About Chuck

Chuck Lesnick is running for Yonkers City Council President because he believes the City needs experienced leadership to navigate challenging times. Chuck is deeply committed to addressing issues that directly impact Yonkers residents, including affordability, public safety, job creation, and education. His extensive experience in government, both locally and regionally, uniquely positions him to deliver effective and lasting solutions to these critical issues.

Hon. Chuck Lesnick

Chuck Lesnick was the most impactful City Council President of the last 35 years. In office from 2006-2013, Chuck restored City funding for arts, music and sports in the Yonkers Public Schools. He created the City’s first voluntary affordable housing ordinance which has since led to the creation of thousands of units of new affordable housing in Yonkers. Chuck was instrumental in commencing the original Saw Mill River Daylighting project, securing funding in partnership with the State Legislature and passing the required approvals to break ground. Today, the Saw Mill River Daylighting project has catalyzed an unprecedented boom in economic development and housing creation in downtown Yonkers. Chuck is the only City Council President, since his first term in 2006, to be reelected to what had been a two-term limit.  He never voted to give himself a raise and never broke the State’s 2% cap on property taxes.

Over the course of his career, Chuck has worked with New York Governors Mario and Andrew Cuomo, Congresswoman Nita Lowey, the City of Yonkers, and the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. He retired from NYS government as Deputy Counsel & Assistant Commissioner for Homes & Community Renewal. In the private sector, he has held executive positions at several property management and affordable housing development corporations, in addition to starting several successful Qualified Opportunity Zone Funds and Businesses in New York, New Jersey, and Florida.

A passionate community member and leader, Chuck has also served as Director of Economic Development for the City of Yonkers, where he advocated for funding the waterfront redevelopment and restoration of the historic Yonkers Recreation Pier, and as President of the Westchester Municipal Officials Association, where he assisted in the examination of tax assessment practices in 43 jurisdictions.

Chuck’s Plan for Yonkers

Affordable Housing & Lower Costs

Chuck is committed to addressing out-of-control inflation and housing affordability in Yonkers. He will introduce and fight fora 20% affordable housing requirement for all new buildings, ensuring fair and manageable taxes and fees for city residents. Additionally, Chuck will push legislation designed to assist first-time homebuyers with affordable down payment options, helping Yonkers residents build stability and equity.

Public Safety

To end violence in our communities and maintain safety across Yonkers, Chuck will ensure that police and fire departments receive the necessary personnel and resources. He will strongly advocate for programs like SNUG that actively reduce gun violence through community intervention. Chuck is also dedicated to supporting a diverse and representative police force that genuinely reflects the community it serves.

Economic Development & Jobs

Chuck will prioritize creating and preserving good-paying jobs for Yonkers residents. He will ensure companies seeking to build or operate within Yonkers commit to employing local residents, especially if they seek city tax breaks. Additionally, Chuck will work closely with small businesses to cut red tape and streamline city bureaucracy, making Yonkers a better place to start, grow, and sustain local businesses.

Education

Chuck firmly believes Yonkers students deserve a fully-funded, high-quality education. He will steadfastly oppose any reductions to the city’s education funding and will tirelessly advocate to restore critical programs such as arts, music, sports, and extracurricular activities that have been negatively impacted by past budget cuts. Chuck’s unwavering support for education is central to his vision for a stronger, more equitable Yonkers.

**Environmental Sustainability**

Chuck is passionate about positioning Yonkers as a leader in environmental sustainability and climate resilience. He supports aggressive initiatives such as expanding solar panel installations on city-owned properties, transitioning the municipal vehicle fleet to electric vehicles, and increasing green infrastructure projects across the City. His proven environmental leadership includes creating Yonkers’ first electric vehicle charging station, actively supporting renewable energy initiatives, and advocating for environmentally responsible development projects. Chuck believes that sustainable environmental practices are not only essential for protecting our planet but also for creating economic opportunities and improving public health.

**Ethics**

Chuck is dedicated to ensuring transparency, integrity, and accountability in Yonkers’ government. He strongly supports strengthening the City’s ethics commission, implementing a strict ban on city contracts involving elected officials and their family members, and enhancing public oversight of city operations. Chuck also advocates for making the Inspector General’s position fully independent from political influence, enabling true accountability and restoring public confidence in government operations. His steadfast commitment to ethical governance has earned him widespread respect and trust among Yonkers residents.

**Affordability**

Chuck recognizes the critical importance of affordability in maintaining a thriving, diverse community in Yonkers. He supports initiatives aimed at reducing property taxes for homeowners, expanding rent stabilization measures, and advocating for strong tenant protections against unjust eviction and rent hikes. Chuck believes that every resident deserves economic stability, affordable housing, and equitable opportunities to succeed. He is committed to policies that will ensure Yonkers remains a welcoming and affordable place for families, young professionals, seniors, and longtime residents alike.