68°
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. - County Executive Robert Astorino jumped the gun Monday by announcing he had named Jay Pisco the new Department of Public Works and Transportation commissioner.
Pisco, an engineer with experience working on private and municipal projects, has yet to be approved by a majority vote of the Westchester County Transportation Board. The Republican county executive's choice cannot be considered by Westchester legislators, who have a Democratic majority, until the transportation board approves Pisco.
Astorino was not available for comment Wednesday. Donna Greene, one of his press representatives, said the transportation board will discuss the appointee at its next meeting.
"One of the reasons paperwork to make this nomination hasnt gone down to the Board of Legislators yet is because at the Jan. 20 meeting the board of transportation takes this up because of the requirements, of course, relating to the transportation component of this job," said Greene.
Jessica Proud, another county executive spokesperson, said Astorino's administration was "fully confident that the board will recognize his qualifications" and approve Pisco.
According to Proud, the county executive's team broadly interprets sec. 241.311 of the county charter, which states that the transportation board shall "recommend specifications and qualifications which shall be met by prospective nominees for the position of commissioner" and "recommend the appointment of a commissioner to the County Executive prior to its submission to the County Board.
The board will be able to sufficiently fill these responsibilities at it's Jan. 20 meeting, Proud said.
If approved, Pisco will also serve on the three-person board of acquisition and contract with Astorino and Chairman of the Board of Legislators Kenneth Jenkins (D-Yonkers). The board oversees county purchases and work contracted out to businesses and other organizations.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Armonk and receive free news updates.
