Meet The Candidate: Mayer For State Senate, District 37

YONKERS, NY —The races for which voters will cast ballots in the general election in November have been set. One of the contested races is for state Senate District 37. Patch asked the candidates in the race to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day nears.

Democratic incumbent Sen. Shelley Mayer is running for re-election to represent state Senate District 37. Her opponent is Republican Liviu B. Saimovici, M.D.

Mayer, 68, of Yonkers, won the special election in April 2018 to become senator for the 37th District. Prior to that she was the assemblywoman for the 90th District in Yonkers. Mayer served as assistant attorney general in the office of Attorney General Robert Abrams.

She has a doctorate from the University at Buffalo Law School, and is married and has three children and four grandchildren.

State Senate District 37 if comprised of some or all of Bedford, Eastchester, Harrison, Mamaroneck, New Rochelle, North Castle, Rye, White Plains and Yonkers.

Why are you seeking elective office?

I believe in public service and the value of hard work. I grew up in a home where public service was expected, and where belief in the power of government as a force for good was a bedrock principle. Local government has the most direct daily impact on people’s lives, and I am committed to ensuring that good policy is implemented in order to serve the people of New York.

The single most pressing issue facing our community, and what I intend to do about it.

Recovery from the Covid pandemic is the greatest challenge we face as a nation, a state and as a community. All our efforts are influenced by our region's need to recover and rebuild stronger from COVID-19 expenses and challenges. We need robust federal aid for our state, local governments, schools, residents and businesses in order to begin to recover from the economic collapse caused by COVID-19. I will continue to fight for the citizens and the businesses of our area to ensure that they receive the help they need and deserve.

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

My many years of experience, my determination to get tangible things done and my willingness to build consensus by listening to and working with those who may not always agree with me and who I may not agree with, are among my greatest strengths.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

As the chair of the Senate Education Committee, my top priority is to ensure that every child in New York is provided with an excellent education, regardless of ZIP code. My Senate district spans from Yonkers to Bedford, but these crucial investments in children’s learning, including in early childhood education, will expand each individuals’ opportunity and ensure the economic, civic and social health of our communities.

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

I’m very proud to point to the record levels of educational funding I have brought to my district. I am committed to the fight for our children, and I will continue to do everything possible to secure funding for the education they deserve. I am also very proud of the work my office did (and continues to do) during the Covid pandemic. My staff and I worked around the clock for months to assist residents of the 37th District who were adversely impacted by Covid — whether it was to help them get testing, to help their small businesses or to help them get the unemployment benefits they were entitled to. There is still much to be done, and I continue to work relentlessly to help our community through this incredibly difficult time.

The best advice ever shared with me was …

“The past is behind you, learn from it and keep moving forward”

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

I pride myself on being accessible to constituents, and I work hard to be visible and available. I am open to differing points of view, and very willing to talk with people of all different perspectives — I believe that’s a true Westchester value. I am very grateful for the trust that has been bestowed on me, and I will always work to the very best of my ability for the people of the 37th District.

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