(WHITE PLAINS, NY) Legislator Ben Boykin (D-White Plains), Chair of the Board’s Committee on Public Safety & Social Services, is frustrated by the Astorino Administration’s uncooperative behavior after repeated requests for officials to testify on the County’s ride-share plan have been stymied.

While the Deputy County Executive made a brief appearance, for the second consecutive committee meeting representatives from the Taxi & Limousine Commission (TLC) and Department of Public Safety had agreed to meet and later cancelled on short notice.

“This is a serious public safety issue for residents of and visitors to Westchester County and the Board of Legislators must have oversight,” said Boykin. “Unfortunately, the County Executive seems more interested in keeping his ride-share safety plan under wraps. Ride-share applications in Westchester will be legal in 10 days and if we want to ensure the most protections for our riders we must act now.”

Of most concern for Boykin, and numerous other members of the Board of Legislators, is the finger-printing provision that is required for potential ride-share drivers in New York City and TLC members in Westchester – but may not be required for ride-share drivers in Westchester.

“The most important role of government is to protect the public. In order to do this, we need cooperation on all levels. Sadly, what we have gotten from the administration is far from cooperation. As evidenced by the crowd that attended what was supposed to be today’s substantive discussion, this is clearly a conversation that needs to be had.” concluded Boykin.