Jeffrey Roth
By Dan Murphy
In announcing his candidacy for Westchester County Board of Legislators -1st District (Cortlandt, Yorktown, and Peekskill), his release states, “Jeffrey Roth, a longtime Peekskill resident and experienced public leader, has officially declared his candidacy.”
Roth told the Peekskill Herald that he moved to Peekskill in 2021, only four years ago. More importantly, Roth has been approved to serve as a Deputy Commissioner for NYC under Mayor Eric Adams.
Deputy Commissioners are required to live in NYC, so Roth must quickly decide whether to give up his $220,000 job or run for the county board.
Roth wants to challenge Legislator Colin Smith in a Democratic primary in June. “I’m running because our community deserves leadership that listens, takes action, and delivers real results,” said Roth in a press release announcing his campaign. “Westchester County needs practical solutions that make our communities more affordable, bolster public safety, and improve our quality of life. This District needs a fresh perspective to provide real leadership that will meet voters where they are. So I’m excited to take my message to every corner of this District, understand the voters’ priorities, and work to earn their support.”
Jeff Roth is a public leader, Colonel in the Army National Guard, author, and speaker whose career spans over 20 years in government, where he worked on some of the most complex and challenging policy questions facing big cities today. From flood mitigation and emergency management to fire and life safety to taxi regulation on the streets, Jeff learned every day in the massive laboratory of the government how to get things done.
Additionally, Jeff has served for over 20 years in the U.S. Army National Guard, earning the rank of Colonel, where he was activated to respond to Superstorm Sandy in New York City and two deployments overseas. He now commands Joint Task Force Empire Shield (a homeland security operations mission). He holds a master’s degree in public policy and urban planning from Harvard University, a master’s degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College, and a bachelor of arts from James Madison College at Michigan State University, end of release
Roth is registered to vote in Peekskill and told the Peekskill Herald in January that he moved there in 2021.
Mayor Adams spokesperson Kayla Mamelak said Roth had a home in Brooklyn — but wouldn’t say which one was primary, adding “Successful people sometimes have more than one property,” she told THE CITY.
Roth is replacing Meera Joshi as deputy mayor for operations. He was expected to start his new job on March 14. Roth spent over 12 years in city government in New York City, working at the Mayor’s Office of Operations and the Taxi and Limousine Commission.
Legislator Colin Smith received the endorsement from the Peekskill Democratic City Committee last month: “Over the course of my first three terms as County Legislator, I have fought to expand affordable housing, support local businesses and community organizations, and secure critical funding for infrastructure improvements—all while advocating for zero tax increases,” Smith said.
“As I seek re-election to a fourth term, I remain committed to delivering real results for the people of District 1,” Smith said. “Together, we will continue building a stronger, more vibrant community for all.”
Smith added, “It appears my would-be primary opponent has some residence decisions to make.”
Petitions are out as we pen this story.
