May 9, 2010 -- County Legislator Vito Pinto – a retired teacher, Vietnam veteran and long-time veterans' advocate – has accepted a post in the Astorino Administration. 
He will head two agencies: the Veterans Service Agency and the Office of Drug Prevention and Stop-DWI, effective immediately. Earlier today, he stepped down from his elected position as a Democratic county legislator for the 10th District.
"Vito is known throughout the county for his staunch advocacy on behalf of not just veterans, but also for his work with children and teens," said County Executive Robert P. Astorino. "His background makes him uniquely qualified to head both of these agencies. His selection reflects my commitment to getting the best people for jobs in my administration, no matter their political affiliation."
"Making sure our veterans get the services they have earned is a passion to me, and I am thrilled I will be in position to make sure this happens," said Pinto. "That passion is only equaled by my love of working with our youth. I thank County Executive Astorino for the chance to do both."
Video of news conference
As executive director of the Veterans Service Agency, Pinto will be heading up the office that serves as the liaison to local service men and women returning from overseas and provides support to the veteran community. The agency helps veterans file for federal benefits, secure records, obtain medals and awards, apply for property tax exemptions, register for medical IDs and qualify for everything from home loans to education benefits.
As a representative of the Westchester County Veterans Service Committee, Pinto was already involved helping with fundraisers to provide service dogs to disabled combat veterans.
As director of the Drug Prevention and Stop-DWI Office, Pinto will oversee the county's efforts to deter teen drinking and drug use and enforce drunk-driving laws. The office is part of the county's Department of Public Safety. The office will continue its dual focus on both education and enforcement.
Pinto is a Democrat and resident of Tuckahoe who until today was chairman of the Board of Legislators' Public Safety and Security Committee. He has served on the Board of Legislators since 1998. A special election will be required within 90 days to fill his seat. Pinto represents the 10th Legislative District, which includes Eastchester, part of Tuckahoe and part of New Rochelle.
Board of Legislators Chairman Ken Jenkins praised Pinto, saying, "The knowledge and experience that Vito Pinto has brought to the Board of Legislators – and to countless other positions he has held in his many years of public service – will sorely be missed. Our Chamber is losing a great public servant, but our county has gained a tireless advocate for veterans affairs. I am deeply grateful for his advice, particularly during these difficult economic times. I wish him only the best in the next chapter of his life."
Pinto served on the Tuckahoe Village Board from 1983-1985 and the Eastchester Town Council from 1985-1997. As a legislator, Pinto has chaired the committees on County Officers and Departments, Public Works, Parks, and Legislation.
A Vietnam veteran, he flew over 175 combat missions as a naval flight officer in the F4 Phantom. He is an outspoken advocate for veterans. He has also sponsored legislation to keep guns out of the hands of kids and has successfully urged the county to upgrade its emergency response services. A 1958 graduate of Tuckahoe High School, he went on to spend 32-years as an educator, retiring from the Tuckahoe School District in June 2002.
Pinto's salary will be $92,470 a year. His predecessor made $118,000.