By Dan Murphy
Last week, Yonkerstimes.com learned that Westchester County Legislator Christopher Johnson was feverishly searching for an apartment in the 16th district in Yonkers that he represents, but no longer lives in. Johnson was caught living in a $770,000 home with his wife and child for the past 12 months outside the district, while he illegally rented out an affordable housing condo that he used to live in that is in the district.
On Monday, July 10, democratic members of the Westchester Board of Legislators removed Johnson as Majority Leader. But they did not take action on whether to remove Johnson from his Legislator post.
There is a divide on the county board between democrats who want to see Johnson removed from office for violating the County Charter and residency requirements for legislators, and a few remaining supporters of Johnson.
Among those who are throwing Johnson a lifeline quietly, behind the scenes, are Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins and Legislator David Imamura, based on the belief that it will look bad if another democratic county legislator is removed. Former BOL Chair Catherine Borgia stepped down from her leadership post earlier this year.
Other top democrats are worried that if the Board doesn’t remove Johnson as Legislator, it will look worse for democrats. “He just can’t admit that he made a mistake and was wrong-and got caught. Democrats need to enforce our own, and if you have a bad egg, then crack the egg,” said one Westchester democrat.
Yonkers Councilwoman Shanae Williams, who defeated Johnson in the democratic primary for BOL-in District 16 said, “I have called on Legislator Johnson to resign, based on the fact that he didn’t live in the district for 12 months. And if he doesn’t resign, I am calling on the Board of Legislators to remove him from his seat, based on the County Charter. This sets a bad precedent if they do nothing and let him stay in office.”
Another County Legislator from Yonkers, Jose Alvarado, who represents the 17th District, Southwest Yonkers, was named Majority Leader. “The Westchester County Board of Legislators announces the successful election of former Majority Whip José Alvarado as the new Majority Leader. Mr. Alvarado becomes the Board’s first Latino Majority Leader in its history. Additionally, Legislator Tyrae Woodson-Samuels has been elected to succeed Alvarado as Majority Whip. These leadership changes reflect the Board’s commitment to effective governance and the pursuit of the county’s best interests.”
Legislator Alvarado brings a wealth of legislative experience and a profound understanding of the needs and aspirations of Westchester County residents to his new role as Majority Leader. With his proven track record of public service, Alvarado is well-positioned to lead the Board in advancing its comprehensive legislative agenda.
Majority Leader José Alvarado said, “Having held multiple leadership positions, I am encouraged by my colleagues’ faith in my abilities to oversee the Majority caucus. I promise to navigate challenges collaboratively and leverage my experience to deliver results.”
Legislator Tyrae Woodson-Samuels was also named Majority Whip.
BOL Chair Vedat Gashi said, “The Westchester County Board of Legislators remains resolute in its mission to promote responsible governance and work collaboratively to enhance the quality of life for its residents. I congratulate Legislators Alvarado and Woodson-Samuels on their new leadership elections. They are exceptionally talented lawmakers who will strengthen this organization through their new roles.”
