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CHAPPAQUA, N.Y. – Westchester County Legislator Mike Kaplowitz will run for re-election this fall, he announced in a statement released Wednesday afternoon.
“At a time when extreme partisanship and political games are paralyzing government at every level, I have sought to be an independent voice for the people of Northern Westchester and Westchester County," Kaplowitz said.
"I have worked with county executives and legislators of both parties to control spending and enhance Westchester’s special quality of life," he said.
Kaplowitz, an independent Democrat, represents the 4th District, which includes all of New Castle and parts of Yorktown and Somers.
In looking to strengthen public safety, preserve open space and fight for equal rights, among other issues, he said he supports legislators in both parties.
Kaplowitz also alluded to his vote on this year’s budget, saying, “And I don’t vote with them, as I did recently on the budget, when some legislators’ priorities were not fiscally responsible nor in line with the priorities of the people I represent and the people of Westchester County.”
The budget, which passed in December, caused tension among legislators, as several Democratic legislators left the room in protest instead of casting their votes. Kaplowitz continued to back the new budget.
“In the last budget, I restored park jobs and kept Hilltop-Hanover, Muscoot and Lasdon Parks fully open and staffed along with the North County Trailway," he said.
"I also succeeded in reauthorizing the Agricultural District, which I helped to create, and which preserves the open spaces of Westchester’s remaining family farms,” he added.
Kaplowitz was first elected to the board of legislators in 1998.
“Since I was first elected, I have carefully examined every budget line each year to find and root out waste, create efficiencies, and remove bloated contracts and unnecessary perks that make government unnecessarily expensive,” said Kaplowitz.
“Protecting taxpayers is my first mission that I will continue to pursue when I am re-elected in November,” he said.
Comments (6)
Your take that I said he was high and mighty, none of these guys are Taz.
Just stating I prefer people doing the jobs they are elected to do, thats the first priority.
Why are other County Legislators passing resolutions than? Read this one guys comment about the OATH he took. that says it all... Mike Kaplowitz is a Puppet For Cuomo... Just look at the Town He represents that says enough...The Man gives a Police Chief an Accommodation for services to Community even after he find out and was given documents that showed and proved some of the Police Department Personnel were involved in a pension fraud scam and under investigation by than A.G Andrew Cuomo. You do the Math my friend........Even a blind person can see the writing on the wall......
http://www.midhudsonnews.com/News/2013/March/22/SCL_NYSAFE-22Mar13.html
Sullivan County Legislature unanimously passes resolution against NY SAFE Act
MONTICELLO – Following a protest in front of the Sullivan County Government Center in Monticello and public comment all opposed to the state’s new gun law, the county legislature voted unanimously to call for the NY SAFE Act to be rescinded in Albany.
The unanimous vote on the memorializing resolution came before a full house of approving citizens
Gene Benson and Cora Edwards were cosponsors of the resolution. For Benson it’s about the Constitution.
“I took an oath of office and I swore to uphold the Constitution of the United States of America and the Constitution of the State of New York,” Benson said. “That’s what I’m doing by enacting this resolution.”
The Oath Keepers of Orange and Sullivan Counties sponsored the protest. The name is in reference to the oath that members of the military, elected officials and other public servants make to protect the Constitution.
Making criminals out of law-abiding citizens, lack of a three-day period before state lawmakers voted on the law, criminals not following the ammunition limit, and the un-constitutionality of act were all cited Thursday as reasons to repeal it.
Legislative Chairman Scott Samuelson spoke about people’s right of assembly and freedom of speech.
"It’s American in action”, Samuelson said of Thursday’s protest. “It’s terrific when people band together for a common cause.”
Joe Collura spoke of the history of the 20th Century and government genocide against unarmed populations giving the Holocaust and Bosnia genocide as two examples.
“Every occurrence that I listed was prefaced by a series of anti-gun laws and legislation that disarmed the population,” Collura said.
Oh it has everything to do with a County Legislator. Have you not been following the news my friend? Why is it that All the other counties and its Legislators have all Adopted Resolutions saying they are not supporting Cuomo's Pathetic Excuse the "UN-Safe Act"? Why has Westchester not done the same? Gee i wonder? Kaplowitz Had opportunity to clean up one of the Towns he represents and he did noting after he was notified of criminal (Pension Frauds) activity taking place within its Administration. So lets not talk about his Morales or Integrity. He has none. Ever think He is just a Puppet for Cuomo? Truth Hurts Don;t It? Let me know if you would like case numbers and dates easy to find, go look them up......Than tell me how High and Mighty he is...... NOT.....
This guy had the guts to vote for the budget while most of the Dems walked out. He has caught alot of flack from his party as a result. He merits our support for his years of hardwork.
And What was or is his stance on Cuomo's pathetic Excuse of the "Safe-Act" or should say UN-SAFE ACT? Lets hear what he has to say on that Issue. Funny no Comment on that. Why is that? What's his view of the 2nd Amendment? How does he feel about what is going on and what people's Rights are?
The 2nd amendment has nothing, zero, nada to do with a county legislator. Before you burn him at the stake at least get on him for something he has a vote on.