Catalina Wins Second Term as Mayor but Dems Retain Council Majority
Peekskill Mayor Frank Catalina was handily reelected to a second term Tuesday, but the Democrats retained control of the Common Council by sweeping three seats on the ballot.
With 100 percent of the districts reporting, Catalina, an attorney, received 1,943 votes (55%) to 1,598 (45%) for Democrat Ken Martin, a teacher and political newcomer.
Having served his first two years with a 4-3 disadvantage on the Council, Catalina was hopeful of turning the tide with a slate of council candidates that featured no registered Republicans, but the Democrats, with two incumbents on the ticket, prevailed.
Councilwoman Vivian McKenzie, owner of Kathleen’s Tea Room, was the top vote-getter with 1,846 (18%) votes, followed by fellow Councilwoman Kathy Talbot, who received 1,761 votes (17%). Close behind was running mate Andre “Noodle” Rainey, who received 1,742 votes (17%).
Tina Fischer, a former city employee, was the leading vote-getter on Catalina’s team, finishing with 1,682 votes (16%). Herbert Reyes came in fifth with 1,637 votes (16%), while Brendon Fitzgerald was last with 1,625 votes (16%).
Rick has more than 40 years’ experience covering local news in Westchester and Putnam counties, running the gamut from politics and crime to sports and human interest. He has been an editor at Examiner Media since 2012. Read more from Rick’s editor-author bio here. Read Rick’s work here: https://www.theexaminernews.com/author/pezzullo_rick-writer/