Area Politicians Meet and Greet in Harrison

About a dozen area politicians gathered at the Sunday afternoon for a meet and great with locals.

The League of Women Voters of Harrison hosted the event, which was attended by a small but enthusiastic crowd. Lola Geiger, the president of the local league of women voters, introduced the politicians, many of whom she has known for decades.

"I just want to thank the league of women voters. People don't realize how much time and effort goes into these things," said Harrison Mayor/Supervisor Ron Belmont (R). "It's a great afternoon."

Almost all of Harrison's local political leaders attended the event. Belmont read a special proclamation honoring former Westchester County Legislator Martin Rogowski (D), who retired this year.

"I have never seen anyone as dedicated as he was and probably will still be," State Senator Suzi Oppenheimer, who recently announced from public office, said of Rogowski. "He was in there for all of us."

Rogowski, who lives in Harrison, said although his run in public office is over he hopes to remain involved in local politics as an at-large resident.

Belmont, Oppenheimer, Assemblyman Robert Castelli (R) and Congressman Nita Lowey (D) were among those who addressed the group from a podium. Most of the politicians discussed the important role local government can have in the lives of people in the area and their optimism for the year to come.

"If you lost your job or come across hard times, having someone in with you really makes a difference," Lowey said in her statement. "Most importantly, we help people help themselves."

The event is also an opportunity for the League of Women Voters to promote involvement in local politics, said Geiger, who said she hopes to continue organizing community outreach events with young voters throughout the year.