Three Seats Up for Grabs as Dems Strive to Retain Control
Election 2019: Peekskill Common Council
All seven seats on the Peekskill Common Council are currently filled by Democrats. Three of those seats, carrying four-year terms and an annual stipend of $8,686, are up for grabs in the November 5 election, along with the two-year term mayoral position.
The Democratic ticket features three incumbent councilwomen, Vivian McKenzie, Patricia Riley and Kathleen Talbot, while the opposing team includes two registered Democrats, Marlon Mahon and Luis Segarra, and a registered Republican, Lauren Brady.
Lauren Brady
Brady is a proud 2003 graduate of Peekskill High School and is employed as Manager of Event for the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce. She and her sister co-founded the not-for-profit “This Is Me Foundation,” which was created to raise awareness about alopecia and provide hope to anyone facing adversity. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded 56 local and national scholarships to deserving high school seniors.
“As a proud citizen of my community for over 30 years, I decided to run for Common Council because I see a unique opportunity to improve the leadership of the city I so love. Peekskill is diverse economically, socially and culturally. I am determined to effect positive change that will benefit all our citizens and improve our environment for business development,” Brady said. “I am honored to be part of a diverse, respectful team that I know will work together. Communication will be open and transparent. Our team has the skill sets that will complement our city staff and serve our city’s best interests.”
Marlon Mahon
Mahon was born on the island of Grenada and moved to the United States at the age of nine. He graduated from Brooklyn Technical High and pursued his childhood dream of becoming a pilot at Jacksonville University. He completed his studies with a degree in Business Management and has 20 years’ experience as an IT and corporate management consultant. He has lived in Peekskill for 19 years.
“A transparent administration will enable a trust-based relationship and partnership with the citizens, businesses and various organizations of Peekskill. It is with this foundation that we will be able to make decisions with civil engagement, mutual understandings, and open dialogue,” Mahon said. “I have always been people focused and believe that the greatest strength and asset of any entity is its people. Listen to people, take care of people and in turn the organization will benefit multi-fold – I believe this thinking, focus and engagement can be leveraged with similar results for the City of Peekskill and my neighbors.”
Vivian McKenzie
McKenzie has been on the council for the last six years. She is a lifelong city resident and owner of Kathleen’s Tea Room downtown. She previously worked 25 years as an insurance industry territory sales manager.
“I am invested in the city and want to see it flourish,” she said. “I’m a proud Democrat. The object is to get the job done. The council is the most diverse in the city ever. We have kept taxes low. We are an open and welcoming city always.”
Patricia Riley
Riley worked as an educator in the public schools for 32 years and was a union representative for the Lakeland Federation of Teachers for 29 of those years, ensuring that educators were well-represented and treated fairly. She served on the council from 2008-2011. She was appointed to the council in April 2018 to fill an empty seat created when Andre Rainey was elected mayor and then won an uncontested special election last November for the final year of that unexpired term.
“I am committed to keeping our residents informed and treating each individual with respect,” she stated in the League of Women Voters election guide. “Keeping our taxes within the tax cap is a priority for everyone especially our seniors. Continuing to improve our city services is an important way to keep Peekskill moving forward.”
Luis Segarra
Segarra ran unsuccessfully for a council seat in 2017. He has lived in Peekskill for 25 years and is Co-owner and CFO of The Crescent Companies, which he founded in Peekskill in 2001. Since its inception the company has grown to be one of the foremost consulting firms in New York overseeing contract issues in the construction industry related to Minority & Women Owned Business Programs (MWBE), Affirmative Action, Civil Rights, Integrity Monitoring and Prevailing Wage Contract Compliance.
“I am a firm believer that everyone should be afforded the most basic needs without it being a burden on them or their way of living. That Community involvement in all issues should be first and foremost,” he said. “That with great fiscal responsibility and management this city is destined for greatness, fairness, opportunity for all, and prosperity. That every voice is the echo of positive change, and must be heard. I believe that all Peekskill Residents regardless of Race, Gender, Nationality, or Preferences are the only special interest in this city that matter.”
Kathleen Talbot
Talbot has been a councilwoman for eight years under three administrations and is currently deputy mayor. A lifelong city resident, she owned and operated a corporate communications business for many years and is a licensed clinical social worker.
“I believe I am making a solid contribution to our city,” Talbot said. “Peekskill is a hot item right now. You just have to look around and see the growth in Peekskill. I want to continue to do the work, especially in the green area.”
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/