December 8, 2005

                                                  

ROGOWSKY AND PINTO ELECTED LEADERS OF

DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS

The eleven Democrats on Westchester’s seventeen-member County Legislature have announced their new caucus leadership for the 2006 term, selecting County Legislator Martin Rogowsky of Harrison as Majority Leader and County Legislator Vito Pinto of Eastchester as Majority Whip.

As the caucus’ leaders, Rogowsky and Pinto will be in position to strongly influence what issues end up on the county legislature’s agenda. Both Rogowsky and Pinto said that the public “delivered a mandate” this past November to promote traditional democratic ideas and values. “People want county government to focus more on progressive policies and initiatives,” Rogowsky said. “I appreciate the confidence my colleagues in the caucus have placed in me to move a strong and compassionate democratic agenda forward.”

In addition to developing the agenda, caucus leaders facilitate communication both within and outside of the caucus.

Rogowsky said his first order of business would be to reach out to his Republican colleagues as well as to the County Executive’s office to establish open lines of communication. “I intend to work in a bi-partisan way and seek the cooperation of my colleagues across the aisle,” Rogowsky said. “Quite simply, we’ll get more accomplished if we can work out our differences. I’ll work closely George Oros, the Minority Leader, to find areas of agreement. I’ll also work closely with the County Executive to ensure that the administration knows what the people in our various legislative districts need and expect.”

Pinto said he looks forward to advancing the work of the caucus as Majority Whip. “I agree with Marty that good communication is critical to being effective leaders,” Pinto said. “Whether it’s a misunderstanding within or outside the caucus, I will work hard to keep the dialog open and honest.”

Rogowsky and Pinto will assume their leadership positions on January 1, 2006.