Familiar face Joey Bera is making a stand in front of the early voting location at the Grinton I. Will Library in Yonkers ahead of Tuesday’s primary elections.
Anyone accustomed to government proceedings and political rallies in Yonkers over the past decade or more is sure to have seen–and heard–Joey Bera. This longtime local never shies away from speaking his mind about the state of the city. And now, Joey has transcribed his thoughts on Mayor Mike Spano‘s bid for a fourth term into a massive cardboard sign he promises to hold through to election day.
A man with a sign
The roughly six foot wide and four foot tall sign made from a deconstructed cardboard box spelled out a litany of disparagements against the mayor. On a fair-weathered Thursday afternoon, Bera told us that chief amongst his concerns is the extension of term limits. He ultimately thinks that Spano’s lifelong career as a politician should now end and that, “it’s time to give someone with new ideas a chance.”
Bera proceeded on that theme by citing the ubiquity of Spano family members in government as detailed by David McKay Wilson’s recent articles in Journal News/LoHud. He thinks that a consolidation of power by one family has led to one set of rules for them, and another set of rules “for the rest of us.”
But, Joey Bera wasn’t alone in front of the Will Library with words to say about Mayor Spano. A trio of off-duty DPW workers stood only yards away from Joey with a stack of full-size political mailers endorsing the 12-year incumbent. It is expected that various shifts of DPW and other city workers will be campaigning for the mayor in their free time throughout the next four days of voting.
Whether support of city workers, or outspoken criticisms from the likes of Joey Bera, will decide the fate of another Spano term will be answered soon, but only by those voters who participate.
Voting information
Early voting proceeds through June 25th. There are three locations in Yonkers where any registered voter may cast their ballot:
- Grinton I. Will Library
- Riverfront Library
- Nodine Hill Community Center
Election day is Tuesday June 27th. You can find your election day polling place on the Westchester Board of Elections website by clicking here.
