Candidate Profile: Vedat Gashi For County Legislator District 4

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.

Vedat Gashi is seeking reelection as County Legislator for District 4 in November. The 43-year-old is running as a Democrat.

Learn more about Gashi on vedatgashi.com

Check out Patch's full Q&A with Vedat Gashi:

Family

Vjosa (Wife), Two Kids, Leka (son 10) Hana (daughter 8) Duke (dog)

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

Education

B.A. from Connecticut College and a J.D. from Seton Hall University

Occupation

Small Business Owner & Attorney

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Current Westchester County Legislator District 4

Why are you seeking elective office?

This district is my home. I grew up here, I own a small business here, I'm raising my family here, and my kids go to public schools here. I love this community and I want to be a part of solving the problems we face together.

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

Considering how high our taxes are in Westchester, there is no excuse for substandard services or infrastructure. In my first term I fought to invest in improving our aging and deteriorating infrastructure. I have fought to improve our roads, our water & sewer systems, and our facilities. I've also invested in improving our parks and green space. If re-elected, my biggest priority will be to make sure that we in Northern Westchester receive the resources we deserve and need, and that our tax dollars are spent wisely as we invest in our future.

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

Respectfully, I know my community, not only because I grew up here, or because I live, work and raise my family here - but also because I have a track record of helping my community when it has needed it most. My opponent is new to this community - I'm not sure that he's even ever voted in New York.

Furthermore, in every election I have ever participated in, the League of Women Voters has hosted a debate where voters can learn about our stances on issues in a non-partisan forum. This year, I was deprived that opportunity because my opponent declined the League of Women Voters Debate. I believe this is a disservice to the voters in our community.

I applaud that my opponent is interested in public service - it's not an easy endeavor - I just wish that he would take some time to actually learn these issues, rather than trying to learn them while campaigning for office. I try not to speak about these important issues in cliches, but rather directly, honestly and in an informed fashion.

This is serious and difficult work - sometimes thankless work. I didn't run for office for the praise or applause, but because I know that the challenges we face are significant and real.

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

Frankly, I think that local officials performed admirably in the face of this tremendous challenge. Westchester was ground zero for the coronavirus - and we got hit hard by it. As a County government we worked together with our Towns, regardless of party affiliation, to take action - delivering masks, gloves, hand sanitizer and food to the families that needed them most. We forgave late payments on property taxes because we understood that families were struggling. We understood that small businesses were struggling too, and that's why we provided $10 million in grants to those local small businesses. When the vaccine became available, we distributed those vaccines as efficiently and smoothly as possible. We also took every opportunity to advocate for our community to our state and federal partners in government. I am proud of the work we have done, and continue to do.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

We must continue to facilitate economic development and improve conditions for working families in our district. Protecting the environment is crucial. We must fight against water, air and noise pollution and accelerate the development and adoption of renewable energy. We must continue to hold the line on taxes. We must actively protect the rights of women and support programs that enhance healthcare, childcare, workplace conditions and other family-friendly policies.

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

I'm an attorney — my first legal job was a summer clerkship for Judge Sonia Sotomayor at the Second Circuit Court of Appeals before she was appointed to the Supreme Court. After graduating I joined a U.N. led effort to form the country of Kosovo. In that role, I wrote laws and helped establish the democratic institutions of this newly formed country. I am capable and very comfortable drafting and reviewing legislation — that is directly applicable to the role of the Westchester County Legislature.

With that said, I think my upbringing may be more significant. My family fled a repressive socialist regime when I was 4 years old. My family's experience as political activists and refugees instilled in me a strong commitment to public service. Moreover, I was raised in a small business — and now run my own small business in Yorktown. A small business requires hard work, integrity and understanding of the bottom line — I think the same is required from our government.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

It's simple, but my grandfather always told me to conduct myself with humility and respect.

I think we can trace many of the biggest problems we face in government to arrogance. As Mother Theresa said, "Humility is the mother of all virtues." I think that works.

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

Only, together can we make progress, solve our problems and get results.

I think we're all tired of the hyper-partisanship we see in federal government. I'm less interested in your party affiliation and more interested in your ideas to improve our lives, and your willingness to work to achieve that change.

Most importantly, VOTE! Early voting starts this Saturday October 23rd and running up to Election Day on November 2nd. Let's put our families first in this important local election. Please get involved, volunteer, contribute, talk with your friends and neighbors — and VOTE!

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.