Westchester County Executive Robert P. Astorino pledged to pass his sixth consecutive budget with no tax increases during his State of the County address on Wednesday, April 22.
To hold the line on taxes in 2015, Astorino said he has promoted competitive biding on inmate healthcare services, transferred state-funded mental health clinics to nonprofits, and saved the county $10 million per year since he took office in 2010. This year, the $25 million Playland agreement with Standard Amusements will also save taxpayer money by semi-privatizing the Rye amusement park, Astorino said.
From the past year, Astorino also highlighted the county’s success in the Patriot Housing Initiative, which has found homes for 265 veterans since 2013, the Industrial Development Agency’s creation of more than $400 million in private investment along with 3,400 permanent and construction jobs, and county police officers’ participation in the Department of Health’s Narcan program, which is credited with saving 12 lives from heroin overdoses.
Some new developments he announced include a new economic development office in Manhattan which will, according to Astorino, work to “aggressively promote Westchester’s many assets, offerings, and competitive advantages to companies and entrepreneurs looking to leave New York State.” In order to further boost the county’s productivity, Astorino also introduced the “A Job’s Waiting for You” training initiative, which aims to place 500 long-term unemployed individuals in the healthcare field.
Related: 5 Ways To Improve Westchester County, According to Astorino And Other Leaders
​Astorino unveiled a new “fatherhood initiative” to provide tools and support to residents in at-risk situations so they can be effective fathers. Former New York Knicks player Allan Houston was in attendance, and his foundation will partner with Westchester County.
“If the county can be a catalyst for strengthening families, then this may be the most important role the county ever plays,” said Astorino.
Additionally, he announced the development of a phone application called the Westchester Safety App, which will offer real-time traffic, weather, storm reports, and disaster preparedness tips. The app is being developed by Interlecta, a Westchester-based IT company, at no cost to taxpayers.
Astorino concluded the address by saying, “Westchester is a place we love, where we raise our families, run our businesses, and call home. Our past is a source of pride, our future is bright, and together we will continue to make Westchester smarter, safer and stronger.”
