Board of Legislators Chairman Mike Kaplowitz a Democrat and Vice-chairman Jim Maisano, a Republican have announced that they have the support of a majority of their colleagues on the Board of Legislators to continue in their leadership positions for the 2016-2017 legislative session.  The bipartisan power-sharing arrangement that has been in place for the past two years led to the most productive legislative term in many years.  Chairman Kaplowitz and Vice-Chairman Maisano began serving on the Board of Legislators together in 1998.

Chairman Mike Kaplowitz who represents New Castle, Somers and Yorktown said, “I am happy to continue in my leadership position as Chairman of the Board of Legislators.  I think the confidence that my colleagues have demonstrated in Vice-Chairman Maisano and myself is a direct result of the inclusive, collaborative, professional and fair manner in which we have administered the work of the Board of Legislators for the past two years.”  Kaplowitz added, “We have many important issues to address in the next two years like continued compliance with the fair and affordable housing settlement, important capital projects and the transition to a private-public partnership to manage Playland.”

Vice Chairman Maisano represents New Rochelle, Pelham and Pelham Manor.  “I am very happy to continue serving in leadership at the Board of Legislators with Chairman Kaplowitz.  Over the last two years, Mike and I have worked hard to maintain an atmosphere of professionalism and collegiality in the way we operate at the BOL.” said Maisano, “I believe that the Westchester Board of Legislators stands as an example to lawmakers from local municipalities to Washington DC that disagreements are very much a part of the political process but they don’t have to be personal and they don’t have to stand in the way of governing responsibly.”

The Democratic and Republican caucuses also reaffirmed their respective leaders for the 2016-2017.  Legislator Catherine Borgia (D) Ossining will be the Majority Leader and Legislator John Testa (R), Peekskill will be the Minority Leader.  Legislator Alfreda Williams (D) Greenburgh, will be the Majority Whip and Legislator Gordon Burrows (R) Bronxville, Yonkers will be the Minority Whip.

Majority Leader Borgia said, “I am honored to serve my colleagues and my constituent as Majority Leader of the Board of Legislators for another two year term.  The Democratic caucus will continue to fight for those residents who most need our support and services, as we did in pushing for restoration of service cuts in the recent budget.  We look forward to a busy and productive legislative term.”

Minority Leader Testa said, “I believe the bipartisan coalition that has controlled the BOL for the last two years has led to a more collaborative and effective Legislature.  We have made a more efficient  county organization, increased the funding for those most vulnerable, and at the same time looked out for the county’s taxpayers. I am honored to continue to serve the Republican caucus as Leader and stand with our like minded-colleagues and County Executive Rob Astorino as we look forward to the new term.”