Kenneth Plummer sends his District Leader Resignation, Effective Immediately, in an email dated Tuesday, July 1st, addressed to Mount Vernon Democratic City Committee (MVDCC) Chair Mary Graves (see full letter below). This comes after a few concerned citizens, including BW Publisher Damon K. Jones, Jesse Van Lew of Save Mount Vernon, and others, visited the Westchester County Board Of Elections office in White Plains to submit their formal complaints about Plummer serving as an MV District Leader but residing in the City of White Plains on Monday, June 23rd.
Plummer also sent out an email to the MVDCC district leaders titled a “Personal Note from Kenneth Plummer – With Gratitude and Hope,” where he expresses even though the MVDCC Chair would probably share the letter, “I felt it was important—necessary, even—to reach out to you personally, in my own words and voice.”
“My decision to step down as District Leader wasn’t made lightly. It followed long hours of soul-searching, countless memories replayed, and one central belief that kept rising to the surface: Mount Vernon deserves unity. It deserves cooperation over conflict, bridge-building over boundary-drawing, and a politics rooted in respect,” Plummer wrote in his email to the district leaders.
He followed up his email to the district leaders with his formal resignation to MVDCC Chair Mary Graves. Plummer shares that his stepping down as district leader will not deter him from continuing to be involved in Mount Vernon politics, and calls for the community to work together. He doubles down that, “Though I recently purchased property in White Plains, I remain a legal resident of Mount Vernon. I maintain an active lease, pay utility and cable bills, and receive the majority of my mail here,” and states that his family plans to “continue searching for the right house to purchase within Mount Vernon, where we plan to settle permanently.” You can read Plummers’ full formal resignation, unedited, below…
To the Members of the Mount Vernon Democratic City Committee,
I respectfully submit this letter as my formal resignation, effective immediately, from my position as District Leader for the Mount Vernon Democratic City Committee. I kindly request that this letter be read in full into the official record at the next District Leaders’ Meeting during which a quorum is present, and be emailed to all current District Leaders.
Mount Vernon has been home to me on and off since the early 1980s, when my mother, brother, and I moved here from the Bronx. This city helped shape me educationally, spiritually, and civically. I attended Traphagen Elementary, Davis Middle School, and Mount Vernon High School. Though I recently purchased property in White Plains, I remain a legal resident of Mount Vernon. I maintain an active lease, pay utility and cable bills, and receive the majority of my mail here. Depending on my work schedule and professional commitments, I alternate between sleeping in Mount Vernon and White Plains. My family and I continue searching for the right house to purchase within Mount Vernon, where we plan to settle permanently.
From a young age, I was drawn to public service, organizing baked goods sales as president of the youth group at First Presbyterian Church, volunteering at Shalom Nursing Home, and serving seniors in our community. Activism is in my blood.
Motivated by a legacy of civic leadership in Mount Vernon, I sought to give back. Though I was not active during the celebrated tenure of David Ford, I learned from those who were. I also watched the rise of Chairman Reginald Lafayette with admiration, knowing firsthand the kind of political excellence he represented. I have spoken up for Mr. Lafayette during moments when others questioned his leadership, and I stand by those facts.
Throughout my tenure, I’ve proudly led initiatives such as voter registration drives, presidential debate watch parties, and community engagement events. Under Chairman Deveraux Cannick, I helped lead what many still describe as one of the most successful fundraisers in the Committee’s history—raising more than $80,000 at the Greentree Country Club with nearly 600 attendees. The financial filings should reflect this. During President Obama’s first campaign, I, along with others, personally designed, printed, and distributed posters for Mount Vernon and surrounding communities. My firm also organized and fully funded an Obama rally in front of City Hall—providing sound equipment, musicians, and speakers.
There were also the phone banking efforts for Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign. I reached out directly to the Hillary for America campaign committee and coordinated these operations from my office. We had approximately 50 volunteers making calls to voters in Pennsylvania on behalf of the Pennsylvania Democratic Committee. I supplied all materials and refreshments and listed the Mount Vernon Democratic City Committee as the host—once again, covering all expenses and organizing personally (ironically, I saw the flyers and pictures on Facebook recently).
None of these efforts would have been as impactful without the support of fellow District Leaders and community members who stepped up to assist—whether by helping spread the word, showing up to events, or lending a hand on the ground. While I initiated and carried many of these responsibilities, I am deeply grateful for those who contributed their time and energy alongside me. Their help, in big and small ways, played a role in our collective success.
Together with my late co-District Leader Willie Johnson, I co-hosted multiple candidates meet-and-greets at The Plazas inside the Saratoga Building. With management’s support, we held at least three public forums. We provided food, designed flyers, brought in a PA system, and knocked on every door—three times—to ensure community engagement. Over the years, I’ve registered hundreds of residents. I share this not for personal credit, but to ensure the record is accurate and complete.
Despite internal challenges, I never wavered in my commitment to Mount Vernon. I take great pride in supporting the election of Westchester County’s first African American female mayor, only the second in New York State. My professional career directly reflects that commitment. Alongside my partners, I am currently helping to build Mount Vernon’s first youth facility in more than seven decades—an 11,400-square-foot center that will house the Youth Bureau and provide vital programming for children and families across our city. This project is not theoretical; it is under construction and moving forward. It stands as a testament to our shared investment in Mount Vernon’s future.
This city helped raise me, and I will always give back to it, regardless of how my intentions may be portrayed. I remain proud of the work being done and deeply grateful for the dozens of phone calls, text messages, emails, and kind words I’ve received from so many of you in response to recent public coverage. I truly feel that a weight has been lifted. Now, I have the space to pursue the work I’ve always wanted to do, freely and without distraction. In many ways, you haven’t seen anything yet. And every step forward will be for the love of our city. I had already begun expanding my focus to broader community-building efforts, including co-developing the new state-of-the-art Remington Boys & Girls Club in New Rochelle. Still, my heart remained with Mount Vernon.
I’ve fought for those who felt ignored. When my mother’s home was subject to foreclosure under questionable legal circumstances in the 90’s, I learned deeply how important it is to speak for those without power. At times, it felt like District Leaders were asked to collect petitions and sell tickets, while key decisions were made without our input. I don’t say this to assign blame, but to acknowledge a reality many of us have experienced. I believe District Leaders deserve meaningful participation in the decisions that affect our communities.
I love this city. I’ve walked nearly every block, supported our small businesses, knocked on doors, and stood firmly behind causes I believed in. But now, I feel called in a different direction. To the many District Leaders who have shared similar feelings in private—you are not alone. I will continue to speak with respect, humility, and honesty. This is not about division; it is about solidarity and the pursuit of something better for all of us.
Let me be clear: this letter is not an attack; it is an olive branch. It is a message of unity and a call for reflection and collaboration. We all want what’s best for Mount Vernon. I truly look forward to working alongside each of you in new and meaningful ways. As a Black man, I will always advocate for justice, equity, and opportunity, especially for those most often overlooked. While I have concerns, I remain hopeful. Mount Vernon is filled with love, talent, and untapped potential.
To Chairwoman Mary Graves and the current leadership, I extend my sincere best wishes. With courage and cooperation, we can build something extraordinary. Though I step down today, I am not stepping away. I will remain engaged, supportive, and always committed to serving the people of Mount Vernon.
With humility and hope,
Kenneth Plummer
Former District Leader
Mount Vernon Democratic City Committee
As Black Westchester and others have criticized Plummer’s influence in local politics through his lobbying efforts on behalf of developers and his Political Action Committee, RISEUP Mount Vernon, is his stepping down as district leader, and calls for unity, too little too late, an action or effort is not enough and happens after the optimal time, making it ineffective or insufficient and just another example symbolism with substance, I guess time will tell.
Stay tuned to Black Westchester for more on this developing story.
This letter is absurd. He wants unity but launched a vile defamatory website about Retired Lieutenant Mastro a few weeks ago. He also lies in his letter. The cost of the youth center is 30 years of no taxes. I much rather a non-profit build it then. That way the City isn’t crippled in the process. He is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. He’s resigning because the mask has slipped. He’s been exposed for what he is, a SELL OUT.
Thanks for the article.
Thanks for the article.