Mount Pleasant's County Legislator to Seek Re-Election

Freshman Westchester County Legislator Michael Smith (R—District 3), of Mount Pleasant, will seek a second term, he announced today.

In a press release today, Smith said he supported County Executive Rob Astorino's budget and his goal to not raise county taxes.

"Westchester County residents currently pay the highest property taxes in the nation. During budget negotiations, raising taxes was simply a non-starter, as was irresponsibly raiding the reserves, the latter being a key reason why Moody’s Investors Service issued a ‘negative outlook’ for the County following the 2012 budget," he stated.

In his announcement, Smith attacked Westchester County Legislature Chairman Ken Jenkins, a Democrat, for "leading the Democratic majority to intentionally delay essential capital projects, while spending more time on press releases than meaningful taxpayer protection."

Smith is a certified public accountant and chief financial officer for Berkeley Educational Services and a resident of Greenbergh.

His current district includes all of the Town of Mount Pleasant (including Pleasantville, Sleepy Hollow and parts of Briarcliff Manor), Greenburgh, Harrison and North Castle.

During his two years as a legislator, Smith has served on the Budget and Appropriates, Government Operations, Community Services and GRES (Government Reform, Efficiency & Savings) committees; as well as the sub-committee on septic.

In 2012, he announced a budget amendment that allowed for funding for Kensico Dam Plaza improvements.

Smith plans to formally announce his bid Monday evening at Elements Restaurant in White Plains at 6 p.m., alongside Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, who is also running for re-election in November. Astorino will be challenged by Democratic New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson.

In a statement from Smith's office, Astorino stated, "The work of Legislator Smith and his caucus will likely be looked upon in the years to come as essential to saving Westchester County from becoming a social experiment by the federal government. I couldn’t be more pleased to have him by my side for another two year term.”

Said Smith, "It has been an honor and privilege to meet and serve the residents of District 3 over the past two years. I thank them for putting their trust in me, and hope to continue our work together for another term."

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