The Issues.
Homelessness and Affordable Housing
Homelessness in Westchester often stems from insufficient access to equitable and affordable housing. Many individuals experiencing homelessness or living in our shelters are employed yet unable to afford suitable housing. During my time on the Yonkers City Council, I sponsored legislation that required new housing developments to designate 10% of units for affordable housing.
As a County Legislator, my achievements include:
● Securing approval for $100+ million in new affordable housing throughout Westchester.
● Allocating $10 million in rehabilitation of existing affordable housing throughout Westchester.
● Co-sponsoring the Fairness In Cooperative Ownership Disclosure Law.
● Successfully advocating for the Eviction Prevention Program, which provides free legal representation to those facing eviction.
● Urging the County Executive to extend shelter hours beyond the standard 6 AM wake-up time.
● Publicly lobbying the Yonkers Zoning Board to approve the necessary variance for a new homeless shelter at 10 St. Casmir—which is now open.
● Coordinating a joint city/county/state meeting to inform the public about homelessness and dispel misconceptions.
However, this is just the start. More work lies ahead, including opening a new family transitional housing facility, the continuation of expanding affordable housing opportunities, and more. I remain committed to advocating for improvements to benefit our homeless and housing-insecure residents.
Childcare
Even before becoming a father to my son, Joshua, I recognized that children are our most precious resource. Every family in Westchester deserves the resources to access licensed, safe, and affordable daycare facilities. Too frequently, families must choose between inadequate, unlicensed, unsafe daycare and staying home to care for their children. Those who stay home due to the lack of adequate childcare options often resort to county services they otherwise wouldn't have needed.
During my term as County Legislator, my accomplishments include:
● Reducing the parent fee for childcare every year.
● Increasing the number of available Title XX slots.
● Including a $350,000 grant in the 2021 budget.
● Advocating alongside the Westchester Childcare Council for necessary funds and program improvements.
● Touring childcare facilities to better understand their needs and challenges.
Recognizing the value of extracurricular development for youth, I have also:
● Hired interns annually to learn about our work at the County level.
● Organized two Young People’s Assemblies, an event designed by and for the youth to discuss issues important to them.
● Hosted Mock Legislation Programs for Yonkers' youth, providing practical insights into legislative processes.
These initiatives are just the beginning, and I look forward to further enhancing support and opportunities for our children and youth.
Public Transportation
Westchester County's bus services transport 32 million people each year, with 70% of these riders lacking access to a car. All residents deserve a streamlined, swift commute, that enhances overall quality of life and allows for more time spent with loved ones. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of supporting residents who rely on public transportation.
As a Legislator, my contributions include:
● Providing free Bee-line Bus services during peak periods of the COVID-19 pandemic.
● Providing free Bee-line Bus services for the summer of 2022 l, as well as the December holiday season.
● Approving the replacement of almost 80 articulated Bee-Line buses to enhance transport reliability.
● Riding on the district's most frequented routes to gain firsthand insight into the community's needs.
● Conducting surveys to gather feedback on the Bee-Line system and identify necessary structural changes.
These efforts are part of my ongoing commitment to improving public transportation for all residents in our community.
Social Services
As Chair of the Social Services Committee, I have sought ways to enhance services for residents who are homeless, face domestic violence, are veterans, or are involved with Child Protective Services. These groups represent some of our most vulnerable populations. The Westchester County Department of Social Services directly impacts many of our residents in the 16th District. The efficiency and quality of its services are vital, and for this reason, I requested to chair the committee overseeing this department.
In this role, I have had the opportunity to:
● Acquire knowledge and experience within the department, spanning areas such as Veteran Affairs, Domestic Violence, Child Protective Services, and more.
● Cast my vote for the Safe Leave Law to protect domestic violence victims.
● Back the Veterans Bill to promote the hiring of disabled Veterans.
● Push for a CPS Citizen Review Panel for the Hudson Valley.
● Collaborate with the Commissioner to guarantee the safety and cleanliness of all our shelters, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Department of Social Services plays a pivotal role in any government, and I pledge to maintain my steadfast commitment to ensuring that it meets the community's needs.
Criminal Justice Reform
Protecting the rights of low-income defendants in the criminal justice system is a moral responsibility. The 2020 Black Lives Matter protests illuminated a vital issue with our justice system that some law enforcement and community members have seemingly forgotten. We can’t rest on our laurels just a few years later and in a time when we still witness instances of injustice.
I have supported several initiatives in favor of reforming our criminal justice system, including:
● State reforms to end cash bail.
● Local Open Hiring Initiatives.
● Persuading the Westchester District Attorney to no longer prosecute individuals for low-level marijuana offenses.
● Co-sponsoring Ban The Box Legislation.
● Approving Westchester County Police Reform and Reimagining Taskforce Report.
● Serving on the Westchester County Corrections Advisory Board.
● Converting open Police positions into Spanish-speaking officers in the Westchester County Police Department.
These measures underline my commitment to fostering a fair and equitable criminal justice system.
Immigrant Protections
Immigrants have always and will continue to be a vital part of the fabric of our country. Whether it is advocating for working families, protecting them against unfair treatment or supporting community events and initiatives - I fully support and uplift our immigrant community. During my time at the Board of Legislators I have:
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voted in favor of the Immigrant Protection Act
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voted in favor of Anti Wage Theft Legislation
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supported community organizations and initiatives such as the Mexican Chamber of Commerce
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worked with Yonkers Sanctuary Movement to advocate for displaced and essential workers
I am a voice for all of the residents in my district no matter your origin. I would like to strengthen my relationships with immigrant communities and continuing working on their behalf.
Empowering Working Families
Families often face a hefty burden to sustain employment while tending to their homes. Both, my wife, Tai and I juggle work and childcare, so I fully comprehend the need for legislation that ensures fairness and equity for working people.
In my tenure as County Legislator, I have taken the following actions:
● Co-sponsored Earned Paid Sick Leave Legislation to help workers manage their health and personal life without risking their income.
● Supported Anti-Salary History Legislation to promote fair and equitable pay.
● Initiated discussions on Paid Family Leave for county employees, recognizing the importance of work-life balance.
● Assisted the Carpenters Union in recruiting women for the “Sisters In The Brotherhood” program, promoting gender diversity in the trades.
These initiatives underscore my commitment to creating a fair and supportive work environment for all.
COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused deep personal loss, economic instability and dislocation across the County. At the Board of Legislators, we continue to work daily to respond to the crisis. Westchester was one of the country’s first COVID-19 hotspots. Working together with County Executive George Latimer, our County health department, federal, state, and local officials, the County was able to:
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scale up COVID-19 testing and vaccinations
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make safety changes to our bus system during the heaviest times of the pandemic
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provide personal protective equipment to medical personnel and community members
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enforce health and safety measures such as requiring masks and social distancing
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extended tax deadlines for residents facing COVID-19 related hardship
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passed a comprehensive budget that provided increases in services
There is still much to be done as we continue to navigate through this crisis and come out on the other side healthy, happy and whole.
Improving Quality of Life
All residents of Westchester County deserve a dignified quality of life. Enhancing the quality of life for residents in the 16th District involves improving neighborhoods and the environment we all share. Everyone should have access to clean parks and open spaces, while our infrastructure—water supply, electricity, roads, and telecommunications—should operate efficiently.
As Legislator, I have:
● Allocated $1 Million+ to restore Bezack Environmental Center and facilitate improvements to Habirshaw Park
● Worked to reopen Sprain Ridge pool, providing a recreational space for the community.
● Approved capital projects to improve and modernize the Yonkers Wastewater Treatment Plant, ensuring a cleaner environment.
● Restored funding for a full-time Curator at Lenoir Preserve to enhance park management.
● Approved funding for designing and reconstructing the Wightman Mansion at Lenoir Preserve, preserving local history.
● Approved $5 million for infrastructure improvements at 178 Warburton and Cottage Place Gardens in Yonkers, supporting local community development.
These issues remain at the core of my work in Yonkers and the County. I will continue collaborating with my community to advocate for what they need to thrive and enjoy fulfilling, safe, and happy lives here in Yonkers.