GOP’s Oros not running for county board
Legislator George Oros, R-Cortlandt, today announced he was not seeking re-election in November, potentially bruising an already battered Republican presence on the Westchester County Board of Legislators. There are currently four Republicans on the 17-member board.
But don’t count the former county board chairman out of politics just yet.
In a letter sent out this morning, Oros said he is not withdrawing from public service altogether, but rather going to focus more time with his Common Sense Political Action Committee.
Here’s what he told supporters in a letter:
Dear Friends,
Please let me share with you first, an announcement I will make shortly. I have decided not to seek re-election to the Westchester County Legislature this fall to focus more intently on my future in public service. For fourteen years it has been an honor and privilege to serve the people of the First County Legislative District, as well as Board Chairman and Minority Leader. Thanks to the support and encouragement of so many residents of Cortlandt, Peekskill and Yorktown, much has been achieved to enrich our area and improve the quality of life.
Rest assured I have no intention to fade from public service or politics. Indeed quite the opposite is true. I expect that my next challenge will be directed to a broader and more responsible level of representation. Soon, an announcement will be made regarding a new public sector role that will afford me an opportunity to serve the lower Hudson Valley community on an important issue. Meanwhile, you can count on me to remain a dedicated and committed crusader to the cause of less government waste and abuse, lower taxes and honest representation at all governmental levels.
My first run for office was inspired by values instilled by my parents to give back to the community that gives you so much. I have been guided by principles of integrity, fairness and an overriding faith in the people. With those principles in mind, I recently announced the formation of a new political action committee known as Common Sense Now Pac. It is dedicated to restoring Common Sense to government to meet the difficult challenges of today. For this organization to make a real impact, it will require a considerable amount of my time and energy.
Please accept my sincere thanks and gratitude for all you have done for me and my family over these 14 years. The kindness, appreciation and support made being your legislator enjoyable. You will be seeing more of me in the months ahead, and with your support, the years ahead. I look forward to serving all of you through the end of this term and in the not too distant future at yet another level.
Sincerely,
George Oros
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Oros wants to run for the Senate seat that he anticipates may become vacant in his district. That seat is currently held by Senator Leibell, I do not think Oros has enough steam to win this seat. I would say if Leibell does not run again for some reason, Mike Kaplowitz will be the front runner. Unless of course Greg Ball decides he wants to run for the seat, then he may become the favorite.
vinny leibell is a senator in a very republican district
Mike Kaplowitz cannot win that district…george oros
can..so can greg…but what remains to be seen is whether
greg challenges hall for congress..or defaults to the
state legislature
It is a sad day for the County, as well as Republican party, to lose such a valuable resource and proponent for the people of Westchester County.
I wish George Oros well, and I hope he does come back to serve us in another public sector soon.
Very true, but had he been consistently louder and more forceful, even in the face of an impossible situation on that Board, he would have no problem moving on to a higher office of his choice. As it is, through no fault of his own, for his last years, he wasted away there. Maybe he can make a comeback of sorts.
once again, the consultant talks out of his a$$.
the 40th senate district has 69,392 democrats compared to 67,306 republicans. 9,126 inpendence; 4,501 conservative; and 50,527 blanks.
this district does not seem ‘very republican’ to me, mike.
the democrat will have the upper-hand in 2010 so long as the gop keeps floundering. and since the gop has nothing to offer, the democrat was also be awarded the coveted independence party nod.
vinnie leibell wins this seat time and again because he’s vinnie leibell, a moderate, level-headed legislator.
greg ball could never win in the 19th congressional district, let alone the 40th senatorial district.
even mr. oros will have an uphill battle in this race.
luckily for the gop, an oros vs. kaplowitz race will be a battle of the dullards. but who says kaplowitz is the candidate?
my money’s on the dems to take this seat.
you are correct..that quote referred to changing registration generally not in oros’s district
Is Vinny Leibell retiring? If he does, I think this seat is wide open with Kaplowitz, Ball and Oro’s being the front runners as of today. This is a big district, you may see many people explore a run for this seat if it becomes an open seat. Kaplowitz and Oros have lost steam over the last few years, Ball is a one issue candidate. Maybe someone like Birmingham, Puglisi, Cooper or someone of that sort throws their name into the race. This race will be interesting if Leibell is retiring. I think someone other then Oro’s Kaplowitz or Ball will end up winning this seat.
Oros is a conservative, but he is a class act. Who knows if he can win the State Senate seat, but long ago, in the days of Steve Tenore and George Latimer, Oros did a good job as Board Chairman. The stories of recent years has blotted out what was a good 10 years. Oros deserves better.
I agree that Oro’s best days are behind him, timing is everything, the time is wrong for him.