Board of Legislators

BOL Meeting Minutes -

Published Draft

800 Michaelian Office Bldg.

148 Martine Avenue, 8th Floor

White Plains, NY 10601

WestchesterLegislatorsNY.gov

Wednesday, May 6, 2026

6:20 PM

Legislative Chamber

Special Meeting

CALENDAR 10

Please note: Meetings of the Board of Legislators and its committees are held at the

Michaelian Office Building, 148 Martine Avenue, 8th Floor, White Plains, New York, 10601,

and livestreamed via the WebEx video conferencing system. Legislators may participate in

person or via Webex. Members of the public may attend meetings in person at any of its

locations, or view the meeting and its video recording online on the Westchester County

Legislature’s website: https://westchestercountyny.legistar.com/. This website also provides

the links to documents to be discussed at a given meeting.

CALL TO ORDER

The County Board met pursuant to adjournment.

The Honorable Vedat Gashi in the Chair.

The Chair opened the meeting at 6:32 PM with the salute to our flag and a prayer.

The roll call resulted as follows:

Majority Leader Judah Holstein

Minority Leader Margaret Cunzio

Jose Alvarado

Present:

Nancy Barr

Vice Chair Terry Clements

David Imamura

Anant Nambiar

Minority Whip James Nolan

Erika Pierce

Jenn Puja

Colin Smith

David Tubiolo

Emiljana Ulaj

Majority Whip Shanae Williams

Jewel Williams Johnson

Tyrae Woodson-Samuels

Chairman Vedat Gashi

STATE OF THE COUNTY

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BOL Meeting Minutes - Published Draft

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County Executive Kenneth W. Jenkins delivered his annual State of the County Address in the

Legislative Chamber of the Westchester County Board of Legislators, 148 Martine Avenue,

WhitePlains, New York, 10601. Below is the text of his speech:

Good Evening.

I’ve spent this past year meeting the people of Westchester – meeting as many of them as I

can, where they are…

I met a mother in White Plains…

I met a small business owner in Yonkers…

I met a senior in Mount Vernon…

I met a teacher in New Castle…

I met a student in Pound Ridge.

The State of our County isn’t something I read on a page – it’s something I see in the people I

meet every single day. Because when you meet the people of Westchester, you understand

the State of this County.

Tonight, I am honored to stand alongside my colleagues in government for my second State of

the County Address as your County Executive. I’m proud to be in the People’s Chamber,

where the Board of Legislators and the public come together.

Chairman Vedat Gashi, Vice Chair Terry Clements, Majority Leader Judah Holstein, Minority

Leader Margaret Cunzio, Majority Whip Shanae Williams, Minority Whip James Nolan and

members of the Board of Legislators, my friends—I extend my sincere gratitude for your

leadership and for the opportunity to address you tonight.

My appreciation also goes to County Clerk Tom Roach, District Attorney Susan Cacace, and

all the elected officials here with us tonight. While we may not always agree, we’ll always treat

each other with respect—not just as colleagues, but as friends.

To my executive team: Deputy County Executive Joan McDonald, Director of Operations Emily

Saltzman, Deputy Director of Operations Lila Kirton, County Attorney John Nonna, Director of

Communications Catherine Cioffi, Director of Intergovernmental Relations Steve Bass, and

Chief of Staff Andrew Ferris — I thank you. While we may have welcomed some new faces,

the core team that has dedicated nearly a decade of tireless service to this County remains

unchanged. I am deeply humbled and grateful for your commitment, your friendship, and the

passion you bring to this work.

To the first lady of Westchester, my amazing wife, Deborah Hudson-Jenkins, and our

incredible family— from my mother-in-law, Pearl; to my daughter Alana, her husband Erick,

and my two sons Jamal and Terrell, our grandchildren Jaiden and Alex, and baby Levi—thank

you for your love and support.

And to the County workforce, let me say this: I see you. I am you.

To everyone here in the Chamber, tuning in from home, joining us on Facebook Live, or

following along on the County’s website—thank you. Thank you for staying engaged and for

playing an active role in our democracy. Now more than ever, your voices matter—your calls,

your emails, your ideas, your feedback. This is what democracy looks like in action. It isn’t

always perfect—it can be challenging and unfiltered—but it remains the strongest system we

have. And, it only works when we all show up, stay involved, and commit to making it

work—together.

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***Video 1 – Year in Review***

We did a lot this past year. But, there is still more work to do.

This year, you sat across from me and told me you love Westchester—but you’re being priced

out, and you don’t know how to stay.

This year, you shared the fear and heartbreak of watching your daughter struggle with her

mental health, and the desperation of trying to find her the help she needs.

This year, you told me your energy bills have become overwhelming—that you feel squeezed,

and you’re looking for someone, anyone, to stand up and fight back against Con Edison and

NYSEG.

And this year, you told me something I take personally—that government sometimes feels

distant and disconnected from your everyday life… from your real struggles.

I’ve heard you. And, I carry those conversations with me. And I’m here to tell you tonight that I

have worked on every one of those issues and more. We have answers for you - and we

aren’t done yet.

Because when you ask What is the State of our County? The answer is you. Your struggles.

Your resilience. Your voices. And our responsibility to meet this moment—together.

***Video 2 – Real People, Real Impact***

First - our finances are strong. Westchester County has once again received the highest

possible credit ratings from S&P Global Ratings & Fitch Ratings.

The ‘AAA’ rating is the highest rating awarded by S&P and Fitch, and reflects the agency’s

continued confidence in Westchester County’s strong financial management, stable economic

base, and responsible long-term planning.

This rating reflects our commitment to responsible budgeting, maintaining healthy reserves

and investing strategically in infrastructure that supports our residents and our economy. We

are proud that independent analysts continue to recognize Westchester as one of the most

financially stable counties in the nation.

According to Fitch, the ‘AAA’ rating reflects Westchester County’s:

•

Healthy reserve levels exceeding 20% of spending over the last three fiscal years

Strong revenue-raising flexibility

Solid ability to adjust expenditures when necessary

Sound operating performance

General fund reserve policy target of at least 18% of spending

Yes—we raised taxes. And I know that’s not easy. No one likes to hear it, and no one takes

that decision lightly—especially not me. Before we asked more of you, we reduced the County

workforce and had an 8% budget cut across all Departments.

I made a promise to you that I would always lead with honesty and with reality, not politics.

And the truth is this: it would be irresponsible—truly irresponsible—for me to hold the line or

cut taxes while the needs of our residents are growing every single day.

Because behind every budget line is a person. A family. Someone counting on us—for

housing, for mental health services, for public safety, for support when they need it most.

So, this wasn’t the easy choice, but for an average impact of $3 dollars more per month – it

was the right thing to do and I appreciate the overwhelming majority of you supporting this

decision.

###

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Westchester County continues to lead the way when it comes to public safety — and the

numbers tell that story clearly.

In 2025, compared to 2024, crime is down across the board. Every single one of the seven

major index crime categories saw a decline — from violent crimes like murder, rape, robbery

and aggravated assault, to property crimes including burglary, larceny and motor vehicle theft.

Overall index crime dropped by 17 percent. Violent crime saw an even more significant

decrease, down 25 percent. And property crime declined by 15 percent.

Additionally, Mount Vernon was one of five police departments in New York State to report

zero shooting incidents from January through March 2026. This was highlighted by Governor

Kathy Hochul as part of statewide declines in gun violence.

I was proud to host Governor Hochul to highlight these results, and for her to see firsthand the

impact of the State’s multi-million-dollar investment in Westchester’s public safety

infrastructure.

This funding is helping modernize law enforcement technology and equipment across the

County’s agencies. The visit included a live demonstration of cutting-edge tools and

innovations purchased by the County’s Department of Public Safety through New York State’s

Law Enforcement Technology Grant Program.

I want to once again thank Governor Hochul for her leadership and understanding that fighting

crime and keeping our streets safe requires both innovation and investment. I’m incredibly

proud of the dedicated men and women in law enforcement who work tirelessly to protect the

people of Westchester County.

As the son of a New York City Police Officer, I know firsthand the toll this work can take — but

I also know the immense pride that comes with achieving results like these.

And, double-digit decreases are no small feat. I want to thank programs like the Real Time

Crime Center, and I also want to highlight the hard work, commitment and collaboration of our

outstanding law enforcement professionals – in every municipality.

###

From Peekskill to Yonkers, from Ossining to New Rochelle, we are taking real, tangible steps

to address one of the most urgent challenges facing our residents—affordable housing.

Over the past year, we’ve approved funding for projects that will create and preserve hundreds

of homes across Westchester County—supportive housing for young people aging out of

foster care, new opportunities for first-time homebuyers, and safe, modern apartments for

families and seniors.

Here’s what that looks like in action:

•

Peekskill – 41 North Division Street: Converting a vacant office building into 22 affordable

and supportive housing units, including homes for youth aging out of foster care.

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•

Greenburgh – 175 Winthrop Avenue and 14 Payne Street: Building nine single-family

homes for first-time homebuyers.

Ossining – 80 Main Street: Bringing 25 long-vacant units back online as affordable

housing.

•

Tarrytown – Franklin Courts Apartments: Rehabilitating 70 existing public housing units

and adding 20 new ones.

•

White Plains – 19 Greenridge Avenue: Converting an office building into six new residential

units.

•

Croton-on-Hudson – 1–3 Croton Point Avenue: Developing 100 homeownership units for

first-time buyers.

•

Bedford – 12 McLain Street: Creating four new affordable homes for first-time

homeowners.

Yonkers – 632–636 South Broadway: Constructing 160 new rental units for families.

•

And, we are doing it in a way that meets people where they are—with units serving residents

across a range of incomes, from those most in need to working families striving to stay here.

Because at the end of the day, this work is about more than buildings—it’s about stability,

opportunity, and ensuring that every resident has a place to call home in Westchester County.

###

Something that I am particularly proud of is how we care for people when they are struggling,

vulnerable, or searching for a second chance. Because in large part, government is measured

by whether we are willing to help people rebuild their lives.

That is exactly what we are doing through one of the most innovative programs in Westchester

County — our Lives Forward program.

Lives Forward provides training for justice-involved individuals living with mental health and

addiction challenges, helping them become dual-certified peer counselors. It is a powerful

partnership between our Department of Community Mental Health and our Department of

Correction, and it is already changing lives.

Several classes have now graduated. But tonight, we are honored to highlight what that

success truly looks like. Alfredo Roldan is with us this evening.

Alfredo has known hardship. He has been in and out of the system. He has battled

co-occurring disorders. But today, Alfredo stands before us as proof that people are more than

the hardest chapter of their lives.

After graduating from Lives Forward, Alfredo passed his New York State exams and is now a

certified peer counselor working for Family Services of Westchester — helping others find the

same hope and direction he found himself.

Alfredo, would you please stand and be recognized. And while he stands, I’d also like to ask

DCMH Deputy Commissioner Joe Glazer to stand. Department of Correction First Deputy

Commissioner Nori Padilla couldn’t be here with us tonight, but together, their leadership and

commitment helped make this possible.

Please join me in giving Alfredo, Joe, and Nori a well-deserved round of applause.

This is what progress looks like.

This year, our Department of Community Mental Health opened a new Mental Health Safety

Net Clinic, restoring the County’s direct role in providing outpatient behavioral health care.

Nearly 15 years ago, those clinics were forced to close. Rebuilding that system was not

optional — it was essential.

We have also expanded awareness of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — available 24 hours a

day, seven days a week, free, local and confidential.

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Through partnerships with businesses, community organizations, and our Department of

Public Works and Transportation, we launched new signs, posters, and public service

campaigns that helped drive an increased use of 988 during the holiday season, when many

people need support the most.

Because we are a County that believes recovery is possible. A County that believes every

person deserves a path forward.

###

We are growing smarter, attracting investment, and building a County where businesses want

to be—and where people can build lasting careers.

Since 2018, our Industrial Development Agency has supported transformative projects that are

driving billions in private investment and creating and retaining thousands of jobs. And, we are

doing it the right way—holding every project accountable to real results for our residents and

our communities.

Small businesses remain the backbone of our economy, and through our MWBE initiatives, we

have facilitated more than $250 million dollars in contracts over the past five

years—expanding opportunity across Westchester.

We are investing in our workforce like never before. Through programs like Connect

Westchester and our Countywide job and resource fairs, we are helping residents gain the

skills they need to succeed in today’s economy—and connecting them directly to employers

who are hiring.

We are also supporting the next generation of companies through efforts like the Element 46

Tech Accelerator—helping entrepreneurs start, scale, and stay in Westchester.

Westchester County has secured a nearly $820 thousand-dollar three-year grant from The

Taft Foundation to launch the Partnership for the Inclusive Internships Program with The Arc

Westchester Foundation and AHRC New York City. This initiative expands internship

opportunities for individuals with disabilities, creating pathways to meaningful employment. It

reflects our commitment to a more inclusive workforce where all residents can contribute and

succeed.

Last year, at this very speech, we launched our partnership with Rensselaer Polytechnic

Institute — bringing world-class engineering, artificial intelligence, and next-generation

quantum computing directly to Westchester County. This partnership is about building a direct

pipeline from learning to earning, and ensuring our employers have access to the talent they

need to grow right here at home.

This year, Bonnie Blumer was appointed Partnership Representative for the RPI-Westchester

initiative, serving as a direct link between Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Westchester

County employers to expand talent, training, and innovation opportunities.

Also, this year, we are strengthening our partnership with RPI and SUNY Westchester

Community College through a new degree completion program that creates real pathways for

residents to advance their education and careers. Now, students with an associate’s degree in

engineering can transfer into a fully virtual bachelor’s program at RPI—earning a degree

without leaving Westchester.

But let me be clear — while we are proud to partner with globally respected institutions like

RPI, we are equally proud that we already have outstanding colleges and universities right

here in Westchester that are shaping futures every single day. Institutions like Pace University,

Mercy University, Iona University, Sarah Lawrence College, Purchase College and SUNY

Westchester Community College are producing talent, driving innovation, and opening doors

of opportunity for students across our County.

And, those partnerships extend beyond higher education. Westchester County is also proud to

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work closely with organizations like the Business Council of Westchester and the Westchester

County Association — critical partners in driving economic development, supporting local

businesses, strengthening our workforce pipeline, and helping shape the future of our regional

economy.

Westchester is not waiting for the future to arrive — we are educating it right now.

###

Westchester County’s recently released Waste Reduction Study confirms what we already

know—we are leading when it comes to sustainability. But, it also challenges us to do even

more. With a recycling rate already exceeding 50 percent, well above the state average, and

robust infrastructure in place—from our material recovery facilities, to food scrap and yard

waste programs—we have built a strong foundation.

Now, with a clear, forward-looking strategy, we are setting our sights on New York State’s goal

of an 85 percent recycling rate by 2050.

Westchester County is continuing to look ahead with smart, sustainable infrastructure by

launching a preliminary study to explore the feasibility of a solar canopy system at Croton

Point Park’s main parking lot.

We’ve launched a new program to help homeowners and small businesses repair failing septic

systems or connect to sewer lines—critical upgrades that safeguard the drinking water relied

on by millions across our region. With up to $49,999 thousand dollars in interest-free support

available, we’re easing the financial burden while protecting a vital resource for generations to

come.

###

In our parks this summer, you will see “Rev 250” everywhere, and I am proud to announce that

Westchester County will help bring history to life in a remarkable way.

For the first time, the historic Holt Broadside printing of the Declaration of Independence will

be on display at the Neuberger Museum at Purchase College. This rare and extraordinary

document — one of the earliest printed versions of the Declaration distributed across the

colonies in 1776 — will be exhibited here in Westchester through the end of the year.

***Video 3 – Preserving Our Past, Inspiring Our Future***

This is more than a museum exhibition. It is an opportunity for residents, students and families

to stand face to face with the very words that helped shape our nation.

###

But, as we approach the 250th anniversary of our nation, we need to take a moment – not just

to celebrate – but to reflect. Because our story as a country didn’t begin 250 years ago. It

began long before that – with the people who first called this land home, long before the clock

on those 250 years ever started.

And, it’s in that spirit of reflection and recognition that, earlier this year, Westchester County

took an important step forward by purchasing the historic Ward House in Tuckahoe.

For generations, the Ward House had borne witness to it all. On March 16, 1777, a violent

clash between Patriots and Loyalists left Captain Samuel Crawford mortally wounded. His

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body was never returned, taken to a British prison, but his legacy endures.

While that is an important part of our history, the land, and those who lived on that land, is also

an important part of our history. And now, Westchester County is helping the Lenape people

return home.

Because as we look ahead to the next 250 years, we do so grounded in the full truth of our

past—and committed to preserving it for generations to come.

***Video 4 – The Historic Ward House Welcomes the Lenape People***

On behalf of a grateful County, to the Lenape I say, welcome home.

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Protecting public health and public safety means staying ahead of emerging threats while

giving first responders the tools they need to save lives.

That is why, standing alongside members of the County Department of Public Safety, I signed

into law legislation requiring relevant County Police officers to be equipped and trained to

administer EpiPens while on duty.

This new law, known as the Giovanni Cipriano Act, honors the memory of Giovanni “Gio”

Cipriano, a 14-year-old New Yorker who tragically died after unknowingly consuming peanuts

in trail mix. Our officers are often first on the scene during emergency calls, and this law

ensures they can respond immediately to severe allergic reactions when every second

matters.

We are also taking action to protect our young people from dangerous and deceptive

products. I announced legislation that would prohibit the sale of e-cigarettes and vaping

devices designed to look like everyday items such as highlighters, pens, USB drives, toys,

drink containers and backpacks.

The proposed law would ban the sale or transfer of these deceptive devices, establish

escalating fines for violations, and authorize the Westchester County Board of Health to

enforce the measure.

###

One issue that keeps coming up again and again is Indian Point. Government did not close

Indian Point. Entergy closed Indian Point in 2021 after a requirement to build a $2 billion-dollar

cooling tower. So, let me be clear, once again: opening a new nuclear power generator at

Indian Point is a hard no.

That is why I support Governor Kathy Hochul’s plan to expand nuclear energy capacity in New

York State in appropriate locations, while excluding New York City, Long Island and the

Hudson Valley from consideration.

New York State already has access to a range of low-cost, environmentally responsible

energy alternatives, including solar, wind, geothermal and hydropower.

The health and safety of millions of residents in the Hudson Valley will always matter more

than reopening a nuclear facility.

###

Public Safety is one of my top priorities for Westchester. Our Department of Emergency

Services plays an important role in public safety by providing Firefighter and EMS training,

9-1-1 Fire and EMS dispatch, and preparing for major events.

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In 2025, the Fire Training Center provided over 174,000 thousand hours of training, from entry

level up to fire officer, along with specialty classes designed by Westchester instructors.

The EMS Division trains County employees and community groups in CPR, Stop the Bleed,

and other first aid.

Our 60 Control and 911 dispatchers received well over 227,000 thousand calls in 2025. They

provided fire and EMS dispatch for 52 fire departments and 28 EMS agencies.

We are now preparing for NextGen911, bringing state-of-the-art technologies to further

improve our dispatch capabilities.

###

This year, we saw our dear friend Richard Wishnie retire as Deputy County Executive. We all

miss Richard, but he’s still just a phone call away.

With Richard’s retirement I appointed Joan McDonald to Deputy County Executive and

promoted Emily Saltzman to fill her role as Director of Operations. Lila Kirton was appointed

Deputy Director of Operations. These promotions reflect their extensive leadership experience

across local and state government, and their long-standing commitment to public service.

We are also proud to announce several key leadership appointments that reflect the talent,

experience and values shaping Westchester County’s future.

•

Catherine Borgia as Acting Director of the Office for Women.

Carin Horowitz as Director of the Office for People with Disabilities.

Reverend Kym McNair as Director of Faith-Based Initiatives.

Stephanie Perez as Administrator of the Westchester County Independent Office of

Assigned Counsel.

Gina De Bernardo Picinich as Acting Commissioner of Human Resources.

•

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This year we had a big upgrade to how you pay to ride the Bee-Line Bus. OMNY fare

scanners on the Bee-Line fleet marked a major milestone – now the Bee-Line Bus System has

fully adopted the MTA’s contactless fare payment system.

The reality is – we live on our phones – and Westchester deserves a transportation system

that works the way people live today. Installing OMNY across our entire Bee-Line fleet is about

making transit easier, faster and more reliable for riders while ensuring access for everyone.

Westchester County is taking another smart step forward in improving public transit with the

installation of solar-powered lighting at select Bee-Line bus stops. Because they operate

independently of the power grid, they not only enhance the rider experience, but also support

our broader sustainability goals.

We have also been awarded $3 million dollars through New York State Energy Research and

Development Authority to launch a zero-emission micro transit pilot in Peekskill and

surrounding communities. This three-year program will use 100% percent zero-emission

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vehicles to better connect residents to public transit, jobs, healthcare—including the VA

Hospital—and other essential services. This pilot is about closing long-standing gaps in

underserved areas and expanding access to affordable mobility options.

###

When it comes to the County Airport, we all value the convenience of flying out of

Westchester. But, the current terminal is not meeting even our most basic needs. We are

tackling this head on. But first, let me be clear - this is not expansion.

***Video 5 – Modernizing HPN***

We selected HNTB—an industry leader in airport planning and design—for this important

project while maintaining full County ownership and operational control. This is modernization,

and it is long overdue.

###

Since launching in July 2025, our Office of Housing Counsel led by George Assante, has

become exactly what we envisioned—a lifeline for residents facing housing instability, and a

central hub for help when people need it most.

In less than a year, the Office has helped prevent 282 evictions—keeping families in their

homes and providing stability when it matters most. Beyond that, we’ve prevented 369

households from entering the shelter system, either by stopping evictions altogether or giving

families the time they need to find a safe place to go. And in every case, we are not just

solving a moment—we are creating a pathway forward, connecting 282 households to trusted

community housing providers.

This is what it means to build a system that works for people. Not just reacting to a crisis—but

preventing it.

When we talk about supporting working families, we have to start with child care—because

without it, nothing else works.

That’s why our Child Care Scholarship Program is so important. In 2025 alone, we helped 406

families—supporting care for 559 children—giving parents, especially moms, the ability to go

to work, stay in school, and provide for their families with peace of mind.

And already in 2026, we’re continuing that momentum—232 families, 301 children—real

people, real lives, moving forward because they have somewhere safe and reliable for their

children to be.

This is about more than child care—it’s about opportunity. And, it’s about making sure that

when families are trying to move forward, government is right there with them.

###

Tonight, in recognition of National Correctional Professionals Week which is this week, I would

like to highlight the dedicated professionals of the Westchester County Department of

Correction.

Specifically, I want to note that Westchester was the first county jail in New York State to

achieve national accreditation from the American Correctional Association, the National

Commission on Correctional Health Care, and compliance with the Prison Rape Elimination

Act—collectively regarded as the “triple crown” in correctional standards.

These distinctions reflect the commitment, professionalism, and expertise of our workforce.

###

And our commitment to justice does not end in the courtroom. It extends to ensuring people

can meaningfully access legal counsel when they need it most.

That is why the Department of Correction worked closely with our Department of Information

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Technology and the Office of Assigned Counsel to implement an innovative phone calling

system for clients currently housed at the County Jail. In 2025 alone, the system facilitated

nearly 1,300 calls between incarcerated clients and their attorneys. Opportunities for them to

prepare their cases, understand their rights, and stay connected to the legal process in a way

that was not previously possible.

###

Our commitment to responsive government also means making County services easier to

access and easier to navigate.

That is why the Department of Consumer Protection is now offering office hours by

appointment to better serve residents and contractors seeking assistance. This new option

allows individuals to schedule time for one-on-one guidance on matters such as contractor

license applications, document review, and other consumer protection services.

Appointments can be made online, through links provided in contractor license materials, or by

calling the office directly.

This is about meeting people where they are—providing personalized service, reducing

delays, and helping applicants move through the process more efficiently.

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Westchester County is growing—and the numbers make that clear. New U.S. Census

estimates show our population has reached a record 1,015,743 residents, marking the largest

increase of any county in New York State between 2024 and 2025. At a time when many

counties are losing population, Westchester is moving in the opposite direction, continuing to

attract people who want to live, work and build their futures here.

This growth is no accident—it reflects the strength of our communities and the investments

we’re making in housing, quality of life and economic opportunity. When we create vibrant

neighborhoods and real opportunities, people choose Westchester—and they stay.

To keep the momentum moving forward, I have asked DCE Joan McDonald to lead the

County’s Census activities.

###

We are meeting people where they are—and making it easier than ever to stay connected to

everything happening in Westchester County.

Yes, we are active on social media. But, we did not stop there. This year, we launched a

refreshed My Westchester newsletter to better connect with residents, and a new internal

newsletter, Westchester at Work, to keep our workforce informed, engaged and united.

We also took our weekly Monday briefings—every Monday at 2 p.m.—and transformed them

into This Week in Westchester: The Podcast, bringing my weekly updates directly to residents

in a format that fits modern life.

And we’re going even deeper with Westchester Explained, a companion podcast that gives

residents a clearer understanding of the “why” behind the work we do every day.

On the go, on demand and available anytime on platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

At the same time, we’ve taken an important step to strengthen trust and transparency by

officially transitioning our website to WestchesterCountyNY.gov. That move to a .gov domain

is about clarity, credibility and public confidence—ensuring residents know they’re accessing

official, secure information.

Together, these efforts reflect a simple goal: to communicate better, more clearly and more

accessibly with the people we serve.

And, building a family-friendly County means recognizing the real needs of parents and

caregivers in everyday life. That is why I proudly signed the Diapers Involve All Parents

Regardless of Sex Act—better known as the DIAPRS Act. This bipartisan legislation requires

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the installation of diaper changing stations in every County park restroom, and on each

publicly accessible floor of County-owned buildings. Co-sponsored by 13 legislators, this law

recognizes a simple truth: parenting is a shared responsibility.

And while we are investing in families, we are also investing in the places that make

Westchester special.

One department has the charge of being the front door for the beauty of Westchester. That is

Parks, Recreation and Conservation. The Nationally-Accredited and award-winning Parks

system with over 14,000 thousand acres and 54 different facilities is led by Commissioner

Kathy O’Connor. Kathy is retiring at the end of May and this will be her last State of the

County. Please join me and give Kathy a tremendous round of applause for all that she has

done.

Public tours of the historic Tarrytown Lighthouse have returned, reopening one of our most

iconic waterfront landmarks to residents and visitors alike. After a temporary closure due to

vandalism, the lighthouse has been fully repaired and enhanced with new security measures,

allowing guests to once again enjoy free, curator-led tours and experience its rich history

firsthand.

And last but never least – Playland.

***Video 6 – Meet me at the Dragon Coaster***

And so tonight, if anyone asks, What is the State of our County?

Tell them it is not found in a report, a spreadsheet, or even in a speech.

It is found in the mother fighting to keep her family here.

In the small business owner opening their doors every morning.

In the senior who built this community and still believes in its future.

In the teacher shaping the next generation.

In the student daring to dream bigger than the world expects.

The State of our County is not a statistic.

The State of our County is our people.

It is your struggles.

It is your resilience.

It is your hopes.

It is your voices.

And my promise to you is simple: I hear you, I see you, and I will keep fighting for you. Fighting

to make Westchester more affordable. Fighting to make it safer. Fighting to make it healthier.

Fighting to make government work for the people it serves.

Because this County belongs to all of us. Its future belongs to all of us. And the work ahead of

us will require all of us.

So, let us move forward together—with courage, with compassion, and with confidence in

what we can build side by side.

Because the State of our County is strong.

The State of our County is hopeful.

And the State of our County is you.

Thank you, good night.

I’ll meet you at the Dragon Coaster.

ADJOURNMENT

Next meeting: May 18, 2026, at 7pm.