2019 Candidate Profile: Gordon A. Burrows For County Legislature

YONKERS, NY — Westchester County will have several contested races in this fall's election, including for County Legislature District 15. Patch asked candidates in the contested races to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Gordon A. Burrows, 61, of Yonkers, is a Republican running for re-election in District 15. His opponent is Democrat Ruth Walter.

Burrows is an attorney and has been a Westchester County Legislator for 14 years. He's been the minority whip for six years. Previously, he served for 10 years as a Yonkers city councilman.

District 15 is comprised of Bronxville and Yonkers.

The single most pressing issue facing our community, and what I intend to do about it.

Over the past several years I have successfully secured tens of millions of dollars in capital funds to help mitigate and rectify the flooding issues in the southern areas of Westchester County that adversely affect the Village of Bronxville and the City of Yonkers. The work on the bridges along the Bronx River Parkway and Saw Mill River have all incorporated the best ways to mitigate flooding. Money has been annually set aside for the past decade to address the possible dredging of the Bronx River to enhance the amount of water to be contained in the watershed. Years of planning and setting funds aside are ready to be expended to address the critical issue and if re-elected I will continue to dedicate energy toward implementing the goal.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidate seeking this post?

The critical difference between me and my opponent is the experience I have gained over my 24 years of public service. In addition, as a licensed practicing attorney I have been able to leverage my experience in government to achieve positive results for Westchester County and in particular my District. During my political career I have successfully worked with numerous administrations in a bipartisan manor all for the benefit of my constituents. Example, in year 2018 and as a member of the Litigation and Major Contracts Committees I spearheaded and recommended changes to the contract between Liberty Lines and the County of Westchester that saved the residents over $20 million over a five-year period.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

1) I Will continue to be an advocate for the environment. I was proud to receive the endorsement of the New York State League of Conservation Voters in recognition for my advocacy protecting the environment and open spaces in Westchester County.
2) Bringing smart development to Westchester, such as the North 60 project, a historic project that will bring thousands of jobs and revenue to the County and at the same time protect over 40 acres of open space.
3) Advocating for no property tax increases; over my 24 years in elected office I have a history of being a tax advocate. I do not believe in putting the burden on property owners; for over seven years there were no property tax increases and no services for County residents were lost.
4) I have successfully secured tens of millions of dollars in capital funds to rectify the flooding issues in the southern areas of Westchester County that adversely affect my district. I will continue to do the same until we successfully mitigate or eliminate the problem.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

1)Most recently, I was directly involved in saving Westchester County over 20 million dollars in newly negotiated contract with Liberty Lines.
2) Continuing to secure grants to provide additional programing to our senior population
3) I currently sit on the important committees of Legislation, Public Safety and Litigation and Major Contracts. I also served on the Charter Revision Committee. Im my current term I have helped draft and voted for legislation including but not limited to: The ban of and restricting the use of styrofoam (polystyrene), restricting the outdoor tethering of dogs, ban on synthetic drugs, Resolution which holds ConEd and NYSEG accountable and a Resolution to protect nurses.
4) My strong record of not voting for the increase of property taxes.

The best advice ever shared with me was …

"Do unto others as you would have them do to you."

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I do whatever I can to ensure that the residents of my District and Westchester County have the best quality of life possible. I have always been independent and have worked in a bipartisan manor which has enabled me to obtain the results that I have achieved over the years. Most of all I truly love what I do; representing and advocating for people. I have always put people before politics. I have an open door policy and make every effort to engage the residents of my district and am in constant communication with them through e-news, newsletters or televised meetings. I have dedicated my life to public service. I hope the voters will give me opportunity to continue working diligently for them which I am honored to do.

Find and “Like” Hudson Valley Patches' Facebook Pages.