The Westchester County Board of Legislators (WCBOL) awarded out-going members with medals for distinguished service. Esteemed mainstay of Yonkers, Symra Brandon, was among the three recipients.
Symra Brandon broke barriers as the city’s first Black woman City Council member in 1991, serving six terms. Later, she made history as the inaugural Black woman Yonkers Democratic Party Chairperson. Professionally, she directs community affairs for NY Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. And she had previously served in the Westchester County Department of Social Services. Despite a loss in the 2017 County Legislators race, Brandon made it to the WCBOL this year under unusual circumstances.
Appointment to the County Legislature
Former Majority Leader Christopher Johnson resigned from the WCBOL on July 24th amid allegations of housing fraud. Reports revealed he purchased a house outside his 16th legislative district. Investigative findings showed Johnson rented his claimed primary residence, an affordable condo, to his brother-in-law, violating mortgage terms. Yonkers Inspector General Liam McLaughlin’s report confirmed the improper rental. Simultaneously, Westchester County initiated an investigation into Johnson’s unlawful residency outside his district. His resignation seemed to have halted the County probe. Johnson’s last day, August 1st, left the 16th legislative district seat vacant, with the Board having the option to appointment a replacement.
With a unanimous vote in August, the WCBOL appointed Symra Brandon to fill that vacancy. New Majority Leader, José Alvarado, called Brandon, “a trailblazer who has consistently broken barriers” and welcomed her expertise.
The award
With the legislative term ending, the WCBOL bestowed its highest honor on three out-going members. Damon Maher of New Rochelle, Catherine Borgia of Corton-on-Hudson, and Symra Brandon.
Info here: https://yonkerstimes.com/departing-westchester-county-legislators-honored-with-distinguished-service-medals/
The Distinguised Service Medal recognizes Brandon’s work chairing the Parks and Recreation Committee and participating in committees like Budget and Appropriations, Human Services, Human Rights and Equity, and Public Safety. Beyond legislative duties, she is engaged in multiple boards and organizations, including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Black Democrats of Westchester, NAACP, and the Westchester Black Women’s Political Caucus. Additionally, she holds positions on the Board of Directors of Saint Cabrini Nursing Home and serves as Vice Chair of the Yonkers Charter Revision Commission.
WCBOL Chair Vedat Gashi and County Executive George Latimer thanked all of the departing members for their service.
Their tireless efforts have left a lasting impact on Westchester County – improving the lives of our residents both collectively and in their respective districts.
George Latimer – Westchester County Executive
Outgoing Yonkers City Council member Shanae Williams will be sworn in as the new County Legislator for the 16th district next week.
