Kaplowitz Announces 2013 Re-election Bid

Westchester County Legislator Mike Kaplowitz (D-Somers) announced Wednesday that he is seeking another term for his seat in the Board of Legislators.

“At a time when extreme partisanship and political games are paralyzing government at every level, I have sought to be an independent voice for the people of Northern Westchester and Westchester County," Kaplowitz said in a press release. "I have worked with county executives andlegislators of both parties to control spending and enhance Westchester’s special quality of life."

In his re-election release, Kaplowitz touted his support of recent county budgets that included no tax levy increases. The most recent budget that Kaplowitz supported came with controversy, as Kaplowitz joined a fellow Democrat, Yonkers legislator Virginia Perez, to support a budget that was approved with mostly Republican legislative support. The budget, approved in December, was derided by legislative Democrats, who left the room before the vote - the argument was that the meeting was over - and questioned at the time whether the passaged followed proper procedure.

Kaplowitz also touted accomplishments specific to his district's towns, including support for staffing levels of Lasdon Park in Somers and Hilltop Hanover Farm in Yorktown. He also reiterated his work to helping to get county approval for allowing extension of an existing sewer system through the New Castle neighborhoods of Random Farms, Riverwoods and Yeshiva Farm Settlement, a project called for as a way to divert sewage away from the New Croton Reservior's watershed.

Kaplowitz, who was first elected to the board of legislators in 1998. He represents the 4th district, which includes all of New Castle and parts of Yorktown and Somers. This year, all legislative seats are up for election for new 2-year terms. In addition, County Executive Rob Astorino (R-Mount Pleasant) is up for re-election and is seeking another 4-year term; three Democrats and one Conservative Party candidate are mounting challenges to his bid.