Councilman Power to Finish Term, Not Seeking Re-Election

White Plains Councilman Dennis Power announced that he will finish out the rest of his term but won't seek re-election in November, in order to devote more time to his family. 

“Now, as I recognize that I am in the lead pack of Baby Boomers and I’ve served close to 10 years in elected office—I am going to spend more time with my wife of over 49 years, MG; my children; and my three grandchildren, ages 8, 4, and 2, who live in White Plains,” said Power during his announcement.

The news came as a shock to some who attended a gathering Wednesday morning at 120 Bloomingdale Rd. where Power made his announcement.  The gathering was attended by the press and a group of Power’s supporters, including White Plains Democratic City Committee members. Members of the common council were not present.

“I was somewhat surprised,” said White Plains Common Council President Thomas Roach. “I’ve enjoyed working with him [Power] during the balance of his time on the council. I support him in his decision and look forward to keep on working with him during his time on the council, and when he moves on to other things.”

Power said his decision was not based on comments in the media by a nominating member of the White Plains Democratic City Committee, and that his fellow common council members did not pressure him to change his position on Mayor Adam Bradley.

Power has , and says he will continue to do so—while the rest of the common council asked Bradley to resign, in light of his . Power said Bradley has the right to an appeal process.

“The city has been functioning well, and I believe he [Bradley] has the good common sense and deep respect for this city to come to decisions himself, if, at any point in the future, he chooses a different course of action,” said Power.

Bradley said he wanted to thank Power for his years of dedication and commitment to the city. 

“Dennis is a tireless advocate for the people of White Plains, and his decision to retire at the end of his current term will be a loss for the residents,” said Bradley. “In the meantime—I’m sure during remainder of his term as member of the common council, Dennis will continue his work to make White Plains a better place to live.”

Power, a Highlands resident of 31 years, was a councilman from 1988-91. He did not seek re-election the following  year in order to spend more time with his two children who were enrolled in White Plains City Schools, according to a biography sent to the press. In 2005, he ran for mayor unsuccessfully against Mayor Joseph Delfino, gaining 43 percent of the vote. In 2006, Power was appointed to fill the seat by left vacant by the passing of Councilman Robert Greer. He was elected to fill out the term and ran for office for a second time in 2007.

Power is also known for volunteering in many capacities over the years. Power is the founding president of SHORE Inc. (Sheltering the Homeless is Our Responsibility), which creates workforce housing for homeless families. During his announcement, Power emotionally spoke of one of families he worked to shelter.

Power said he plans to work hard for the city for the remainder of his term. He does not have plans to retire as a Democratic district leader or as the director of program development for Westchester County Department of Environmental Facilities.

“I’m just redirecting some of my energies, my strengths and my life experiences. Service to the community still is and will continue to be my focus,” said Power.

See Power's statement and biography by clicking on the PDF beneath the photo.