Cathlin Gleason: Let’s Support Each Other and Improve the Quality of Life in Mount Vernon

The best thing about Mount Vernon is the people of Mount Vernon. As the Mount Vernon Forward team and I walk the streets of Mount Vernon, I realize there are so many of us that have been locked up for over a year! This pandemic hit us all so hard but especially our seniors and our youth.

The pandemic was a wake up call for all of us. We see the needs of our community slightly differently. We are more empathetic and sympathetic towards our neighbors. Let's try to keep that kindness and continue to pay it forward. How can we do that? Here are a few ways we can support one another and continue to support others here;

1. Identify someone in your neighborhood who may need a helping hand. Maybe they need their lawn cut, a grocery store run or a simple conversation.

2. Our youth have literally had nothing to do but Zooms or virtual classrooms all year. Let's not be so quick to stifle their fun but maybe join them and create an organized event that can keep them out of trouble and safe.

3. Many of our residents have lost employment this past year. Do you know of someone looking for a job? Do you know a place that has steady employment? We need to have a sharing community board so we can help each other.

These are just a few things we can all do for another in the upcoming months.

As we look forward to the days after this pandemic, I believe we must all consider the quality of life here in our city. I know that I am personally committed to making sure we have both the funding and the political will to make sure our roads and sidewalks are improved, that our parks are open for recreational activities and outdoor enjoyment, that our business districts get the support that they need. As a veteran of nonprofit management and fundraising, I'm also focused on making sure that sector is a full partner in making the quality of life here better.

As we enjoy the Spring weather, let’s listen to each other more and put infighting behind us. Together, we can help our neighbors, improve the quality of life for all, and move Mount Vernon Forward.

Cathlin Gleason is a longstanding leader in Mount Vernon’s nonprofit community who has served on the boards of the Youth Community Outreach Program (YCOP) and the Fleetwood Neighborhood Association, and is President of the Board of Directors of Community Service Associates, Inc. which operates the largest Soup kitchen in Mount Vernon. She is also an active fundraiser for the Making Stride Against Breast Cancer walk and The Walk to End Alzheimer's and also serves as a Library Trustee.

Mount Vernon Forward Team Calls For ‘End to Infighting’ at City Council Forum

Putting its pledge of unity and collaboration into action, the Mount Vernon Forward slate for City Council last night promised to end political infighting and bring needed reform, investment, and public collaboration to the city.

Speaking at a candidates forum hosted by the Greater Centennial A.M.E. Zion Church, the #MVForward team of Danielle Browne, Cathlin Gleason and Ed Poteat decried negative campaigning, false Trump-like robocalls, and base Republican-style tactics in the race while elevating the slate’s consistent call for comprehensive planning, police reform, and an investment in the quality of life for all Mount Vernon residents.

The #MVForward slate also called on Montefiore Health Systems not only to keep Mount Vernon Hospital open, but to expand and improve services there, closely aligning their public healthcare policy with the New York State Nurses Association. In addition, the team also discussed future uses for a renovated Memorial Field complex, support for local businesses, and greater funding for youth services programs in Mount Vernon.

In keeping with its pledge to campaign positively, the #MVForward team took the time to praise the other candidates for their willingness to seek public office. The forum was ably hosted by Rev. Dr. Stephen Pogue and Rev. Dr. Jeffery Wheeler. The full video of the forum is available on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreaterCentennialAMEZ/videos/472148993999960

Danielle Browne: We Should Be Hopeful on Police Reform - But We've Got Hard Work To Do

This Tuesday, America moved one step in the right direction when George Floyd and his family received justice through the court system. While we should be hopeful, we must also recognize that we still have a long way to go. George Floyd’s murder should never have taken place. Police departments should represent ALL citizens and work for - and with - them equally. As the former Co-Chair of the Mount Vernon Police Reform Commission and only attorney in the City Council race, I will work to pass legislation that increases civilian oversight and overall transparency, and limit the use of force. We must protect Mount Vernon citizens from the Derek Chauvins of this world. As we begin to think about what comes next after the emotional moments of the Chauvin verdict, I’d like to propose three main pillars for police reform that must support a change in how policing works, here in Mount Vernon and throughout this country: Transparency: All officers should have body cameras and vehicle cameras that are operating during ALL interactions with the public. This not only protects the citizens, but it protects the officers. As we have seen in so many horrendous and tragic cases, only explicit video evidence can hold officers accountable to the law - and to the taxpayers who fund their salaries. Civilian Oversight and Accountability: We should have a fully funded and well legislated Civilian Complaint Review Board that can not only review civilian complaints, but operate as a separate and independent body from the police department. This CCRB should have, among other powers, the explicit mandate to investigate each claim, subpoena witnesses and records, and recommend discipline. This body should have citizens of Mount Vernon sit on this board and have input into how officers should be disciplined. Use of Force: We must limit when officers are allowed to use deadly force. This change should come through a shift in training, and how officers are expected to do their jobs in a way that mitigates risk to both themselves and the public. Here in New York, I am heartened by our efforts at police reform - though we still have a long way to go. Under the Governor’s mandate, every municipality was required to undertake a review process and I can tell you with incredible confidence that we took this responsibility very seriously in Mount Vernon. We initiated conversations with people all over this city, from every walk of life and every background - including police officers and their labor union. We heard what people had to say, and we released a report that included recommendations that came directly from those discussions. In addition, our work on Mount Vernon - which was rigorous and painstaking - was complemented by Westchester County’s own police reform commission, and its recommendations. I believe that with strong leadership at the County and City levels, we can bring about real and lasting change. To be blunt: we need it. As a Black woman and an attorney, I was happy that a jury found Derek Chauvin guilty on all charges. But I would also note that it doesn’t mean that justice for all is necessarily the new norm. Indeed, the Chauvin verdict was an exception to the usual way in this country. What we need is complete change, a dramatic shift in the culture of policing. Taxpayer-funded police officers should be considered guardians of our safety and well-being, not armed combatants in some misguided idea of a “war” for control of our streets. We have a ton of work to do. I believe that work starts in legislative bodies like the Mount Vernon City Council, where reform and accountability must become the watchwords of the day. I am dedicating myself to pursuing those goals and to bringing justice and fairness to all our citizens.

Licensed NYS Attorney and Mount Vernon Resident, Danielle Browne, is endorsed by the Mount Vernon Forward coalition of citizens along with Ed Poteat and Cathlin Gleason for Mount Vernon City Council. Be sure to vote in the next Democratic Primary Election this June 22nd!