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NORTHERN WESTCHESTER, N.Y. Westchester County Legislator Michael Kaplowitz (D-Somers) said County Executive Rob Astorino's third State of the County address reflected the mindset of many residents he has encountered in District 4.
"I think Rob's message mirrors the sense of a lot of constituents that I've heard from. Times are tough, getting a little better, but not out of the woods yet," said Kaplowitz, an independent Democrat who has represented Yorktown, Somers and New Castle since 1998.
Astorino, a Republican, pledged not to increase taxes for the third consecutive year, but since county taxes account for only about 15 percent of a property owner's total tax bill, Kaplowitz said it would do little to remove Westchester from the dubious perch of the highest-taxed county in the nation.
"It has nothing to do with the county. It's taxes within Westchester County. It is our school taxes," Kaplowitz said. "Unless the state and schools get a handle on unfunded mandates on one side and expenditures on the other side, that's not going to change."
Kaplowitz said he would have liked to have heard Astorino talk more about energy and environmental initiatives.
"He's always been a little light on the environmental front, particularly when it comes to investments in open space, drinking water, sewers and septics. More work can be done in that area," Kaplowitz said. "I'm amazed with this administration and the previous administration, the county has completely left the energy market. We need an energy czar or someone at the county level to help businesses and individuals access grants and programs. I think it's an opportunity that hasn't been taken advantage of."
With the well-publicized friction between the Astorino administration and the Board of Legislators, Kaplowitz said Astorino's choosing to deliver his speech in the County Courthouse, instead of the traditional board chambers, was intended to do more than provide additional seating for spectators.
"I don't think as a county it was our best moment. The county executive has been welcomed in the chamber for years," Kaplowitz said. "I think it's a derivative of an unhealthy relationship that doesn't solve anything and doesn't bring the best out of anyone. You have to have a respect and working relationship to negotiate and discuss your differences. That's what's missing."
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