Westchester County Executive Robert P. Astorino announced on Monday that video of the Acquisition and Contracts Board meetings will soon be available on the Westchester County Web site. The tool will be the latest in a series of steps taken to make Westchester County government more open and transparent.   

"During my campaign, I made a pledge that I would not only seek to reduce the cost of government, but that I would also shine a light on exactly how the public's hard-earned tax dollars are being spent," Astorino said. "Making video of the Acquisition and Contract Board meetings available to the public and allowing residents to view discussions taking place at the committee table in real time is a significant step toward transparency of government."

In October 2011, Astorino launched a new section on the county’s Web site dedicated to opening up government to the people. Entitled “A More Transparent Government,” the page provides links to various transparency initiatives, including the ability to view online for the first time the Acquisition and Contracts Board agendas and meeting minutes as well as county contracts. The Acquisition and Contracts Board meeting videos will be added to this section of the site.

The Board of Acquisition and Contract has the responsibility of approving various county contracts and agreements as required by the Westchester County Charter. The board consists of the county executive, the Board of Legislators chairman and the Department of Public Works and Transportation commissioner.

The board meets weekly, usually Thursday mornings, on the 9th floor of the Michaelian County Office Building, 148 Martine Ave., White Plains. Meetings are open to the public and videos will be posted to the county Web site. The meetings will soon be streamed live. Read more about Astorino's commitment to create a more transparent government.