A political newcomer is poised to hold one of the highest seats in the state's third largest city come November.

Democrat Lakisha Collins-Bellamy and Republican Ron Matten are running against each other for the Yonkers City Council president seat.

Collins-Bellamy grew up in public housing and 20 years later returned to work as a lawyer for the Yonkers Municipal Housing Authority.

"I've lived experiences of what the residents of Yonkers are going through," says Collins-Bellamy. "The majority of the people who live here aren't rich, aren't homeowners. I understand that struggle."

Her top priorities are affordable housing, getting crime under control and education.

"It's about providing the best services, the best opportunities to the residents of Yonkers," says Collins-Bellamy.

Matten has had a 30-year career in facilities and operations management, helping municipalities and organizations budget appropriately.

"We shouldn't be constantly having these hearings where we have to determine whether we're going to lay city workers off or if we're going to have to give taxpayers a large increase," says Matten.

His platform focuses on the city's finances, overall quality of life, and funding the police and fire departments appropriately to promote public safety.

One project Matten plans to tackle if elected is Fay Park near the Ludlow section of the city. The park has been devastated by years of neglect.

"I want to make sure we start even before I'm in office and we highlight this atrocity," says Matten.

Three other City Council seats and one contested race for county legislator representing parts of Yonkers are also on the ballot next month.