County Executive Robert P. Astorino recently gave members of the Westchester County Association an overview of what he has accomplished during his first year in office, what he hopes to accomplish in 2011 and the obstacles ahead.
Astorino delivered a major address at the business association's Annual Breakfast with the County Executive, held at the Marriott Hotel in Tarrytown on Jan. 13. About 600 people attended.
He said he came into office last year focused on three goals: providing tax relief, preserving essential services and promoting economic growth.
"The change I am most proud of is that there is a new mindset when it comes to what government is and what it should be," he said. "...On taxes, the conversation has shifted from how much more do we dare take to how much do we really need? On essential services, the conversation now extends beyond 'we have to provide them' to 'how can we get the job done differently, better and more cost effectively?' On economic growth, the conversation turned from a negative to positive. We are now asking how can we help instead of hamper?"
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Among the issues Astorino address in his speech and slide presentation were taxes, economic development, reform of state mandates,
Said Astorino: "Now that the mindset has changed, the next step is to stay true to the new course. 2011 is going to look a lot like 2010. ...The watchwords will be less is more: less spending; more sharing; less bureaucracy; more performance; less taxes; more prosperity. The lesson from all our efforts to provide tax relief, preserve essential services and promote economic growth this year is that bad habits can be turned around. And when they are, positive momentum builds and real and lasting change can become a reality. "
Photo caption (l-r): WCA Chairman Alfred DelBello, County Executive Robert P. Astorino and WCA President William Mooney