Candidate Profile: Joe Torres For Westchester County District 1

PEEKSKILL, NY — In the upcoming general election, residents of Westchester will be voting for county and local officials.

Patch is asking candidates in the contested races to answer questions about their campaigns.

In Westchester, county legislators are up for election. For District 1, which covers Cortlandt, Peekskill and Yorktown, Republican Joe Torres is challenging incumbent Democrat Colin Smith who is running for his second term.

Torres, 55, is a former Peekskill Common Council member. He owns and operates a small plumbing business.

He is also a former Peekskill auxiliary police office and was the council liaison to the police and fire departments, as well as the Office of Emergency Management, according to his campaign website.

Torres is married and has two grown sons.

Campaign website

friendsofjoetorres.com

Here are the answers to a series of questions as submitted by Joe Torres. They were lightly edited for style and clarity — not content.

Why are you seeking elective office?

I'm running for the Board of Legislator District 1 seat as the time for change is apparent. District 1 is a unique blend of Northern Westchester communities who are burdened by tax and spend Democrat policies in White Plains. Incumbent Colin Smith has had this seat for two years with nothing to show. While we all suffered under COVID, Smith received a pay raise and stood by while his legislature increased fees on small businesses. When our first responders were vilified, he remained quiet. When John Testa occupied this seat, we didn't have these issues. We need to stem the tax hikes, applaud our first responders, and support our small businesses. It is time for common sense leadership in our community. Former Peekskill Mayor and Governor of New York, George Pataki agrees and believes I am the right person by endorsing my campaign!

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Leadership, honesty and transparency are key to addressing the issues that affect District 1. We believe strongly we will win this seat. When we do I will not disappear or stand idly by while White Plains makes decisions that affect our community; only to appear a few months before re-election time. You will know my voting record in my future newsletters. I will also work hard so that all of you will know who I am and how I represent you. Leadership, honesty and transparency I pledge to you and I believe this will become very important. It is my understanding there are talks underway by Democrats seeking to take away your local zoning control so that THEY can control incoming low-income housing in YOUR neighborhood. Yorktown had a recent brush with this monster in the closet when they were to receive funding from the county government.

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

My opponent, Colin Smith has been in office for two years and has little to nothing to show for it. He stood by silent while our police officers were vilified. Now, election season is upon us and he claims to support the police. I was Police Liaison to the Council when I was in office and I volunteered my services to the Office of Emergency Management for years. My opponent's record is embarrassing. He should have more to show for his time in office. I will work hard for my constituents.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?

My opponent has been Missing-In-Office. I've been running a grassroots campaign and most evenings I am out walking the community. Colin Smith is largely unknown in Cortland, Montross, Buchanan, Verplank and Yorktown. Most people, Democrat, Independent and Republican alike, are unaware who their county Legislator is. Colin Smith rarely leaves Peekskill. He has failed to represent 5 of the 6 towns he represents.

How do you think local officials performed in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?

Once again, Colin Smith proved a failure. Providing an extension, or grace period of a few weeks to pay your taxes is NOT a tax break. Colin Smith stood by while small businesses were hit with increased county fees during COVID. Same time he benefited from a pay raise.

Our community needed tax relief and support. Colin Smith delivered neither. Even though I was not in office, I found the time to volunteer at local food banks to distribute meals to families in need.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

When John Testa held this seat there was Leadership, Honesty, and Integrity. I will bring back Leadership, Honesty and Integrity. I will make public my work for our community and will not hide until the next election cycle. I'm here to work for you!

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

Serving on the City of Peekskill Common Council showed me just how effective a small group of dedicated public servants can be when working together. When we were sworn in, Peekskill had a large deficit. We cut spending and waste and built that reserve back. My time as a Councilmember also taught me humility and respect for those whose opinions may be different from mine. I learned to find common ground and get things done.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

"You only get one change at your reputation." Reputation is vital. I've worked hard to keep my promises and the voters trust. I will continue to serve you with dignity, compassion and honesty.

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

I'm not the typical politician. I am an everyday "Joe" who works six days a week for the small plumbing business I own. I know how to get things done and how to work with others toward a goal.