Patch Candidate Profile 2023: Nolan For District 15 County Legislator

BRONXVILLE, NY — Besides deciding local races Nov. 7, voters in Westchester County District 15 get to choose a legislator.

Incumbent Republican James Nolan is being challenged by Democrat Ruth Walter to represent District 15.

Nolan, 34, of Yonkers, who has worked at the Yonkers Department of Public Works and as a custodian at Yonkers Public School, is seeking another term in office.

He is married with one child.

Campaign website: www.jamesnolanforwestchester.com

Patch submitted questions to both candidates for District 15. Here are Nolan’s responses.

Why are you seeking this office?

I am seeking this office because the community is in dire need of a voice.

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

The major difference between me and my opponent is that I work in a bipartisan manner to deliver for my district. My opponent, who is a former legislator, is very partisan and is not interested in working for a common goal.

What is the single most pressing issue facing your constituents and what do you intend to do about it?

It is difficult to just pick one issue, but I would have to say many residents are nervous about the rise in crime. I delivered over $7 million in additional funding to Westchester County Police, and during my next term, I plan to deliver even more!

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

Flooding, Quality of Life, Taxes, Issues facing organized labor

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

During my term, I was able to secure an additional $7 million in funds for law enforcement. I was able to secure several important infrastructure including flood mitigation plans in the Armour Villa neighborhood that the state is now using to help alleviate flooding damage. I have introduced several legislative resolutions to try to thwart the bad ideas that Albany has like trying to take away local zoning control and recommending that Albany repeals the disastrous bail reform. I was able to secure thousands of dollars in new funding for more than a dozen not-for-profits.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Just keep trucking along.

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

I would like the voters to know while this job is very difficult, I do this all to try to make their life better.

Editor's note: The candidate's responses have been lightly edited for style and clarity.