Council member Tasha Diaz was elected by the Yonkers City Council to be the next Majority Leader. At their re-organization meeting on January 3, 2022, Diaz was called to replace council member Corazon Pineda-Isaac.
For the next two years, Diaz will serve as Majority Leader for the five council democrats. Her election, however, saw council members debate whether she was qualified for the position.
As reported in the Yonkers Times, two council members, Shanae Williams and Pineda-Isaac expressed their concern that Diaz was unqualified to serve as majority leader.
“I have strong reservations about council member Diaz serving as Majority Leader,” Pineda-Isaac said. “I do not believe that she possesses the skills and temperament to lead and push the Democratic agenda forward.”
Council member Williams was also vocal in her disapproval of Diaz’ election as Majority Leader.
“She is a junior member of the council and it shows. She is not ready and I do not support her”
Shanae Williams, Council Member of the first district
However, several members of council also spoke out in support of Diaz’ selection. Among them, Council President Collins-Bellamy defended her selection.
“I congratulate council member Diaz on her new role,” she said. “I’m here to support her in any way possible and wish her God’s grace moving forward. I saw your passion and I am inspired by it. I will be supporting you for majority leader.”
Despite the division of opinion among council members, Diaz is optimistic for her new role.
“Thank you to everyone who believed in me,” Diaz said. “I have always been the underdog and stayed true to my morals. People may feel intimidated because I fight for the things that I believe in and that my constituents want.”
Majority Leader Diaz was elected by a vote of 5 to 2.
