Elena Muniz-Walker
Republican Challenger Elena Muniz-Walker. (Supplied) Elena Muniz-Walker, 66, has been a Peekskill resident for 38 years. Born in New York City, she spent much of her childhood and adult life between New York City and Puerto Rico. She retired in 2013 after a career as Director of Product Development Engineering for an international manufacturing company.

For County Legislator: Elena Muniz-Walker vs. Colin Smith

Elena Muñiz-Walker is originally from New York City. She has been a resident of Peekskill for 38 years.

For County Legislator, Elena Muniz-Walker vs Colin Smith

Elena Muniz-Walker has lived in Peekskill for 38 years. She retired in December 2013 as director of product development engineering for an international manufacturer after a 34-year career spanning design, production, purchasing, training and budget analysis.

Incumbent Colin Smith Faces Elena Muniz-Walker in District 1 Westchester County

Elena retired as director of product development engineering for an international manufacturer after a career spanning design, production, purchasing, training, and budget analysis.

Colin Smith and Elena Muniz-Walker face off in Westchester County ...

Elena Muniz-Walker (R) seeks to unseat Colin Smith to represent District 1 on the Westchester County Board of Legislators, which encompasses Peekskill, Cortlandt, and parts of Yorktown. The Peekskill resident is seeking her first elected government position after an unsuccessful bid for Common Council in 2025.

Elena previously ran for Common Council in 2025 but did not win.

2026 New York General Election

Why do you want to serve as county legislator, and what do you see as the role of a county legislator?
I want to serve as county legislator because we need some commonsense balance to work to end the waste of tax dollars. Legislators are involved in the $2.5 billion budget covering DSS, Medicaid, Section8, Parks, DPW, and county police. This requires a balanced approach to controlling increases in property taxes and sales tax without diminishing services or jeopardizing the safety. A legislator should strongly advocate for the communities they represent and work with local representatives to assist in bringing back to the communities aid or programs to better serve their constituents.

I would work with the city, County, State and federal governments to secure funding and ensure development strengthens infrastructure and provides measurable benefits to the community and tax base. Affordability is also a growing concern. Property taxes, utility costs and the overall cost of living pressure working families, seniors and longtime residents. I would advocate for fiscal discipline and responsible spending while protecting essential services. Finally, public safety must remain a priority. I would support our police, fire and emergency services while addressing traffic safety, pedestrian concerns and quality-of-life issues.

Advocates for fiscal discipline, responsible spending, and limiting property and sales tax increases while protecting essential services and public safety.

- Advocates for fiscal discipline, responsible spending, and limiting property and sales tax increases while protecting essential services and public safety.

Economy

I want to serve as county legislator because we need some commonsense balance to work to end the waste of tax dollars. Legislators are involved in the $2.5 billion budget covering DSS, Medicaid, Section8, Parks, DPW, and county police. This requires a balanced approach to controlling increases in property taxes and sales tax without diminishing services or jeopardizing the safety. A legislator should strongly advocate for the communities they represent and work with local representatives to assist in bringing back to the communities aid or programs to better serve their constituents.

Said county legislators should work with local representatives to bring aid and programs to their communities.

- Said county legislators should work with local representatives to bring aid and programs to their communities.

Public Services

The three biggest issues facing Peekskill are infrastructure and responsible development, affordability and taxes, and public safety. Peekskill has experienced significant housing and commercial development, but too many businesses are closing, and too many apartments remain unrented. Growth must be matched with demand, investment in drinking water, stormwater and flood mitigation, roads, transportation and pedestrian safety. I would work with the city, County, State and federal governments to secure funding and ensure development strengthens infrastructure and provides measurable benefits to the community and tax base. Affordability is also a growing concern. Property taxes, utility costs and the overall cost of living pressure working families, seniors and longtime residents. I would advocate for fiscal discipline and responsible spending while protecting essential services. Finally, public safety must remain a priority. I would support our police, fire and emergency services while addressing traffic safety, pedestrian concerns and quality-of-life issues.

Calls for development to be matched by demand and investment in water, flood mitigation, roads, transportation, and pedestrian safety.

- Calls for development to be matched by demand and investment in water, flood mitigation, roads, transportation, and pedestrian safety.

Housing & Urban Development

Finally, public safety must remain a priority. I would support our police, fire and emergency services while addressing traffic safety, pedestrian concerns and quality-of-life issues.

If elected, what will be your top priorities over the next year? In addition to goals stated, [my] top priorities would be to collaborate with the legislators to evaluate safer alternatives to renewable energy that does not involve our reservoirs or deforestation of green open spaces. Work on a reasonable and fair contract for county police officers. Finally work towards an agreement for an equitable retirement for our probation officers.

Supports police, fire, and emergency services while addressing traffic safety, pedestrian concerns, and quality-of-life issues.

Plans to pursue a fair county police contract and equitable retirement agreement for probation officers.

- Supports police, fire, and emergency services while addressing traffic safety, pedestrian concerns, and quality-of-life issues.
- Plans to pursue a fair county police contract and equitable retirement agreement for probation officers.

Public Safety

Growth must be matched with demand, investment in drinking water, stormwater and flood mitigation, roads, transportation and pedestrian safety. I would work with the city, County, State and federal governments to secure funding and ensure development strengthens infrastructure and provides measurable benefits to the community and tax base. Affordability is also a growing concern. Property taxes, utility costs and the overall cost of living pressure working families, seniors and longtime residents. I would advocate for fiscal discipline and responsible spending while protecting essential services.

Plans to work across city, county, state, and federal governments to secure funding for development that strengthens infrastructure.

- Plans to work across city, county, state, and federal governments to secure funding for development that strengthens infrastructure.

Transportation & Infrastructure

What are your thoughts on the proposed floating solar array at Peekskill’s Camp Field Reservoir, put forward by Ecological Citizens Project and Working Power LLC? What factors would you consider in deciding whether to support the proposal?
I have followed this proposal since it was first presented to the City Planning Department and was among the first to bring it to the attention of my neighbors. I am not opposed to alternative energy, but I am opposed to this project. The Camp Field Reservoir is a critical source of drinking water for Peekskill and Buchanan residents, and I would do nothing that risks the health and safety of our residents.

Our water infrastructure has received a piecemeal approach to maintenance for many years. Before considering any project that could affect our drinking-water supply, we need a comprehensive evaluation of our watermains, reservoir maintenance, treatment systems and long-term reliability. Given Peekskill’s exposure to severe storms, flooding and winter weather, I do not believe placing a solar array on a drinking-water reservoir is an appropriate risk. We should pursue alternative energy projects that do not put our drinking-water supply at risk.

Opposes a solar array on Peekskill's Camp Field Reservoir and supports alternative energy projects that do not risk drinking-water supplies.

- Opposes a solar array on Peekskill's Camp Field Reservoir and supports alternative energy projects that do not risk drinking-water supplies.

Energy & the Environment

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Elena Muñiz-Walker

ELENA MUÑIZ-WALKER

Advocates fiscal discipline, limiting increases in property and sales taxes, and protecting essential services and public safety.

As of October 23, 2026, ELENA MUÑIZ-WALKER’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Wants housing and commercial development to match demand, strengthen infrastructure, and provide measurable benefits for the community and local tax base.

Plans to pursue a county police contract and an equitable retirement agreement for probation officers.

Calls for development and housing growth to be accompanied by investment in water systems, flood mitigation, roads, transportation, and pedestrian safety.

Opposes the proposed Camp Field Reservoir solar array and supports alternative energy projects that do not risk the drinking-water supply.