While many Americans are focusing on the presidential election, local elections are also approaching. In our district (NY-16) George Latimer is looking to fill the congressional seat after beating Jamaal Bowman in the district Democratic primary back in late June. Latimer is currently the Westchester County Executive but has held many positions in local and state government, from Rye City Council to City and State Legislatures.
In an exclusive interview with Globe staff, Latimer shared his thoughts on the upcoming election, noting how he is incredibly proud of what he has been able to achieve so far: “I have fought for the rights of all people while seeking common sense, effective policies that make a real difference in people’s lives.”
George Latimer is a Westchester native; he grew up in Mount Vernon, only 20 minutes away from Mamaroneck. Latimer has spent his whole life in New York, receiving a bachelor’s degree from Fordham University before going on to pursue a master’s degree in public policy from New York University.
During his time as County Executive, he has helped pass numerous policies that support LGBTQIA+ individuals, created a gun-safe environment within Westchester county, electrified and made the Bee-Line bus service accessible, and supported women’s reproductive rights. He plans to continue to support the same values in Congress while fighting present-day issues, such as climate change.
According to Latimer, “The climate crisis is undoubtedly one of the most consequential issues of our lifetime. And, as County Executive, I have led the fight to address climate change and environmental injustice.”
There are many key policies that he has signed off on that support his dedication to facing the issue. He explains, “We have authorized effective laws and funding, such as the Lead Free Parks Act, the Addressing Asthma in Communities of Color Amendment, the Renewable Energy Database Act, and the Equity in Environmental Legislation Act. We have also worked to prevent the discharge of radioactive waste into the Hudson River during the decommissioning of the Indian Point nuclear power plant.”
Latimer prioritizes uplifting all communities, defending democracy, protecting reproductive freedoms, investing in infrastructure, keeping our communities safe, standing with American allies abroad, safeguarding the environment, supporting comprehensive immigration reform, protecting Medicare and Social Security, and making sure all children can thrive.
Latimer also promises to focus on what he believes is the most significant issue facing our district: housing. “I intend to create more housing. Specifically, among my goals is to see an increase in the SALT (State And Local Taxes) deduction cap, which has negatively impacted most homeowners in my district.”
At the moment Westchester residents cannot deduct their expenses from their taxes to the same extent that many who live in more affordable areas can. His main concern is the lack of new and renovated units for the young families who have the funds for housing but are not able to find a home due to historic lack of existing/planned units.
Latimer feels his biggest strength is how he places “the needs and interests of [his] constituents and communities” first. He also feels that he is strong at working with others, including “those who [he does] not align with on every issue,” which is why Latimer is not worried about working with his fellow constituents who are Republican.
He believes that they all share a common ground–serving their districts: “Although we live in polarizing times, I believe with the right leadership this can be achieved again… I strongly believe that fundamentally we all want the same things like access to opportunity, …financial security, safer communities, great schools, family sustaining jobs and lucrative careers that provide us as individuals and our families a chance to achieve the American dream.”
Latimer shares that he has enjoyed many memories while on the campaign trail over the last few months. However, he adds that what has stood out the most to him is being able to meet the constituents who he has known throughout his career while also greeting Bronx families from the Wakefield neighborhood, which is the new area he will be representing if he is elected.
