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Despite Public Objections, Panel Recommends Weakest Police Review Board

AJ Woodson
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Despite Public Objections, Panel Recommends Weakest Police Review Board

Issue now goes to City Council, where public comment is scheduled for Tuesday, November 14

After hearing a number of residents again demand an independent police review board with the power to investigate civilian complaints about police misconduct, New Rochelle’s Community-Police Partnership Board (CPPB) voted on November 3 to recommend a board empowered only to review police investigations of themselves in response to citizen complaints.  

The issue now goes to the City Council, which will hold its next meeting (and a 7:00pm Citizens To Be Heard session) on Tuesday, November 14. Three of the seven members of the current City Council will be replaced in January based on the elections held on Tuesday, November 7.

The CPPB adopted the recommendation of CGR, a consulting firm hired earlier this year, to create a “review-focused” Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB), rather than the “investigation-focused” board demanded by the community.  CGR’s report acknowledged that a review model would have “limited power to determine police misconduct outcomes,” and a CCRB with investigative powers would better address “community stakeholder concerns about potential police bias…in the review process.”  But CGR recommended a review model, explaining that it wished to “balance the community’s desire for an independent body…with the administration’s concerns about cost and broad powers.”

Interviews described in the CGR report showed that community members characterized community/police relations as “mediocre or needing improvement, while NRPD members said their relationship with city residents was “good to great.”  Community stakeholders told CGR they felt that “an independent and unbiased group should be available to address police complaints” with “real authority and official capacity to influence change.”  Most NRPD leaders, on the other hand, told CGR they “did not see the need for a CCRB” and believed that the current review process was sufficient.  

The CGR report and CPPB vote came 18 months after a deadline imposed by the City Council when it passed its police reform plan in March 2021.  In a statement by Lisa Burton, read by Lourdes Font, Burton objected to “the deliberate slow-walking of this process” and described the proposed review-only CCRB as “watered down.”  “The African American community in New Rochelle has been shaken by violence,” Burton wrote, “yet the level of urgency is missing.”

Aisha Cook, Vice President of the New Rochelle NAACP, referenced the killing of Jarrell Garris by NRPD Detective Steven Conn on July 3—the second killing of a Black man by the NRPD in the past three years.  “If our goal is to increase transparency and trust between the community and the membership Police Department,” she said, “more oversight, not less, is needed.”

Martin Sanchez, an attorney and the son and grandson of police officers, called the CGR recommendations “a very sad testament to a do-nothing organization.”  Noting the lack of public awareness of New Rochelle’s police reform efforts, particularly in the Latinx community, Sanchez said, “We have to be transparent.  But more importantly, we have to be vigilant.  You have to have a sense of urgency.  I see none of that from anyone here on the platform.”

Dr. Carla Woolbright, former president of the New Rochelle NAACP, said, “There’s no way that we should have a Civilian Complaint Review Board with no authority to do anything but listen to the complaint. We should have our civilians involved that are also part of the investigation process that have access to those investigative records.  If we want to build trust between the police and our community, we have to have an open process with people in the community involved that the community trusts….It shouldn’t be the police policing themselves.”

Rodney Bynum, a cousin of Jarrell Garris, noted the failure of the NRPD to discipline the officer who killed his cousin on July 3,2023, and the two-year delay in dismissing Detective Michael Vaccaro, who was caught on video punching and kicking Malik Fogg, another Black man, while Vaccaro was off-duty in 2021.  Asking, “You can’t have a review board with enough oversight because that’s going to affect your budget?” he continued, “How does having officers that are on paid leave affect your budget?  How does having officers that are being sued for their actions affect your budget?  That’s not your budget. That’s our budget. We’re the taxpayers. You work for us. We don’t work for you. But you’re conducting yourselves like you’re working for yourselves.“

Alprentice McCutchen, a teacher at New Rochelle High School, speaking as a parent and educator, expressed concern about “the crisis of interaction … between the youth and institutions within this community” and called for “an authentic Board to let them know that if they ever have a complaint, they know that action can be taken,…that it’s not just a performative set of steps, it’s not just a perfunctory set of steps, it’s something that’s actually going to happen.”

Bruce Soloway, a member of New Rochelle Against Racism (New RoAR), called the CGR report “a betrayal of the people of New Rochelle” and a “sham.”  “How much money is too much to save another Black life?” he asked.  “How much accountability is too much accountability?  The City Council did not create the CPPB and mandate the creation of a CCRB to appease the fears of the police or to balance the city budget.  It did so to save lives and improve the safety and quality of life of the people of New Rochelle.”

In conclusion, Deputy Police Commissioner and CPPB Co-Chair Neil Reynolds, speaking only for himself, discussed “facts and feelings.”  “Facts can inform feelings, and feelings certainly can inform facts,” he said.  “Each of us has views created by our own lived experiences…. Either-or only continues to divide us and cause further conflict. We cannot continue to disregard a fact or a feeling in favor of the other. We have to accept that both can and do exist simultaneously.  If we stop talking past each other and stop invalidating each other’s facts and feelings, we will realize that we agree on more than we disagree on when we listen, speak, work, and engage with each other.”

Reynolds then called for a vote, and the CPPB approved the CGR vote by a vote of 10-3.  Two present and one former police officer on the board voted “no”, apparently opposing the creation of any review board at all.  

Westchester COBA Hold Rally At County Bldg To Protest Soaring Cost Of Health Care

AJ Woodson
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Westchester COBA Hold Rally At County Bldg To Protest Soaring Cost Of Health Care

“Union Warns Rising Medical Costs And Increase Employee Health Insurance Contributions Are Unsustainable And Will Result In Mass Exodus Of Correction Officers, Jeopardizing Current Staffing Levels And Jail Safety,” – COBA President Neil Pellone.

Westchester COBA, the union representing all Correction Officers who provide care, custody, and control over approximately 2,300 inmates (annually) at the Westchester County Jail, held a demonstration at the Westchester County Office Building to protest rising medical costs and increased health insurance contributions on Monday, November 13th, at 12:00 PM.

Westchester COBA President Neil Pellone joined by members of his executive board, over 100 Westchester Correction Officers, as well as members of Nassau, Rockland County, and NYC Corrections and the NYPD, gathered at the county building (148 Martine Avenue) to protest the fact that their raises have not kept up with their contributions for health insurance coverage. Health insurance coverage contributions for a single correction officer have ballooned from $1,750 in 2014 to $2,483 in 2023, while family health insurance contributions have soared from $4,600 in 2014 to $6,548 in 2023, according to a press release by President Pellone.

“Fix our medical. What do we want? Fair Contracts. When do we want it? Now!” was the chant from the correction officers.

Black Westchester has been exclusively covering this story from the beginning. Let’s take a look at how we got here. On Thursday, November 2nd, Damon K. Jones, Publisher of Black Westchester, and the New York representative of Blacks in Law Enforcement of America (BLEA), expressed his concerns publicly regarding a recent proposal made by Westchester County to the Westchester Corrections Officers Benevolent Association (COBA), as stated by COBA’s President, Neil Pellone, in his November 1st letter to the COBA members.

According to Pellone, the County had approached COBA with a contract settlement plan, acknowledging the collective efforts of COBA members on social media and with the support of local legislators. The proposed contract would cover the years 2020 and 2021, a two-year contract for a combined 6% despite the fact that COs went 4 years without a contract.

Deputy County Executive (DCE) Ken Jenkins reached out to Damon and vehemently denied that the County had made such an offer and the County issued a statement of their own in response. There were claims of misinformation, with both sides telling a different story, which led to our third installment by Damon K Jones detailing the challenges and controversies in the 2023 Westchester County and COBA contract negotiations.

That brings us to the Monday, November 13th rally, protesting in front of the county building. BW reached out to the county who informed us they would be responding in a press conference at 2PM.

Stay tuned for more on this developing story!

The Beats The Made Hip-Hop @ MVPL

AJ Woodson
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The Beats The Made Hip-Hop @ MVPL

Before the samples, before the remixes, there were the beats that made a trillion-dollar industry called Hip-Hop! On Sunday, November 5, 2023, Hip-Hop pioneers, fans, and purest as well as many Mount Vernonites gathered at The Mount Vernon Public Library located at 20 South First Avenue, for a 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop celebration, featuring the 1st generation of DJs and the breakbeats that changed the world.

The afternoon started off with an informative and powerful panel discussion titled “The Beats That Made Hip-Hop” featuring legendary Hip-Hop DJs Grand Wizard Theodore, Grand Mixer DXT, DJ Flame, DJ Mark C of the legendary Collins Brothers, DJ Tony Tone of the Cold Crush Brothers, ScratchMasta Jazzy G and DJ Rockin’ Rob hosted by GrandMaster Caz who treated the crowd with a brief but dope freestyle and is one of the people who provided the foundation for the culture and personally the emcee that made me want to pick up the mic and rock the crowd.

“The music, the breaks, the beats, the foundation of Hip-Hop. the music provided a platform for the dance and for everything else to happen, so there is no party without no music,” Caz told News 12’s Jade Nash who was giving a listen in scratch records during the program, by Kurtis “Baybe KLD” Lee.

Then you had DJ CON, an unending DJ Merry-Go-Round hosted by Kev Lawrence, with Grand Wizard Theodore-the inventor of the scratch, Tri-State Jericko-The Voice of Westchester, and a really special display in turntablism from DJ Supreme, the Grandmaster.

Followed by a live taping of Video Music Box hosted by “Uncle” Ralph McDaniels and co-hosted by Monet Helene, and then a Concert After-Party and The People Before Politics Radio Show.

This incredible event was coordinated by Curtis Sherrod, “Many hip-hop legends were made in Mount Vernon.” It’s another reason why Sherrod said the library wanted to host the program. “From Heavy D, Pete Rock, CL Smooth, to the Collins Brothers,” Sherrod said.

This is the second event by Sherrod. On Sunday, October 15th, 2023, at 2 p.m., he coordinated with the Mount Vernon Public Library on a seminal event. It’s called “A Great Day in Mount Vernon.”

All the photos below were taken by Renee Ham Yearwood.

News 12’s Jade Nash on the scratch at MVPL’s The Beats That Made Hip-Hop” event, Sunday, November 5, 2023 [Renee Ham Yearwood]

Yvonne Flowers Makes History As Poughkeepsie’s First Black Female Mayor

AJ Woodson
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Yvonne Flowers Makes History As Poughkeepsie’s First Black Female Mayor

On election night, veteran Poughkeepsie City Councilwoman Yvonne Flowers became the first black woman mayor of the 32,000-person city, even though a third of the population is Black. Flowers turned back a challenge from schoolteacher and former Poughkeepsie cop Anthony LaRocca Jr. Flowers defeated Republican LaRocca in all eight city wards with 3,195 votes to 1,474.

Flowers stated after winning every ward, “People are ready for a change—they’re ready for this city to be united.” In front of supporters and council members, the enthusiastic mayor-elect said she was ready to begin. Flowers said she would relax on Wednesday, then work with the council on the 2024 proposed budget, her transition team, and the city administrator search.

Flowers is a lifelong resident of Poughkeepsie who has spent four terms representing the fifth ward. The daughter of the late John Flowers, a celebrated community organizer and carpenter in the city, Flowers touts a long history of community outreach and credits her family with inspiring her to get into politics. Flowers’ brother, Frank, says he couldn’t be prouder.

“I want to make sure that people don’t expect miracles because Yvonne is a human being. But what I want to really see from this is everyone learning from this experience and everyone playing their part,” he adds. “Everyone has to play their part. If everyone plays their part and puts a little bit in, we’re gonna get a great outcome.”

Flowers, first beat incumbent Mayor Marc Nelson in June’s Democratic Primary, who became mayor and city administrator in January after Rob Rolison was elected to the state senate last year.

Flowers received Nelson’s endorsement and the backing of other city lawmakers, many of whom attended the Democrat’s watch party at Refinery 51. In her victory speech, Flowers described a tiring and contentious campaign, but she urged her supporters to put the race behind them.

“We have a lot of work ahead of us. We already see the challenges that are in our city, and now it’s time to pull together and make that happen,” said Flowers. “You look in this room, and you see a diverse group of people in here. And it is time that we start getting rid of that divide in our city.”

Flowers is on the emergency housing facility stakeholders group created by the county legislature to provide input into the shelter process. She has also challenged the county’s decision to locate the shelter in her ward for the past two years. Flowers has advocated for better training and equipment for the city’s police force and to revitalize the Main Street Corridor.

The 170-year-old city of Poughkeepsie is home to the largest population of Black and minority residents in Dutchess County. Poughkeepsie will also have a few new faces on the council in January.  Da’Ron Wilson ran unopposed for the councilman-at-large position and will assume the role of chairman when he takes office.

Upcoming Vigils For Kenneth Chamberlain Sr and Jonathan Maldonado

AJ Woodson
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Upcoming Vigils For Kenneth Chamberlain Sr and Jonathan Maldonado

WESTCHESTER HAS IT OWN GEORGE FLOYD’S – SAY THEIR NAME, SAY THEIR NAME!!!

It’s that time of year again. As we gear up for the holiday, let’s not forget about the families in Westchester fighting for accountability and justice for their lost loved ones at the hands of the police. There are two vigils coming up that Black Westchester is asking all who can to come stand with the family. While it is important to stand for those who are killed by the police 1000s of miles away, like George Floyd, it is equally important to remember “Westchester Has It Own George Floyds.” Two of them were killed in November.

On Sunday, November 19th, come out and stand with the Chamberlain family at the 12th annual Commemoration of Kenneth Chamberlain Sr. Come out and stand with Kenneth Chamberlain Jr. as he calls for accountability for his father, who was killed on November 19, 2011, by the White Plains Police Department, who showed up for a wellness check.

Let’s come out strong in numbers, on Sunday, November 19th, from 3:00 PM- 4:30 PM at the White Plains Public Safety Building, located at 77 So. Lexington Avenue, White Plains, NY

And then on Wednesday, November 29th, let’s come out strong to stand with Westpac and the Westchester Coalition for Police Reform (WCPR) in support of the family of Jonathan Maldonado.

Jonathan was killed on November 29, 2017, by the Greenburgh Police Department.

There will be a prayer vigil on November 29th at 4 p.m. at Webb Field, located at 210 N. Central Avenue in Hartsdale.

#JusticeForJonathan

Come stand with these families, show our support and keep both their names and the fight for justice and accountability alive.

1619 Project Docuseries Discussion

AJ Woodson
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1619 Project Docuseries Discussion

The 1619 Project, a book by Nikole Hannah-Jones that explores the role of slavery in the US and its legacy, has been transformed into a Hulu miniseries. Check out this monthly viewing of an episode followed by a discussion led by a different pair of facilitators each month.

Watch and listen to this important conversation with facilitators AJ Woodson and Paul Feiner that took place Wednesday, October 11, 2023. If you can please stop by the Greenburgh Public Library and check out the remaining episodes of this important docuseries and discussions that follow.

AJ Woodson is the Editor-In-Chief of Black Westchester and Co-Owner of Urban Soul Media Group, the parent company, and Host & Producer of the People Before Politics Radio Show, Author, Journalism Fellow, a Black Historian and Documentarian.

Paul Feiner is the longest-serving Town Supervisor in the history of Greenburgh. During the past 30 years, improvements to the town and government systems are too vast to list. Spotlight Westchester Magazine named Paul Feiner the “most interesting politician in Westchester” in their “the Best of Westchester 2001 issue”. He was honored by the Rotary Foundation as a Paul Harris Fellow.

This discussion was part one of a six-part series of discussions based on the six episodes of the 1619 Project Docuseries that was co-sponsored Bet Am Shalom Synagogue, the Greenburgh Human Rights Advisory Committee, Greenburgh Public Library, the White Plains/Greenburgh Chapter of the NAACP and Woodlands Community Temple

Organizations Sent CE Latimer Letter Strongly Urging Him Not To Primary Congressman Jamaal Bowman.

AJ Woodson
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Organizations Sent CE Latimer Letter Strongly Urging Him Not To Primary Congressman Jamaal Bowman.

On Monday, October 8th, eight progressive groups in Westchester County and the Hudson Valley—including NYCD16 Indivisible, Concerned Families of Westchester, For the Many, New York Communities for Change, and Food & Water Action—sent a letter to Westchester County Executive George Latimer, urging him to prioritize building Democratic power in Westchester over a possible primary against incumbent Democratic representative Jamaal Bowman in the 16th Congressional District.

“We respect the work you have done, but we believe that a primary challenge in New York’s 16th district would divide and hurt Democrats and organizers who must dedicate limited resources to flipping red seats in this state. Democrats must be united in the face of the election of a far-right MAGA Speaker of the House. Your candidacy would serve to undermine a progressive champion who has time and again fought for working New Yorkers, prioritized the needs of his district, and handily won the last two primaries for federal office.” (You can read the full letter below).

This letter comes on the heels of a letter addressed by the Anti-Racist Alliance a week earlier, expressing deep reservations about CE Latimer’s potential run for Congress in District 16 (DC16), urging him to seek another political path to avoid potential division among progressives.

Dear George Latimer,
We the undersigned organizations strongly urge you to not to stage a primary challenge against Representative Jamaal Bowman. Our country and the world are in a very precarious state right now. We must address myriad crises in the United States, including climate change, combating homelessness, ending gun violence, promoting universal health care and standing up for working families still recovering from the economic impacts of the COVID epidemic. Jamaal Bowman has been an advocate for all of these causes and more, both in-state and in the halls of Congress.

We respect the work you have done, but we believe that a primary challenge in New York’s 16th district would divide and hurt Democrats and organizers who must dedicate limited resources to flipping red seats in this state. Democrats must be united in the face of the election of a far-right, MAGA Speaker of the House. Your candidacy would serve to undermine a progressive champion who has time and again fought for working New Yorkers, prioritized the needs of his district, and handily won the last two primaries for federal office.

The entire county looks to you to uphold our Democratic values and ensure we continue winning and implementing progressive policies that protect all New Yorkers. We simply Cannot afford the divisiveness and resource drain a primary election would bring at this time. We urge you to consider other political avenues at the end of your final term as county executive.

While chaos ensues in other areas of the globe, we know our state and county can lead the charge on so many issues to improve the lives of all of us. We hope you seriously consider our request not to run for Congress in New York’s 16th district and look forward to working with you as county executive for a progressive future for all New Yorkers.
Sincerely,
NYCD16 Indivisible
Concerned Families of Westchester
For the Many
New York Communities for Change
New York Progressive Action Network
Food & Water Action
United for Clean Energy
Young Democratic Socialists of America, New Castle & Mount Kisco Chapter

In late September, Black Westchester reported that Latimer had reportedly been approached by Democratic donors, Police Unions, and Jewish Groups about primarying Rep. Jamaal Bowman in the 16th Congressional District, after a report by News 12’s Tara Rosenblum.

On Wednesday, October 8th Rosenblum reported, “After months of speculation, Westchester County Executive George Latimer has reportedly made the decision to run in a Democratic primary against Rep. Jamaal Bowman.” According to Roseblum, Latimer is expected to make his official announcement in the next few weeks.

Anyway, as you slice it, this will be a heavily watched election. Both candidates are known to take a punch and are dominant counterpunchers. As of right now, this is all speculation since Latimer hasn’t officially announced, but it would be a great fight. In the potential match-up, who will be the last man standing?

Tuckahoe Mayor Omayra Andino Wins In First Village Election Held In November

AJ Woodson
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Tuckahoe Mayor Omayra Andino Wins In First Village Election Held In November

In the Village of Tuckahoe, with a resounding total of more than one thousand votes, Mayor Omayra Andino won re-election, defeating Republican challenger Joseph ‘Scooter’ Scott with 55% of the vote—1,029 votes overall. History was made in Tuckahoe in March 2021 when, for the first time, its mayor was a woman and a person of color. Omayra Andino now wins a second term on Tuesday night.

“When we exercise our right to vote, we uplift Democracy. The people of Tuckahoe have spoken loudly and I’m honored to continue to serve them as Mayor alongside my passionate and competent colleague, Josh. Unfortunately, due to a technicality, our friend and running mate, Darryl Taylor, did not cross the finish line with us. It’s a heartbreak as we move forward to do the will of the people,” Mayor Omayra Andino shared with Black Westchester Wednesday morning.

Democrat Joshua Gaccione was the top finisher in the race for two Trustee seats on Tuckahoe’s Village Board, with 29% of the vote—982 votes overall, nearly one-third of all votes. The electoral victory was the first for Gaccione, who was appointed last April to fill a vacant Board seat.

“Seven months ago, I made a promise to the voters of Tuckahoe that I would do everything to earn their votes,” Gaccione said. “I am honored and humbled by the overwhelming support, and I look forward to continuing to work with the mayor and my fellow trustees to keep moving Tuckahoe forward.”

The winner of the second Trustee seat was Republican Danny Lang, who previously served two terms as a Tuckahoe trustee. Lang received 25% of the vote—840 votes overall. The runners-up in the Trustee race were Republican Claudia Demaio-Francis and incumbent Darryl Taylor, who was running only on the Bipartisan ballot line. On October 24, neither Lang nor Demaio-Francis showed up for the League of Women Voters’ candidate forum at Tuckahoe’s Village Hall.

In all, nearly one-fourth of Tuckahoe’s registered voters cast ballots in what was a historic election for the Village. It was the first time in more than a century that the Village election was held in the fall. In a 2022 ballot question, voters overwhelmingly approved switching Tuckahoe’s election from March to November.

“We are gratified by the higher-than-usual voter turnout in this election,” said Tuckahoe Democratic Party Chair Julie Gurdin. “When Mayor Andino and the Trustees decided to let voters decide when best to hold our election, she was confident that it would increase interest and participation in Village life – and that has proven to be the case. The broad-based support Omayra received shows that voters welcome the leadership, dignity, and accountability that she, Josh, and Darryl brought to the Board – and the commitment of all three inspired a wave of work by our dedicated volunteers.”

The Village has benefitted in both visible and intangible ways under Andino’s leadership. While nearly a third of Tuckahoe streets have been repaved and major upgrades were completed at Main Street Park and the Community Center, Village finances have never been stronger, as its credit rating was raised to an all-time high AA-plus by S & P.

Gaccione and Lang join Deputy Mayor Cara Kronen and Trustee Nicole Engelbert on the Village Board. Kronen and Engelbert, both Democrats, were elected last year. 

“Naturally, I am disappointed about not rejoining the Board,” Taylor said. “But there are many ways to volunteer in our village, so I’ll continue to provide leadership at ECAP as we work to make the lives of those in our beloved Tuckahoe better.  I encourage everyone to come forward to serve our community.”

Namasha Schelling Makes History As Pound Ridge’s First Black Town Board Member

AJ Woodson
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Namasha Schelling Makes History As Pound Ridge’s First Black Town Board Member

On Wednesday, October 25th, Black Westchester broke the story of Namasha H. Schelling being targeted with hate rhetoric and signs that are popping up all across Pound Ridge in her attempt to make history as the first African-American to serve on the Pound Ridge Town Board. She may possibly be the first Black elected official in the town of Pound Ridge, period (Black Westchester is still confirming that part).

Despite the racial attacks, the Co-Chair of the Human Rights Advisory Committee of Pound Ridge vowed not to allow hate and the short-mindedness of a few to derail her campaign. On Tuesday, November 7th, not even the hateful rhetoric and ugly anonymous attacks could prevent the destiny of history from being made. Namasha won her historic victory with 24% of the vote—876 votes overall—to secure one of the two seats available, making history as the first Black Pound Ridge Town Board Member.

“I am honored to be the first Black Town Board Member in Pound Ridge. During this campaign, I learned so much about myself and my community. What became evident after weeks of door-knocking is that there are more good people in the world than bad people. Pound Ridge really came out to support me, and I am eternally grateful. I will do everything in my power to represent everyone who lives here. This is just the beginning. Now the hard work starts,” Town Board Member-Elect Namasha Schelling shared with Black Westchester.

Namasha’s endorsements included the Pound Ridge Democratic Committee, the Westchester County Democratic Committee, County Executive George Latimer, County Legislator Ericka Pierce, State Senators Shelley Mayer and Pete Harckham, and State Assembly Member Chris Burdick.

Namasha is co-chair of the Human Rights Advisory Committee of Pound Ridge, which was officially launched in 2022. She is a member of the Pound Ridge Housing Board and has participated in the process of updating the town’s Comprehensive Plan since 2021. She was a member of the Criminal Justice Reform Committee, which was mandated for each police department in the state in 2020. 

She is also a proud member of the Westchester Black Women’s Political Caucus (WBWPC)—Greater Bedford Chapter.

“The entire membership of WBWPC congratulates Namasha Schelling for her determination and perseverance in a challenging election process that resulted in her victory as the first Black Pound Ridge Town Board Member,” President of Westchester Black Women’s Political Caucus, Subomi Macaulay, shared with Black Westchester.

“I’m proud of the Pound Ridge community for electing this highly qualified Black woman, Namasha Schelling. She’s the first African American to be elected in Pound Ridge; however, putting all that aside, Namasha will bring a fresh new perspective to local government that only she can give due to her unique experiences and that the whole community will benefit from. I knew this local race would be extremely challenging for her and test her in ways not known to her, but I never once doubted that the community would see her as an asset to the Pound Ridge Town Board. Namasha has passion and great intellect and will be an excellent complement to Pound Ridge Supervisor Kevin Hanson and the other board members she will be serving alongside. Pound Ridge puts into action what love and inclusion truly look like. Love won! The Community won!” – MaryAnn Carr, Director of WBWPC Greater Bedford Chapter

Other local responses to Namasha’s historic victory

“Namasha brings a fresh and important perspective to the Pound Ridge board. Her extensive expertise on climate change will bring great value to Pound Ridge as it seeks to balance growth and sustainability. I am so pleased with her victory,” NY State Senator Shelley Mayer shared with Black Westchester.

“Namasha will bring a new perspective and energy to the Town Board. She has a love for the community, which will contribute to the decisions ahead in the next four years that will impact its future,” Westchester County Executive George Latimer shared with Black Westchester.

“Congratulations to Namasha Schelling on her history-making election to the Pound Ridge Town Board. Namasha has been involved in the Pound Ridge community, serving on the Housing Board and as Co-Chair of the Human Rights Advisory Committee. Namasha withstood ugly, anonymous attacks and showed the dignity, poise, and determination that will make her an outstanding member of the Town Board,” Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins shared.

Black Westchester congratulates Namasha Schelling on her historic victory and look forward to seeing the impact she has on the Pound Ridge community and surrounding areas!!!

Challenges and Controversies in the 2023 Westchester County and COBA Contract Negotiations

DAMON K JONES
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Challenges and Controversies in the 2023 Westchester County and COBA Contract Negotiations

I want to address the recent information shared by AJ Woodson, Editor-In-Chief of Black Westchester, regarding the response from the County Executive Office to my article and video in light of the Westchester County Correction Officers Benevolent Association’s (COBA) claim that the county offered a two-year deal for 3 percent each year, which was later proven to be false.

Having dedicated 33 years to the department, with 13 years as a union delegate and involvement in two contract negotiation committees, one of which resulted in correction officers becoming the highest-paid in the county, under then COBA President Joseph K. Spano, who is now the Westchester County Department of Corrections Commissioner, the most recent developments in contract negotiations leave me disheartened.

Let me clarify my stance: I firmly believe in recognizing the hard work of correction officers by ensuring they receive fair compensation on par with county police, given that the county’s own report confirms correction officers are better trained in de-escalation and mental health supervision. In addition to Correction Officers being Nationally Accredited, and county police are not.

However, it is crucial not to overlook the missteps in the COBA union leadership that have led to inadequate pay and benefits for our dedicated correction officers today. Unfortunately, some individuals are attempting to rewrite the history of how we ended up in this challenging situation, which is detrimental to all officers, particularly the newer ones.

The primary responsibility of the union is to advocate for its members’ rights and benefits, including improving worker’s rights, better pay, safer working conditions, and enhanced benefits.

To effectively represent our officers, the union president and delegates must actively engage with the community by visiting houses of worship such as churches, synagogues, and mosques to inform congregations and the public about the essential hard work of Westchester Corrections Officers. It is also crucial for every delegate to establish strong relationships with local politicians, business owners, and various organizations across Westchester County rather than merely being on their cell phones within the building.

When was the last time COBA issued a press release concerning an officer being assaulted? Many in the public are still unaware of the ongoing challenges with COVID within the jail. How can the public gain insight into the risks faced by Correction Officers? This is precisely why the president is given five days outside the building, expenses budget, the board is granted union time for meetings and events, and all board members get salaries. Their role is to keep the public informed.

In the ’90s, we effectively implemented outreach initiatives under then-COBA President Joe Spano, who currently serves as the Commissioner. As a result, we became the highest-paid law enforcement department in the county in the mid-90s. Unfortunately, these proactive strategies have lost their momentum over the years. The challenge arises when senior officers with 20 years or more try to attempt to convey this history to younger officers, who often perceive COBA as if it only came into existence when they got the job.

So, it’s a matter of “Oh well, do as you please,” and we’re witnessing the consequences of that perspective unfolding.

The decline in our pay relative to County PD officers since 2000 and the less favorable contracts can, in part, be attributed to changes in union leadership and contract negotiations. It is essential to acknowledge the responsibility of the membership in voting for these unfavorable contract terms, including the two contracts negotiated by former President Alonzo West, which introduced healthcare contributions, lower wages, and a longer time frame to reach top pay. Recognizing that the membership approved these unfavorable contract terms is crucial.

What’s equally troubling is that the current President endorsed the former President’s contract, telling members it was a good deal, and it’s only now, with a majority of the union being post-2012 officers, that it’s now considered a bad idea and they have to fix it. News Flash: It was a bad idea when many current COBA members were on the board then. The only thing that has changed is how they narrate the situation.

From the county’s standpoint, COBA negotiated and willingly accepted these terms, whether you were present during former President Alonzo West’s contract negotiations or recently joined the department under current President Neil Pellone. It is important to grasp that the county is only obligated to fulfill what was agreed upon in those contracts. Any claims suggesting that the county owes correction officers better healthcare or other benefits are unfounded, as the union accepted these terms under former President Alonzo West.

In 2023, the union proposed a two-year contract with a 6 percent wage increase, as opposed to the more favorable four-year deal offering a 10 percent wage increase with no concessions or alterations, just a straightforward monetary adjustment. This choice does not seem economically prudent since COBA will only achieve the same outcome through arbitration.

What’s more concerning is the confusion surrounding the negotiation process. There have been issues with misinformation regarding who originally proposed the two-year deal, a lack of transparency about the four-year deal and retroactive pay, and an inclination to attribute blame to the county. In my 33 years of working for the county, this is the first time the county has publicly made a statement about contract negotiations with a union. These factors will lead to prolonged delays in reaching a resolution, which does not align with the mission statement of COBA.

Why is COBA organizing a rally now when past and current presidents were responsible for negotiating these unfavorable contracts? Is the rally an outcome of our president having negotiated a less-than-ideal deal that the county accepted, potentially turning this situation into a spectacle? It is worth noting that there is not a clear rationale for the rally, even though the improvements mentioned are warranted. However, it’s essential to remember that COBA leadership was ultimately responsible for negotiating these changes in the past, and the membership voted for them.

Additionally, it’s crucial to consider how taxpayers might react if the county were to disclose everyone’s salaries publicly. It’s possible that they may not view it favorably, especially when the average salary in Westchester is around 80K, and there are officers earning with overtime close to 200K. In the realm of public politics, perception plays a significant role, so be prepared for potential pushback.

Instead of placing all the blame on the county, COBA must take responsibility and reflect on the choices they’ve made regarding COBA’s leadership and negotiation strategies. To be clear, this isn’t about advocating for removing anyone in office. Rather, it’s about acknowledging that we cannot revise history and hold the county solely responsible for our current circumstances.

The county is only bound to honor what COBA has negotiated and what the membership has approved. Unfortunately, some of these decisions have put Correction Officers at a significant disadvantage in terms of compensation compared to police officers. It’s time for us to honestly assess our role in shaping our current situation and make the necessary changes. Failing to do so will only reinforce the perception that COBA members lack direction in the eyes of county-elected officials.

Lastly, for those wondering why I care, even though I’m retired, it’s because I dedicated 13 years as a delegate alongside others to secure rights and benefits for COBA members. I watched these hard-earned gains dissipate, and I just departed in August 2023, and I want my F&%$#@ING MONEY, I rightfully earned.

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