Working For You
Councilman Ben Boykin is an experienced leader with an outstanding record of working hard to enhance our quality of life.
Ben and his wife Carsandra, have lived in White Plains for more than twenty years. Their daughters, LaSandra and Nicole are graduates of White Plains High School. Ben is working for you to:
Improve financial situation to keep property taxes low – Ben is leading efforts to reduce spending though cost controls, consolidations and efficiency improvements to keep property taxes low while continuing to maintain and deliver high quality services to residents.
Protect charm and character of our neighborhoods – Ben voted for a six month moratorium to stop all land use approvals on major open space parcels while the city determines what changes are needed to conform regulations to the open space goals of the 1997 Comprehensive Plan. Ben voted to deny a single developer the rights to rebuild the train station without citizen participation from all neighborhoods. Ben strengthened zoning codes to address improper development in neighborhoods.
Support public safety initiatives to protect our residents – Ben supported the establishment of the Safe Housing Task Force to address overcrowding and increased landlord fines for code violations. Ben voted for numerous pieces of legislation to improve police and firefighting technology and techniques.
Create new and preserve existing workforce housing – Ben approved nearly 180 units of new workforce housing which is currently occupied. He saved numerous units of existing senior and moderate income housing from rent increases to market rate with city participation.
Establish a downtown trolley system – Ben is working for an energy efficient trolley to reduce vehicle traffic, improve pedestrian safety, lower emissions into the environment and provide a fun and enjoyable way to get around town.
Protect our environment using green technology, alternative fuels and other sustainable initiatives – Ben supports initiatives to reduce carbon emissions in the air, add green technology in development projects and to purchase city vehicles using alternative energy sources.
Make our government more transparent and responsive - Ben wants our government to be more transparent, accessible and responsive to our citizens. Ben meets and communicates with individuals to discuss issues, resolve concerns and get ideas to make our city a better community. As Council President, Ben worked to establish Citizens To Be Heard. Striving to provide more information, Common Council Meetings are now webcast through the internet and Planning Board and Common Council Budget Meetings are televised.
Experienced leadership in our community:
Ben is a business owner with nearly thirty years of governmental and educational service.
- Common Council Member since 2000
- Common Council President (April 2011-Present, 2008-2009 & 2002-2003)
- Chairman, Shared Services Committee
- Former Chairman & Member, Budget & Management Advisory Committee
- Vice President, White Plains School Board 1998–1999
- Member, White Plains School Board 1992–1999
- Board of Directors, White Plains Outdoor Arts Festival
- Board of Directors, Meals-On-Wheels of White Plains
- Past Treasurer, Lois Bronz Child Development Center
- Member, Union Baptist Church
- Member, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity
Professional/Education:
- Certified Public Accountant
- President, Ben Boykin & Associates
- Former Assistant Treasurer, Nabisco, Inc.
- Former Trustee, Bennett College
- MBA with Honors, Kellogg Business School
- B. S. in Accounting, University of North Carolina, Phi Beta Kappa