Bill Hopes to Avoid George Santos Candidate in Westchester
County Exec. George Latimer signs Truthful Disclosure legislation for candidates at Mt. Vernon High School, with BOL Chair Catherine Borgia, Deputy County Exec. Ken Jenkins, BOL Majority Leader Christopher Johnson and County Legislator David Tubiolo looking on
Following the discovery of an ongoing high-profile case of an elected official lying about their resume, County Executive George Latimer and Board of Legislators Chairwoman Catherine Borgia are taking steps to help ensure that never happens here in Westchester County by enacting legislation requiring a public record of candidates’ resumes. At a ceremony held at the high school listed on Latimer’s resume, the County Executive signed this unanimously passed, tri-partisan new measure into law.
Latimer said: “Honesty is the number one trait all who hold elected office must possess – and what has happened with a particular elected official in the news recently has only further reinforced the negative stereotype that all ‘politicians are liars.’ This legislation will help ensure we never see a case like that here in Westchester County Government and I look forward to working with the Board on its implementation.”
Board of Legislators Chairwoman Catherine Borgia said: “Transparency is the cornerstone of good governance, and the Truthful Disclosure Law is a vital step towards ensuring that our elected officials are held accountable to the people they serve. This law promotes integrity and trust in our political system, and helps to safeguard the public interest. It is a good example of responsible, ethical leadership, and a model for other communities to follow.”
The new law will require candidates for County Legislator and County Executive to complete a Candidate Disclosure Form that provides biographical information, including the candidate’s educational, military, and employment histories. The Candidate Disclosure Form will also require the candidate to certify that the information contained in the form is true and correct. This form shall be open for public inspection.
