As the former Supervisor of North Castle, I have had several opportunities over the past few years to work directly with County Legislator Pete Harckham. Though his legislative district does not include North Castle, Pete made it his priority to attended many meetings and functions at which I was present, and where he was a strong representative for the needs of our Town.
Pete’s passion and concern for the citizens of North Castle was particularly notable in the area of water quality preservation. He regularly attended the monthly meetings of the Northern Westchester Watershed Coalition (NWWC), a group of twelve Northern Westchester towns whose focus was on watershed and water quality protection. Pete’s understanding of the septic and storm-water issues facing the twelve towns allowed him to served as the vital connection between the NWWC and the Westchester County Board of Legislators. Under Pete’s guidance, the legislature has passed laws that have protected drinking water for New Yorkers all over the state, and saved taxpayers from bearing the future burden of maintaining a clean water supply.
As a legislator, Pete Harckham has always stood for fiscal responsibility and government accountability. That’s why last year, Pete was one of a few legislators to propose serious changes to then County Executive Andy Spano’s budget, resulting in considerable spending reductions and savings for Westchester tax payers.
I’m writing this letter not to denigrate Pete’s opponent – which appears to be the central strategy of the other side—but rather to state what I know are Pete Harkham’s demonstrated strengths: fiscal responsibility, accessibility and energy, knowledge and concern about the environment, and a willingness to listen to and to work hard for his constituency.
I urge you all to vote for Pete Harckham in the Special Election on February 9th.