City Gets New/Old Council Member

• Correction: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that Councilman John Martin will serve the remainder of a unexpired term until 2013. Martin will serve until a candidate is elected in Novemeber to fulfill the term through 2013.

White Plains has a fully staffed seven-member common council, with the unanimous appointment and swearing in of former Councilman John Martin.

“I am honored by the appointment and am looking forward to putting in the time and work on behalf of the people of White Plains,” Martin told White Plains Patch.

Martin, 51, will fill the vacancy of Mayor Tom Roach’s unexpired council term, and said he plans to run in November's election to finish the term through 2013. Roach was elected as mayor in a special election on March 31, since former in February.

"These are times that call for an experienced person like yourself, and I'm glad your going to be joining us," said Councilman Dennis Power, to Martin at the council’s special meeting Wednesday.

Martin, a Democrat, was a councilman from 1994-95 . He was appointed to fill the vacancy on the council left by then Councilman Sy Schulman who was elected as mayor. Martin was elected that Novemeber to fulfill the balance of the term.

Councilman David Buchwald described the Gedney Farms resident as someone “who knows what serving on this council entails—the hard work and dedication it requires is  something he is capable of, is enthusiastic about and it shows. Since the last time he served on the council he has continued to contribute to our city in numerous ways.”

Martin—a 29-year city resident—is the co-owner of All New York Title Agency Inc.  located in the city’s downtown for 15 years. He is vice chair of the White Plains Business Improvement District and member of the board of assessment review. He headed the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, and also served as chair of the comprehensive plan committee in 1997.

“I think that [the fact that Martin is a downtown business owner] brings a dimension the the council we don’t have at this point,” said Councilman Benjamin Boykin.

Council members acknowlegded that many qualifed candidates submitted applications for the council position—which pays $36,500, according to The Journal News—and said they were pleased that so many in the city were interested in contributing to the betterment of White Plains. 

Click on the our video to hear from  your new council member.

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