By Dan Murphy
The decision by democratic leaders in Albany to move up the state political calendar has made it incumbent on those who want to run for office to decide now, resulting in a few decisions by some familiar names not to run for re-election or to get back into politics, and some new names seem to be readying a race for City Council and mayor in 2019.
In the race for Yonkers mayor, Mayor Mike Spano has not formally announced, but as one Yonkers political insider told us, “If he doesn’t run for mayor, I’ll jump off the Mario Cuomo Bridge.” Spano, a democrat, could face opposition from a progressive democrat who could have the support of the indivisible Yonkers group.
That progressive candidate was thought to be former Council President Chuck Lesnick, but as the days go by, the likelihood that anyone would run without publicly announcing it before next week – when the Yonkers Democratic Executive Committee is expected to meet – seems doubtful. But there has been no comment from Lesnick about running or not running.
One democrat who is interested in challenging Spano in a primary is Ivy Reeves, who has worked in City Hall and who has run for City Council, Assembly and council president in the past. She told Spano in person her intentions. “I did meet with the mayor, out of respect for the position, and to tell him that I will not conduct a negative campaign,” she said.
“My campaign isn’t really about Mayor Spano or to bash him, but it’s about my experiences during the civil rights movement and my desire to include everyone in the future of our city. “I know where hate can leave us and where love can take us,” continued Reeves. “We need to be more inclusive and make sure that everyone’s needs are met. We still have a lot of work to do in Yonkers, and I am praying to try and make a difference and level things out in the City of Hills. Hopefully, we can wake some people up and run a positive campaign.”
Reeves and any candidate for mayor will have to collect 1,000 valid signatures of Yonkers registered voters, or 2,000 total signatures just to be safe. Reeves has fallen short in her past attempts to get on the ballot. At the Westchester County Republican dinner last week, one individual was introduced in the crowd: attorney Adam Rodriguez.
Later at the dinner, the buzz in the crowd of republicans and supporters of former County Executive Rob Astorino were saying that Rodriquez, of counsel to noted White Plains law firm of Bleakley Platt, is interested in running for mayor. Prior to joining Bleakley Platt, Rodriquez was director of real rstate for Westchester County under Astorino and was an associate county attorney.
Rodriguez, who is a political unknown in Yonkers, where he lives in the Ludlow neighborhood, is said to have the support of Astorino and former republican council president candidate Jim Castro-Blanco to run for mayor. In addition to Rodriguez, there is a Yonkers businessman who is considering a run for mayor as a republican, so it appears that voters in Yonkers will have at least two choices when they vote in November for mayor.
We spoke to Yonkers Democratic Chairman Tom Meier and Republican Chairman Justin Tubiolo. Meier said the executive committee of the Yonkers Democratic Party will meet Feb. 13 and endorse candidates. Tubiolo said the Republican Executive Committee will meet soon.
In the race for City Council in the Third District, Councilman and Majority Leader Michael Sabatino announced that he will not run for re-election. “After much consultation with family, friends and colleagues, I have decided not to seek re-election,” he said. “I will concentrate on the work I was elected to do and will complete my term.
“With the primary dates moved up by three months it will directly conflict with our city budget process. As the city budget chair, I have decided to focus my efforts and energy on working on the anticipated upcoming challenging budget. Because of this change to the primary dates it is only fair that I make my decision now to give others adequate time to set up a campaign. “I will put my remaining efforts to help the mayor and my democratic City Council colleague on their re-election campaigns,” continued Sabatino, who served two terms on the council.
“I want to thank all who have supported me for the last seven years. It has been a great experience. One of the best benefits is I have made so many new friends and have enjoyed bonding with so many of the constituents in the City of Yonkers. I intend to remain active and contribute to my community after my term ends at the end of this year.”
Speculation on Sabatino’s successor focuses on former Councilman Dennis Robertson, who served two terms on the council and ran for mayor. “I will abide by whatever decision the Yonkers Democratic Committee makes,” he said. “I have been asked by many people to run as my party’s candidate and rejoin the council.
“I support Mayor Spano and was interested in running for mayor before the decision was made to extend term limits, which I supported. I think the city is headed in the right direction under the mayor and I want to help see that continue,” continued Robertson, who currently works as a liaison for the mayor and between the City Council. In addition to Robertson, several other possible candidates are said to be considering a run, democrats and republicans included. Anyone interested in running can contact us at dmurphy@ risingmediagroup.com
In the race for City Council in the Fifth District, republican incumbent Mike Breen is running for re-election. Democrat Scott Dennis is said to be the only democrat interested in running. It appears that neither party committees will hold a convention this year, but instead will have their executive committees meet and endorse candidates. Those candidates who were not endorsed by their executive committees can collect signatures and attempt to get on the ballot. Petitions will begin to be circulated Feb. 26, and any primaries will take place in late June.
