Reports have surfaced that Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard has publicly declared herself “protected” and intends to use those protections to go after critics of her administration.
This is an alarming statement reminiscent of Donald Trump's political style: intimidation, deflection, and a belief in personal immunity from accountability.
Patterson Howard’s protection beliefs come amid mounting questions about millions of dollars in missing taxpayer funds, misused federal relief money, city contracts awarded to politically connected developers, and voter fraud to keep her in office.
Her administration’s record has raised questions about transparency, oversight, and potential misuse of public resources. Even more disturbing are claims that the Mayor protected a known sex offender while simultaneously threatening residents and officials who question her conduct or challenge corruption at City Hall.
Concerns intensified when Patterson Howard endorsed William Wagstaff for Westchester County District Attorney, a move that many saw as an attempt to install an ally capable of shielding her administration from investigation. Now, with rumors circulating that Wagstaff may soon be named Mount Vernon’s next Police Commissioner, fears of unchecked cronyism and retaliation are spreading rapidly.
This corruption goes on flagrantly. Even during the recent lien sale, where residents were to buy liens of delinquent taxholders. One resident noticed the process; their opinion favored building developers who were able to scoop up a number of liens. What some see as progress, many know is cronyism and gentrification.
Residents and reform advocates are demanding accountability. They argue that Mount Vernon needs independent oversight, not a political protection network. The question echoing through the city is simple and urgent:
Who is protecting the Mayor, and at what cost to the people of Mount Vernon?
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