October 15, 2018 – County Executive George Latimer is proud to announce a new opportunity for County taxpayers will give them a chance to make their voices heard prior to the submission of the County Executive’s first proposed Westchester County Budget.
The two public input sessions, both held on October 23, will take place from 2p.m-4p.m. at Mercy College-Yorktown Heights Campus located at 2651 Strang Blvd. in Yorktown Heights and from 7p.m.-9p.m. at the Elizabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, Moot Court Room located at 78 North Broadway in White Plains. These sessions are in addition to the public hearings held by the Board of Legislators.
Latimer said: “My Administration is determined to abide by the principle that government is by the people and for the people. I hope Westchester residents take this opportunity and loudly make their voice heard. It is no secret that our County faces serious financial issues – but together we will work to fix these challenges which lay ahead.”
This idea of pre-budget submission public input sessions was first raised by members of Westchester’s robust not-for-profit community and County Executive Latimer’s Transition Team prior to taking office on January 1. It is an idea that was gladly adopted by Latimer and his Administration.
Business Council of Westchester President/CEO Dr. Marsha Gordon said: “The Business Council of Westchester urges the business community to attend and participate in these important budget hearings. It is critical that both the County Executive and the members of the County’s Board of Legislators hear from the businesses of all sizes on their concerns, issues and priorities regarding the County’s 2019 Executive Budget.”
Westchester County Association President/CEO Bill Mooney said: “The continued economic growth and overall vitality of Westchester County depends on substantial investment by both the private and public sectors in key drivers like healthcare, gigabit-speed broadband infrastructure, workforce development and housing and real estate. To ensure that these priorities are reflected in the budget it is imperative that the business community makes its voice heard, and we applaud County Executive Latimer for increasing participation and transparency in this process.”
Nonprofit Westchester Executive Director Joanna Straub said: “Nonprofits appreciate the opportunity to voice their concerns about the budget - as we work closely in partnership with Westchester County to help everyone reach their potential so they can contribute fully to the success of our entire community. We thank County Executive Latimer for his Administration’s commitment to transparency and this opportunity for nonprofits to provide earlier input to the 2019 budget."
Latimer continued: “The trend of an Administration seeking public input on the proposed budget after it has already been submitted often created contentious public meetings where some taxpayers felt that solicitation of public input was just for show. That will be no more.”