The Fiscal Crisis

New York’s fiscal crisis is hitting Yonkers hard, and we need a leader willing to go toe-to-toe with Albany to demand our fair share of state dollars. Yonkers is the third largest city in New York, but you wouldn’t know it based on state aid. Our taxpayers contribute tens of millions of dollars to the state coffers, yet we are continually shortchanged in school and other funding. It has to stop.

Education

A competitive school system is the best economic development plan Yonkers can have. A fair share of state funding is a top priority, but we need to reexamine how educational services are delivered. All children need to read at or above grade level, and have a firm grasp of math and science. Parents are entitled to control their child’s education, so we need to promote a variety of educational choices, including more Charter Schools.

Political Reform & Transparency

Theodore Roosevelt said, “We are the government and the government is us.” A lot of politicians have forgotten his words. They see government as a way to enrich themselves, their families, and their supporters, and don’t want anyone seeing how government business gets done. Not under my watch. I see things the way TR did. The taxpayers are in charge. They are entitled to open, honest, and accountable government. And why wouldn’t they be? Government belongs to them.

Taxes & Spending

The days of backroom deals to benefit special interests or family members are over. Every dollar the government takes and spends is a dollar out of the pocket of taxpayers, and that is being felt today more than ever. To protect essential services, we must eradicate waste anywhere in the city budget. Taxpayers are fed up, and those in real need, like senior citizens, must be protected.

Quality of Life

City Hall’s main goal is to make Yonkers a place people want to live, work and raise a family. That means keeping our communities safe and clean, maintaining good schools, making our cost of living affordable, and providing a pro-job-growth environment for businesses who want to locate here. As mayor, these will be my priorities.