BUDGET

Many Westchester residents are struggling to make ends meet — and it’s no wonder. Under our current leadership, our county’s finances have become a mess. We have some of the highest taxes in the country, and what do we have to show for it? A $650 million spending hike, 800 more county employees, and a record sales tax increase that’s bringing in $462 million — 40% of all revenue.

Our executive claims sales tax revenue has fallen, but from the State Comptroller’s data tells — it’s actually up $20 million through August compared to last year. Even the Governor has started issuing refunds. Meanwhile, our county’s  own projections show a growing deficit — $24 million in the first quarter, $30 million in the second, and likely more to come.

In addition
The county’s “rainy-day” fund should hold about $425 million — 17% of the $2.5 billion budget. Instead, it’s  $529 million. That’s over $100 million of taxpayer money stockpiled beyond what’s needed. So why is our county government talking about deficits when we actually have a surplus? That’s not transparency — that’s over-taxation. While I am all for saving for a rainy day, this is not fair to our residents.

Here’s what I’ll do differently:
I will fight to deliver real tax relief by reducing spending and restoring fiscal discipline. I agree with using zero-based budgeting as every dollar must be justified — and I will support taking a whole-of-county approach to streamline operations and cut waste while protecting essential programs.

We also need to strengthen our long-term planning. Instead of 5-year cycles, we’ll move to a 10-year infrastructure and equipment plan, ensuring smarter investments and cost control.

And we’ll expand shared services with local towns and cities — reducing costs through collaboration, not duplication.

With me as your legislator, and my experience in finance, strategic planning and budgeting, I will help to bring discipline, fairness, and common sense back to Westchester’s budget. We have to budget wisely and control spending, just like we do in our own homes.