Black Westchester Magazine proudly endorses Ken Jenkins for Westchester County Executive, recognizing his proven record of service, fiscal discipline, and lifelong commitment to equal opportunity for all residents of Westchester County.
A Record of Steady, Accountable Leadership
As Deputy County Executive, Ken Jenkins has shown that progress and responsibility are not opposites — they’re partners. Working alongside County Executive George Latimer, he has helped restore Westchester’s financial stability, protect essential services, and steer the county through some of its most challenging times.
From his years as a County Legislator and Chairman of the Board of Legislators, Jenkins developed a deep understanding of budget management, consensus-building, and policy-making that reflect fairness and fiscal prudence. His steady leadership has helped ensure that Westchester remains one of New York’s strongest and most well-managed counties.
A Champion for Equal Opportunity
Ken Jenkins has long been a champion of equal opportunity and fair representation across every community in Westchester. Representing District 16 — which includes parts of Yonkers and Mount Vernon — Jenkins earned a reputation for accessibility and results.
His commitment to expanding opportunities for minority- and women-owned businesses, improving public health access, and advancing affordable housing demonstrates his understanding that inclusion is not a slogan — it’s a responsibility. Jenkins’ leadership has directly supported programs aimed at reducing racial health disparities, expanding small-business growth, and strengthening historically overlooked neighborhoods.
A Vision for a Stronger, Fairer County
Ken Jenkins embodies the kind of results-driven leadership that Westchester needs to move forward. He has always focused on outcomes that matter — safer neighborhoods, stronger schools, and policies that help working families thrive.
Jenkins understands that government should work for the people, not political interests. His forward-looking approach balances economic growth with compassion and accountability, ensuring that every resident — from Mount Vernon to Peekskill — shares in Westchester’s success.
Why We Support Ken Jenkins
At a time when leadership is often defined by division, Ken Jenkins stands out as a bridge-builder — someone who listens, learns, and leads with integrity. His experience in both legislative and executive roles gives him the insight needed to deliver practical solutions without political gamesmanship.
Black Westchester Magazine supports Ken Jenkins because he represents what this moment demands: steady leadership, proven experience, and an unwavering belief in equal opportunity for all.
Editorial Note
This is an official editorial endorsement from Black Westchester Magazine. It reflects the publication’s independent evaluation of candidates and their record of public service. We encourage all voters to stay informed, participate in local elections, and make their voices heard
What is his agenda for black Americans? What has he done for black business in Westchester? Has he hosted any campaign events at black owned establishments? The majority of construction in Mt. Vernon is done by a White Pelham developer. Councilman Poteat championed legislation requiring City projects to use a certain percentage of black businesses. Does Ken support thay for the County? What are specific examples of Ken improving the Westchester black community? Serious question because Mt. Vernon is controlled by and employs white developers. They haven’t used a single black owned construction company lately? Why should blacks in Westchester support Ken? Appreciate the write ups but it lacks specifics focused on the black community. “Minority” is an all encompassing term and is primarily used to describe businesses owned by white women not black business. Why the use of the word minority in Black Westchester when the term rarely means black people.
We appreciate your comment and the important questions raised — these are exactly the kinds of accountability conversations we encourage.
To clarify, the issues unfolding at Mount Vernon City Hall — including developer control, lack of transparency, and the exclusion of Black-owned businesses from major construction projects — are the responsibility of Mount Vernon’s local government, not the Office of the Westchester County Executive. These are city-level decisions made by elected officials within Mount Vernon. Black Westchester has repeatedly investigated and exposed how outside developers have dominated Mount Vernon’s economic landscape. Let’s be clear — the County cannot help the City when the City government itself is dysfunctional. Yet despite years of reporting, residents continue to re-elect the same local leadership responsible for these conditions — a reality that lies squarely within the city’s political choices, not county policy.
To be clear, there would not even be a Memorial Field today if Ken Jenkins, then serving as Deputy County Executive, had not pushed for the County to take control of the project’s construction. The field was funded by the County, but years of mismanagement and infighting among Mount Vernon’s elected officials left it in ruins. Jenkins fought to bring the project under County oversight and secured an additional $10 million to complete it — even when other legislators from predominantly white districts opposed the move. Without that intervention, Mount Vernon would still be staring at a fenced-off field instead of a restored community landmark.
Our endorsement of Ken Jenkins is grounded in his county-level results — a proven record of sound fiscal management, practical public safety reform, expanding equal opportunity throughout county government, and investing in workforce development through Westchester Community College training programs.
Regarding the use of the term “minority”, we agree it can be misleading — but that’s the terminology defined under New York State law for MWBE (Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise) programs. While we use the legal term, Black Westchester remains intentional in emphasizing the disparities that specifically affect Black-owned businesses, and we continue to advocate for fair representation and measurable outcomes.
Our mission has always been to inform, empower, and hold all levels of government accountable — from City Hall to the County Executive’s Office. Mount Vernon deserves honest leadership, and Westchester deserves equal opportunity that truly includes the Black community.