Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins and County Legislator Shanae Williams have appointed all members to the Westchester County Gun Violence Prevention Taskforce. The taskforce, appointed by both the County Executive’s Office and the Board of Legislators, consists of experts, advocates and diverse community representatives from across Westchester County.
Under the leadership of the Office of the County Executive, the taskforce is committed to unifying and strengthening efforts across Westchester to combat gun violence. Deputy County Executive Richard Wishnie to Co-Chair the taskforce, ensuring collaboration between the administration and community stakeholders as they address this issue.
The following individuals have also been appointed:
- Sam North, Teacher at Ossining High School
- Barry Graubart, NYS Advocacy Lead at Moms Demand Action
- Shaun Jones, Pastor at STAR Bethlehem
- Joanne Dunn, Executive Director of Youth Shelter Westchester
- Charles Barnette III, Community Activist and former SNUG Employee
- Sharon Rubinstein, Lawyer and Advocate
- Detective Dave Clarke, Mt. Vernon Police Department
- Elise Margolis, Healthcare Professional
- Debbie Burrell, Executive Director of Mount Vernon Youth Bureau United
- Yocasta Jimenez, LMSW
- Stephanie Dotel, Director of Youth Empowerment Programs at O.Y.P. and Court Mentor Coordinator in New Rochelle
- Dr. H. Lee Jordan, Jr., Pastor at Shiloh Baptist Church
- Kailani Ledesma, Youth Member
- Alejandro Leon, Youth Member
- Cynthia Lobo, Attorney
The following County employees will also be part of the taskforce: Dr. Christopher John, Head of the Mobile Crisis Team; Liz Oliveto from Youth Development; Ernest McFadden, Director of the County Youth Bureau; Rachel Kotzur from Probation; Michael Gerard from Corrections; and James Luciano from Public Safety.
Jenkins said: “We are proud of the dedicated individuals we have assembled to confront this urgent and serious issue. This taskforce will be a vital platform for addressing the root causes of gun violence while championing effective prevention strategies.”
Williams said: “There is so much work to be done to eliminate gun violence from our communities. Given the background and expertise of ech member, I am confident that they are up for the task. I am thankful for the members’ willingness to serve Westchester County and I look forward to the work that we will accomplish together.”
Wishnie said: “Gun violence prevention is a priority for this administration. By assembling this taskforce, we are demonstrating our commitment to creating safer communities through collaborative efforts. Every member brings invaluable experience to the table, and together we will work tirelessly to address this issue head-on.”
County Legislator Terry Clements said: “This gun violence prevention task force is vital because it will implement programs that help rehabilitate our youth by providing mentorship, guidance, and alternative opportunities. By engaging young people and offering them a new perspective on life, we can steer them away from crime and empower them to build brighter futures.”
County Legislator James Nolan said: “Illegal gun violence impacted my life tragically with the loss of my younger brother, Mike. Being part of this task force with my colleagues means everything to me. Together, we have the chance to change lives and stop these terrible crimes. We need to do what it takes to keep our young people off the streets and out of a life of crime. This task force is all about passing the initiatives and laws that will make that happen!”
Taskforce Liaison Catherine Borgia said: “I’m honored to represent the County Executive on this taskforce. It has been truly inspiring to work alongside such passionate and dedicated professionals. I have been an activist on this issue since 2000. As someone deeply committed to curbing gun violence, I am confident that, together, we will develop innovative strategies to reduce gun violence in Westchester County.”
The taskforce will work with organizations that are currently making strides in rooting out gun violence and foster collaboration across these agencies leveraging each other’s resources. The taskforce aims to identify and implement best practices to prevent and ultimately eliminate gun violence from Westchester County.
The goals of the Taskforce:
- Change the social conditions and address the influences that lead young people to resort to gun violence.
- Foster collaboration across all agencies and levels of government, including county, town, village, city and law enforcement agencies.
- Facilitate collaboration between nonprofit and for-profit businesses already engaged in this work.
- Engage the community in meaningful dialogue, including victims and perpetrators of gun violence.
- Develop prevention and intervention strategies tailored to eliminate gun violence.
- Advocate for the necessary resources to support these efforts.
Crime in Westchester County has seen a significant decline in recent years. However, one death is too many. Westchester County will continue working closely with community partners and law enforcement to tackle gun violence head-first, ensuring every effort is made to save lives and foster safer neighborhoods.
