PLATFORM
My name is Deana Robinson. I am a longtime District 1 resident, Democrat, and mother of two amazing boys that both attend Yonkers Public Schools just like I did. I have spent the past 6 years serving District 1and the city of Yonkers, as a legislative aide to Councilwoman Williams. In addition, I've created an organization called Deana Etc. with the intentions of opening, marketing and elevating small businesses. I have volunteered and worked with several different organizations throughout the city of Yonkers over the years, such as YMCA, YWCA, Westhab and YCAP. I am a member of SolidRock Christian Center, 914 United and Westchester Black Women's Political Caucus to name a few. I have a passion for serving people and my community and that was instilled in me from a young age by my parents. This District needs another strong representative on the City Council that understands how the City Council works and can still address and meet the needs of all the communities in District 1. This is my home and I am prepared to advocate and stand up for the needs of this district.
THE ISSUES
Education
As a product of the Yonkers Public Schools and a parent of two children in the Yonkers Public Schools, I know the importance of making sure our schools are fully funded. I have seen the pros and cons of this school district and believe we have come a long way but there is so much more work to be done. I will continuously advocate for increased funding for safer learning environments, more programs & extracurricular activities such as music, arts & sports and more tutoring options for those children who may need extra help with academics and homework. We have so many exceptional art organizations right here in the city, such as Yonkers Arts, Warburton Galerie, Hudson River Museum, Blue Door and Yonkers Arts One and I would like to see them utilized on a continual basis. In addition, I will support an increase of funding to upgrade the infrastructures of our schools and school properties. Our children are the future of this city and they deserve the very best.
Improving Quality of Life
I look forward to working with all community and government stakeholders to improve the quality of life here in District 1. Improving our roads, parks, access to public transportation and bringing more attention and business to our local businesses will be some of my top priorities. When our streets are clean and the public feels safe, our community will thrive. I want to hear the needs and concerns of the residents so I can to meet the needs of the District.
Housing & Development
Housing is a fundamental right for everyone. As someone who has struggled to find affordable rents in Yonkers, I know that we need an increase in the affordable housing stock. Many new developments are being erected in the downtown area with rent that the average Yonkers residents cannot afford and I am ready to persistently advocate for more affordable housing. Change doesn't happen overnight but unity, compromise and transparency will help us to make the best possible decision for the residents. I want to see the people I grew up with be able to still raise their families here in this city.
Public Safety
One of my top concerns is public safety, not only for District 1 but every resident in Yonkers. I look forward to providing legislation and funding that supports community based organizations such as 914 United, the YWCA, the YMCA, Westhab, SNUG, the BOE, MBK, and Yonkers Police Department in order to combat the crime rate and do what's best for our youth. I want to provide more specialized trainings to understand different population's and bring back more police foot patrol in high crime areas. I would also like to combat the on going issue of illegal guns in order to prevent more senseless crimes & deaths. It takes a village to create a safe space and I look forward to hearing the communities ideas and input to help me best serve the district.
Diversity and Equity
While Yonkers continually aims to create more inclusive hiring practices - there is still a lot of work to be done. I want to grow the current number of marginalized people in the workforce and make sure that residents have access to transparent job postings and opportunities. I want to help encourage and prepare more youth to take the YPD, YFD, and Civil service tests while making sure that long-time Yonkers residents and students come first.