Yonkers – Local business owner, Joe Pinion kicked off his campaign for the 90th state Assembly District, which includes most of Yonkers, Thursday evening at Yonkers Raceway in the Empire Terrace Observatory. He’ll run as a Republican (yes Republican) for the seat vacated when Shelley Mayer won George Latimer’s state Senate seat after Latimer became the Westchester County Executive in January.

“Things look dire in Yonkers,” said Pinion, referencing Mayor Spano’s recently released budget that includes over 500 job cuts to the Fire Department, Police Department and the city schools. “The people we have entrusted to protect us and fight for us have failed us.”

As a Black Republican, Pinion definitely has his work cut out for himself. With the prediction of a “blue wave” — a sweeping series of electoral victories comparable to the GOP’s 2010 successes and the anti-Trump sentiment that has changed the landscape of local politics. Long-held Republican seats, such as County Executive and County Legislator’s Jim Maisano, suddenly became blue seats.

Pinion said he’s not worried about the “blue wave,” because 52 percent of his district voted for Republican County Executive candidate Rob Astorino, who ultimately lost to Latimer, and former Rye City Councilwoman Julie Killian, a relative unknown in Yonkers, lost to longtime State Assemblywoman Mayer in this district by 40 votes.

“I have a 360-degree outlook,” said Pinion, who’s worked on presidential campaigns and made appearances on CNN. “I’ve been in the political trenches. I’ve seen generations of neglect in the non-profit sector. And I’ve seen first hand what it takes to start and run a business.”

Pinion who will be running against Democratic candidate and Yonkers Board of Education Trustee, Nader Sayegh, will make an appearance on the People Before Politics Radio Show, Sunday, June 17th.

For more information on Joe Pinion check out his website
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