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MOUNT PLEASANT, N.Y. The people of Westchester are still the driving force for Westchester County District 3 Legislator John Nonna
"I believe very strongly that we have an obligation to inform our citizens of what we are doing, why we are doing it and listening to their concerns," Nonna said
This fall, when Democrat Nonna aims to earn a third consecutive two-year term, a tax cap and debt ceiling could make it difficult for him to look out for the people of Westchester County. Yet Nonna said safety net programs, human interest groups and improving the structure of local government remain a top priority in this upcoming election, all while keeping taxes low.
In the past, Nonna has been a key legislator for safety net programs, such as Job Star, which is a program affiliated with Westchester Community College and allows those on welfare to obtain a job, and Eviction Protection, which provides rental assistance to help avoid homelessness.
"These programs save money by keeping people off government assistance and gives them opportunities to have a job. It also puts people on the right track and helps them stay out of trouble," Nonna said.
In these times of government instability and economic changes, Nonna said that the input of the people is crucial. He said he holds three to four community events a year throughout his district where the public is invited to speak about their concerns about local government and also communicated with the public through numerous newsletters via email.
Although the people are a top concern, in terms of this upcoming election, Nonna said it is still important to consider what laws are fiscally possible for the county.
"We have to consider whether it's the proper county function to pass that legislation and whether the county can enforce it in a cost-effective way," he said.
In the fall, Nonna will be challenged by Republican candidate Michael Smith.
The District 3 seat on the Westchester County Board of Legislators represents all or part of the towns of Greenburgh, Harrison, Mount Pleasant and North Castle along with the villages of Pleasantville and Briarcliff Manor.
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