County Board of Legislators Grows to Eight Republicans; Bipartisan Coalition Maintained
By Doug Colety, Chairman, Westchester Republican Party
Nov. 11, 2015: Republicans on the Westchester County Board of Legislators expanded their ranks by one seat after two key victories on Election Day. They added Francis Corcoran to the open seat in District 2, which was previously held by Democrat Peter Harckham. In another race for an open seat in District 3, Republican Margaret Cunzio won to keep that district in Republican hands. In addition, Republican incumbent Sheila Marcotte defeated Haina Just-Michel in a hard-fought campaign.
The Election Day victories give the Republicans 8 seats on the 17-member County Board of Legislators, the highest number since 1999.
For the last two years, Republicans have shared power in a bipartisan coalition with two Democrats, BOL Chairman Michael Kaplowitz (D) Somers and legislator Virginia Perez (D) Yonkers. This arrangement has led to the most productive legislative terms in recent memory.
Legislator John Testa (R) Peekskill, who leads the Republican caucus as minority leader, said, "It is wonderful that voters have chosen to continue the cooperative bipartisan manner of governance that we have established over the last two years."
Legislator-elect Margaret Cunzio mounted her first run for public office this year. She is a professor at Iona College and Western Connecticut State University. Ms. Cunzio replaces legislator Michael Smith, who was recently named president of Berkeley College. The district comprises Mount Pleasant, North Castle, and Pleasantville. "I am thrilled to represent the constituents of District 3 and look forward to keeping spending and taxes down while protecting our municipalities from the federal government's attempts to expand Westchester County's obligations under the 2009 Affordable Housing Settlement," said Cunzio. "I am eager to work with all of my colleagues and County Executive Rob Astorino on the many issues facing Westchester. As a political outsider, I am committed to approaching my work at the board of legislators from a citizen's perspective rather than that of a career politician."
Legislator-elect Francis Corcoran grew up in Lewisboro and has served for the last 12 years as a town councilman in Bedford. In his professional life, Mr. Corcoran has worked in the financial/capital markets arena for 30 years. Because the previous District 2 legislator did not complete his term, in accordance with the Westchester County Charter, Mr. Corcoran will be sworn into office immediately upon his election certification. This means he will participate in the review and negotiations for the 2016 budget. "I am thrilled to have been elected to serve the people of District 2 and I am committed to serving them in a collaborative and bipartisan manner. I look forward to getting to work on the upcoming budget, a task that my professional skill set is perfectly suited for." Corcoran added, "I am committed to protecting taxpayers and also homeowners. As a councilman in Bedford, I have closely watched as the county executive and BOL Chairman Kaplowitz have worked to satisfy the terms of the 2009 affordable housing settlement and I intend to look out for not just the municipalities in my district but all the towns and villages in Westchester County which are imperiled by the federal government's infringement on our local zoning rights."
Pictured here: Legislator-elect Francis Corcoran.
Photos courtesy Doug Colety, Chairman, Westchester Republican Party
Government & History Directory
Bronxville is a quaint village (one square mile) located just 16 miles north of midtown Manhattan (roughly 30 minutes on the train) and has a population of approximately 6,500. It is known as a premier community with an excellent public school (K-12) and easy access to Manhattan. Bronxville offers many amenities including an attractive business district, a hospital (Lawrence Hospital), public paddle and tennis courts, fine dining at local restaurants, two private country clubs and a community library.
While the earliest settlers of Bronxville date back to the first half of the 18th century, the history of the modern suburb of Bronxville began in 1890 when William Van Duzer Lawrence purchased a farm and commissioned the architect, William A. Bates, to design a planned community of houses for well-known artists and professionals that became a thriving art colony. This community, now called Lawrence Park, is listed on the National register of Historic Places and many of the homes still have artists’ studios. A neighborhood association within Lawrence Park called “The Hilltop Association” keeps this heritage alive with art shows and other events for neighbors.
Bronxville offers many charming neighborhoods as well as a variety of living options for residents including single family homes, town houses, cooperatives and condominiums. One of the chief benefits of living in “the village” is that your children can attend the Bronxville School.
The Bronxville postal zone (10708, known as “Bronxville PO”) includes the village of Bronxville as well as the Chester Heights section of Eastchester, parts of Tuckahoe and the Lawrence Park West, Cedar Knolls, Armour Villa and Longvale sections of Yonkers. Many of these areas have their own distinct character. For instance, the Armour Villa section has many historic homes and even has its own newsletter called “The Villa Voice” which reports on neighborhood news.
Village of Bronxville Administrative Offices
337-6500
Open 9:00am - 4pm excluding holidays and weekends
Bronxville Police Department
337-0500
Open 24 hours
Bronxville Parking Violations
337-2024
Open 9:00am - 4pm excluding holidays and weekends
Bronxville Fire Deparment
793-6400
Government & History Recent Articles
Quick Links
Newsletter
MyhometownBroxnville reserves the right to monitor and remove all comments. For more information on Posting Rules, please review our Rules and Terms of Use, both of which govern the use and access of this site. Thank you.
The information presented here is for informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to present accurate information, myhometownBronxville, LLC, does not in any way accept responsibility for the accuracy of or consequences from the use of this information herein. We urge all users to independently confirm any information provided herein and consult with an appropriate professional concerning any material issue of fact or law. The views and opinions expressed by the writers, event organizers and advertisers do not necessarily represent those of myhometownBronxville, LLC, its officers, staff or contributors. The use of this website is governed by the Terms of Use . No portion of this publication may be reproduced or redistributed, either in whole or part, without the express written consent of the publisher.
Copyright © 2009 myhometownbronxville.com, All rights reserved.