Candidate Profile 2023: Jenn Puja For White Plains Common Council

WHITE PLAINS, NY — Registered voters in White Plains will have choices to make on Nov. 7.

Among them is picking three people to fill vacancies in the White Plains Common Council.

Incumbent Democrat Jenn Puja, 38, of White Plains, is on the ballot, along with incumbent Democrat Victoria F. Presser, Democrat Jeremiah Frei-Pearson and Republicans Enrique C. Jinete and Charles Lederman.

Puja is the mother of two elementary school students in the White Plains School District. She did her undergraduate work at Iona College and her dual masters at Long Island University.

She is the executive director of the WPCLB AFL-CIO, which represents 100,000 working families in Westchester and Putnam counties.

Campaign website: Facebook.com/PUJAforWP

Why are you seeking this office?

It has been an honor serving the community and there is a lot more work to be done. I would like to build on my success of creating opportunities for families, seniors and youth and being a voice for others on the Common Council.

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

As an advocate, mom and leader in the community, having a chance to serve has been rewarding. As a councilwoman, I’ve been able to help residents with a wide range of needs. I double down on my commitment to being accessible and will always do my best to listen to the needs, suggestions and concerns of our White Plains residents.

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

Affordable housing (for all ages and stages of life). I plan to work with my colleagues to find creative solutions to enhancing and expanding our affordable housing program.

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

Ensuring our community benefits from the development we see in our city, getting mental health resources to city employees and residents and addressing the future of our downtown re: Galleria space, and the need for opportunities for all who want to live, work and play in White Plains.

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

I have brought in thousands of dollars in grant funding for new and improved programs that directly impact our youth and families. I advocated for the successful passage of local labor policies which include hiring local residents on job sites, increased safety and apprenticeship programs. I've also been a voice for residents to amplify their concerns regarding potential development, quality of life concerns and beyond.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

No matter what, be yourself. I do not come from a political family and never imagined I’d hold political office. But my passion and my drive to help others led to this calling of public service. I’m myself at the ball field, the school, local businesses and at City Hall. I would never lose sight of staying true to myself and to why I ran in the first place.

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