The Yonkers Police Benevolent Association has endorsed City Council President Lakisha Collins-Bellamy in the upcoming Democratic Primary for City Council President.
PBA President Frank McDonald, in a recent message to the more than 400 members of the Yonkers PBA, noted that former City Council President Mike Khader who is running to get his old job back, “has adopted a campaign strategy that includes attacking the Yonkers Police Department.”
Collins-Bellamy defeated Khader four years ago amid the revelation that Khader gave a no-bid City contract to his landlord and in return paid no office rent to that landlord. Female staff members also publicly accused Khader of a hostile work environment. The quid pro quo contract is currently under investigation by the Westchester County District Attorney.
“I’m honored that the Yonkers PBA has endorsed me in the Democratic Primary, and I will repay that endorsement with hard work, support for fighting crime, and most of all respect for the men and women of the Yonkers Police Department who risk their safety every day for the rest of us,” said Collins-Bellamy.
In his statement to members, PBA President McDonald also said that during his prior term in office Khader showed little to no support for the Yonkers Police Department.
McDonald’s statement went on to say, “Rather than presenting a clear platform or discussing his record from his previous term as Council President, he has resorted to slinging mud at his opponent. He has offered no vision, no policy plans, and no explanation as to why he believes he deserves your vote.”
Yonkers is one of the safest cities of its size in the nation, noted Collins-Bellamy, adding, “A major reason for that is the hard work and dedication of our police officers. We can only keep Yonkers safe by working together with the men and women of the Department. They are from this city, and they are for this city. Anyone who fails to understand that, such as Mike Khader, is on a very wrong and dangerous track.”
