Patch Candidate Profile 2023: Joe Torres For County District 1

PEEKSKILL, NY — In November, voters in Peekskill will be going to the poll to decide on some races, including who will represent District 1 in the Westchester County Legislator.

Joe Torres, 61, of Peekskill, is running on the Republican and Conservative party lines for the position. He is challenging incumbent Democrat Colin Smith.

The former Peekskill city councilman describes himself as a small business entrepreneur for more than 35 years. He has a wife, town sons and two daughters.

District 1 in Westchester County covers Cortlandt, Peekskill and Yorktown.

Campaign website: friendsofjoetorres.com

To help the public get to know the candidates for the Westchester County Legislative District 1, Patch sent both the same set of questions. Here are Torres’s responses.

Why are you seeking this office?

I am running for Westchester County Legislator in Peekskill, Cortlandt and Yorktown because I’m a compassionate leader with the experience and vision to make our community a better place for everyone.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidate seeking this post?

Unfortunately, the current incumbent lacks leadership and is part of an unaccountable, one-party system in White Plains that has become embroiled in scandal and has failed to support Peekskill, Cortlandt and Yorktown residents. I will bring responsible leadership, accountability and representation of our residents to White Plains.

What is the single most pressing issue facing your constituents and what do you intend to do about it?

I listen to our community members and what is pressing for us all is the ever-increasing cost of living. So many families are struggling to put food on the table for their families with no help from their current elected official. I will help small businesses by cutting red tape so our local economy can grow. I will fight to ensure the county government makes smart, sensible, choices when it comes to spending your hard-earned tax dollars.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

I will support our first responders and work to create healthy, strong and safe communities. I will fight for fair housing costs, investment in our infrastructure and work with our police, fire and EMS workers. I will reach across the aisle to responsibly address the opioid crisis that has hit so many of our families.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

As Peekskill City Councilmember I’ve demonstrated a strong, fiscally responsible approach to spending your tax dollars. I reined in out-of-control spending and brought common-sense leadership back to the budgeting process.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

When I was 18 years old and starting out my business I was once told to be patient and have perseverance, and trust in the good that you are working toward accomplishing.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I represent what we need in government right now. White Plains' one-party rule has neglected our community and failed us all. I’ve lived in our community for over 50 years and have benefited from the opportunities our great area provides. It’s time to return to the common-sense leadership and fiscal responsibility that made us great in the first place.

Editor's note: The candidate's responses have been lightly edited for style.