County Legislators

Airport Impacts?

Since my Legislative District is Peekskill-Cortlandt-Yorktown, my local constituents are not directly impacted by the county airport. 

Degree of Support for County Resolution 245-2003 Opposing Airport Expansion (1-5)?

4 -- I fundamentally agree with the resolution. I also recognize that changing social, economic and population needs could potentially necessitate revisiting the expansion question, providing that such could be done in an environmentally responsible manner, of course. 

Most Important Airport Issues?

While my familiarity with the airport issues is, admittedly, rather limited, I would say that y the environmental issues are of paramount importance (not to the exclusion of others). Its proximity to the NYC watershed (which serves 9 - 10 million people) demands that we take every measure possible to ensure its safety and security. 

Further Consideration of Privatization?

At this point, I do not have the sufficient facts to make a fully-informed decision. That said, privatization would not only result in lost revenue to the county but also decreased oversight which implicates safety and environmental concerns. 

Track Record / Experience with Airport Issues?

I have not yet attended any airport-related meetings but I plan to do so in the near future. 

What Would You Do in Your Position?

Work closely with federal and local officials, as well as residents and community groups, to ensure the continued safe, secure and environmentally-friendly operation of the airport. 

What Else that is Relevant to the Airport?

n/a

Airport Impacts?

Noise, Pollution, Traffic 

Degree of Support for County Resolution 245-2003 Opposing Airport Expansion (1-5)?

5 - I support 245-2003 in its current form

Most Important Airport Issues?

Noise and pollution

Further Consideration of Privatization?

I would favor privatization with restrictions

Track Record / Experience with Airport Issues?

I AM A FREQUENT TRVELER AND USE THE WESTCHESTER COUNTY AIRPORT. I’M A LAWYER BUT I DO NOT HAVE ANY EXPERTISE IN AIR PORTS

What Would You Do in Your Position?

I would pursue what I have stated at the state and federal levels

What Else that is Relevant to the Airport?

I DO NOT SUPPORT THE POLITICAL PATRONAGE PROCESS OF PUTTING FRIENDS, RELATIVES OR SUPPORTERS IN AIRPORT POSITIONS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES

Airport Impacts?

My Constituents have been impacted somewhat by the County airport regarding noise. My constituents also very much value the convenience offered by a local airport, as the Northern Westchester residents are further away from the NYC airports.

Degree of Support for County Resolution 245-2003 Opposing Airport Expansion (1-5)?

5

Most Important Airport Issues?

We are currently remediating significant water pollution from the use of PFOA and PFOS from years ago. Thus it is critical that we stay abreast of any of the air emissions and chemicals being used at the airport. Naturally safety and security are of paramount importance. 

Further Consideration of Privatization?

I believe that the County must continue to have governance of the airport and a fixed fee operator arrangement such as what is occurring now works. There is accountability and stability. Injection of a private operator concerned with profits is a bad fit for a municipal county airport with commercial flights.

Track Record / Experience with Airport Issues?

I attended one of the public hearings. I have listened to residents and remain committed to transparency in the further discussions about the future of the airport.

What Would You Do in Your Position?

I would continue to ask questions and since the FAA just announced further matching grants, ask questions about what the Westchester County obligations are for grant money. I think the passenger limits are important, and I also think probing further on the private air traffic remains important as well. 

What Else that is Relevant to the Airport?

no response

Airport Impacts?

The airport has put a tremendous burden on my district. Between noise pollution and water pollution we face serious stress on our quality of life.

Degree of Support for County Resolution 245-2003 Opposing Airport Expansion (1-5)?

5 - Increased traffic would only further damage the environment and the quality of life for residents of Westchester County. 

Most Important Airport Issues?

Most important to my district is the noise and water pollution. Whether it is a plane keeping up our children or harmful chemicals such as PFOS and PFOA entering into our water supply. These are issues that not only hurt the quality of life in my district but all of Westchester County. We need to ensure that the environmental concerns of the airport are addressed.

Further Consideration of Privatization?

No I do not favor further consideration of airport privatization. They were considered and denied in good faith.

Track Record / Experience with Airport Issues?

I have spoken with interested individuals such as Robert Fleisher and government officials including County Executive George Latimer, but have not attended meetings or public forums. I am always eager and made myself available to discuss the issue. I received an invitation to a meeting but the meeting was cancelled prior to it taking place.

What Would You Do in Your Position?

Though the airport itself is largely regulated by the FAA, we can still address what we can change including environmental issues. Part of our job as a representative is to be a voice for the community, and to advocate for the issues that they care about. 

What Else that is Relevant to the Airport?

Coming from Yorktown the issue of airport noise pollution isn’t discussed as much but has increased. I myself have experienced the hardship of noise pollution of increased airport traffic. This is an issue that I’ve heard the most, particularly in New Castle, and my job as an elected official is to represent my constituency and to advocate on the issues that affect my community.

Airport Impacts?

no response

Degree of Support for County Resolution 245-2003 Opposing Airport Expansion (1-5)?

no response

Most Important Airport Issues?

no response

Further Consideration of Privatization?

There is no proposal for a change in airport governance currently before the Board of Legislators.  If such a proposal were to come before the Board, the legislature will give it the necessary, appropriate and thorough due diligence.

Track Record / Experience with Airport Issues?

no response

What Would You Do in Your Position?

no response

What Else that is Relevant to the Airport?

With regard to the airport questionnaire, I provide you with the following statement. "As I have said previously, I'm gratified that the County Executive has moved forward with a multifaceted process ensuring public input to develop updates to our airport master plan. I'm proud also that the Board of Legislators has authorized the county to sue the manufacturers and users of firefighting foam to pay for any damages relating to and for the cost of cleaning up the per-and polyfluoralkyl substances ("PFAS") left behind at the County Airport. Whatever choices are made regarding the airport, the decision-making process must be transparent and must be sensitive to the concerns of all stakeholders involved including surrounding residents, taxpayers, and airport customers, with protection of our environment being a crucial concern."

Airport Impacts?

My constituents are impacted in every way possible since the airport is in my district. Noise, potential air and water pollution, traffic. Smell has been an issue in the past as well. Safety/security is also an issue.

Degree of Support for County Resolution 245-2003 Opposing Airport Expansion (1-5)?

5

Most Important Airport Issues?

I think all of the issues above are incredibly important as they all affect either our health or safety, as well as quality of life.

Further Consideration of Privatization?

Governance of the airport should remain with the County. The health and safety of our residents should not be left up to the whims of private enterprise. So long as the County makes policy at the airport, voters can have a say in what happens. Once the policy decisions are based on increasing the bottom line only, I would expect more flights and more potential threats to our health, security and quality of life.

Track Record / Experience with Airport Issues?

As you know, I have been very involved in tracking and influencing airport related matters since being elected to the BOL. I sit on and have attended all but one AAB meeting, as well as having spent a great deal of time with environmental and other advocates strategizing on the best way to accomplish our goals. I have championed more transparency on airport related matters and have spoken up on safety and other matters. I have given advocates the opportunity to meet with the Environmental Committee which I chair and have set up other meetings with legislators to educate them on specific issues. I have introduced legislation to require additional testing of the ground and surface water at the airport and to ban the use of PFOA and PFOS. I have tried to maintain a good working relationship with all parties involved to insure as much cooperation as possible and will continue to do so. I have attended meetings with representatives from NYC and the Federal Government, I have attended numerous County meetings and hearings related to the airport.

What Would You Do in Your Position?

This is the most difficult part of the equation but relationships matter which is why I spend as much time as I do trying to cultivate them. As a Federal Agency we need to work with our Federal representatives to get things done, as we did with Kirsten Gilibrand. But while this matter is of the utmost importance to the residents around the airport and many environmentalists it is only one of many for everyone else so it is important to prioritize our asks.

What Else that is Relevant to the Airport?

no response

Airport Impacts?

Not directly as far as I can tell. I knock on a lot of doors in my district (Eastchester, Tuckahoe and New Rochelle) and no one talks about it.

Degree of Support for County Resolution 245-2003 Opposing Airport Expansion (1-5)?

5 - Opposed to expansion.

Most Important Airport Issues?

Water pollution. Although my constituents mostly don’t get their tap water from Kensico, we certainly go places that do draw from there; and I personally swim and kayak in the LI Sound. 

Further Consideration of Privatization?

No to privatization. County Government should maintain overall control over functioning of the airport and continue with 10-year management contracts with current company.

Track Record / Experience with Airport Issues?

I attended all 3 of the County Executive’s public meetings and spoke out on the record against expansion. I have also questioned all airport projects brought before us in BOL committees and made it clear that no major capital project or operating expense would go unchallenged, in the committees on which I sit, if they could facilitate airport expansion in any way.

What Would You Do in Your Position?

Raising landing fees and rents to FBOs could bring down the number of corporate flights. Strictly enforce agreed curfews.

What Else that is Relevant to the Airport?

I trust the judgment of my ally, Legislator Nancy Barr, and follow her lead on issues involving this facility in her district. I have a contest in this, my first campaign for re-election and my opponent, like last time, is a doctrinaire, anti-government Republican.

Airport Impacts?

Although my district is not directly impacted - the air and water quality affect us all.

Degree of Support for County Resolution 245-2003 Opposing Airport Expansion (1-5)?

5 - I am strongly against the expansion of the airport.

Most Important Airport Issues?

I feel they are equally important, however, the issue that immediately affects residents is the noise pollution. It has a direct impact on their quality of life. 

Further Consideration of Privatization?

The County should always consider proposals to further enhance the quality of the airport, whether by privatization or any other option. Any proposal must ensure that are in place and at the end of any lease agreement ownership must revert to Westchester County.

Track Record / Experience with Airport Issues?

I was actively involved in preventing the expansion under the Astorino Administration.

What Would You Do in Your Position?

Work with the Airport Advisory Board to make sure that the airport and their procedures are being monitored and bring any issues that arise to FAA’s attention. 

What Else that is Relevant to the Airport?

Environmental issues are one of my top priorities. Therefore, the environmental impact the airport has on Westchester County is of great importance to me. My environmental accomplishments have been recognized by the New York State League of Conservation Voters. If I am given the opportunity to continue to serve the residents of Westchester County and my District I will continue to be advocate and fight for the protection of our environment.

Democrats

Catherine Parker (7)

Catherine Borgia (9)

Terry Clements (11)

Mary Jane Shimsky (12)

Ruth Walter (15)

Christopher Johnson (16)

Republicans/Conservatives

Gina Arena (2)

Margaret Cunzio (3)

Robert Outhouse (9)

Christopher Garitee (10)

David Tubiolo (14)

We were unable to contact the following Candidates, who should NOT be treated as unresponsive:

Michael Grace (4)

Alfreda Williams (8)

Lyndon Williams (13)

Jose Alvarado (17)