Election 2021

McKenzie for Mayor; Agudelo, Brown, Fernandez for Council in Peekskill

Martin Wilbur
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The Democrats have had a stranglehold on the Peekskill Common Council for the last four years. That’s not likely to change with this year’s election, but some differences of opinion would do the council and the city some good.

Councilwoman Vivian McKenzie has been a mainstay for the last eight years and has been filling Mayor Andre Rainey’s shoes at many functions and events this year as deputy mayor. She is running to replace the exiting Rainey and would make history as the city’s first female Black mayor, and third female in the post.

McKenzie is a lifelong city resident and a downtown business owner. She has seen the city change and grow over the last few decades. She’s going to have to learn to be a bit more patient at council meetings when running the show, if elected, but she certainly offers more experience and know-how on city issues than her opponent, Emiliano Perez.

Perez has achieved a great deal in his time in Peekskill, operating a downtown restaurant and owning several rental properties. His immigrant story is inspiring. He also has good intentions giving voters a choice this year, and has focused on some key problems, but doesn’t present a strong enough case to recommend his candidacy.

Meanwhile, in the race for three seats on the council, Councilwoman Vanessa Agudelo, who was wrongly bypassed by Democratic leaders, faces an uphill battle running alone on a third-party line, but she shouldn’t be overlooked at the polls.

Agudelo is the lone councilmember who has demonstrated an independent streak and has fought relentlessly for her principles and beliefs. She has put the housing crisis issue in the forefront and refused to simply sign off on resolutions to go along with the majority. Agudelo has energy and passion and city residents would be well-served to have her looking out for their best interests for another four years.

Another candidate who has shown plenty of fight is Leesther Brown. Whether the mayor was a Democrat or Republican, Brown has consistently attended meetings to hold officials’ feet to the fire by asking questions no other resident would ask, or have the knowledge to back up their claims. On the council, she would be the voice of the people and keep her colleagues in line. Voters should give her a chance to show what she can do.

The third seat isn’t as clear-cut, but with the Hispanic population rapidly increasing in Peekskill, it’s important to have representatives who understand that constituency’s concerns. Councilman Ramon Fernandez can relate, and even though he hasn’t been as forceful as Agudelo, hopefully in a second term he’ll make it a priority to be more of a leader.

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