Mount Vernon Insider: On Primary Eve: What Our Mayor Said About Progress and Commitment.

Endorsed By Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard.

Earlier this month, Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard took the extraordinary step of endorsing a full slate of candidates in the Democratic Primary. As the Mount Vernon Forward team - Cathlin Gleason (10A), Ed Poteat (12A), and Danielle Browne (16A) - we were deeply honored to receive her endorsement. Tonight on the eve of this historic election, we’d like to recall some of the inspiring words she shared in her letter to Mount Vernon Democrats:

We’ve reached the tipping point. We are now at a critical crossroad. Mount Vernon, the results of this one election will make all the difference in the future awaiting our city. The time to choose a better future for Mount Vernon is right now.

On Tuesday, June 22nd, the Democratic voters of the City of Mount Vernon will be asked to make the transformational decision to usher in a new era of shared progress by ending the political chaos in Mount Vernon once and for all. With the will of a community committed to change, we cannot let those playing from the same old negative playbook continue to tear our city apart with endless infighting, disinformation, and a web of lies spun for their own self-interest. As your Mayor, I do not make political endorsements lightly. But as an elected official with a calling to serve and a deep, abiding love for our city – I am asking for your help.

I’m not looking for any of these proud Mount Vernon daughters and sons to “take orders” from me. They have my support because their dedication to the city, considerable experience, and commitment to government transparency enables them to strategize and deliver meaningful solutions while creating a climate for collaborative discussion and partnership at all levels. That’s why they deserve your support as well.

For the City Council, the Mount Vernon Forward group of Cathlin Gleason (10A) a dedicated public servant & critical thinker, Ed Poteat (12A) a businessman with an urban planning focus on revitalization, and Danielle Browne (16A) an attorney and entrepreneur. These candidates have the educational, community, emotional and civic pedigree to focus on presenting informed and inspired ideas that will strengthen our city. This is the only City Council team with representatives who live on both sides of the tracks.

Their victory will be a win for us and our beloved city.

Thank you again, Madam Mayor! Tomorrow we all have a chance to make history. Let’s move Mount Vernon Forward!