Governor Andrew Cuomo Endorses County Legislator Pete Harckham for Re-election

Cites Record of Cutting Taxes and Spending, and Environmental Excellence

Katonah, New York – October 7, 2011 – New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo stopped in Westchester on Wednesday to announce his endorsement of Westchester County Legislator Peter Harckham, 2nd L.D. In 2007, then Attorney General Cuomo also endorsed Harckham in his successful bid for election to the County Board of Legislators against Peter Michaelis.  Harckham also serves as the Board’s Majority Leader.  

“I’m endorsing Pete Harckham because he has a proven record in responsibly reducing taxes and spending while protecting Westchester’s families and public health and safety. His environmental record is unsurpassed. We need his continued vision and work ethic in the Westchester County Legislature,” said Governor Cuomo.  

On his endorsement by the governor, Harckham said, “I am honored that the governor of New York has recognized the hard work I have put into successfully downsizing county government. I look forward to the opportunity to continue the meet the challenges ahead.”  

Last year, the county returned a $67 million surplus to the fund balance. The 2011 budget, passed in a bipartisan fashion by the Board of Legislators, cut taxes by 2.2%, more than twice the tax relief proposed by the Astorino administration, cut spending by $30 million, and reduced the size of the county workforce by 10%, saving an additional $30 million annually. At the same time, the Board’s budget preserved critical funding for public safety, health and environmental protection.

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