Candidate Profile: Erika Pierce For Westchester County Legislator

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY — In 2021's general election, residents of the Hudson Valley will be voting for local officials. In anticipation, Patch asked candidates in the contested races to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Erika Pierce is seeking election as Westchester County Legislator for District 2 in November. The 53-year-old is running as a Democrat.

Learn more about Pierce on ErikaPierce.com

Check out Patch's full Q&A with Erika Pierce:

Family

Husband, Clay Pierce, Two Children, Isabelle and Henry

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

BA from Barnard College, Masters in Teaching from Manhattanville College

Occupation

Legislative Aide at the Board of Legislators 2018-early 2021

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

None

Why are you seeking elective office?

From 2018 until this year, I served as legislative aide to current County Legislator, Kitley Covill. I know well the issues facing our residents, our towns, our businesses and organizations, as well as our county. I took the job because of my great concern for these issues, and with the understanding of how our district was negatively impacted by having a less engaged legislator. As Legislator Covill is retiring at the end of her term, I am running to build on the important work she has done for our beautiful neck of the woods.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Pandemic recovery continues to be the most pressing issue facing our district. We need to continue to address the health of our community, the financial health of our small businesses, and the continuing needs of our residents and towns. This will include: providing any information needed by our district to continue to manage the crisis, including health related information; access to any needed vaccines and testing; grants and funding opportunities for landlords, small businesses and residents; continuing support for childcare; and department of health and related supports for our schools and businesses.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

Approach to government - I strongly feel that government has an important roll to play in addressing issues facing our county and our residents. Experience and knowledge - I have critical government and business experience needed to do this job well, and to start doing the job well immediately. Values - We have differences in values and views on key issues, for example women's reproductive health and gun safety. Transparency - I am more than willing to participate in forums and venues which allow voters to ask me questions, and to provide information about my goals and views on important issues and will always continue to do that if elected.

How do you think local officials performed in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?

I give our local officials high marks in responding to the coronavirus. They communicated well and used the various means at their disposal to offer critical supports to individuals and organizations in our community, including our first responders, our food pantries and our childcare and after school care providers. If there was one thing that I might have done differently, is embraced a more regional approach to masking.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Other important issues include - Environmental issues, including increasing our use of renewable energy and access to charging stations, clean water, especially for our lakefront communities, and improved infrastructure for those relying on well water and septic systems. Stewardship of our resources - For the last two years, county taxes have been cut while investments in our towns, parks and services have increased. We must continue to steward our taxes while maintaining critical services and our infrastructure. Affordable Housing - Addressing our need for increased affordable housing stock including housing for our seniors, teachers and emergency responders, and disabled residents. Support for those most in need - We need to continue to support our seniors, our veterans, our disabled and our immigrant neighbors, along with all in our town and County who need that support.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I have served as legislative aide for the district, and so have a great deal of knowledge about the issues of importance to the district, as well as the having a good understanding of how to get things done. In addition, I have substantial financial management experience, having run a printing company through 9/11, as well as experience managing a non-profits art organization. Both offer particular benefits for the district and for the struggles ahead.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Keep your focus on the work and just keep showing up.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I am a hard worker and a problem solver who has spent years knocking on doors throughout this district. I love our community and the people who live here, and am eager to keep fighting for us and the generations yet to come in the years ahead.

Find information about absentee and early voting here: Election 2021: New Systems For Early Voting In Westchester. To find all your candidates, as well as statewide, county and local propositions, follow the links offered by the Board of Elections:

• View the 2021 General Election Candidates List.
• View the 2021 General Election State Propositions.
• View the 2021 General Election County and Local Propositions.