Astorino well connected to community: Varinder Bhalla.
By The American Bazaar Staff
NEW YORK: Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino accepted the nomination for Governor of New York at the Republican State Convention in Rye Brook on May 15. Chemung County Sheriff Chris Moss, who serves as President of the New York State Sheriff’s Association, was nominated as Astorino’s running mate for the office of Lieutenant Governor.
“Astorino is well connected with the Indian American community in Westchester and eager to work with Asian Americans all across the state”, said Varinder Bhalla, Chairman, Indian American Voters Forum, an avid supporter of Astorino.
Bhalla was invited to attend the Republican Convention as a personal guest of the County Executive. The Republican gubernatorial candidate is currently serving his second term as County Executive after being re-elected by a 13-point margin in a heavily Democratic county which has only 24% Republicans.
In his acceptance speech, Astorino hammered home his signature themes about the importance of lowering New York taxes and reducing regulatory red tape on large and small business owners who create jobs. Astorino also lamented that the “once great Empire State of New York is now ranked by the American Legislative Exchange Council as having the worst economic outlook in America, with the highest property taxes and the highest overall tax burden.”
On a positive note, Astorino said that New York has what it takes to become the nation’s economic powerhouse again.
In a separate statement, Astorino congratulated the people of India and the Indian community in New York on the successful culmination of India’s historic national election with an unprecedented voter turnout of 66 percent, and hoped that Indian American voters in New York too will turn out in large numbers in the November election.
“The Indian community has seen it in Westchester; Rob is always accessible when needed and is mindful of the contributions of the Indian community”, says Thomas Koshy, a wholesale trader of gold jewelry and Chairman of the New York State Indian American Republican Party.
“As County Executive, Rob Astorino froze or lowered the County property tax every year since he took office in 2010 and reduced overall spending, achieving the best credit rating for our county and one of the lowest unemployment rates in New York State”, said Harry Singh, a real estate broker and property tax consultant.
Singh, Chairman of Asian American Republican Committee, was appointed by Astorino to the Human Rights Commission and Fair Housing Board of Westchester County.
“Not many people know Rob Astorino outside Westchester; so what are his chances of winning the election?” Bhalla asked Senator Dean Skelos.
“Twenty years ago, at this time, no one knew George Pataki outside Poughkeepsie and he was elected governor three times”, replied the Majority Leader of the New York State Senate.