Thank you to the people of New Rochelle for electing me to another term as mayor. Looks like the final tally will run to about 63% of the vote — a big victory amid high turnout, and a deeply gratifying validation of our shared accomplishments, vision, and values. I will continue doing everything in my power to justify the confidence of our community.
At the same time, I am mindful that a sizable minority of New Rochelle residents voted to move in a different direction. I hear their voices, too, and will strive to bring our city together around a positive future from which all of us can benefit.
Congratulations to the other election winners. I am especially pleased to welcome newcomers Martha Lopez and Sara Kaye to the City Council, both of whom won by overwhelming margins. They join Yadira Ramos-Herbert, another outstanding newcomer who was, in effect, elected in the primary back in June, plus returning Council Members Ivar Hyden, Liz Fried, and Al Tarantino, forming an expanded 6-1 Democratic majority. (Also, for the first time in twenty-five years and only the second time in history, a majority of City Council members will be women.) In County Legislative contests, Damon Maher, Terry Clements, and Catherine Parker were all deservedly returned to office. Here are the final, unofficial results.
Let me also acknowledge Brendan Conroy and Sarah Langlois for their strong campaigns and thank my colleague Lou Trangucci for his years of service on the City Council. Until you have run for office, it is difficult to understand just how difficult and personally grueling a process it is; all the candidates should be applauded for their willingness to put themselves forward.
Finally, Catie and I offer our heartfelt gratitude to the countless friends and neighbors who stood with us in recent months, contributing time, energy, money, labor, wisdom, and faith. It is profoundly humbling to be at the center of a team effort to which so many people have given so much, far beyond any reasonable claim or expectation.
My happiness this morning is blended with exhaustion, and I am looking forward to some down time with my family. But not too much! Still lots of works to do this year, and then a new term starting January filled with exciting possibilities and bright prospects. This is the most promising moment in New Rochelle’s modern history — let’s make the most of it.
Onward.