By Dan Murphy
Democratic voters in Yonkers will play a big role in who becomes the next District Attorney of Westchester County, and so far there is a split among Yonkers Democrats between the two candidates vying to win the democratic primary on June 23: incumbent DA Anthony Scarpino and former federal prosecutor and MSNCB commentator Mimi Rocah.
With less than four weeks to go, both candidates have supporters in Yonkers. In most elections, DA Scarpino’s record of achievement would have ensured him re-election. And for most democrats in Westchester, there is no disputing the fact that Scarpino has served the people of Westchester well.
Crime is down overall in Westchester during Scarpino’s four years. DA Scarpino has also eliminated the prosecution of possession of small amounts of marijuana, and has supported bail reform, which eliminates bail for many criminal offenses. As one Westchester democrat who supports Scarpino said, “DA Scarpino has done a good job. There is no reason to throw him out, other than he may not look and sound like what you want. He’s not flashy.”
Scarpino and his campaign admit to this fact and highlight it in a TV ad: He is someone who doesn’t seek the spotlight, but just goes to work and gets results. Scarpino has touched on that image of being nerdy, and someone who does not seek the spotlight, but just enjoys doing the work and getting results.
“While I may not be the flashiest person you’ve ever met, everyone agrees that my experience and leadership are what we need right now. I am devoted to keeping this county safe and continuing to enact my progressive vision for the DA’s office. No DA in history has had to lead the office through a crisis like this. But I’ve ensured that justice continues, by fighting scams, hate crimes and domestic violence.”
That will be the message that Scarpino hopes to get across to democratic voters: that experience matters, especially in the middle of a pandemic. Scarpino has kept the office running and working, and he is running on his record.
But many democrats are wondering if Scarpino’s record, experience and incumbency will be enough to defeat Mimi Rocah. Rocah received 48% of the vote from Westchester democrats at the county convention earlier this year and pre-COVID.
Rocah, an MSNBC commentator, brings the star power and the wealthy donors to her campaign (some of it from outside of Westchester) that Scarpino does not. On a recent zoom-podcast with Rosie O’Donnell, Hillary Clinton made an appearance and told Westchester Democrats to “get out and vote for Mimi.”
Rocah also received the endorsement from the Hudson Valley Stonewall Democrats, who work to elect pro-LGBTQ Democrats, aiming to address LGBTQ governmental issues. “As the June primaries rapidly approach, we are excited to be able to endorse Mimi Rocah. Mimi represents the values of our organization and we are confident she will help protect the LGBTQ community,” said organization President Anthony Nicodemo.
Scarpino recently released his list of “Women for Scarpino” which included, Yonkers City Councilmember Corazon Pineda and State Senator Shelley Mayer.
“As a mother, a young Democrat and a tireless advocate for women and my community, I am pleased to endorse District Attorney Scarpino for reelection. DA Scarpino has been a true advocate for the people of Yonkers and all of Westchester. His strong progressive record has helped advance the causes of criminal justice reform, alternatives to incarceration and public safety among many others. I hope Westchester Democrats will join me in voting for him in the primary election on June 23rd,” said Yonkers City Council Majority Leader Corazon Pineda-Isaac.
Other support in Yonkers for Scarpino comes from Mayor Mike Spano, Council President Mike Khader, Assemblyman Nader Sayegh, and County Legislator Jose Alvarado. Scarpino also received the endorsement from the Yonkers Democratic Committee.
Yonkers Democrats supporting Mimi Rocah include City Councilwomen Shanae Williams and Tasha Diaz. “During a time when we are suffering as a nation, poor leadership does not go unnoticed. It is very important that we have sound leaders here in Westchester at every level of government. The District Attorney must lead with strength and protect our communities, especially the most vulnerable. I believe Mimi Rocah is the strong leader Westchester deserves and I am committed to helping elect her as our next District Attorney,” said Councilwoman Shanae Williams.
“Fighting Trump’s dangerous policies starts here at home, in our communities. By electing Mimi Rocah as our next DA, we can work to ensure criminal justice reforms are done right, and that all members of our community feel safe and respected,” said Councilwoman Tasha Diaz.
“Every day, support for our campaign grows because leaders like Shanae Williams and Tasha Diaz recognize we need change to be truly effective in combating Trump’s hateful agenda and attacks on our justice system. We need to work together at the local level to reduce gun violence and rebuild trust between law enforcement and the communities we serve,” said Rocah.
