January 11, 2007

RYAN APPOINTS PINTO CHAIR OF LEGISLATION COMMITTEE

Westchester County Board Chair Bill Ryan (D-I-WF, White Plains) appointed County Legislator Vito Pinto (D-I-WF, Eastchester) Chair of the Board’s Legislation Committee, effective January 10.  Pinto has given up his current position as Majority Whip to assume the position. He replaces Legislation Committee Chair County Legislator Clinton I. Young, Jr. (D-I, Mt. Vernon) who was elected the Board’s Vice Chair at Monday’s Board meeting.

“We have a great deal of important work ahead but right now, the most pressing task at hand is the legislative package we’re putting together to bring to Albany,”  said Pinto. “We have many important issues on the table, including significant public safety measures as well as several initiatives that would lead toward critically needed property tax relief. I’m hopeful that with the new governor, we will have a very productive year.”

Pinto, a Tuckahoe native, was the first Democrat to be elected by the 10th District. Prior to his election as County Legislator in 1997, Mr. Pinto served on the Tuckahoe Village Board from 1983-1985 and the Eastchester Town Council from 1985-1997. He enjoyed a 32-year career in education, retiring from the Tuckahoe School District in June 2002.

During his tenure on the Board, Pinto has chaired the Committee on County Officers and Departments, the Public Works Committee and the Parks Committee.  A Vietnam War veteran, he is an outspoken advocate for veterans’ issues. He’s a staunch supporter of issues related to senior citizens, youth, the disabled, the County’s parks and public safety. Pinto sponsored legislation to keep guns out of the hands of kids and has successfully urged the County to upgrade its emergency response services. He is the Board’s liaison to the Westchester County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Board.

Legislator Pinto is a 1958 graduate of Tuckahoe High School. He earned his BS Degree in Industrial Arts Education from SUNY Oswego and a Masters in Guidance and Counseling from New York University.