WHITE PLAINS, NY — After more than a month of working to deliver on his promise of returning Westchester County government to the people, County Executive George Latimer continued this mission by naming longtime County Legislator Jim Maisano (R-New Rochelle) as the Director of the Department of Consumer Protection.
Latimer said: “We are of different political parties, and we remain in different political parties, but we have a shared commitment to the people of Westchester County.”
Maisano said: “I am so excited and grateful that this Administration has given me this opportunity. It is incredible that George reached across party lines to show that the most important thing is the County of Westchester. We have a fabulous County government and everyone, Democrats, Republicans and Independents should be working together to make this an even better County.”
Maisano brings an extensive record of public service on behalf of all Westchester County residents to the evolving Latimer Administration. Since his election to the County Board of Legislators in 1997, Maisano has served in numerous leadership positions, including most recently as Vice-Chairman of the Board from 2014-2017, and Minority Leader from 2010-2013. For over two decades as a legislator Maisano focused on the areas of governmental and fiscal reform, environmental protection and improving municipal recreation and parks. In addition to his public service, Maisano brings a wealth of legal experience to the job. He currently practices law at his own firm in New Rochelle, concentrating his practice on business litigation, real estate, wills, estates and probate actions.
Maisano, raised in New Rochelle, is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps where he worked as a landing support specialist in embarkation and logistics. Maisano served as platoon sergeant, supervising and training a platoon of marines. He was honorably discharged as a sergeant, and received several awards and commendations during his service to our country.
Latimer said: “Jim and I have a long history of working together to tackle the challenges facing our County – no matter our party affiliation. He has always advocated for the people of this County based on what he thought was the right thing to do, regardless of politics. I look forward to continuing our work together as he heads this department, which serves as the peoples’ watchdog.”
Maisano said: “I am very pleased to continue my public service in a ‘hands on’ position where I can really help the people of Westchester County. The Department of Consumer Protection is important and I am honored that County Executive Latimer has entrusted me to direct the County’s efforts to safeguard our residents from unscrupulous businesses and dangerous products. I will make sure that the Department of Consumer Protection is a robust, efficient and transparent operation.
The Department of Consumer Protection is charged with ensuring a fair and equitable marketplace for consumers through various initiatives including scam alert and protections, licensing of plumbers and electrical engineers, helping consumers find the lowest gasoline and oil prices, ensuring accuracy of weights and measures, protecting consumers from the sale of unsafe children’s products and other programs aimed to ensure fairness to Westchester’s consumers.
Maisano will officially begin his new duties on February. 26.