Ballot is Shaping up for City's Special Election

Both the Democratic and Republican parties selected their candidates for the city’s March 31 special election for mayor.

The White Plains Democratic City Committee voted for Acting Mayor Thomas Roach at their meeting Thursday night. County Legislator Bill Ryan and White Plains Councilman Benjamin Boykin were also interviewed by the nominating committee, but stepped down at the meeting to support Roach.

“Tom is the acting mayor, and our committee has known and worked with him for many years and know that he is smart, an activist, and a hard working person,” said Democratic Chair Liz Shollenberger.

Roach, who is the council president, was appointed as acting mayor on Feb. 19, since former . Whoever is elected on March 31 will fulfill the remainder of Bradley’s term. Roach, 49, was first elected to the council in 2001, and became council president in 2004.

He also ran in November’s election for New York’s 89th Assembly district, but lost by 112 votes. Roach has been a lawyer for 24 years, and recently stepped down as at the firm in Mamaroneck where he practiced personal injury law. 

According to his biography, he is chair of the city’s recreation advisory committee, a member of the personnel and green technology committees. He has also served on the Westchester County Global Warming Task Force, The Bronx River Watershed Committee and the Westchester County Healthy Air Task Force.  Roach, who has survived cancer, is involved in various cancer charities.

The acting mayor lives in the Westminster Ridge neighborhood of the city with his wife, Beth, and sons Henry and Lawson—who are students at Eastview Middle School and George Washington Elementary School. Click here for more on Roach.

Republicans chose former NFL star Bob Hyland at their meeting Thursday night. Hyland, 65, played pro-football for 11 year with teams like the New York Giants and Green Bay Packers, and is an alumnus of (class of 1963). He also owns Bob Hyland’s Sports Page Pub, at 200 Hamilton Ave. in White Plains. Hyland ran against Ryan for a seat on the county legislature in 2009.

According to Stepinac’s website, Hyland is has four children with his wife Liz O’Brien. His sons Michael Hyland, Dennis Hyland and Kevin Hyland all graduated from Stepinac. His daughter, Christine Hyland attends The Ursuline School in New Rochelle. He works as a special agent for MassMutual Life Insurance and has been honored with induction to the Westchester County Hall of Fame, the CHSAA Hall of Fame, Boston College Sports hall of fame and Stepinac's Hall of Fame, according to the school’s website. 

Hyland is lifelong White Plains resident and member of the Independence Party, however, his spokesperson said they hope Hyland will also receive nominations from the Conservative and Independence parties.

“Today I am announcing that I am seeking the support of the people of White Plains in my effort to become the next mayor of this great city and to restore the principles of fiscal responsibility, smart development, and strong character that the citizens of White Plains deserve,” said Hyland, in a March 9 press release. “While I may be an Independent, my campaign will welcome the support of anyone who chooses to join my effort to restore integrity and common sense to White Plains City Hall.”

Hyland is holding a press conference at 11 a.m. tomorrow. Check back with White Plains Patch for more on that story. 

The White Plains Times has reported that former Councilman Glen Hockley will also run on the “People Over Politics” platform. Calls to Hockley weren’t immediately returned. According an article from the White Plains Times on the Rotary Club of White Plains’ website, Hockley was born in the Bronx to a German Jewish refugee and World War II veteran and Holocaust survivor, and moved to White Plains in 1987. Click on the video for a clip from Hockley's YouTube page. 

According to the Westchester County Board of Elections, there have been no independent petitions filed to be put on the special ballot. The last day to file the petition is Mon., March 14. Check back with White Plains Patch for more on the election.

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