Russia and the United States are two different countries more than 4,600 miles apart. But County Executive Robert P. Astorino and a Russian delegation of municipal officials quickly found common ground during a Feb. 10 visit to the county office building.
From the challenges of balancing a budget to the interaction between the various levels of government, all agreed they share the same goal: figuring out the best way to provide essential services to their constituents at the lowest possible cost.
“It seems like taxes are part of the universal language” Astorino said. “It was the first thing members of the delegation asked about.”
The discussion also included social media, which is as popular in Russia as it is in the United States. The mayors mentioned that they use tablet PCs in order to keep their social media sites up to date and to stay in touch with constituents. They were delighted to be featured on the county’s Twitter, Facebook and Web pages so they could share their experience with the County Executive with constituents back home.
The trip was organized by the Rotary International and the Open World Program, in an effort to give Russian leaders the direct opportunity to meet with the American counterparts. “Meeting with County Executive Rob Astorino was wonderful” said Joe Clark from Rotary International District 7230. “It was great to share the many ways we do things in Westchester. The Russian delegation is looking forward to implementing the things they have learned here, back home.”
Members of the Russian delegation included:
Yevgeniy Yuryevich Yumashev, Mayor of Bodaybo City
- Bodaybo City is located on the Vitim and Bodaybo Rivers, near Siberia
- Population of 16,000 +
- Popular for its gold mining industry
- Temperature is usually below freezing
- Approximately 2/3 of the town’s budget goes to heating
Mikhail Borisovich Galakhov, Mayor of Valday City
- Valday City is located in between Moscow and St. Petersburg
- Population of 18,500 +
- Popular tourist destination due to its beautiful scenery and fresh water
- Most of its tourists come from Moscow and St. Petersburg
Pavel Mikhaylovich Stetsko, Chief Lawyer
- State lawyer of the Republic of Khakassia (known for its popular watch industry)
- Studied Engineering and Law
- Has been practicing law for 7 years
- Explained that in order to be a state lawyer in Russia, one must be in good health and practice law for at least 5 years
Andrey Ivanovich Golikov, Administration Head, Sukhinichi City
- Sukhinichi City is close to Moscow and known for its mining industry
- Population of 16,000 +
- There are a total of 15 schools and universities
- Known for their development of railways
Also in attendance were Yelena Sergeyevna Potapova, a translator, as well as several senior staff members of the Astorino administration, and County Attorney Robert Meehan.
More pictures of the event are available on the Westchester County Executive Flickr album.