Legislator Margaret Cunzio Announces Re-Election Bid

PLEASANTVILLE, NY – Legislator Margaret Cunzio (C-Mount Pleasant) is running for re-election to the Westchester County Board of Legislators. District 3 includes Mount Pleasant, North Castle, Pleasantville and parts of Greenburgh, Briarcliff Manor, and Sleepy Hollow. Cunzio was first elected in November 2015.

Part of the record she points to is her membership in the bipartisan coalition that has worked cooperatively in the legislature.

In addition, she highlighted shepherding the Westchester BioScience & Technology Center lease agreement at North 60 in Valhalla through the Board of Legislators with a unanimous vote of approval. The $1.2 billion project will further spur economic development by generating additional tax revenue and creating thousands of jobs, while preserving more than 40 acres of open space and utilizing green technologies.

Cunzio supported the bipartisan 2017 budget that carries no tax levy increase, preserves essential services, increases funding for public safety, and maintains the County’s support of various non-profit partner groups in our communities.

She said she has also strongly defended local control of zoning and the notion of ‘home-rule.’

“It has been an honor and privilege to serve the hard-working taxpayers of District 3 as their County Legislator," she said in her announcement. "I have always approached this position from a nonpartisan perspective. I’m proud to have worked diligently with my colleagues, Republicans and Democrats alike, on items ranging from roadway safety and banning synthetic drugs to the North 60 legislation, which will importantly drive economic development. Working together, we have made government work for the people of Westchester County.”

Since beginning her term last January, Cunzio has chaired the Legislature’s Committee on Appointments, vetting executive and legislative appointments to County boards and positions, and has served on the committees on Budget & Appropriations and Labor/Parks/Planning/Housing (LPPH).

She has worked to establish a framework for an agreement that will preserve the historic Elijah Miller House/George Washington’s Headquarters in North White Plains. The property had been at the center of political disagreements for more than a decade.

“Margaret Cunzio has quickly become a force to be reckoned with on the Westchester County Board of Legislators," said Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, also a resident of District 3. "She is smart, committed, and fearless in advocating for Westchester’s middle class taxpayers – and for common sense in government. If you want efficient, no-nonsense government and a fearless protector of your pocketbook, Margaret Cunzio is your legislator. I emphatically endorse her re-election.”

New York State Senator Terrence Murphy (SD-40) said, “County Legislator Cunzio is a relentless advocate for her constituents and an incredible partner to have on the County Board of Legislators. She’s a true public servant who is committed to giving all Westchester residents an opportunity to succeed. She has represented the 3rd Legislative District with honor and integrity and deserves another term in office.”

Cunzio, a lifelong Westchester County resident who grew up in Armonk, graduated from Byram Hills High School and has resided in Thornwood with her husband for the past 18 years. A New York State certified teacher and administrator, she is currently a faculty member at Iona College and Western Connecticut State University, and is a fitness instructor at Equinox in Armonk. She is also a longtime animal advocate and pet rescuer.

Last month, Cunzio’s re-election bid was endorsed by the Westchester/Putnam Central Labor Body AFL-CIO.