By Dan Murphy
On Jan. 9, Yonkers City Councilmember Shanae Williams announced her candidacy for Westchester County Legislator, in the 16th District. “Today marks the day the residents of Yonkers’ 16th Westchester County Legislative District can expect accountability, transparency, and above all else, action from your County Legislator. I am running for County Government to ensure that we finally address issues that affect our everyday quality of life such as homelessness, affordable housing, better youth supports and safety nets, and equitable access to county resources,” said Williams, who has served for 4 years on the Yonkers City Council, and whose term expires at the end of this year.
“My experience, history and record on the City Council, coupled with my dedication to the community has primed me to serve as the next County Legislator. I have been a resident of the 16th District for over 24 years. I have spent 12 years working in city government with the last 6 years on the City Council creating policies and initiatives that impact the people of Yonkers. These include fighting for more affordable housing, providing funds for education, youth programs and nonprofits, creating the homeless task force that led to solutions for this vulnerable population, allocating funding for our public servants including police, fire and public works employees, and having invested in the city’s infrastructure while focusing on climate solutions.”
Williams will challenge the incumbent democrat, County Legislator Christopher Johnson, in a democratic primary in June. The winner of the democratic primary in June will almost certainly get elected in November in the democratic 16th district.
We spoke to Williams, who told us:
Why I am running. “I don’t see the current legislator representing our district. The reason why I’m running for County Legislator is to help the people in my district. We need representation and that’s why I’m running.”
On the City Council, Williams has worked on the issue of homelessness, with many residents and businesses in the first council district seeing more homeless on the streets. Westchester County is responsible for the services and funding of the homeless population throughout Westchester, and in Yonkers.
“The issue of homelessness has been near and dear to my heart since I started on the council. There has been an increase in our homeless population in our city and our streets, and it impacts that quality of life for all of us. This is a county issue, and I have tried to work with our county legislator on this issue, but I think we need someone else representing us, to make sure the county steps up.
“If elected, I would try to combat homelessness by supporting issues and funding programs on the county level. There has to be shared accountability and partnership. We have been doing that on the city level, with a program called Project Outreach, with Westhab, where caseworkers have worked with the homeless on the streets and get them into drop-ins, feed them, cloth them and help them with issues like substance abuse or mental illness. It’s more about finding them a shelter, most need treatment.
“The program has been successful, but the city cannot sustain the program. The City Council funded the program for $2 Million, but long term, it’s the county government’s responsibility.
The County has not stepped up for Yonkers, and the current legislator has failed to make sure that it happens. The county, through the DSS, and its temporary housing assistance program, needs to work with non-profits to keep this going. I’m running to make sure this happens.
Williams wants to make sure that Westchester County government funds the city of Yonkers, the county’s largest city, fairly and that Yonkers gets its fair share of funding.
“I want to make sure that county government prioritizes the people of Yonkers. In Mount Vernon, the county funded Memorial Field with $40 Million, and it needed to happen. But in Yonkers, the kids in this district did not have a pool for last summer when the pool at the Y broke. We asked the County for $1 Million to fix the poll and they said no. We need leaders who make sure we get equitable access and funding for the people of Yonkers.
As the biggest city in Westchester, Yonkers deserves its fair share. Right now, we have leaders who can’t deliver.
When we asked Williams if she was surprised by the lack of results by Legislator Johnson, she said, “Not I’m not surprised. He is absent and doesn’t follow through. We need someone to do the work that is required. We don’t have a fighter for us on the county board and we have to put the people of this district first. I want a fighter for Yonkers, and we don’t have that now.
Williams ran for Westchester County Clerk in 2021, and narrowly lost to longtime clerk, democrat Tim Idoni, receiving 49% of the vote. “It was a great experience, and I learned a lot about the county. I ran a race with no support and little funding and almost won. The people knew I care and that we needed change and I hope that those democrats will help me in this race. I’m the same person and I’m here to inspire and help.
Williams and Johnson also differ on another issue, banning Menthol cigarettes. Johnson voted yes for the ban, which was vetoed by County Executive George Latimer.
Williams did not support the ban and wrote a letter to Latimer urging him to veto. “We need legislators to focus on common sense laws and not harm small businesses and communities of color. This ban would have directly affected small businesses and the black and brown and Arab population.
Williams has served on the council since 2018. “We have done a lot of good things on the council and I’m so proud of the work I have helped accomplish. But I see that there is so much more that can be done for the people of Yonkers on the county level, and I want to go up to White Plains and get it done.
“I believe in democracy and earning the vote of the people. I believe that any candidate who wants to make an impact as a leader must take their case to the people by sharing their views, their record, and an action plan for change. I am optimistic that after a review of my record and ideas, the voters of the 16th district will vote for me as their next County Legislator to bring the much-needed change and a breath of fresh air to the county,”
She was appointed to her council seat in 2018, and won election in 2019. Williams also ran for Westchester County Clerk in 2021 and got 49% in the democratic primary, coming very close to beating longtime County Clerk Tim Idoni.
This sets up a democratic primary between Williams and County Legislator Christopher Johnson. Johnson has served on the county board for the past 4 years. Prior to that he represented the same 1st council district that Williams now represents.
