El Concejo Municipal de Yonkers

El Concejo Municipal de Yonkers
Por Carlos A. Orellana
Demócrata Para Concejal, Distrito Dos

Yonkers es la cuarta ciudad mas poblada del estado de Nueva York y se espera pase a ser la tercera después del censo del 2000. Las ciudades, al igual que los estados y el gobierno federal, tienen tres poderes: ejecutivo, legislativo y judicial.
En las ciudades, el poder ejecutivo es el alcalde, el legislativo el concejo municipal, y el judicial los jueces. Todos estos servidores públicos son elegidos por el voto popular.

El Concejo Municipal de Yonkers esta formado por seis concejales, que representan a seis distritos municipales, y un presidente, quien es elegido por todos los residentes de la ciudad al igual que el alcalde; en total son siete miembros. El presidente es quien dirige las sesiones del Concejo. Ya que son siete, el partido con cuatro representantes es quien domina o tiene la mayoría. Por ahora esta dominado por los demócratas.

¿Cómo se eligen los candidatos para el Concejo Municipal?
Los concejales salen de los partidos políticos y en el caso de Yonkers vienen del Demócrata y Republicano. Los partidos, en su convención anual de la ciudad, nominan sus candidatos para diferentes posiciones a través del voto de los líderes de los distritos. Sin embargo, cuando hay mas de un candidato se pueden tener elecciones primarias, o sea que dos o mas postulantes interesados deberán de colectar firmas (o peticiones) para registrarse como candidatos en las primarias. No importa que un concejal este buscando la re-elección, siempre puede aparecer alguien que lo reta y lo lleve a las primarias. Esto quiere decir que los partidos tendrán elecciones primarias para elegir, por voto popular, por lo general en septiembre, al candidato del partido.
En las elecciones primarias solamente votan aquellas personas registradas con el partido que tendrá dichas elecciones. El hecho de que los líderes del partido o del distrito nominen a un postulante, no quiere decir que esa persona será el candidato del partido, ya que todo postulante, incluyendo al nominado, tiene que recoger firmas (o peticiones) para registrarse como candidato de su partido. Todo aquel que se registre como candidato podrá participar como tal en las elecciones primarias. Quien gana las primarias del partido es el candidato de ese partido en las elecciones generales de noviembre.

¿Cómo funciona el Concejo Municipal?
El Consejo se divide en comités como presupuesto y finanzas, educación, impuestos, etcétera, y cada comité tiene a un líder o secretario encargado. El Consejo también se encarga de aprobar los presupuestos anuales del alcalde y de abogar para que los recursos se distribuyan equitativamente; se encarga también de cambiar o hacer leyes, de representar los intereses de los residentes en sus distritos municipales, y de ayudar a al alcalde a gobernar.
Todos los miembros del Consejo Municipal son elegidos por cuatro años y pueden re-elegirse solamente una vez. En Yonkers existe, por voluntad popular, un límite de dos términos para los miembros del Consejo Municipal y para el Alcalde.

¿Por qué debemos conocer del Concejo Municipal?
La gran mayoría de los residentes de Yonkers no sabe quien es su Concejal y no se interesa por saber lo que esta pasando con el gobierno local. Esto no debería de ser así ya que es el gobierno local, Alcalde y Consejo Municipal, que distribuye los fondos para la educación, la policía, cuerpo de bomberos, programas comunitarios, parques, obras publicas, etcétera. Las reuniones del Concejo Municipal son abiertas al público y cualquier persona puede asistir en calidad de oyente; también tienen sesiones abiertas al público para que este pueda comentar sobre algún tema en la agenda. Si alguien necesita saber quien es su Concejal puede llamar al número de servicio al público: 377-4357 o visite la pagina: http://www.cityofyonkers.com.

Let It Rain (Democracy)

Carlos A. Orellana

The decision of the Executive Committee of the Yonkers Democratic Party not to make any recommendations to the convention for the races for which there were more than one candidate, gives the potential candidates for the Second District an equal and fair opportunity to compete for the nomination. This was my position when I met with the leaders from the Fourth Ward a few weeks ago. I stated that it had to be the district leaders, the people, who should decide who their candidate would be, and not to have someone be recommended.

One of the individuals interested in this seat was presumed to have the full support of a couple of elected officials, and the nomination waiting for him in April. This was a done deal for those residents paying attention to this race. To me this was not going to be the democratic way to nominate the candidate for this race. Had the Executive Committee made a recommendation to the convention for this position, it would have sent the wrong message to the district leaders and the people. Now those of us interested in being the party’s candidate, have to work hard to win the nomination and demonstrate who will be the best candidate to represent the people in the Second District.

When we let the democratic process takes it course, we all benefit. A transparent and fair process is what the leaders of the Democratic Party in Yonkers should exercise, and they have done it. Let’s us continue practicing a transparent and fair democratic process for the people of Yonkers.

Message in the voice of Carlos Orellana

Carlos A. Orellana, met with leaders of the Fourth Ward

Carlos A. Orellana, Democratic candidate for City Council, Second District, met with leaders of the Fourth Ward at the Riverfront Library this Saturday, February 28.

In his brief presentation, Mr. Orellana told the leaders that he would be the ideal candidate for the open seat for the following reasons: he has lived in Yonkers for over twenty years; he has worked with local community based organizations (Westhab Inc., CLUSTERS, The Sharing Community) providing services such as after school programs, youth programs, and social services; he serves on the board of Resident for Equitable and Affordable Permanent Shelter (REAPS), an organization that provides and advocates for affordable housing in Yonkers.

Mr. Orellana also expressed his positions on economic development and the creation of jobs, but he stated that he is for such development as long as these jobs pay living wages and help improve the quality of life of the workers. His position on gang and street violence is that he will work hard with religious and community leaders, as well as other elected officials and the police department to deal with the problem in a collective approach. He believes that many young men and children in the community do not have recreational and cultural programs to keep them busy and involved in productive activities. He will work hard to find the funding to promote such programs in his district.

Mr. Orellana ended his presentation by saying that he strongly believes that it should be the people living in his district who have to decide who should represent them in City Hall, instead of being given a candidate whom they do not know. He added that the residents in his district will find in him the most qualified and committed candidate.

Mr. Orellana attended Yonkers and Roosevelt High Schools, graduated from Concordia College with BA in Judeo-Christian Studies, and the Jesuit University in San Salvador, Master Degree Program, where he took courses in Public Administration, Comparative Government, and Political Philosophy.

Slide Show "Friends"

Fund Raising Event Held for Candidate Carlos A. Orellana

February 22, 2009
Carlos A. Orellana, a Democratic candidate for City Council, Second District, held a fund raising event Saturday night at the South Presbyterian Church in Yonkers .

Friends and supporters came to show their support to the candidate, including City Council President Chuck Lesnick, Westchester County Legislator Jose Alvarado, and Carlos Moran, a Democratic Party leader.

Referring to the experience Mr. Orellana has as a community and labor organizer, Mr. Lesnick said, “We just elected a community organizer as President of the United States , why not for the Council in Yonkers .”

Jose Alvarado, a long term friend of Mr. Orellana, also addressed the participants and said, “I will give all my support to Carlos if he is nominated by the Democratic Party.”

Lilian Aguirre, a district resident and supporter, said of the candidate, “We will not regret to support Carlos in this race.”

John Kemoh, Jr., a member of the local chapter of NAACP, came to show his support and gave his $25.00 donation to the candidate and said, “I heard about you running and wanted to show tonight and give you my support, here is my contribution.”

Rally for Workers rights in Albany

Community Activities

Somos Salud Project

Carlos A. Orellana Press Release.

Carlos A. Orellana for Yonkers City Council - 2nd District.

Local Community and Labor Organizer, Carlos Orellana, Considering Bid for the 2nd District Yonkers City Council Seat

Carlos A. Orellana, a registered Democrat and a long-term resident of Yonkers, is announcing that he is considering a bid for The Yonkers City Council. The seat is currently held by Sandy Annabi, whose Second District seat will be left vacant after her term expires. Orellana has the experience and dedication to serve and to listen to the concerns of the people of the Second District and more importantly, to fully represent them in the Yonkers City Hall.

Orellana believes that there are many issues that need to be properly addressed in order to better serve the Second District and the Orellana Campaign hopes to highlight these issues during the campaign. Carlos A. Orellana will begin the process of reaching out to the Democratic Party District leaders in the area to win their support and ultimately the designation.

Orellana has been an active member of his community for several years; he has worked for several nonprofit organizations including a youth program with CLUSTER, after school programs with Westhab Inc., The Sharing Community, and Aids Related Community Services (ARCS) to provide essential services to disenfranchised communities.

In the past, he has worked as an organizer for Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) and is now organizing workers for United Food and Commercial Workers International (UFCW) to help them achieve a better quality of life. He has served on the boards of Residents for Equitable and Affordable Permanent Shelter (REAPS) to advocate for affordable housing in Yonkers, and is a member of SUNY Yonkers Committee to advocate for a technical school in the city.

Orellana and his wife Janet are active members of the San Andres Episcopal Church.

The Orellana Campaign will be open and transparent and looks forward to beginning a constructive dialogue with the residents of the 2nd District that he hopes to represent in City Hall.

The Orellana Campaign will be unveiling a campaign blog very shortly.

Carlos A. Orellana for Yonkers City Council - 2nd District - Platform.

Carlos A. Orellana, A Democrat For City Council,

Second District

Carlos A. Orellana has dedicated many years serving our communities in Yonkers and is committed to improving the quality of life of the residents in the Second District.

Carlos will work hard to:

• Create job training programs and employment opportunities for our residents.


• Improve our children's education.


• Obtain more funds for educational and recreational activities for our children and youth.


• Advocate for affordable housing for the working families.


• Work closely with community groups, leaders, city officials, and police department.

Education:

• Universidad Católica Centroamericana, completed a year of Masters Degree in Political Science, El Salvador, 2003


• Concordia College, BA in Judeo-Christian Studies, Bronxville, NY, 1999


• Instituto Pastoral Hispano of the Episcopal Church, Certificate of Pastoral and Theological Studies, NYC, 1993


• Roosevelt High School, Yonkers, 1987

Work Experience:

• Community Organizer - Labor Organizer, CSEA and UFCW International


• HIV-AIDS Educator and Counselor, ARCS / The Sharing Community


• Community and Tenants Organizer, WESTHAB / REAPS


• After School and Youth Programs, WESTHAB / CLUSTER

Community Service and Membership:

• President of Somos La Llave del Futuro, Inc.


• SUNY Yonkers Committee


• The Workers Rights Law Center, Board of Directors


• Residents For Equitable and Affordable Permanent Shelter (REAPS), Board of Directors


• Iglesia Episcopal San Andres

A BETTER COMMUNITY IS POSSIBLE!

COMMUNITY, LEADERSHIP AND HONESTY!

Carlos A. Orellana

Un Demócrata Para Concejal, Segundo Distrito

Carlos A. Orellana ha dedicado muchos años sirviendo nuestras comunidades en Yonkers y es un candidato comprometido a mejorar la calidad de vida de los residentes del Segundo Distrito.

Carlos se compromete a:

• Creación de programas de entrenamiento laboral y oportunidades de empleo


• Mejorar la educación de nuestros hijos e hijas


• Obtener mas recursos para actividades educativas, recreativas y culturales para nuestros niños y jóvenes


• Abogar por vivienda accesible para familias trabajadoras y de bajos recursos


• Trabajar en colaboración con grupos comunitarios, lideres comunitarios, oficiales públicos, y el departamento de policía

Educación:

• Universidad Católica Centroamericana, estudios de Ciencias Políticas en Programa de Maestría, El Salvador, 2003


• Concordia College, Licenciatura en Estudios Judeo-Cristianos, Bronxville, NY, 1999


• Instituto Pastoral Hispano de la Iglesia Episcopal, Certificado de Estudios Pastorales y Teológicos, NYC, 1993


• Roosevelt High School, Yonkers, 1987

Experiencia Laboral:

• Organizador y Activista Comunitario - Organizador Sindical con CSEA y UFCW Internacional


• Educador y Consejero del SIDA, ARCS / The Sharing Community


• Organizador Comunitario y de Inquilinos, WESTHAB / REAPS


• Programas Escolares y de Jóvenes, WESTHAB / CLUSTER

Servicio Comunitario y Membresía:

• Presidente de Somos La Llave del Futuro, Inc.


• SUNY Yonkers Committee


• The Workers Rights Law Center, Board of Directors


• Residents For Equitable and Affordable Permanent Shelter (REAPS), Board of Directors


• Iglesia Episcopal de San Andres

UNA COMUNIDAD MEJOR ES POSIBLE! COMUNIDAD, LIDERAZGO Y HONESTIDAD!

Carlos Orellana Background.

Background:

Carlos came to Yonkers in 1985 from his native El Salvador during the peak of the civil war that lasted twelve years. He attended Yonkers High School (1985-1986) and graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1987. He attended the Instituto Pastoral Hispano, an Episcopalian seminary in New York City, and received his Certificate in Pastoral and Theological Studies in 1993. He continued his education and attended Concordia College in Bronxville, and received his BA in Judeo Christian Studies in 1999.

In 2003 Carlos attended the Masters Degree Program in Political Science at the Catholic University in San Salvador, El Salvador, where he took courses in Public Administration, Comparative Government, Economics, and Political Philosophy.

Carlos works as a labor organizer with United Food and Commercial Workers International (UFCW). He has been organizing workers in the meat packing and poultry industries in Nebraska, Iowa, North Carolina, and New York. He was part of the organizing team that worked very hard to win the election at the Smithfield plant in North Carolina last December.

Carlos has been a long term board member of Residents for Affordable and Equitable Permanent Shelter (REAPS) in southwest Yonkers, an organization that provides and advocates for affordable housing for low income families.

Carlos has been the president of Somos la Llave del Futuro or We Are the Key to the Future, www.somoslallave.org/, a not-for profit organization in the Hudson Valley and Catskill Region. The mission of the organization is to train leaders in the immigrant communities throughout the region. Carlos is also a committee member of the SUNY Yonkers Committee in Yonkers, a group of residents advocating for a technical college in our city.

Carlos helped implement two after school programs in southwest Yonkers during his years working for Westhab, one in Elliott Avenue and the other in Bruce Avenue. He also ran a youth program for CLUSTER. Working with children and youth gave him the opportunity to understand better the needs and the problems that low income families face raising their children.

Carlos and his wife Janet attend San Andres Episcopal Church in Yonkers.