Introduction: The Yonkers Ledger sent its questionnaire to all seven City Council President Candidates. Six of the seven candidates sent in responses which are posted online without editorial comment and with light edits for clarity or formatting. The Yonkers Ledger will conduct follow up interviews with each of the six candidates who responded.
Dean Politopoulos qualified for the upcoming Republican Primary on June 24, 2025. His answer are below.
Overview- What is your view of the State of the City?
Thank you to the Yonkers Ledger for the opportunity to express some thoughts regarding the State of the City which I view – considering the totality of circumstances – as positive with a continued need for improvement and progress. As the third largest City in the fourth largest State in the country, Yonkers is at its core a collection of interconnected communities and neighborhoods that people call home; and as neighborhoods may appear distinct from one another, they often share very similar issues and concerns within varying degrees: public safety, quality of life, infrastructure, development, cost-of-living, education, and so forth. As a resident of Yonkers, often what affects one of us also affects many of us, so I believe that a primary responsibility of government is to master the basic services and create conditions that address these issues; to make choices and decisions based on what is the right thing for the families and neighborhoods impacted by these very same choices and decisions – in essence, do right first by the communities, families and neighborhoods that call Yonkers their home. If we continue to prioritize our communities and neighborhoods, people will want to live, work, and play in our City and Yonkers will thrive.
How do You View Large-Scale Development in the City? and What is your view (or explain your previous vote) on the 10% Affordable Housing Ordinance?
If you drive around the City at large, you will find many new construction developments and renovations in progress, especially in the downtown and riverside areas where multi-story buildings overlook the Hudson. I support smart development, which means encouraging investment in our City that also benefits our residents – be it new housing stock, improvements to infrastructure, local job, business, and trade opportunities, and increasing the tax base which can help alleviate burdens to existing homeowners. Growth is a key to success, but it must be engaged smartly and in a way that minimizes any negative impact on our residents and does not change the nature and culture of our communities and neighborhoods. Elected officials and local government must address constituent concerns in order make informed choices focusing through the lens of neighborhood first; government must study the impact of development to a community, the use of tax incentives if appropriate, the consequences of over-development in one area, and the burden vs relief to the people already living here. This includes studying potential changes to the 10% affordable housing ordinance, but there is also data that the City is building at more than double that requirement; at the same time, we want to attract developers and encourage investment. It’s about being informed and having the information and data to make the best decisions possible for our communities.
Do you support zoning reform for different neighborhoods, for example, mixed-use in Northwest Yonkers or ADU (accessory dwelling units) in East Yonkers?
Regarding specific neighborhoods, I do have concerns about adding to the density in the downtown area, and if existing infrastructure, especially parking and traffic operations, can support the increase in the number of people; additionally, we need to ensure that existing City services are capable to support expected and future growth. I do support reviewing zoning laws if it benefits the residents, i.e. mixed-use development; however, I do not support accessory dwelling units in single family zoned areas as it changes the nature and character of the neighborhood; at the same time, we must respect property rights and follow existing law, so these issues are subject to study and review.
What do you think are the most important parts of the Budget and would you advocate for any changes to the 2025-26 City Budget?
My budget priority is to minimize (ideally prevent) tax increases as much as possible, staying below the State property tax cap – property owners are burdened enough, and we live in one of the most expensive metropolitan areas in the world with a very high cost-of-living. A substantial portion of property taxes goes toward education, and elected officials must hold the State accountable to pay their fair share towards education as recently indicated in the Rockefeller Institute report to adjust the formula for foundation aid. Department budgets can be audited to identify savings through reduction of duplication of services; and additional technology can be leveraged to help manage staffing and overtime.
Do you have any other Budget Priorities?
I think a continued priority for the City is to support our small businesses, small business organizations, and Business Districts/IDAs. Local businesses create local jobs, and residents (and non-residents) who spend money here support their local businesses and the communities they are located within and add to the City’s sales tax revenue. Additionally, residents and businesses complement each other – for example, the Central Park Avenue corridor may see business revitalization with additional population growth.
What is your position (or explain your past vote) on extending Term Limits through the City Council?
I view the issue of term limits through the lens of choice counter-balanced by an understanding of the power of incumbency. Generally speaking, I think the higher the elected office, the greater the power of that office and the stricter need for term limits: for example, the President of the United States (two terms) or United States Senators (who have no term limits). As you move closer to local officials, I generally accept the potential for multiple terms as local issues are usually different than national issues and local issues have more of a direct impact on residents; and in local races you often may elect someone from your community that you may personally know and trust and want them to continue in that office. At the same time, the power of incumbency makes it difficult for political outsiders or new people to become elected, demonstrating the need for term limits. I believe it is about choice, that people should have the ability to elect the people they want who impact their daily lives. As such, the limit is presently four terms and I accept that; as for extending (or reducing) term limits, I would consider a plebiscite.
What role do you believe the City Council should play in ensuring ethical, honest and transparent government? and How should the City Council engage with the Yonkers Inspector General and the Ethic Board?
The City Council is the legislative branch of the City of Yonkers and should act as a check-and-balance for the other branches; it is imperative that elected officials lead by example and serve as professional stewards of the people’s business. First and foremost, we do this by holding ourselves and each other accountable for our actions, behavior, and decisions. We issue reports, publishing facts and data; we submit agendas with advance notice, and follow-up with public minutes; and we always maintain open communication with the public and respond directly and honestly. In any organization leadership sets the tone, and a culture of transparency must be directed from the top down with the same expectation of other leaders. The Yonkers IG and Board of Ethics should be leveraged to investigate, research, and or render opinions on relevant incidents and issues without regard to political consequences; elected officials and government employees must hold themselves to the high standards expected of those entrusted with positions of authority.
Read more about Dean Politopolous here: https://dean4yonkers.com/
Mr. Politopolous also invited readers to contact him directly at (917) 991-1223 for additional conversation.
