It was an exciting day for Yorktown when Assemblyman Matt Slater and Senator Peter Harckham visited the local school to meet with students, discuss important issues, and share insights into the legislative process. Both men, with strong local roots and a dedication to public service, had much to share about their work in Albany and how they’re tackling the issues that matter most to the community.
Matt Slater, elected to the New York State Assembly in 2022, represents the 94th Assembly District, which includes parts of Putnam and Westchester counties, including Yorktown. Raised in Yorktown and a proud graduate of Yorktown High School, Slater’s connection to the community runs deep. Before being elected to the Assembly, Slater served as Yorktown’s Supervisor, a role he was first elected to in 2019 and re-elected in 2021.
The best part of his job, he says, is getting to interact with local residents and solve problems that directly impact their lives. Slater understands the importance of community-driven decision-making, and he values the face-to-face conversations that often lead to meaningful legislative solutions. “Even if we disagree nine out of ten times, I’ll work with you for that one time,” he said, emphasizing his willingness to collaborate across the aisle to get things done.
One of the issues Slater raised during his visit was the topic of congestion pricing, a policy designed to address pollution and traffic congestion in New York City. While he acknowledged the importance of reducing pollution, Slater sharply contrasted his views with those of Harckham, who supports congestion pricing as a solution. Slater expressed concerns that congestion pricing could unfairly burden commuters from suburban areas, particularly those in districts like his own. This difference in opinion sparked an interesting conversation about balancing environmental goals with the needs of suburban families.
Slater also touched on issues that resonate with local students, like sports competitions. He argued that public and private schools should compete separately in athletic events to ensure a more level playing field. As someone who understands the unique challenges facing students in suburban districts, Slater’s willingness to discuss these topics shows how deeply he connects with his constituents’ concerns.
Senator Peter Harckham, who has represented the 40th District in the New York State Senate since 2018, brings years of experience and a strong environmental focus to his work. Currently serving as the chair of the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee, Harckham has been a key advocate for policies aimed at fighting climate change, improving public health, and ensuring a sustainable future for all New Yorkers.
In his conversation with Yorktown students, Harckham spoke passionately about the need for affordable housing and making college more accessible. These issues resonated deeply with the students in the room, many of whom expressed concerns about the costs of higher education and the challenges they might face after graduation. Harckham discussed his efforts to pass legislation to make housing more affordable, including proposals to address local zoning laws, which he believes often restrict the supply of available housing.
On the topic of climate change, Harckham discussed his role in passing some of the toughest climate protection legislation in the nation. He also spoke about the Climate Superfund Bill, which holds polluters accountable and funds initiatives aimed at mitigating climate-related damage. His argument was clear: “The cost of not addressing climate change is worse.” Harckham believes that tackling environmental issues head-on is not only critical for future generations, but also makes economic sense.
As a legislator, Harckham has also championed policies to make New York’s energy grid more resilient and to ensure that utilities are held accountable for their failures in responding to natural disasters. His deep commitment to protecting the environment and improving the quality of life for his constituents is evident in every decision he makes in Albany.
One of the most impactful moments of the visit came when both Slater and Harckham turned their attention to the young people in the room. Harckham reminded the students that just because they may not vote yet, it doesn’t mean their voices shouldn’t be heard. “This is the world you will be inheriting,” he said, urging students to stay engaged with the political process, advocate for the issues they care about, and make sure their perspectives are considered in the decisions that shape their futures.
Slater echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of staying active in local communities and advocating for policies that benefit everyone. His belief in the power of community and dialogue, even when disagreements arise, is something he has lived throughout his career.
The visit from Assemblyman Matt Slater and Senator Peter Harckham was an important opportunity for Yorktown residents, especially students, to engage directly with their elected officials. Both men are passionate about addressing the issues that matter most to their communities, whether it’s congestion pricing, affordable housing, or climate change.
What stood out most from their visit wasn’t just the policies they discussed, but their commitment to solving problems, collaborating across party lines, and making a real difference in the lives of everyday people. Whether they agree or disagree on certain issues, both Slater and Harckham share a deep dedication to improving the lives of those they represent—and for Yorktown, that’s a promising sign for the future.
