Zead Ramadan: MY PERSONAL TAKE ON THE YONKERS DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY ELECTIONS.
I grew up around a large family who mostly lived in Yonkers since the 1970s. As a student of politics they ask me my thoughts on the Yonkers City Council President (YCCP) democratic primary race. I'm not beholden to Yonkers politics, where many are scared of retribution from politicians. I don't need a permit, lease, parking tickets removed, nor a job for my siblings or kids in Yonkers, so I can speak my mind.
Yonkers is one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse cities in America. Like other cities, it is united by the common dream of safety, dignity, opportunity, and a better future. Yonkers needs the next City Council President to fight for those values, for all of Yonkers, and not just those with "connections." That being said, I will not pull any punches - so let's dive right into it.
1. I would not vote for Chuck Lesnick.
Scrolling though Lesnick's social media, you notice he likes the good life and a lot of selfies. I've heard some of his debates and read about his past, as a former YCCP and other positions. He is very intelligent and had a good career in public service, but I didn't see him offering improved change or improving the overall quality of life or fix government. He knows he's the smartest person in the room, but not a person who has the enrgy or will to challenge the stagnation which is Yonkers politics. Lastly, he's shown he'll put his personal interests before the peoples values, such as when he went around Westchester blasting fellow Progressive Jamaal Bowman for supporting ceasefie peace resolutions and being critical of Israel's PM Netanyahu's right wing ethnic cleansing policies on Gaza/Palestinians (like Porogressives do) and that most of the world now calls a genocide. Looks like Bowman called that one correctly early, and you were wrong Lesnick.
2. I would not vote for Lakisha Collins-Bellamy.
Everyone knows the current YCCP is supported and funded by the establishment and big real estate developers to keep Yonkers just as it is, to keep the people right where they are, and to keep herself right where she is. In a recent debate, she said people should vote for her because of "diversity!" That's it? She literally and overtly acts for her personal gain (like that comment), like when she helped her husband get a Yonkers police job though he was out on sick leave for 2 years as a corrections officer, and she voted herself (and the mayor) a large pay raise while everyday Yonkers residents were suffering through COVID. As a lover of democracy, I'm most offended that she led a vote to give the mayor an unprecedented 4th term in office, preventing the people from making that decision in a public referendum. Clearly transactional, she serves those who fill her campaign chest (see line 1), and they keep her where they can control her. She even tried using a politically manipulated trumped-up report by a Republican inspector general, who Mike Khader previously defeated, to attack Khader. Although Khader disproved these fabricated allegations in court, she is still using the bogus report to attack Khader and pull the wool over the eyes of the people for her own gain. Shame on you Lakisha - at least make it look like you care... for anyone else!
3. I would not vote for Peter Spano or Tasha Diaz.
No known relation to the establishment "forever" mayor, Peter Spano has never held public office or high level community based positions and needs more experience before running for this position. His story and his heart is in the right place but he should definitely try for local council or other positions. I did not see Tasha Diaz at some important debates. It may be strategic, or it may be funding challenges, but definitely challenged to get her name and message out.
4. I would vote for Mike Khader.
Khader shocked everyone when he defeated incumbent republican Liam Mclaughlin for YCCP in 2017. His problems started when the young lawyer stood against extending mayoral term limits (to 3) prefering to give the people the choice through a democratic public referendum rather than have 4 people alone make that choice (like Lakisha did). He also asked too many questions about admin favored real estate development projects. Repblican Liam McLaughlin is then appointed as Yonkers Inspector General by the democratic mayor, and immediately pays $1m to investigate Khader on weak claims, and Lakisha is asked to run against Mike during COVID. Holy web of deceipt, Batman ! Although Mike was born in Yonkers, but his was his coming out party to the politics of "The city of hills, where nothing is on the level." That's why Lakisha is your current YCCP. Well, Mike is back, clearly wiser than 8 years ago. He has broad appeal and has dominated debates. He says he'll include the voice of the communities in issues that affect them and not govern "at" them. He was punished for standing for democracy last and not falling in line. He should win.
Zead Ramadan
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