Newly Re-Elected Legislator Harckham Looks To Control Taxes, Spending

With 86 percent of precincts reporting, Harckham is leading challenger Andrea Rendo, 53 percent to 47 percent, though Rendo has conceded defeat.

Harckham, the majority leader, said his re-election was gratifying.

"We have a good team and we executed our plan," Harckham said. "I look forward to working with the people of Northeast Westchester for two years."

Harckham said he will try to keep taxes and spending down, and work on a pilot program with the Department of Environmental Protection to have alternative septics in the watershed. He also plans to work on legislation to require cell towers to have generators, and work on eviction and foreclosure prevention.

Harckham said County Executive Robert Astorino's re-election means the people of Westchester want divided government.

"It's tough to be an incumbent," Harckham said. "He ran an aggressive race. People want checks and balances. It's up to us to work together in a bipartisan fashion." The minority leader noted 90 percent of legislation the board does is unanimous or nearly unanimous.

"I expect that to continue," Harckkham said. "The public wants bipartisanship."

Harckham (Dem, Ind, Wor) first was elected as the District 2 legislator in 2007. The district includes Somers, North Salem, Mount Kisco, Bedford, Lewisboro and Pound Ridge. He prides his independent campaign on three priorities: reducing the size and cost of government while maintaining vital services, protecting drinking water supplies and environment. and safeguarding families.

Rendo (Rep, Con) is a noted attorney and small business owner who believes Westchester County residents deserve more from their local government. She was elected chairwoman of the Lewisboro Republican Town Committee in 2012.

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