball courts in our parks.”
“My experience and proven leadership can transfer to any item on the council agenda,” said Spano, who volunteers at the YMCA on Sundays and at the Dayspring Community Center on Walnut Street, helping provide free breakfasts and basketball programs.
We have touched base with the other candidates for City Council. All have their base of supporters, and we are gearing up for the June 24 Democratic primary.
Four years ago, Council President Lakisha Collins-Bellamy won the primary with about 10,000 democratic votes cast. This year, more than 65,000 registered Democrats in Yonkers are expected to come out to vote for one of the five candidates.
Spano predicted that 3,000 votes would win the Democratic primary. Others say that it will be 4,500.
In other petition news, City Councilman John Rubbo had his petitions challenged by his republican opponent Anthony Solieri’s sister, Carolyn Solieri.
Rubbo’s petitions were deemed valid and will be on the reelection ballot in November. After the Board of Election’s decision, Rubbo posted, “I’m proud of the work I’ve done to serve our city—delivering for small businesses, improving quality of life, supporting our schools, and standing up for families in every corner of Yonkers. Work takes time away from my family, but it’s a responsibility I take seriously and would never walk away from. My opponent, who has had zero involvement in our community until the day he decided to run, knows he can’t match that record. So, instead, he and his sister tried and failed to knock me off the ballot in a desperate attempt to disenfranchise voters. That’s not leadership, that’s desperation.
“I’m excited to have been endorsed by the Yonkers Democratic and Conservative Parties, and with the support of this incredible community and city, I’ll keep working hard for the people of Yonkers. I’m humbled to have so much support and will work hard to victory this November,” said Rubbo.
Carolyn Solieri responded with a post: “Councilman John Rubbo’s patronizing attacks expose his contempt for women who dare to defy him. I challenged his fraudulent petitions, which are marred by illegible, incomplete signatures. Many were gathered by non-registered Democrats and filled with flagrant violations that demanded disqualification. Yet, Rubbo deflects, smearing me as desperate while clinging to power through deceit and backroom deals.
“His complicity in abuse is undeniable. He backed a resolution forcing Councilmember Corazón Pineda-Isaac to apologize for recording a colleague’s vile threat to “slit her throat,” siding with the abuser over the victim. This isn’t leadership, as it’s cowardice.
“I’m an educated woman with a dual master’s degree and an unwavering dedication to public service. I will not be silenced. Despite the Board of Elections ‘ opaque tactics, my fight against Rubbo’s petitions was a stand for justice and integrity. His attacks only betray his dread of accountability. Voters see through his facade, and as the saying goes, a reckoning is coming,” said Solieri.
Rubbo and County Legislator David Tubiolo face challenges this year in their reelection hopes. Republican Michael Pineda is challenging Tubiolo.
Republicans also have a primary for City Council President with Dean Politopoulos is running against Ron Schutte.
