CITY OF PEEKSKILL
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
PRESS STATEMENT
October 8, 2025
Public service is a privilege built on the trust and confidence of the people we serve. That trust is sacred and once it is broken, it cannot simply be overlooked.
Councilman Scott’s guilty plea to petition fraud represents a clear violation of that trust and undermines the integrity of our local government. The residents of Peekskill deserve leaders who uphold the highest ethical standards and follow both the letter and spirit of the law.
It is important that we hold ourselves and our colleges accountable — that we self-police — to maintain the public’s trust in local government. When an elected official fails to meet those standards, it is our responsibility and duty to act decisively.
For these reasons, I am calling on Councilman Scott to do the right thing and step down immediately. If he declines to resign, the council will move to censure him and contact the Governor to request assistance in removing Councilman Scott from the council.
Here in Peekskill our progress depends on honest leadership and accountability. Our community deserves nothing less.
Respectfully,
Mayor Vivian C. McKenzie