Rob Astorino

Race: ---- County Executive

More ---- County Executive candidates : Andy Spano |

Political and civic experience: -Westchester County Legislator -Vice-Chairman, Westchester County Board of Ethics -Councilman, Town of Mount Pleasant -Chairman, Westchester Parks and Recreation Committee --Member, North Castle Land Trust -Secretary, Mount Pleasant Conservation Advisory Council -Vice-President, Mount Pleasant School District Board of Education -Deputy Supervisor and Chairman of Mount Pleasant Public Safety Committee

Age: 40

Family: Mr. Astorino lives in Hawthorne with his wife Sheila, their son Sean, 6, and daughter Kiley Rose, 4. The Astorinos have a third child on the way.

Residency: Hawthorne, NY.

Ballot lines:
Republican
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Independence
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Education: B.A. in Communications with a Spanish/Political Science minor, Fordham University. Spanish Immersion Diploma, Enforex School of International Studies, Barcelona, Spain.

Occupation: Executive, Sirius Satellite Radio.

1. Please tell us why you are running for office or seeking re-election?

As Westchester residents, we pay the highest taxes in America. It doesn’t have to stay that way. On November 3rd, you can vote to bring tax relief, efficient streamlined services, and accountable government to Westchester. We are not getting that now. County Executive Andy Spano has raised our taxes almost 60% in the last seven years alone. At this pace, property taxes in Westchester will double within 10 years if we don’t change direction. Mr. Spano has ballooned the annual budget by $1 billion in the past 12 years, from $800 million to $1.8 billion per year. He spends more than 87 nations do, and you pay for it. Now, he’s been caught defrauding the federal government by falsifying federal documents and misusing money. The penalty? 750 units of subsidized housing forced into our neighborhoods by the federal government, costing over $100 million, overcrowding schools, and driving our property taxes even higher. Unsustainable tax increases, reckless spending, and mismanagement are driving families out of Westchester. None of us can afford the highest taxes in America, and I am running to do something about it. I’m from Westchester. My wife and I are raising our children here, so I care deeply about this county’s future. I know you do, too. After 12 years of Andy Spano, it’s time for a change. On November 3rd, please join me in being part of it.

2. What in your personal, civic or professional experience recommends your election or return to office?

I have been public servant for more than 20 years in Westchester County. I have been elected to a variety of offices and have served on many important boards. But nothing qualifies me more to seek this office than my experiences as a father and taxpayer. Westchester County's taxes are affecting the quality of life of every resident of this county. The strain the Spano taxes has placed on the average Westchester family is unsustainable. I know; I'm one of them. I have seen friends move away, or not move back here because of the taxes. I have seen senior citizens sell their homes, even after they are paid off, because of the taxes. I have seen small businesses shuttered because it's too expensive to do business here. Westchester, under the incumbent county executive, is moving in the wrong direction. Government grows bigger and less efficient every year. Our infrastructure goes unfixed, while our spending goes unchecked, and money continues to be lost at places like Rye Playland, which has lost $37 million over the past 10 years. I understand Westchester's budget process. I voted against Mr. Spano's tax increases as a County Legislator. I know how to provide essential services for less. As a business executive with ESPN/Disney and Sirius Satellite Radio, I managed budgets and staffs, and understand what it means to be accountable. I do not see that accountability in Westchester County government today. Mr. Spano has had 12 years to show us where he wants to take this county. The highest taxed county in America is where we are today. It's time to make a change.

3. What would be your top three priorities if you are elected or re-elected?

1. Deliver tax relief to struggling Westchester residents. 2. Streamline redundant, inefficient government to save money. 3. Bring transparency and accountability to Westchester County government.

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Rob Astorino