05/21/2026
Good morning, everyone.
Over the last week, and continuing into this week, I have dedicated my time to meeting with and responding directly to New Rochelle residents. If you reached out with a concern, a conversation, or a meeting request, my priority has been to personally respond to you and those conversations are absolutely continuing daily.
Let me be clear! This is not performative for me. The concerns being shared are real, the disappointment many residents are expressing is real, and the demand for accountability, transparency, and stronger community connection is undeniable. I take that seriously.
Many of you know exactly where to find me, right at the toy store, at the Kommunity center, out walking, talking, listening, and engaging with the people who call this city home. All these meetings and conversations have definitely added extra steps to my day, lol, but every single conversation has been worth it because I am rooted here in this community.
I also want to remind every one of something important, you DO NOT need a title to care about your community. And truthfully, a title alone does not make someone a leader. Real leadership is shown through presence, consistency, accountability, transparency, and a willingness to listen even when the conversations become uncomfortable. Titles can be given, and titles can be taken away, but genuine commitment to people will always speak for itself.
My focus remains where it has always been, listening to residents, addressing concerns, building connections, and continuing to do the work necessary to strengthen our community. I am not going anywhere. I will continue showing up, continuing the conversations, and doing my part to help make New Rochelle a city we can all truly feel proud to call home.
Kemesha
