County Legislator Puts Focus On Playland, Environment

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. -- Catherine Parker is well-known in the City of Rye where she raised two children and owns a popular local shop called Parker's. The native of Bedford is a fourth-generation resident of Westchester County.

Westchester County Legislator Catherine Parker during a recent Daily Voice video interview at the county Board of Legislators' offices in White Plains. The Bedford native owns a business in Rye.

Photo Credit: Daily Voice

Westchester County Legislator Catherine Parker of Rye was one of seven Democrats who voted against the county budget this year. She also was vocal on whether to approve a private contract with a new manager for the county-owned Playland Park in Rye.
Photo Credit: *WestchesterLegislators.com*

Jon Craig

08/17/2016 9:30 a.m.

She may be less known as a member of the 17-member Westchester County Board of Legislators, but that's not due to any failings on her part.

Parker told Daily Voice that few residents actually know that county legislators have term limits -- or how much county government can impact their lives -- via the Health Department and county police department to the county airport and economic development. And, Playland Amusement Park, of course. Before she voted against the recent agreement by the county to hire Standard Amusements as Playland's private manager, Parker was at the forefront of the review process. She led public hearings in Rye and voiced concerns about the oversight of bids and contracts in White Plains, the seat of county government.

Calling herself an environmentalist, Parker is considered one of the county legislature's leading Democrats. She is a member of several key committees: Budget & Appropriations, Labor/Parks/Planning/Housing and Environment & Health -- where she has worked to reduce pollutants from public sewage treatment plants and stormwater overflows from working their way into the Hudson River and Long Island Sound. She also chairs the Board’s Energy and Regional Efficiencies Committee.

After serving as Rye City Council Member since 2007, Parker was elected to the Westchester County Legislature in November 2013 and re-elected last fall.

In addition to Rye, her 7th Legislative District includes Larchmont, Mamaroneck, part of Harrison and part of New Rochelle.

Parker said she's very sensitive to the concerns of small business owners having owned her own store for more than 20 years in Rye. The travel store, called Parkers, carries everything from clothing to luggage. More on Parker can be found in her county profile by clicking here:

Watch the Daily Voice video above for excerpts from her interview.

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