By Dan Murphy
After months of announcements and candidacies of Yonkers democrats for elected office, the Yonkers Republican Party has responded, and stepped up, with two young republicans stepping forward to run for two seats on the county board of legislators.
Brandon Nieder has announced his candidacy for County Board in the 14th District, and James Nolan has announced for County Board in the 15th District. Both seats are currently held by democrats seeking re-election; Legislator David Tubiolo in the 14th and Ruth Walter in the 15th.
“For my whole life, Yonkers has invested in me and now is the time for me to invest back home! Our communities in both Mt. Vernon and Yonkers, once again, deserve a forceful voice and I plan to deliver just that. Today, I gladly announce that I am running to represent Westchester County’s 14th Legislative District to give our home a deservedly strong voice,” said Neider, who has vowed to donate his salary to “desperately underfunded community projects and long-neglected senior centers within the 14th district.”
As a life-long Yonkers resident, Brandon J. Neider was and continues to be an active member of many different organizations and charities. He works with various community and neighborhood groups to improve the quality of life for all residents. As a private citizen, he has personally sponsored food drives during the COVID-19 pandemic for those in need. Brandon prides himself on always being available to assist. Neider graduated from Lincoln High School and attended Westchester Community College with a degree in Human Services, and is the owner of Yonkers Auto Detailers. Brandon has also been proudly employed by the City of Yonkers as an IT Administrator for over 7 years.
Nolan–James Nolan, a Community Activist and President & Founder of the Michael Nolan Foundation, said, “Sometimes the mission is bigger than yourself. It is about what is best for the people around you. I consider myself very lucky to have the opportunity to provide a voice for so many great people. I promise to always fight for residents. It would be the honor of a lifetime to serve the people of Bronxville and Yonkers.”
Over the past year, James Nolan organized over 50 food and PPE drives for Westchester residents & frontline workers. One of his supporters, Bronxville Village Mayor Mary Marvin said, “James is the definition of a public servant. He has quietly and selflessly organized over 50 food and PPE drives as he steadfastly cares for his neighbors daily. His love of neighbor and all things local is an inspiration to me.”
For the past six years, Nolan has dedicated countless time advocating for the public’s safety in memory of his brother, Michael Nolan, who was murdered in 2015. James has advocated for drag racing laws across municipalities in Westchester and helped establish an illegal gun hotline in Yonkers.
Former Westchester County Legislator Gordon Burrows said, “James’ commitment to public safety is reason enough to support him. James has spent his time advocating for all the right issues: getting illegal guns off the street, cracking down on drag racing, and supporting our Law Enforcement Officers. I enthusiastically support his bid for County Legislator.”
Nolan is a lifelong Yonkers resident who graduated from Saunders Trades and Technical High School. In 2017, he graduated from Western Oklahoma State College with an Associate Degree in Applied Science, and is seeking the backing of the Republican & Conservative Parties.
Nolan’s opponent is County Legislator Ruth Walter, who defeated Burrows in 2019.
Neider’s opponent is County Legislator David Tubiolo, who switched parties in 2020 and has served on the counnty board since 2016.
