Q&A: Anthony Nicodemo on Flood Mitigation, Affordability and County Leadership in District 15
Anthony Nicodemo, an educator, coach and union leader, sat down with Yonkers Post contributor Michael Lazari as part of an ongoing District 15 candidate interview series. Nicodemo is running for Westchester County Legislator in District 15, which includes portions of Yonkers, Eastchester and Bronxville.
The conversation focused on affordability, flood mitigation, public safety, transparency and leadership style.
This interview has been edited for clarity and length.
Yonkers Post: Affordability and taxes have been mentioned as priorities in your campaign. What specific policies would you support to help keep property taxes low for working families and seniors?
Anthony Nicodemo: I think there needs to be a multitude of things. We’re seeing targeted cuts coming from the federal government that are ultimately going to affect people in this district. There’s not necessarily an exact science to it yet — it’s going to depend on where those cuts come from.
The mitigation has to come from the county and the state. As funds are taken away, we have to figure out how to subsidize those cuts in other ways. That could mean reallocating funds from one area to another. It could involve tax decisions. It depends on what happens over the next couple of years.
When I talk about affordability, it’s a broad swath of issues — health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, housing costs. All of those things are going to be affected, and the county will have to pivot depending on what happens federally.
Yonkers Post: As a lifelong educator and union leader, how would you advocate for improved funding, teacher retention and resources in county schools?
Anthony Nicodemo: The county doesn’t have oversight of K-12 education outside of Westchester Community College. School funding generally comes from the state and the municipalities.
From the county’s standpoint, I would like to see support around career and technical education initiatives. The county can coordinate internships and programs within departments — parks, legal, other offices — so high school students have real opportunities.
In my role as a union leader, I advocate for educators every day, making sure they have resources and fair pay. At the county level, the role is more about coordination and support rather than direct funding control.
Yonkers Post: You are a member of the LGBTQ community and chair of Mayor Mike Spano’s LGBTQ Advisory Board. If elected, how would you translate that advocacy experience into county-level policy?
Anthony Nicodemo: When you’re part of a marginalized community, you wake up every morning knowing that people are trying to take away your civil rights or human rights. Unless you’re in that position, you don’t necessarily understand that perspective.
Yonkers has done a tremendous job in terms of LGBTQ protections. We’ve received strong ratings on the Human Rights Campaign municipal index for many years. County leadership has also been supportive.
But as the federal government continues to roll back rights, local municipalities have to make sure protections stay in place. Our transgender community in particular is being targeted nationally. The county and the state need to continue passing legislation that protects these communities. Visibility matters as well — pride events and public recognition — so residents understand they are protected here.
Yonkers Post: How would you work to increase transparency and accountability in county government?
Anthony Nicodemo: Transparency is important across the board. It starts with communication. People need to understand where money is being spent and why decisions are being made.
The budget is public. There are hearings. But we can make information more accessible and easier to understand. We also need to clearly explain how federal decisions impact residents locally, so when people go into a voting booth, they understand how policy decisions affect their own lives.
Yonkers Post: What is your stance on improving regional transportation and public transit options?
Anthony Nicodemo: Transportation is within the county’s purview. We can always improve services. That includes bus shelters, roadway improvements and making sure people are protected during extreme weather.
During a recent storm, I saw people waiting at bus stops in unsafe conditions. We need to keep bus stops clear and safe, especially for elderly residents and people with disabilities.
The county has implemented programs like free summer busing in recent years. That ties directly into affordability. If families don’t have to pay for transportation for a period of time, that money can go toward other needs.
Yonkers Post: You’ve spent years as a teacher, coach and union leader. Negotiating a county budget is different from leading a team. What leadership skills transfer?
Anthony Nicodemo: It’s about collaboration. When I negotiate contracts as a union leader, I have to work with the district. If I’m constantly adversarial, nothing gets done.
It’s the same at the county level. You need someone who can work with other legislators and the executive office. If you’re divisive, you’re not going to bring resources back to your district.
People are tired of chaos and division. Leadership means working across the aisle and working with your own party when necessary to benefit residents.
Yonkers Post: You hold leadership roles within local Democratic committees. How do you reassure voters you will act independently?
Anthony Nicodemo: My record shows that I’ve taken positions that not everyone in my party supported. I supported Jamaal Bowman for Congress because of his background in education, even when others disagreed.
Sometimes independence doesn’t require a press release or public confrontation. It can mean picking up the phone and having a direct conversation when you disagree.
If I vote against the best interests of District 15 residents, then voters should hold me accountable.
Yonkers Post: What is one issue where you would be willing to break with party consensus?
Anthony Nicodemo: I generally align with Democratic views, but I believe in being pragmatic. Sometimes parties invest resources in races that aren’t competitive when those resources could be used more effectively elsewhere.
When the time comes, I’ll stand by my convictions and make decisions based on what I believe is right and what benefits the district.
Yonkers Post: Which county programs would you prioritize protecting first if revenues tighten?
Anthony Nicodemo: Flood mitigation is a major priority for District 15. We have areas that flood multiple times a year. Residents have lost property, homes and vehicles.
Beyond that, we need to protect programs that support seniors, people with disabilities and low-income residents. If federal healthcare funding is reduced, the county may need to increase social services. Programs that provide food access and essential health services cannot be sacrificed.
Yonkers Post: In a tighter budget environment, what categories of spending deserve closer scrutiny?
Anthony Nicodemo: You have to determine what people need to survive. Core services — public safety, healthcare and housing support — must be prioritized.
There are always difficult decisions. It’s about balancing those priorities and working with legislators who bring different areas of expertise to the table so essential services are maintained.
Yonkers Post: District 15 has historically struggled with stormwater and flood mitigation, particularly along the Bronx River corridor. What specific actions would you pursue?
Anthony Nicodemo: The most recent county budget allocated millions of dollars toward flood mitigation. The incumbent voted against that budget while citing fiscal responsibility.
There were plans for the Army Corps of Engineers to assist with flood projects along the Bronx and Sawmill corridors, but federal changes have affected that involvement.
We need to continue adding funding to the budget for flood mitigation and work collaboratively with state and federal partners. This is not optional for District 15 residents.
Yonkers Post: When you say “fully fund law enforcement,” what does that mean?
Anthony Nicodemo: It means ensuring we have enough officers to keep crime rates moving in the right direction and making sure they have proper training.
Training is critical — particularly in mental health and de-escalation. Officers need to be prepared to handle situations involving individuals in crisis. If lives are in danger, force may be necessary. But de-escalation should always be the first approach when possible.
Yonkers Post: How do you balance enforcement with prevention-based strategies?
Anthony Nicodemo: It comes down to training and preparation. As an educator, I know you can’t respond to every situation with force. You work through issues first.
Law enforcement should operate similarly. Officers need the training to assess situations properly and de-escalate when possible.
Yonkers Post: What do you believe is the most misunderstood issue in District 15?
Anthony Nicodemo: Flood mitigation is one of the most significant issues facing this district. Outside of the directly impacted areas, people may not realize how frequent and severe the flooding has been.
I also believe that lack of collaboration can leave a district out of important budget conversations. Having strong working relationships is essential to ensuring District 15 receives its fair share of resources.
Yonkers Post: If elected, what is one measurable promise you are willing to be judged on publicly after one year?
Anthony Nicodemo: Judge me on my votes. If my votes do not benefit District 15 residents, then I haven’t done my job.
Yonkers Post: How will you maintain regular communication with constituents outside of campaign season?
Anthony Nicodemo: Through town halls, neighborhood meetings, newsletters and social media. District 15 spans multiple municipalities with different issues. Communication needs to reflect that.
Being present and accessible year-round is essential.
Yonkers Post: If you could recommend one restaurant to someone visiting Yonkers, what would be your go-to spot?
Anthony Nicodemo: Louie and Johnny’s on Yonkers Avenue is my spot for Italian. It’s a tremendous Italian restaurant.
There’s also Dumpling and Noodle in Bronxville — that’s my spot. I go there often. And Mr. Cold Cuts on Yonkers Avenue is my deli. I’ve lived in that neighborhood for about 20 years, so that’s where I go for sandwiches.
There’s a wealth of places across Yonkers — the diversity, the different kinds of food. Even the street festivals, like the Ukrainian festival in June — that’s fantastic.
