Dear Friends and Neighbors,

It is with great enthusiasm that I announce my candidacy for Mayor of Tuckahoe alongside my running mates, Trustee Joshua Gaccione, who is seeking re-election, and Sarah DeRise, who is running for her first term on the Village Board. Together we bring experience, dedication, and a deep commitment to serving our community.

First, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Mayor Omayra Andino for her strong leadership, mentorship, and support. Her steady guidance has strengthened Tuckahoe, and we are committed to building on the solid foundation she has forged.

• Since 2023, I have had the privilege of serving as Deputy Mayor, working closely with the Tuckahoe Seniors, the Zoning and Planning Boards, TESC, and the Comprehensive Planning Committee. Beyond traditional Board service, I have been proud to organize family-friendly events like the Creepy Candy Crawl and Movies in the Park, and this year I served as race director of the Tuckahoe Challenge Road Race to raise funds for the Community Center.

Dear Tuckahoe Neighbors,

As I reflect on my time serving you—four years as Village Trustee and four years as your Mayor—I am filled with heartfelt gratitude. It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to work on behalf of a village so close to my heart. Your support, trust, and encouragement throughout this journey have meant the world to me, and I thank you sincerely for the privilege of serving.  The time for me to move on has come. I believe in the power of people and in the importance of stepping aside to allow space for others to lead.

Mayor of Tuckahoe endorses Deputy Mayor Cara Kronen and former Trustee Darryl Taylor for Re-Election

   As Mayor of Tuckahoe, I am so proud to endorse Deputy Mayor Cara Kronen and former Trustee Darryl Taylor for re-election. During the past three years, Cara has demonstrated unwavering dedication, exceptional leadership, and a deep commitment to our community. Darryl, who follows in his mother’s legacy of activism, serves with a selflessness that’s unmatched. 

TUCKAHOE - With a resounding total of more than one thousand votes, Tuckahoe Mayor Omayra Andino was re-elected Tuesday to a second term as leader of the Village.

   Andino, running on both the Democratic and Bipartisan ballot lines, garnered 55 percent of all those casting ballots in the mayoral race, defeating Republican Joseph “Scooter” Scott, 1,029-835.

   Democrat Joshua Gaccione was the top finisher in the race for two Trustee seats on Tuckahoe’s Village Board, getting nearly one-third of all votes. The electoral victory was the first for Gaccione, who was appointed last April to fill a vacant Board seat.

Chartered Financial Analyst, NYU MBA, and Tuckahoe neighbor Harmeet Goindi explains that Omayra, Darryl, and Josh are doing an excellent job with our Village’s finances.

https://youtu.be/8frjCcjKmHA?si=Vm53LuiFCrbN99uK

Omayra, Darryl and Josh show up.

https://youtube.com/shorts/TCE9ZIBG1G0?si=on31oOaLsW2FHGa2

Mrs Lovely Billups has been a proud Tuckahoe resident since 1936

Dear neighbor,

Five years ago, I served as Chair at the ECAP Advisory Board. This was a most rewarding citizen-based experience. Our long-term goals were to obtain full rights and privileges for every citizen in Tuckahoe, and to advocate for those who need help.

We discovered that 95% of teenagers in the “target area” surrounding the ECAP building had never experienced a train ride to Grand Central Station … nor ventured out from there to experience the wonders of New York City (the greatest city in the world!). The ECAP Board got to work, launching plans for a Tuckahoe teen train trip to New York City. That was when newly elected Tuckahoe Village Board Trustee Omayra Andino jumped into action! Using her connections with not-for-profit organizations, she secured 15 tickets to the Broadway hit The Lion King. We were surprised, impressed, and inspired. Although the trip did not materialize due to other complications, Omayra Andino’s caring, expertise, and generosity, made an indelible impression on us. Personally, Omayra and I have become close and trusting friends.

I admire Omayra’s ability to get things done. She is a hard-working, dignified and focused leader.

Now, five years later, Trustee Andino is Mayor Andino. She is running for a second term in office and I am delighted! Nothing has changed since we met. Her leadership qualities are still quite evident. While out and about in Tuckahoe on a daily basis, I hear so many compliments about the good life and look of our Village. It makes me so proud to have lived here, and to have raised my children and grandchildren here. And I know that my hometown is still in good and capable hands.

Next, I would be remiss if I did not extend kudos to Trustee Darryl Taylor, son of the iconic Alma Lee and Mickey Taylor, longtime Tuckahoe homeowners, workers, and activists. Darryl’s quiet smile camouflages the intense character of a fighter for the good and benefit for every citizen in our beloved village. He is a husband, father, and a man of faith - perfect for our Village Board.

Last but not least, is what I know and admire about Josh Gaccione. He has a big smile and an equally big heart. Josh presents his service as a soldier in the United States Army by continuing active alliance with the American Legion and VFW. His service as a soldier is neither overstated nor braggadocious - just real and regal. For me (the teacher), his current position as educator at the college level who is focused on student support services is the icing on the cake. Go Josh! Tuckahoe is privileged to have you represent us as a Village trustee.

To sum it up, this is a heartfelt message from me to my fellow Tuckahoans. I am in total support and admiration of Omayra Andino, Darryl Taylor, and Josh Gaccione as candidates for Mayor and Village Trustee. I believe they are qualified and diligent, and will continue to get things done.

Sincerely,

Lovely H. Billups

Village resident since 1936

Early voting begins Saturday, October 28 and runs through Sunday, November 5.

You can cast your vote at the Eastchester Library on - 

Saturday, October 28, 2023 - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sunday, October 29, 2023 - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Monday, October 30, 2023 - 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tuesday, October 31, 2023 - noon to 8 p.m.

Wednesday, November 1, 2023 - 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Thursday, November 2, 2023 - noon to 8 p.m.

Friday, November 3, 2023 - 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday, November 4, 2023 - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sunday, November 5, 2023 - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

State Senator Shelley Mayer endorses Mayor Omayra Andino, Trustee Darryl Taylor, and Trustee Josh Gaccione.

Vote for the Tuckahoe team on Row F, the Bipartisan line!