Kerr Seeks NY Senate Seat In District 35: Patch Candidate Profile 2022

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — In 2022's general election, residents of the Hudson Valley will be voting for state and local officials. In anticipation, Patch asked candidates in the contested races to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles before election day.

Khris Kerr, an electrical engineer, is challenging Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins in District 35. Kerr, an Elmsford resident who holds a Master of Science in Protection Management, is 52. Learn more at her campaign website.

The district's borders were redrawn after the 2020 Census.

Why are you seeking this office?

Because I have had enough of the out-of-touch policies made by New York State government. I want to save New York before it is too late. There is out-of-control spending by Albany and the Biden administration, poor energy policies, inflation, open border, broken criminal justice system, broken school system, broken mental health, homeless services, unsafe and unmaintained low-income housing, out-of-control tolls and transportation, businesses closing or leaving, community members leaving, and other issues. I want to make positive changes to help fix the problems that were created by our current government officials in NYS. Good citizens are ignored while criminals are rewarded and illegal immigrants are given billions of dollars who came into the USA illegally while good citizens such as veterans are left to die on the streets of NYC. We deserve better. If elected I will make positive changes for my community members and NYS.

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

I am a law and order candidate and listen to the needs of community members. The incumbent's policies have directly increased the crime rate in New York. As a result, streets and schools are unsafe, especially in minority areas. With the incumbent's out-of-control spending, poor polices, and decisions New York has become too expensive to live in forcing residents and businesses to struggle to pay for basic necessities, forcing some to leave New York. The incumbent does not listen to what the people want and need. Her policies reflect how out of touch she is with her constituents. I want to make positive changes that will make New York the best state in our Country again.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

The incumbent is directly responsible for the increased crime rate and poor quality of life issues in New York. Higher taxes, inflation, and higher energy costs are a direct result of the incumbent's poor policies and decisions with her colleagues causing New Yorkers to struggle to pay for basic necessities and to live in poverty in minority communities.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

I would like to introduce a Parent's Bill of Rights, create good-paying jobs, increase trade schools to fill the skilled labor jobs that are vacant, assist small businesses to thrive, and lower energy bills.

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

I successfully designed, implemented, and maintained the 1st E-ZPass system at 7 bridges and 2 tunnels for MTA Bridges and Tunnels. I was a NYC public school teacher, college professor, and a trial preparation assistant for the Bronx District Attorney's Office. Also, I continually have volunteered for community organizations and advocated for the well-being and betterment of my community members. I lived in public housing and have always helped my fellow community members. As Senator, I will always listen to the needs of my constituents and ensure that their voices are heard and positive changes are made to provide economic security and safety for residents to thrive and live the American dream.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

The best advice that I was given was to treat others as I would want to be treated, to respect everyone no matter what, and that you can achieve more when you work together with others as a team. TEAM = Together Everyone Achieves More

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I will do my best and work hard to make New York a better place for everyone, including our furry friends. I have 2 dogs and they are part of my family. Pets make our lives better and I would fight to make laws that are more furry friendly.