Moving into the legislative session that will begin in January, two of Westchester’s recently elected state legislators have already hit the ground running. State Senator-Elect George Latimer and Assemblyman-Elect David Buchwald are already working with local officials in Harrison, North Castle and Bedford to author and prepare important “home rule” legislation for introduction in the new legislative session. “Home rule” bills relate to pressing local matters that require an alteration of state law.
Latimer and Buchwald have already sent letters to the local government leaders in Harrison, North Castle and Bedford asking for them to organize their legislative priorities so they can be turned into legislative language, reviewed by counsel and eventually introduced to the Senate and Assembly for consideration.
Senator-Elect George Latimer stated, “Cooperation among every level of government is critical to making sure that the services Westchester residents rely on are delivered in an efficient and affordable way. Through home rule legislation in other municipalities, we have been able to open up new revenue streams that allowed for property tax reductions and continuation of services, among many other positive results. Now that the political season is behind us, this period of transition is about refocusing on our missions of service to our various communities.”
"Coming from a local government background, I know how important it is for state and local leaders to work together if we are to accomplish positive changes for the residents of Westchester,” said Assemblyman-Elect Buchwald. “As State Assemblyman, one of my prime roles is to be an ambassador for our local communities. I am committed to working with local officials, both Democrats and Republicans, to see that our shared interests have a voice through home rule legislation."
George Latimer was recently elected to the State Senate, serving the communities of Bedford, Bronxville, Eastchester, Harrison, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, Port Chester, Rye, Rye Brook, Tuckahoe, White Plains and Yonkers. Previously, Latimer served as a State Assemblyman, County Legislator, including four years as Chairman of the Board of Legislators and before that as a Rye City Councilman.
David Buchwald was recently elected to the State Assembly, serving the communities of Bedford, Harrison, Lewisboro, Mt. Kisco, New Castle, North Castle, North Salem, Pound Ridge and White Plains. Before his election to the Assembly, Buchwald served as a member of the White Plains Common Council and professionally worked first as an economic analyst and then as a tax attorney.
