PEEKSKILL, N.Y. All this week, The Daily Peekskill will be featuring interviews with the common council candidates running in the Nov. 8 general elections.
Today's Democratic candidate is Darren Rigger. Rigger, 41, is a political consultant who runs a consulting firm, Dymanic SRG, in Harlem. He is the former Peekskill Democratic Chairman and was a candidate for the United States Congress District 19 seat in 2006 before losing in a primary to John Hall.
Rigger later worked for Hall in Washington after he was elected and still works with Hall on occasion, he said. Rigger grew up in nearby Putnam Valley and attended the Harvey School, a private school in Katonah, before attending Georgetown Universitys School of Foreign Service.
1. Why are you running for political office?
When I walk around downtown I think it looks better and feels safer than five years ago. I notice the new shops, new restaurants, new lights and new community activities. I want to bring energy and enthusiasm to this effort and work hard on behalf of my family, my friends, my neighbors and all the citizens of Peekskill.
2. What skills and experience do you bring to the job?
I have a degree in diplomacy from Georgetown University and I have worked in government and politics for 20 years. I now own my own small business and my first home in Peekskill. I commute to the city for work each day and try to volunteer in the community as much as possible.
3. What issues would you like to address in the city?
We have to keep taxes low and create new jobs. I will encourage private investment into family friendly, affordable restaurants as well as activity centers for children, such as a childrens museum, childrens art center or perhaps an interactive computer lab.
Now that White Plains Linen is moving to an industrial area and out of the Monument Park area, we have an opportunity to see a new more appropriate mix or developement, and the current physical improvements of the parks facilities now have to be coupled with better lighting and an increased police presence.
4. How do you differ from your opponents in your views of what should be done to make Peekskill better?
The Republican candidates dont seem to like Peekskill very much and all of their comments are negative about the city in its people. My wife and I choose Peekskill to be our home because we enjoy the diversity, art and culture. I believe the current common council and administration are making good things happen for Peekskill.
5. What else would you like voters to know about you?
I am passionate about trying to get people to vote and participate in elections. I feel it is patriotic to help do voter registration, education and Get out the Vote. I have spent many years fighting for Democracy and I will never stop trying to get people involved.
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