Ken Jenkins's blog | Ken Jenkins for Westchester

Ken Jenkins' Blog

Ken Jenkins, a leader in Democratic politics for over 15 years, won his 16th District legislative seat for a second full term November 4, 2009 and was elected by his peers to become Chairman of The Board of Legislators and was sworn in on January 4, 2010.

A familiar face on Cablevision News since 1998, Ken appeared regularly as the Democratic political analyst on News 12 Westchester on the Newsmakers and Point/Counterpoint programs. He has also made guest appearances on CNN, BET, WABC, WCBS, and WNBC. As comfortable behind the camera as in front of it, Ken was executive producer and host of Insights & Updates, a public access cable show discussing issues relevant to the African-American community in Yonkers.

Appointments are not automatic

February 22, 2012

This past Sunday, my favorite columnist got snookered by the Republicans on the County Board.

I know it is tough over at the Journal News, where they have had forced furloughs and layoffs. There still is no excuse for doing just a little work to determine facts. As Chairman of the Board of Legislators, I have made it so easy, even a columnist can do it. | read more »

Let's Ride! Final Yonkers leg of the South County Trailway paved

October 9, 2011

Over the past few days in Yonkers, the South County Trailway between Cook field and Runyon Heights has been paved.

Don't wait for the ribbon cutting, there probably will not be one. That would show that I get things done for my District despite the attempts by an insecure Administration. | read more »

Today is the day

September 23, 2011

Today is the day. Speeches by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel and Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian president. Less than one hour apart at the United Nations. . | read more »

In Israel with Project Interchange

September 21, 2011

I am proud to be traveling in Israel with a group of African-American leaders from around the United States selected to be part of Project Interchange a program of the AJC.

This is certainly an unique time to be in Israel.

I plan to post daily on my website, so follow along this tremendous journey with me. | read more »

Video - Westchester Remembers 9/11

September 12, 2011

Westchester County paid tribute to the memory of those who died in the tragic events of 9/11 at a candlelight ceremony Sunday, Sept. 11. The hour-long program took place at The Rising, the county's Sept. 11 memorial located at Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla.

County Executive Robert P. Astorino and Board of Legislators Chairman Ken Jenkins spoke. Rep. Nita Lowey led the Pledge of Allegiance. The names of those who died were read by family members and other county officials. | read more »

Self-fulfiling prophecy - Moody's negative outlook for Westchester

July 31, 2011

If you constantly say something, people will start to believe you. Some like to call it "swiftboating" in reference to the Swift Boat campaign successful run against Presidential candidate Senator John Kerry. Such is the case with the consistent doom and gloom fiscal projections by the Astorino administration. | read more »

Delay in Mt. Vernon revitalization is unnecessary

July 28, 2011

A promised yet undelivered $4 million-contribution from Westchester County is blocked by County Executive Rob Astorino and holding up the project.

The Atlantic Development project consists of three phases, including 158 affordable "workforce" housing units on Gramatan Avenue with more than 20,000 square feet of upscale retail space at the street level, 59 senior-housing units in a 10-story building on Crary Avenue with rooftop and other upscale amenities and 131 market-rate rental units with possible home ownership on Oakley Avenue. The developer will rehabilitate the municipal garage for residential parking and will contribute toward improvement at Hartley Park. | read more »

Governor Cuomo and the lesson on cooperating with the Legislature

July 14, 2011

With the tremendous success of Governor Andrew Cuomo's first legislative session, it seems natural to compare to Westchester County and my experiences as Chairman of the County Board over the past 18 months. | read more »

Kids should be valued in budget

July 10, 2011

As nonpartisan, independent child and youth advocates, we at Westchester Children's Association are dismayed that funds for several important programs and services that were included in the county budget for 2011 are not being spent.

Sadly, the decision of the Astorino administration to withhold budgeted funds expresses only one value: limit government spending, regardless of its impact on people, and despite the availability of funds. This was made clear when Mary Kate Cabaleiro, director of the county Youth Bureau, explained to the Board of Legislators that the recent 7 percent cuts to programs were made because the county executive asked her to make them, not based on any analysis of the importance or impact of the programs. | read more »

Music in the Air is back!

July 8, 2011

Music in the Air is back! This partnership program between ArtsWestchester, Westchester County Government, and Westchester Board of Legislators, supported by Swiss Re, promotes 250+ free or affordable (under $20) outdoor concerts and performances taking place all over the county this summer. | read more »