Harrison REVIEW THE
December 22 & 29, 2017 | Vol. 5, Number 51 | www.harrisonreview.com
Astorino vetoes budget; legislators ready for override By JAMES PERO Staff Writer
nounced by Astorino. The deal seeks to reclassify the airport under a Federal Aviation Administration-run program that allows participants to transition their publicly owned airports into the private sector and then use subsequent revenue towards an operating budget. In November, Macquarie Infrastructure Corporation agreed to a $1 billion deal that would extend for 40 years and throughout its lifespan pay the county $595 million on top of $550 million in capital improvements at the airport. That deal will be subject to the approval of an incoming administration of County Executive-elect George Latimer, a Democrat, who has so far been critical of the privatization. Latimer will be sworn into office in January. Without revenue from the airport deal, however, lawmakers worry that the county would be required to draw money from its reserve fund to cover expenses. Without a certain total in its reserve fund, Westchester County lawmakers risk taking a hit on their credit rating—particularly a rating by credit agency Moody’s—which dictates how easily the county can borrow money. Currently, Westchester has the second highest rating from Moody’s of AA1. Legislators will hold a vote to override the county executive’s veto on Thursday, Dec. 22, after press time.
After the inclusion of a tax rate increase and restoration of several cuts by county lawmakers, County Executive Rob Astorino, a Republican, officially vetoed a revised budget. “Such an action by the legislature was unnecessary and unacceptable to county taxpayers, already burdened with the highest combined property taxes in the nation,” Astorino said in his a message to the county Board of Legislators. How long Astorino’s veto will hold, however, remains to be seen, as county lawmakers say they have enough votes for an override. Originally legislators voted by a margin of 12-5 to pass the budget— enough votes for a supermajority, which would trigger an override. Nora’s Ovenworks crowned three winners at its second annual baking competition, In addition to raising the tax where kids in first through seventh grades were given an hour to complete their levy by 2 percent, the lawmakdishes, which were then presented to three judges from the Harrison community. ers’ proposed budget restored For story, see page 6. Photo courtesy Nora Brunnett positions to the county Parks Department, the county’s Planning and Engineering departments, as well as support staff for the county executive’s office. vocacy nonprofit based in New for office five times, losing a race ments come after state AssemblyIf the revised budget were By FRANCO FINO York City called the Greater New for Harrison Town Council in woman Shelley Mayer, of Yon- to pass, it would mark the first Staff Writer York Chamber of Commerce, an- 2009 and a Democratic primary kers; Bedford Town Supervisor time since Astorino took office in Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano nounced his candidacy on Dec. for a state Assembly seat the fol- Chris Burdick; and White Plains’ 2010 that county residents would and Harrison resident Mark Jaffe 12. lowing year. Kat Brezler, a teacher and former see an increase in their tax levy. “In these tumultuous times we are the latest candidates to anIn 2011, Jaffe ran for county campaign organizer for Vermont Lawmakers say the tax levy nounce their bid for the senate need to be unified,” Jaffe said in a legislator, but lost that Democrat- Sen. Bernie Sanders during his increase is being included to seat that will be vacated when statement. “I pledge to fight every ic primary as well. In 2013, he presidential bid, have already help offset $30 million in reveGeorge Latimer becomes West- day to deliver necessary services was nominated by the party for said that they are interested in the nue from a deal privatizing the and maintain core Democratic the same seat, but ultimately lost Senate seat. chester County executive. county’s airport; a deal DemoThe Yonkers mayor, a Demo- values. If elected, I will fight for in the general election to incumThe Senate’s 37th District cov- crats have criticized since last crat, stated his interest in the posi- greater transparency in govern- bent Legislator David Gelfarb, a ers Rye, White Plains, Harrison, year when the initiative was an- CONTACT: james@hometwn.com tion officially in a video announce- ment, more affordable higher ed- Republican. Mamaroneck, Yonkers, North ment on Dec. 13. Spano is current- ucation, improved public health Jaffe ran another unsuccess- Castle, Bedford, and Eastchester. Follow us on Twitter @harrisonreview ly serving a second four-year term and safety, mass transit improve- ful campaign for Harrison Town Since a primary will not be ments and use my skills to help Council in 2015, when Republi- held for the vacated seat, county that is set to expire in 2019. Jaffe, who is currently the create good paying jobs.” cans won every seat on the board. Like us on facebook.com/harrisonreview chief executive of a business adJaffe has unsuccessfully ran SPANO continued on page 8 The candidates’ announce-
Batter up!
Spano, Jaffe jump into mix for Latimer’s vacated Senate seat