2015 Vote for Kids Candidate Response

Westchester Children’s Association | www.wca4kids.org | @wca4kids

Candidate Survey on Children’s Issues

2015 Election

VOTE: Tuesday, November 3, 2015

6:00 AM – 9:00 PM

http://www.wca4kids.org/

Westchester Children’s Association | www.wca4kids.org | @wca4kids

Vote for Kids Campaign:

The VOTE for KIDS campaign is an initiative by the independent, nonpartisan organization Westchester Children’s Association that aims to elevate Westchester’s children and youth to the top of the public agenda among candidates, elected officials, media, and the general public during the upcoming elections. As a critical part of the campaign, candidates for the general election in the Westchester County Board of Legislators races were invited to answer questions about children’s issues in Westchester County. This is a non-partisan effort; Westchester Children's Association does not support or oppose any candidate for public office. We understand that voters do and should make decisions based on a variety of qualifications that go beyond responses to any one questionnaire. Candidate responses or lack thereof are included in their entirety and in the exact manner that we received them. We are grateful to the candidates who took the time to complete the survey. Please review these results and pass this document along to your friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues before the November 3rd election. On Facebook or Twitter? Make sure to share this resource using #WestchesterVotes and tag Westchester Children’s Association: @wca4kids Sample Tweet: I’m voting for kids on November 3rd, are you?

http://bit.ly/VFK2015map via @wca4kids #WestchesterVotes #VoteforKids

Voting Resources:

Information about the importance of voting can be found on Westchester Children’s Association’s website: http://www.wca4kids.org/issues/vote-for-kids/ More information about races for other local municipal positions and judges can be found through the League of Women Voters: http://www.vote411.org/ To find your polling place: https://voterlookup.elections.state.ny.us/votersearch.aspx To find your County legislative district: http://giswww.westchestergov.com/gismap/default.aspx?ovmap=elected

And don’t forget to Vote for Kids on November 3rd!

http://www.wca4kids.org/

http://bit.ly/VFK2015map

http://www.wca4kids.org/issues/vote-for-kids/

http://www.vote411.org/

https://voterlookup.elections.state.ny.us/votersearch.aspx

http://giswww.westchestergov.com/gismap/default.aspx?ovmap=elected

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TABLE OF CONTENTS If viewing online, click on the district or candidate’s name to link to results.

PAGE #

WESTCHESTER COUNTY BOARD OF LEGISLATORS 5

DISTRICT 1 (CORTLANDT, PEEKSKILL, YORKTOWN) 5 JOHN G. TESTA (R, C, REFORM – INCUMBENT) 5

DISTRICT 2 (BEDFORD, LEWISBORO, MT. KISCO, NORTH SALEM, POUND RIDGE, SOMERS) 6 FRANCIS CORCORAN (R, C, REFORM) –DID NOT RESPOND. 6 KAREN B. SCHLEIMER (D, I) 6 DISTRICT 3 (MT. PLEASANT, NORTH CASTLE, PLEASANTVILLE) 7 MARGARET A. CUNZIO (R, C, REFORM) 7 JOHN S. DIACONIS (D, I, WF) 9 DISTRICT 4 (NEW CASTLE, SOMERS, YORKTOWN) 10 MICHAEL KAPLOWITZ (D – INCUMBENT) 10 DISTRICT 5 (HARRISON, SCARSDALE, WHITE PLAINS) 11 BENJAMIN BOYKIN II (D, I, WF—INCUMBENT) 11 DISTRICT 6 (HARRISON, PORT CHESTER, RYE BROOK) 12 DAVID GELFARB (R, C, REFORM – INCUMBENT) 12 DISTRICT 7 (HARRISON, LARCHMONT, MAMARONECK, NEW ROCHELLE, RYE) 13 CATHERINE PARKER (D, WF – INCUMBENT) 13 SUSAN WATSON (R, C, REFORM) 15

DISTRICT 8 (ELMSFORD, GREENBURGH, SLEEPY HOLLOW, TARRYTOWN) 16 ALFREDA WILLIAMS (D, WF – INCUMBENT) 16 DISTRICT 9 (BRIARCLIFF, OSSINING, CROTON, CORTLANDT, PEEKSKILL) 17 CATHERINE BORGIA (D, I, WF, WEP – INCUMBENT) 17 KATHLEEN MAMONE (R, C) –DID NOT RESPOND. 19

DISTRICT 10 (EASTCHESTER, NEW ROCHELLE, TUCKAHOE) 19 HAINA JUST-MICHAEL (D, WF, WEP) 19 SHEILA MARCOTTE (R, C, I, REFORM – INCUMBENT) 20 DISTRICT 11 (NEW ROCHELLE, PELHAM, PELHAM MANOR) 22 JAMES MAISANO (R – INCUMBENT) –DID NOT RESPOND. 22

DISTRICT 12 (ARDSLEY, DOBBS FERRY, EDGEMONT, HARTSDALE, HASTINGS ON HUDSON,

IRVINGTON) 22 MARYJANE SHIMSKY (D, WEP – INCUMBENT) 22

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DISTRICT 13 (MOUNT VERNON) 23 LYNDON WILLIAMS (D, I – INCUMBENT) 23 DISTRICT 14 (MOUNT VERNON, YONKERS) 24 CHRISTINE PETERS (D) 24 BERNICE SPRECKMAN (R, C –INCUMBENT) –DID NOT RESPOND. 26

DISTRICT 15 (BRONXVILLE, YONKERS) 26 GORDON A. BURROWS (R, C –INCUMBENT) 26 KATHLEEN THOMAS (D) –DID NOT RESPOND. 28

DISTRICT 16 (YONKERS) 28 KENNETH JENKINS (D, I, WF – INCUMBENT) –DID NOT RESPOND. 28

DISTRICT 17 (YONKERS) 28 PIEDAD ABREU (I) 28 VIRGINIA PEREZ (D – INCUMBENT) 29

INDEX OF CANDIDATE RESPONSES – ALPHABETICALLY BY LAST NAME 31

Party Affiliations

C = Conservative R = Republican D = Democratic WEP=Women’s Equality Party I = Independence WF = Working Families Reform = Reform Party

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Westchester County Board of Legislators

District 1 (Cortlandt, Peekskill, Yorktown)

John G. Testa (R, C, Reform – Incumbent)

Best Way to Contact: E-mail address: [email protected] Youth in Westchester County experience higher unemployment rates than adults irrespective of where they live. In 2013, 22.3% of 16-19 year olds and 18.5% of 20-24 year olds were unemployed as compared to 7.1% of those ages 25-44.

What specific actions will you take to improve youth employment rates?

I recently retired in 2013 after teaching at Peekskill High School for 33 years. I have always supported and assisted the youth of my area. Helping them prepare for a future as a productive and contributing member of society and having the skills to earn a living and raise a family has always been my focus. As an elected official, first as a City of Peekskill Councilman, then Mayor of Peekskill and now County Legislator, I have always encouraged, supported and voted for pro youth issues. The record is very extensive over my 18 years in public office. I am proud of my record overall but especially when it comes to youth based initiatives and issues relating to the younger segment of our community.

In meetings with residents around the county in 2013 and 2014, more than 300 parents identified lack of affordable and available out of school programs for youth as one of their top three concerns.

What do you think the county's role should be in providing quality youth development and after school programs? What specific actions will you take to implement that role?

See question #1 In Westchester County, a two-parent household with an infant in a full-time child care center and an annual gross income of $59,000 will spend roughly 33% of their annual income on child care in 2015. In addition, in 2014, the estimated demand for child care in Westchester was 80,000 slots and the estimated supply was 33,000 slots, providing only 42% of families with access to child care who needed it.

What specific actions will you take to increase the quality, availability and affordability of child care in Westchester County?

See question #1

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John G. Testa (continued)

If elected, what would be your top priority, whether policy or budget related, for children and youth?

See question #1

District 2 (Bedford, Lewisboro, Mt. Kisco, North Salem, Pound Ridge, Somers)

Francis Corcoran (R, C, Reform) –Did not respond.

Karen B. Schleimer (D, I)

Best Way to Contact: Address: P.O. Box 1022; Mount Kisco, NY 10549 E-mail address: [email protected] Phone Number: 914-244-1134

Youth in Westchester County experience higher unemployment rates than adults irrespective of where they live. In 2013, 22.3% of 16-19 year olds and 18.5% of 20-24 year olds were unemployed as compared to 7.1% of those ages 25-44.


Encourage the Towns to offer employment opportunities in their parks and rec departments to provide opportunities to their own youth. This gives them a taste of real responsibility. Offers them the experience of being responsible and having a job. It provides needed manpower for the towns while providing a great opportunity for the children of their own taxpayers. The taxpayers are using their tax dollars to support the employment of their own children. A win-win for everyone. Encourage local industries and local employers to provide internships that will lead into part-time, perhaps even full-time employment after graduation.



To the extent possible, the County might provide needed funds through some of it's social support programs to fund some of the existing or help make it possible to extend

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Karen B. Schleimer (continued)

an expand needed offerings. Clearly all children should have a structured after-school environment whether it is through after-school programs run by the schools or otherwise.

In Westchester County, a two-parent household with an infant in a full-time child care center and an annual gross income of $59,000 will spend roughly 33% of their annual income on child care in 2015. In addition, in 2014, the estimated demand for child care in Westchester was 80,000 slots and the estimated supply was 33,000 slots, providing only 42% of families with access to child care who needed it.


1. Continue to support the Title XX child care subsidy funding in the 20165 county budget. 2. Retain the child care subsidy specialist position to educate parents on their child care options and eligibility for the subsidy administered by the Westchester County Department of Social Services. 3. Continue to support and advocate for child care subsidies in the New York State budget. 4. Continue to support the increased funding of after-school programs and QUALITYstarsNY. 5. Continue to support Pre-K programs for 3 and 4 year olds in in high needs districts. 6. Support and advocate for continued Federal support for child care, Head Start, the Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership Program and preschool.


My top priority would be to ensure that all children and youth are provide with a safe and decent place to live. That they have food and shelter and clothing and education and opportunity.

District 3 (Mt. Pleasant, North Castle, Pleasantville)

Margaret A. Cunzio (R, C, Reform)


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Margaret A. Cunzio (continued)


As a former elementary school teacher in Westchester and as a current college professor teaching in education departments- Westchester youth are a very valuable resource. It is important to continue to fund programs like "Invest in Kids" which focus on at-risk youth and invest in programs that help promote job skills, social skills and help provide youth with opportunities that can lead them to employment.



Investing in our youth with programs that help foster development is an area that the county must continue to support. There has been a lot of discussion at the county level regarding these issues as they need to continue to invest in our youth with existing programs.



Childcare quality, availability and affordability are area of importance within Westchester County. A committee has been created by the current County Executive (Rob Astorino) and his administration to look into these issues and I am looking forward to analyzing the results so we can address these issues directly.


If elected- I will work diligently to represent all constituents of District 3- not just our young residents- but families and seniors as well. As an educator who is married to an elementary school principal- I value our children and our youth. I will work hard to represent the children and all residents of District 3.

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John S. Diaconis (D, I, WF)

Best Way to Contact: Address: 32 Orchard Drive; Armonk, NY 10504 E-mail address: [email protected] Phone Number: 914.523.8085



I believe there should be an emphasis on educational/vocational training. In addition, steps must be taken to enhance the local economy in order to produce jobs. Collaboration should occur between educational institutions and businesses. County government can play a role in encouraging the above.



As a member of New Castle CARES (Coalition For Responsibility, Education and Safety), I was actively involved in serving as a catalyst to bring groups together in an effort to provide after school outlets for teens. This included movies, socials, battle of the bands contests, and construction of a skateboard park. As a New Castle Town Board member, I was an advocate for proper funding of the Town's Recreation Department and helped work on programming. I will continue these efforts in County government.



Adequate funding must be provided so that people may work with knowledge that their children are safe. In addition, businesses must be encouraged to take advantage of all opportunities to assist employees in having proper child care.

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John S. Diaconis (continued)


I would start with the basics: make sure children have three square meals a day, 365 days a year and then access to holistic health care.

District 4 (New Castle, Somers, Yorktown)

Michael Kaplowitz (D – Incumbent)

Best Way to Contact: E-mail address: [email protected] Phone Number: 914 995-2848



Maximize summer employment specifically with stronger Playland; assist year round employment by helping corporations stay strong in Westchester.



I have vigorously supported such youth development programs and will continue to lobby hard for them.


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Michael Kaplowitz (continued)


See our budget efforts in past of adding monies for child care and hoping to repeat such support going forward.


Hoping to retain 100% funding for existing programs and augmenting services for children and youth where possible.

District 5 (Harrison, Scarsdale, White Plains)

Benjamin Boykin II (D, I, WF—Incumbent)

Best Way to Contact: Address: 78 Midchester Avenue; White Plains, NY 10606 E-mail address: [email protected] Phone Number: 914 830 9678



I have and will continue to advocate for youth employment through job fairs, Invest in Kids Programs, Youth Bureau Programs, after school programs, and through the use of social media to connect youth to potential job opportunities.



The Invest in Youth Programs has provided positive experiences for our youth. The County, through shared services programs, should encourage the municipalities and school districts to provide additional services to our youth that are focused and affordable. These programs have to be age appropriate and relevant to youth issues in a rapidly changing world.

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Benjamin Boykin II (continued)



Child care is expensive. The County increased the number of available child care slots in the 2015 budget. Better communication is needed to inform parents of the available options. In addition, quicker resolution is required when a parent applies for child care slots.


As a parent and former school board member, I understand the issues facing our youth. Restore funding to various Invest in Kids Programs that were not funded in the 2015 budget will be a priority. I will continue to advocate for our most vulnerable citizens which include our youth, seniors and the sick. Our kids are our future and they require an investment of time, money and individual attention to be successful.

District 6 (Harrison, Port Chester, Rye Brook)

David Gelfarb (R, C, Reform – Incumbent)

Best Way to Contact: Address: 800 Michaelian Office Building; 148 Martine Avenue 8th Floor; White Plains,

NY 10601 E-mail address: [email protected] Phone Number: 914 995 2834



Promote economic growth and increased access to higher education

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David Gelfarb (continued)



Office for Youth does a good job in this area. We also have IMAs around the County with Villages, Cities and Towns to provide youth services. During budget season I am so impressed by the young people who speak to us and tell us how particular programs that the County funds have made a difference in their lives.



Maintain County subsidies for affordable day care. Seek funding from other levels of government to help maintain subsidies, slots and affordability.


Programs that help at risk youth stay in school and to develop school and job skills.

District 7 (Harrison, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, New Rochelle, Rye)

Catherine Parker (D, WF – Incumbent)

Best Way to Contact: Address: 460 Milton Rd; Rye, NY 10580 E-mail address: [email protected]


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Catherine Parker (continued)


Playland is the greatest employer by volume of youth in Westchester County so we need to ensure that Playland continues to play that role. I am also hopeful that through working with the management of Playland and the Westchester County parks department during Summer 2016 there will be even more employment opportunities for youth. I would also encourage through the County Parks Department employment fairs specifically for youth.



I agree that the issue of after school child care is critical for those working in Westchester and low income families who rely on the care. It is also a critically important service for our children to have a safe place to go and it is that our children not be latch key children. My role as legislator is protecting severe cuts to children and I think this issue will be particularly critical this year.



I see my role as to work closely with Westchester Children’s Association because the Association has been a wonderful advocate and has a lot of data that supports the needs around this issue. We need to make sure that we are providing enough services. We have a long way to go and it’s not going to get better overnight but we need to work towards that goal.


My top priority is to make sure that the services that come through DSS and our many nonprofit partners aren’t cut and that they don't find themselves on the short end of the stick. It is going to be a tremendously difficult budget this year and in years to come but need to make sure children of Westchester are not the sacrificial lambs.

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Susan Watson (R, C, Reform)

Best Way to Contact: Address: 222 Purchase Street #123; Rye, NY 10580 E-mail address: [email protected]



Businesses hire youth workers who have an aptitude to learn and the discipline to show up on time and ready to work. One of the great challenges to youth unemployment is ever higher minimum wages, which raise the cost of labor and make employers less inclined to hire young, less productive workers.



I believe the best education programs are administered locally, because our towns and villages are better able to determine needs and how they should be met. Any one-size-fits-all program from the county would not be ideal. However, to the extent county funds are available they could be used to support youth programs administered locally.



Candidate did not respond. If elected, what would be your top priority, whether policy or budget related, for children and youth?

Candidate did not respond.

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District 8 (Elmsford, Greenburgh, Sleepy Hollow, Tarrytown)

Alfreda Williams (D, WF – Incumbent)

Best Way to Contact: Address: 148 Martine Avenue; White Plains, NY 10601 E-mail address: [email protected] Phone Number: 914-995-2833



I support programs that encourage young people to stay in school and complete their education, in order to prepare them for the highest level of employment possible. Additionally I support legislation to " Ban the Box" which will eliminate the possibility of employment candidates being eliminated because of a record of criminal conviction before they have been interviewed for any job opening. I also support more job training programs sponsored by either unions or employers .



The county needs to continue the many youth development programs sponsored by the Westchester County Youth Bureau and increase those programs that have a successful track record over a period of 3 years or more. The county can also encourage county IDA's to sponsor such programs


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Alfreda Williams (continued)


Reduce the parent share of child care costs and increase the number of available slots to make it more affordable for families. In addition, work with New York State to strengthen safety and program regulations to ensure high quality child care.


Decreasing the parent share for child care, and increasing the number of available slots. Restoring youth programs cut from the 2015 county budget be the arbitrary action of the administration. Supporting raise the age legislation.

District 9 (Briarcliff, Ossining, Croton, Cortlandt, Peekskill)

Catherine Borgia (D, I, WF, WEP – Incumbent)



I strongly believe in investing in our youth through education and work enrichment programs. Our young people are vibrant, full of energy and ideas, and employers would benefit greatly by honing that energy and enthusiasm. I take pride in hiring young professionals and several interns annually. I would like to work with the business district to develop cohesive, thought provoking intern programs, and hold an intern job fair. The County also employs many people in our parks over the Summer and I will help advertise those positions to our young people more effectively.


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Catherine Borgia (continued)


The County has a long standing history of funding and overseeing, quality, educational, and proven successful after school programs through not-for-profit organizations and Youth Bureau's with funding from our Invest In Kids program. Over the past several years the current County Executive has made drastic cuts to these programs, causing several of them to close. I believe it is the County's job to provide positive youth development that will help our youth grow into productive, responsible adults. I will continue to fight, alongside my democratic colleagues to restore the funding to these programs and others that serve the needs of our children.



As a long standing advocate for affordable, quality, licensed child care and the Chair of the Families Task Force I have, and will continue to work closely with the Child Care Council of Westchester and the Department of Social Services to do everything possible to increase access to safe care for our children. I will continue to fight to decrease the parent share for low income families so our parents can go to work knowing their children are in educational and safe centers like the Ossining Children's Center. I will continue to work with the Child Care Council to raise awareness about licensed day care centers and the programs available for payment assistance.


Currently the Families Task Force is working to create a Family Bill of Rights to present to the Legislature. It will contain several policy making ideas to improve the quality of life for all of the families of Westchester. I am committed to working with my colleagues to implement as many of these points as possible, as we have gone around the county hearing from residents in various districts to create a cohesive document. I will work to restore funding to our youth and child care programs. If elected, my top priority will remain improving the quality of life for our families and children through positive public health laws, and funding and oversight of programs for our youth.

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Kathleen Mamone (R, C) –Did not respond.

District 10 (Eastchester, New Rochelle, Tuckahoe)

Haina Just-Michael (D, WF, WEP)

Best Way to Contact: Address: 33 Silver Birch Drive; New Rochelle, NY 10804 E-mail address: [email protected] Phone Number: 917-572-6654



I was involved in the Youth Police Initiative in New Rochelle, which identifies at-risk children and educates children to be more involved in the community, thereby keeping them out of trouble. As President of the New Rochelle Public Library, I helped to develop job readiness programs, which prepares people of all ages to enter the workforce. Also, the Library provides a Summer Jobs Program for kids aged 16 and up. As County Legislator I would be in an excellent position to promote sharing information between the Board of Ed, Library Boards, and Town and City Municipalities to promote jobs targeted to youth and to provide job readiness programs.



Having recently spoken to the new Director of the Boys and Girls Club, Remington Branch, I learned that for $40 per year, kids can fully participate in all of the after school programs that the Boys and Girls Club has to offer. The County does not need to reinvent the wheel, but rather identify organizations such as this with experience in providing youth programs and partner with them to make certain that children of all ages and from every income group have an opportunity to participate meaningfully in after school programs.

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Haina Just-Michael (continued)



One of the most devastating parts of the recent County budgets relate to what the County has done to subsidized daycare. Previously, parents earning $20,000 to $35,000 per year were required to pay a monthly share of $59 per month for childcare. Now the expense ranges between $181 to $240. Increasing the share for low-income parents in this manner is unconscionable. Restoring the childcare subsidy to its previous level would be my first priority on this matter. Furthermore, the number of childcare slots was reduced by 150 at a time when childcare needs are increasing. Restoring this number to at least its previous level is also a priority for me.


In recent budgets, the current administration has slashed the funding and personnel from the County Department of Social Services - more so than any other department - thereby increasing the caseload on already overburdened case workers. From a budget perspective, I believe that this very crucial department in County government needs to receive funding equal to the needs of the people it serves.

Sheila Marcotte (R, C, I, Reform – Incumbent)

Best Way to Contact: Address: 56 Winter Hill Road; Tuckahoe, NY 10707 E-mail address: [email protected] Phone Number: 914-309-6947



Are these stats indicative of youth who could not find a job? Applied for a job and were not hired? I believe that the best way to create jobs is to provide an economic environment that employers are able to thrive in, be successful and as a result allows

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Sheila Marcotte (continued)

them to hire employees. To that end Westchester county has not raised the tax levy in 5 years, which for many employers translates to saving money. While I do not believe that it is the role of government to create jobs, we do have ample opportunity to provide the environment by implementing development, building and repairing infrastructure and the like. Summer employment especially is very important to our youth in addition to providing programs for those who are not employed.



The Invest in Kids funding / programs as well as a number of other programs throughout the county are designed specifically towards youth development. I have always supported such programs and will continue to do so.



I am proud to serve on the Child Care Cousel/Committee that was organized and spear headed by Rob Astorino. We are looking at the numbers and will do what we can to strike a balance between the child care providers, the parents and the county dollars so we can better deal with this in the 2016 budget.



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District 11 (New Rochelle, Pelham, Pelham Manor)

James Maisano (R – Incumbent) –Did not respond.

District 12 (Ardsley, Dobbs Ferry, Edgemont, Hartsdale, Hastings on Hudson, Irvington)

MaryJane Shimsky (D, WEP – Incumbent)

Best Way to Contact: Address: PO Box 266; Hastings on Hudson, NY 10706 E-mail address: [email protected] Phone Number: 914 478 7192



Establish and revitalize local Youth Employment offices with cooperation of school districts, local governments and local businesses. Work with large employers to develop summer employment opportunities. Reach out to State labor department to determine best practices and make sure County and local governments are doing them. Use after school and other programs for at-risk youth to prepare youth for job opportunities.



The County must help close the gap between demand and supply of such programs. A diversified range of programs, from mentoring to recreation and job/life skills to academic enrichment for academically talented but poor students are needed. Will support the revitalization of the Invest in Kids model. We should also reach out to local governments and businesses re internship/cadet programs (the Town of Greenburgh claims to have successful programs in place).

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MaryJane Shimsky (continued)



Reduce the parent share in all programs. More and better outreach. Listen to child care providers and parents to streamline difficulties in application process. We should consider a customer service model.


As I am doing my due diligence on programs, I would like to start thinking about connections -- allying our children and youth programs with businesses, not for profits and local governments -- to increase services and the quality thereof.

District 13 (Mount Vernon)

Lyndon Williams (D, I – Incumbent)

Best Way to Contact: Address: 148 Martine Avenue; White Plains, NY 10601 E-mail address: [email protected] Phone Number: 914 995 2837



Support more education and training programs for youth


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Lyndon Williams (continued)


The County's Youth Bureau should coordinate the development and implementation of youth programs with the municipal governments and school districts throughout the County. I'll advocate and support these efforts



I will advocate for increase the number of slots and reduce the parent share of child care cost.


Improve child care subsidiaries for working families

District 14 (Mount Vernon, Yonkers)

Christine Peters (D)

Best Way to Contact: Address: 55 Bennett Ave; Yonkers, NY 10701 E-mail address: [email protected] Phone Number: 914-462-1926



I would like to work with local businesses to help create paid internships and/or apprenticeships for adolescents. Given the demands of time and balance with school for young people, they may be limited to certain hours, thus the ideal businesses would be businesses that would be able to facilitate these types of non regular business hours. Furthermore, I would like to work with the other legislatures to find out from businesses

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Christine Peters (continued)

what incentives would help them to create more positions and then give them said incentives. I would also like to see government incorporate the help of adolescents for some positions. I would also talk with union leaders to help inform me on what types of recruitment procedures would help draw in this population at a younger age, teach them necessary skillsets and work towards retaining them in the unions long term. Lastly, I would meet with all the local youth organizations to sample some youth, to help inform me about some of the challenges that their specific population faces in this day and age, what solutions they can help brainstorm and work alongside the youth and administration of youth service agencies to help implement those changes.



I think the county helps mainstream services for the constituents of Westchester, thus we should listen to the people and work with families via PTA or other outreach programs to understand what types of youth programs are needed. It is then our responsibility to ensure that these types of programs are created and maintained. This responsibility goes beyond simply meeting and planning. I think we have to go to Albany or DC if necessary with other Elected Officials in order to lobby for the needs of the constituents and secure funding. I think it is also our job to ensure that creative and innovative measures are utilized, this being said, there are several colleges in our county that we can partner with to utilize their need for community immersion and job readiness for students to ensure that we can create programs that are enriching for youth and the students. This way both populations are being serviced. I would also research other types of programs that are in service to see if we can create a model that will service the parents and youth while staying within the budget.



I would work with the child care council to help them expand their program to ensure that everyone who wants to open childcare is properly trained, educated on

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Christine Peters (continued)

development and help create standards for excellent childcare. Furthermore, I would work with the Child Care Council to help recruit and support people from all areas and backgrounds to help provide Child Care so that Westchester residents can have more options. It is also important to better understand all the barriers to the necessary slots not being available. Once I have a better understanding I can meet with and plan with the various stakeholders to help decrease the problems and increase availability.


My top priority would be to work with various sources to help establish a scholarship or other funding source to offer families financial assistance well into middle class. Child care is extremely expensive, especially in Westchester County causing a significant amount of stress for caregivers. I would also like to work with child care providers to ensure that children have all their developmental needs met. I also want to create an inter-generational, multiple system model of working with children. By this I mean, I would like to involve several community participants like civic groups, colleges, businesses, not for profits and other community participants to create a "supportive village" to help raise and enrich the development of Westchester Youth.

Bernice Spreckman (R, C –Incumbent) –Did not respond.

District 15 (Bronxville, Yonkers)

Gordon A. Burrows (R, C –Incumbent)

Best Way to Contact: Address: 51 Harvard Avenue; Yonkers, NY 10701 E-mail address: [email protected] Phone Number: 914-263-5548



As a father of five children, throughout my career as a Legislator, I have always advocated and supported initiatives for children. In 2003, I and my colleagues unanimously passed three acts with the City of New Rochelle conveying to them grants from the New York State Department of Labor's New York Youth work program. Under

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Gordon A. Burrows (continued)

the program businesses in New Rochelle, Mount Vernon and Yonkers are eligible for tax deductions for hiring youth ages 16-24. The County Executive offers a Westchester Private Sector Summer Jobs initiative which, over the years, has provided hundreds of job opportunities some which have resulted in permanent positions. Taking care of our children has always been and will continue to be a top priority. I hope I will have the opportunity to continue working on these important issues with my colleagues on the Board of Legislators as well as our County Executive.



Under the direction of the County Executive, the Youth Bureau works in conjunction with various organizations throughout the county offering a variety of programs, including , after school programs, mentor programs, GED training, literacy programs and programs to help youth improve their overall quality of life by learning different skills. It is my goal to continue to advocate for the necessary funding for these programs. I will continue to work with my colleagues to expand these services and keep them active to provide our youth with the best opportunities and tools needed for successful and productive futures. Programs like these are vital to enrich our communities.



Affordable child care is crucial for economic stability enabling parents to remain in the workforce. This year my colleagues and I through negotiations were able to increase funding for agencies in Westchester that provide child care services. I will continuously strive to increase funding allotted to these agencies. Increased funding will provide greater availability and affordability to working parents. Taking care of families and ensuring the best quality of life possible is of great importance to me.

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Gordon A. Burrows (continued)


Children need a safe fun environment to socialize and spend time with their families that is why I worked so hard to re-open Sprain Ridge Pool in Yonkers. The past few years there have been negotiations to re-open Sprain Ridge Pool. Earlier this year the plan was passed and the pool will be open for use in 2017. When I was growing up Sprain Pool was always a great place for families to go and spend quality time together. I have wonderful memories going there with my family. It is my hope that families will spend quality time with their children and build memories like I did. As a Legislator our primary responsibility is passing a responsible budget that offers the best services and protections possible for the residents we represent as well as the entire county. If re-elected, my priority will not be only to secure the funding to keep the existing programs for children and youth available but to work with organizations towards efficient ways to expand them. Children and youth need strong foundations to build secure futures. If re-elected, I will continue to work as hard as I can to ensure that happens.

Kathleen Thomas (D) –Did not respond.

District 16 (Yonkers)

Kenneth Jenkins (D, I, WF – Incumbent) –Did not respond.

District 17 (Yonkers)

Piedad Abreu (I)

Best Way to Contact: Address: 221NepperhanAv; Yonkers, NY 10701 E-mail address: [email protected] Phone Number: 914-224-3929 Youth in Westchester County experience higher unemployment rates than adults irrespective of where they live. In 2013, 22.3% of 16-19 year olds and 18.5% of 20-24 year olds were unemployed as compared to 7.1% of those ages 25-44.



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Candidate did not respond. In Westchester County, a two-parent household with an infant in a full-time child care center and an annual gross income of $59,000 will spend roughly 33% of their annual income on child care in 2015. In addition, in 2014, the estimated demand for child care in Westchester was 80,000 slots and the estimated supply was 33,000 slots, providing only 42% of families with access to child care who needed it.


Candidate did not respond. If elected, what would be your top priority, whether policy or budget related, for children and youth?


Virginia Perez (D – Incumbent)

Best Way to Contact: Address: 158 Beech St; Yonkers, NY 10701 E-mail address: [email protected] Phone Number: 9146564911 Youth in Westchester County experience higher unemployment rates than adults irrespective of where they live. In 2013, 22.3% of 16-19 year olds and 18.5% of 20-24 year olds were unemployed as compared to 7.1% of those ages 25-44.




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Virginia Perez (continued)








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Index of Candidate Responses – ALPHABETICALLY BY LAST NAME

Abreau, Piedad .......................................................................... 28

Borgia, Catherine ....................................................................... 17

Boykin, Benjamin II ................................................................... 11

Burrows, Gordon A. ................................................................... 26

Corcoran, Francis ......................................................................... 6

Cunzio, Margaret A. ..................................................................... 7

Diaconis, John S. .......................................................................... 9

Gelfarb, David ............................................................................ 12

Jenkins, Kenneth........................................................................ 28

Just-Michael, Haina ................................................................... 19

Kaplowitz, Michael .................................................................... 10

Maisano, James ......................................................................... 22

Mamone, Kathleen .................................................................... 19

Marcotte, Sheila ........................................................................ 20

Parker, Catherine ....................................................................... 13

Perez, Virginia............................................................................ 29

Peters, Christine ........................................................................ 24

Schleimer, Karen B. ..................................................................... 6

Shimsky, MaryJane .................................................................... 22

Spreckman, Bernice ................................................................... 26

Testa, John G. .............................................................................. 5

Thomas, Kathleen ...................................................................... 28

Watson, Susan ........................................................................... 15

Williams, Alfreda ....................................................................... 16

Williams, Lyndon ....................................................................... 23

2015 Vote for Kids Candidate Response

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Transcript of 2015 Vote for Kids Candidate Response