Democrat Robertson Emerging As ‘People’s Choice’ Challenges Amicone To Level With Yonkers Families

In a wide-ranging interview, Dennis Robertson, running for Mayor of Yonkers on the Democratic and Working Families lines, sharply criticized Phil Amicone for his lack of accountability to the families and taxpayers of Yonkers. Indicating that the Mayor, at his present rate of irresponsible spending, is on a course to create a $60
million deficit, according to the State Comptroller’s Office.

Robertson, 46, who has been conducting an energetic door to-door campaign, claims he is garnering a great deal of support, not only from rank-and-file Democrats, but also from many Republicans and Independence Party voters who are fed up with high taxes and poor schools.

Asked to list the three most pressing concerns he is hearing from homeowners on the campaign trail, Robertson responded, “Education, Public Safety, and Sensible Development.” He pointed to the fact that he does not
need the job to earn a living, and that as a City Councilman he personally pays for the lease and gas of his City-issued car. Asked how he would deal with continuing allegations of police brutality, he responded “The key is getting rid of the Bad Apples. They only give the Department a bad name. When I am Mayor there will be more
public trust.”

Robertson, presently a Councilman from the City’s Third District, who serves as Chairman of the Real Estate Committee, believes Tax Incremental Financing, popular with the present City administration, “is not good for the People of Yonkers.” He told The Guardian, “As Mayor I will ask potential developers what they will do to benefit the residents of our City.”

Robertson sees County Government as mostly detrimental to the families of Yonkers. “We pay in much more in
taxes than we receive from the County in services.” He faults Phil Amicone, who he claims is popular with the County Executive and with Larry Schwartz, because, “He never questions what the County does that inflicts pain upon the People of Yonkers.”

Robertson has promised openness and honesty in City government when elected. He vowed, “There will be no more sweetheart deals.” He concluded by saying, “There are seven other elected Yonkers officials, elected by somebody. As Mayor I will meet with each of them to work for the betterment of Yonkers.”