Aug. 23, 2012 -- Nearly 150 people packed into White Plains City Hall Wednesday night to talk about a wide range of issues with Westchester County Executive Robert P. Astorino. The event was part of the popular “Ask Astorino” town hall series, where area residents are invited to bring any questions or ideas they would like to discuss face-to-face with the county executive.

“I really enjoy these town halls, because they are a way for me to speak directly with our residents,” said Astorino. “They can tell me what is on their minds, and I can make sure county government is responding to their concerns.”

This was the third town hall event hosted by Astorino this summer. This spring, he also held his fourth “tele” town hall that attracted approximately 21,000 listeners as well as participants via social media.

After an introduction by White Plains Mayor Tom Roach, Astorino began last night’s meeting by giving an update on the progress his administration is making in delivering on his three major goals: providing tax relief, preserving essential services and promoting economic development. He noted that county spending and taxes have both been reduced since he took office.

During the open forum, a common topic of discussion was how to maintain services like buses, pools and day care that are important to residents while at the same time reduce taxes so that residents can afford to continue to live in Westchester.

“Protecting the taxpayer is job number one,” said Astorino. “We’ve got to make the tough decisions now and not kick them down the road. It’s not liberal or conservative.  It’s simple math. Our children won’t have a chance to live in Westchester, if we don’t get taxes under control.”

Astorino also provided an update on plans for a new Tappan Zee Bridge. Earlier this week the county executive voted to support the new bridge and joined Gov. Andrew Cuomo in requesting federal funding to help pay for construction. The county executive said that he has been a strong supporter of building a new bridge and was pleased that the framework of the plan now includes mass transit from the beginning and that cost controls will be put in place to protect taxpayers.

Another topic was the impact of the 2009 affordable housing settlement with the federal government. Astorino said the county was working closely with local officials to meet the requirements of the settlement with the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Justice.

State Assemblyman Robert Castelli and County Legislators Bill Ryan and Alfreda Williams were in attendance as well.

Photo: Westchester County Executive Robert P. Astorino speaks with area residents at the “Ask Astorino” town hall heldat White Plains City Hall Wednesday night.