By Dan Murphy
Last week, City Councilman John Rubbo changed his party affiliation and became a democrat, giving Yonkers democrats five members on the council. Rubbo made the switch because “the far-right rhetoric of some of the members of the Republican Party has abandoned many members of the party who sit middle/left of center, like I do,” he said.
The response to Rubbo’s change of parties was positive from Mayor Mike Spano and Yonkers Democratic Party Chairman Tom Meier. Since then, Yonkers Democrats on the City Council and republicans in Yonkers took Rubbo to task for his party change.
“As a proud Democrat, I believe that Councilman Rubbo needs to show us as a caucus and the Democratic Party at large that this conversion is made out of alignment with key Democratic values, not political expediency,” said Council President Mike Khader. “Although I appreciate Councilman Rubbo’s willingness to reach across the aisle, I cannot disregard his voting record over the last two years, in which he has voted against almost every piece of progressive Democratic legislation placed before the council. Being a Democrat means a commitment to supporting and introducing legislation that promotes the Democratic platform and ideology. The best way of judging a legislator is on their voting record, and I look forward to witnessing Councilman Rubbo’s contributions to the Democratic agenda.”
Democratic Majority Leader Michael Sabatino added: “As the majority leader of the Democratic caucus, I respect Councilman Rubbo’s decision to change parties and I welcome him into our caucus. Now that he has made that decision, I am hopefully that he will embrace the ideals, philosophies and policies that are the basis of the democratic platform. Issues such as, women rights, affordable housing, equality for all people, and immigrant rights. I look forward to him partnering as we pursue our Democratic agenda.”
Councilwoman Corazón Pineda-Isaac also welcomed Rubbo to the party, saying: “I hope his future actions in office deviate from his immediate past. Simply changing one’s party affiliation does not make one a Democrat. When Democrats on the City Council fought for immigrants’ rights and driver’s licenses, Councilman Rubbo stood with his Republican colleagues and voted ‘no.’ When the Democrats on the City Council stood up for the women of New York State and voted for a resolution in support of the Reproductive Care Act, Councilman Rubbo stood with his Republican colleagues and voted ‘no.’
“Like his fellow Republicans, Councilman Rubbo has remained silent with respect to the never-ending unpresidential behavior of Donald Trump,” she continued. “However, the future ahead can tell a different story, and I look forward to Councilman Rubbo’s democratic story, and will continue to work with him for the betterment of the City of Yonkers.”
“Membership in the Democratic Party means more than just a title,” added Councilwoman Shanae Williams. “It means fighting to protect social programs, the environment, and labor unions; it means fighting for equal opportunity, and standing up for women, black and brown people, the LGBT community, and other historically disadvantaged groups. Joining the Democratic Party is going to take much more from Councilman Rubbo than just a change in the letter next to his name – it’s going to take a firm commitment to stand with us Democrats on key issues.
“Councilman Rubbo and I began our journey on the City Council in 2018, and now we will continue that journey together as Democrats. Although I have my concerns, I am cautiously optimistic that his actions, advocacy, and voting record will reflect Democratic values.”
Councilwoman-elect Tasha Diaz said she plans on approaching each of her future colleagues on the City Council with an open mind, focused solely on what they can achieve together for the residents of Yonkers.
“Although I have my hopes that Councilman Rubbo’s future in elected office is reflective of Democratic values, I will not forget Councilman Rubbo’s silence and obstruction of Democratic priorities in the past,” she said. “Regardless of party labels, I will do my utmost to work with Councilman Rubbo for the betterment of our great city and hope that he will be an enthusiastic partner in supporting our Democratic agenda.”
While democrats were skeptical about a democratic John Rubbo, republicans were angry and disappointed that he left the GOP.
“In 2017, under the GOP banner, John Rubbo campaigned and was elected to represent the 4th Council District,” said Yonkers Republican Party Chairman Justin Tubiolo. “The voters who supported John expected and trusted that he would follow the principles of the Republican Party.
“With 2020 fast approaching and Mr. Rubbo’s term expiring in 2021, the Yonkers GOP will oppose his candidacy and will be fully committed to nominate an individual who truly represents Republican values. While the Yonkers Republican Party is disappointed with Councilman Rubbo’s decision, it is determined to continue to hold him accountable to the Republican ideals and standards by which he was elected. The Yonkers GOP will continue to work for the best interests of this great city and all Yonkers residents.”
In a letter to the editor, Yonkers resident Al Higgins wrote: “I believe Councilman Rubbo changed his party affiliation because he realizes the demographics are changing in the district he represents and in Yonkers as a whole. He’s purposely doing this controversial switch early in his first term. To me, it’s always a shame when an elected official walks away from their beliefs and political ideology.”
The two remaining City Council republicans also commented.
“While I am disappointed that Councilman Rubbo has decided to leave our caucus, I am certain he will continue to act in the best interest of his constituency,” said City Council Minority Leader Mike Breen. “In his time serving, I have seen John act as a tireless advocate for the 4th district and fully expect that will continue. I look forward to continuing to work with the entire council and administration in a bipartisan way, as I have since I took office.”
Councilman Anthony Merante added: “As frustrated as I am that Councilman Rubbo has left the Republican caucus, I will remain grateful for our time together and continue to wish him well. I am confident we will work as well together on opposite sides of the political aisle as we did when we caucused together.”
Editor’s Note: This story has been edited from its version in Yonkers Rising on Sept. 13. We placed the following in Sept. 20 Yonkers Rising.
In last week’s issue of Yonkers Rising, Sept. 13, we printed a story titled “Rubbo Questioned by Both Parties for Switch to Democrat,” in which we included several comments from Yonkers democrats and republicans. Based on a recent letter to the editor, which we reprint below, we now realize that some of the comments made by Yonkers Republicans were not meant for print.
As we explained to the letter writer, we were forwarded the letter from someone we know and identified and we thought the comments in the email were to be used as letters to the editor or for use in my story. I apologize to those whose comments were printed if they did not want them to be shared with the public.
Dear Editor: In regard to your article “Rubbo Questioned by Both parties for Switch to Democrat,” which appeared in your Friday, Sept. 13, 2019, Vol. 113, Number 37 edition of Yonkers Rising, I wish to bring to your attention the Republican comments that you quoted (Ron Matten, Chris Favorito, Al Villate). These comments were produced by me on an email along with City of Yonkers Republican Chairman Justin Tubiolo and Republican District Leader Nancy Magliari. (Magliari’s and Tubiolo’s comments did appear on the Facebook page “Yonkers GOP” and the others did not.)
I emphasize that this communication was sent to a select group of people who are members of the North East Yonkers Republican Club, and as such was sent with the full expectation of privacy. Since you are not on my email list I can’t help but wonder how it reached you. Also I find it disturbing that you did not corroborate their statements with them and at least ask them if they wanted to have those statements published.
I know this because I am personal friends of those whom you quoted. Is it not customary to clear quotes before they are published? How do you know that these individuals did, in fact, actually make these statements without confirming with them? Please be aware that I’m also sending a letter to the New York Press Association, and will include this letter.
Robert Moffitt Republican district leader/coordinator of the North East Yonkers Republican Club
