Westchester Voters Go Democratic

Though the Republicans dominated the national election, Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino failed in his bid to unseat popular Governor Andrew Cuomo either in his own county or statewide. The unofficial vote tally for Westchester County shows that Cuomo got 55% of the vote to Astorino's 42%. Statewide results were similar with Cuomo at 53% to Astorino's 39%. So for now Astorino will return to White Plains and focus on county issues.

Cuomo faced criticism for disbanding the Moreland Commission, a group he had formed to investigate corruption. He angered some voters with mandating a comprehensive state testing program in local schools. However his campaign messaging stressed new gun control laws, balanced budgets and reduced tax increases due to the tax cap. Cuomo spent $30 million on the campaign to Astorino's $4.6 million. Speaking from Mt. Kisco Cuomo said, "We cut spending, we reduced taxes and jobs are coming back. Westchester County has the highest property taxes in the nation and I am tired of excuses from local government about why they can't make ends meet."

In his concession speech Astorino indicated that he would run again, saying, "We have not tilted at windmills – we have planted a flag and will be back to claim it. Better governing is what NY needs." Quoting John F. Kennedy he said, "Without debate, without criticism no administration and no country can succeed and no republic can survive."

Democrat incumbents for state office all fared well in Westchester County. Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli got 60% of the vote here and 57% statewide. Attorney General Eric Schneiderman got 59% of the vote in Westchester and 54% in NYS. Congressman Eliot Engel and State Assemblywoman Amy Paulin both ran unopposed. Commenting on her re-election, Paulin said, "I want to thank the voters in my district for their support. It has been my great pleasure to represent the people of the 88thAssembly District. Together we have accomplished so much and I look forward to continuing to work on legislation and constituent issues that matter to you and to all New Yorkers, said Paulin. "I am honored to have your trust."

Scarsdale's State Senator Andrea Stewart Cousins had a solid victory with 73% of the vote vs. 27% for her Republican challenger Robert Lopez Foti. She hoped to become the first woman to lead the majority party in the NYS Senate but her colleagues did not fare as well and the Republicans are claiming a majority of the seats in the NYS Senate. A spokesperson from her office said, "Senator Stewart-Cousins won a resounding victory in her district and thanks voters for their support."

Scarsdale's own Acting Village Justice Arlene Katz won her bid for Family Court Judge with an impressive 137,265 votes. Commenting on the results, Katz said, "It has been a great honor to serve as Acting Village Justice in Scarsdale for almost 19 years. I am now deeply honored to have been elected to the position of Family Court Judge in Westchester County. Decisions made in Family Court can have longstanding consequences and often affect every aspect of the lives of families and children every single day. I am committed to making a difference and ensuring all those who appear before me receive the services, guidance and protection they need and deserve."

All three ballot propositions passed in both Westchester and in NYS. The Scarsdale Schools will benefit from the Smart Schools Bond Act and is slated to receive $445,000 for classroom technology, high speed internet and tech smart security features from the $2 billion bond.