Smith Optimistic For His First Term as Legislator

MOUNT PLEASANT, N.Y. – Michael Smith, the new District – 3 county legislator, believes that 2012 will be a good year for Westchester.  In his first term as legislator, Smith said he is excited to improve the county’s finances and keep taxes at a minimum growth for residents.

“I’m just looking forward to being involved in the process,” Smith. “In the financial areas I’m going to look to have my voice heard and let the other legislators know the importance of being fiscally conservative and spending the hard earned taxpayers dollars in the most appropriate manner possible.”

In November, Smith was elected as the Republican challenger and took over the seat previously occupied by Democrat John Nonna.  Nonna served two terms as District – 3 county legislator and was previously the mayor of Pleasantville.  The race was Smith’s first political election.  Smith comes from a business background as a certified public accountant and the chief financial officer of Berkeley Educational Services. 

Smith said he believes his financial background can be a major asset to the legislator board, especially in the current tough economic times.

“It’s difficult because at this point there are a lot good causes that the county has been supporting,” Smith said.  “But it’s getting to the point that the county cannot continue to support everything in the manner in which they have in the past and we’re going to need to look at things in a more innovative way.”

Smith said he believes some of the items that may lose funding in the future could be the county arts and environmental centers.

In the end, Smith hopes that he can bring action and change to Westchester County and said he is honored that the voters chose him to represent them.

“I’m just glad that the residents of District – 3 put their trust on me for the next couple of years,”  Smith said.  “I think going forward we need to focus on the important items and get them done, less talk and more action.”

Smith and the other new county legislators will be sworn in at a ceremony at the county legislator meeting hall in White Plains on Jan. 9. 

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