Mount Vernon Mayor Clinton Young Delivers the State of the City Address By Hezi Aris

MOUNT VERNON, NY -- There was anticipation in the air; it was neither positive nor negative – what would Mayor Clinton Young say? Mount Vernon had endured challenges few could fathom. Just shy of ninety days in office, Mayor Young seemed to have gone through a catharsis. The transition from County Legislator to Mayor of the City of Mount Vernon was a huge step and Mayor Young, with Mount Vernon by his side have shouldered the tragedy that befell Detective Ridley, the burden of high taxes, and the mismanagement and alleged criminal activity within City Hall.  Still, Mayor Young, has emerged energized and confident in his ability to govern a city in wait for direction, success, and pride in their evolution.

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With broad strokes, Mayor Young spoke of the “brain trust” that have been brought together to instill direction and substance to the viability of Mount Vernon. “The people of Mount Vernon deserve better,” said Mayor Young. The inference is that he would do just that. It wasn’t an empty concept; you could feel the weight of his saying it. He believed Mount Vernon was “moving toward a robust and dynamic renaissance.”

Mayor Young places great emphasis on the priority of serving the needs of Mount Vernon’s youth. His Taking Back Our Kids initiative with engage at –risk youth. He is forming a Youth Empowerment Council, comprised of young people who will report to him on how Mount Vernon may become responsive to them. A violence reduction program, a mentoring program that would provide internships with local business people, and in conjunction with Westchester County Distict Attorney Janet DiFiore, a youth court.

Mayor Young divulged that he has halted the Hip Hop Museum project, re-directing the use of the facility toward training and engaging young people in recreational programs. Mayor Young recognizes Mount Vernon’s future resides with the next generation and has focused his effort toward serving his youngest constituents.

Mayor Young noted that Mount Vernon was lacking a clear and concise policies  and protocols that have led to past alleged criminal activity that have exacerbated higher taxes.

Mayor Young spoke frankly about the ghosts of the past that impress the present. His sights were focused on building a future for Mount Vernon . He vowed to celebrate Mount Vernon’s successes and pride openly.

He foretold of a looming budget deficit; and he would conduct audits throughout the various departments of the city to reduce overtime and cut spending. He gave a sense to Mount Vernon that his administration would partner with them to build a future from which all could take pride.

Mayor Young’s address was a promise of his intent. He has the support of Mount Vernon. Mount Vernon seems assured a future of toil and hope; a most promising prospect indeed.   

Comments

Clinton Young isnt perfect, but considering the mess he walked into I think he is making great strides and sending the right message; that while it may be painful in the short term, Mount Vernon can and will get better.

I have been at functions with him on several occaisions and I have been impressed with his vision.

Mayors like Clinton Young and Noam Bramson in New Rochelle are breathing life into their stagnant cities. It is great to see.

Now Yonkers, can you do it with the same clarity of vision?

Mt. Vernon is a pit and the embarassment of Westchester County

Oh Great! He pulled the plug on the Hip Hop Museum. Now they will probably build it Getty Square!

Here is the first piece on display.

http://www.poster.net/anonymous/anonymous-hip-hop-4100448.jpg

[lost in yonkers]

this is a far better mayor than ernie davis
whose role in the recent scandal for which
a city hall worker was indicted has yet
to fully play out..as the us attorney has said "the investigation is continuing"
there is some connection with a guy named
charles who had business dealings with the
city...and with the mayor...but the most
interesting thing about this is that
once again a lawsuit was attempted to stop
the US attorney from doing his sworn duty
the results of course are not only did
it not deter him..but now indictments
have been announced...what makes some
attorneys believe that because they
have a license to practice that it somehow
gives them the right to attempt to interfere
with the constitutional responsiblity of
a law enforcement officer? that is a question that needs to be answered and
put to rest by a federal judge

The same attorney is running the same game in another case involving a Mamaroneck detective. "Defamation" suit to come vs. his own police dept. which thinks he stole money from a Police dept. safe.

The play defense by going on offense ploy is another sign of how the system is being abused by some attorneys and clients.