Pete Harckham to Resign from Legislature for Position in Cuomo Administration

Westchester County Legislator Pete Harckham (D-North Salem) is resigning his post to take an appointment by Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the state Office of Community Renewal, according to county officials.

Harckham’s resignation takes effect on June 1. He announced in February that he would not seek a fifth county legislative term.

“I am honored to have been appointed by the Governor to serve the people of New York in the Office of Community Renewal,” said Harckham in a statement. “This new chapter in my public service will allow me to return to my roots in housing and community renewal work. I am very grateful for the opportunity to have served the people of northeast Westchester for the past eight years and for the trust that my constituents vested in me. In my new position, I will continue to be active in other ways that will benefit the people of Westchester and the Hudson Valley.”

• Related: Westchester County Legislator Pete Harckham Will Not Seek Re-Election

Harckham’s legislative seat will be filled for the remainder of his term by an appointment of the full Board of Legislators. By Charter, that person cannot run for reelection. The county district Harckham served, the 2nd Legislative District, encompasses Bedford, Lewisboro, Pound Ridge, Mount Kisco, North Salem and Part of Somers.

“Pete has been an invaluable asset to the people of his district and Westchester County,” said Catherine Borgia (D-Ossining), the Board of Legislators Majority Leader, in a statement. Harckham, himself, served as Majority Leader for four years. “At the Board of Legislators, we will miss his expertise and good judgment on so many issues, especially those related to housing and community development. Pete’s commitment to serving all of the people of Westchester has been at the core of so many positive things that have happened in Westchester in the past decade. While we will certainly miss him, there is no doubt that he will continue to work on behalf of the people of Westchester.”

Harckham will serve as Assistant Director of the Office of Community Renewal at the Office of Homes and Community Renewal, according to the governor’s office. During his eight years in the county legislature, Harckham served on committees focused on housing, planning, and the environment.

Previously, he worked in media and media planning and served as president at an affordable housing not-for-profit.

Photo: Pete Harckham. Photo credit: Westchester County Board of Legislators

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