Judy Kennedy

Judith Kennedy (October 25, 1944 – April 15, 2018) was an American politician and businesswoman. She was an independent politician, but was a member of the Democratic Party until 2015. In 2011, Kennedy was elected Mayor of Newburgh, New York, serving in the office until her death in 2018.

In the 1990s, Kennedy worked for Hewlett-Packard in Fort Collins, Colorado, before ultimately moving to Newburgh.

Early life Kennedy was born in Salmon, Idaho, on October 25, 1944, to alcoholic parents. At the age of ten, Kennedy was responsible for her family when necessity forced her mother to take on a full-time job as a store clerk, while her father worked two jobs day and night.

Mayoralty of Newburgh, New York Kennedy ran for Mayor of Newburgh in 2011 after she was outraged by a 71% tax rate increase. Kennedy was sworn in on January 1, 2012.

Kennedy worked to change Newburgh's reputation as one of the most dangerous places to live in the United States, with focusing on reducing crime, bringing in business and revitalizing neighborhoods. She began her first term by announcing the formation of Community Action Teams with the goal of tackling issues ranging from beautification and job creation to public safety and a citywide arts and heritage festival.

In a March 2018 interview, Kennedy reflected on her future aspirations for Newburgh remarking that her greatest hope is that "people lay down their sharp tongues and their weapons and decide to work together". She also criticized New York state for not providing money to Newburgh and remarking that "it is a slow progress. We don't have any money. We've been a cash-strapped city forever", however, she remained optimistic in the city's crime improvement. However, in May 2018, the city council appointed councilman Torrance Harvey as Kennedy's successor.

Death Kennedy died of ovarian cancer while under hospice care in Newburgh on April 15, 2018, at age 73.

In response to her death, U.S. Representative Sean Patrick Maloney issued a statement on Twitter: "Judy Kennedy and I shared a love for the City of Newburgh, and I saw her in action working every day to make Newburgh the City that its wonderful people deserve".

A memorial service was held on April 19 at the Newburgh Armory Unity Center with family and local politicians in attendance, including U.S. Representative Maloney.