Assemblyman Robert J. Castelli, Neighbor

Robert J. Castelli has served as the Assemblyman for the 89th Assembly District in Westchester County since taking office in a Special Election on February 9, 2010.<br><br>Assemblyman Castelli is considered one of the most fiercely independent voices in the legislature, fighting to change Albany and make Westchester a more affordable place to live. He believes that Westchester County taxpayers are tired of paying the highest property taxes in the nation. Since being elected, he has proven himself one of the most effective lawmakers despite Albany&#39;s infamous reputation for dysfunction, passing two pieces of his legislation in his first 120 days in office.<br><br>As one of only two combat veterans in the State Assembly, he currently serves as ranking Minority member of the prestigious Assembly Veterans’ Affairs Committee. He also serves on the Environmental Conservation Committee for his strong environmental advocacy, as well as the influential Governmental Operations, Election Law, and Alcoholism and Substance Abuse committees.<br><br>Assemblyman Castelli has dedicated his life to public service. He is a Vietnam veteran who, after a distinguished 21-year career in the New York State Police, which included service on the elite Special Investigations Unit and the New York State Organized Crime Task Force, went on to receive his graduate degree in public administration from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.<br><br>From 1996 to 2010, as a college professor at Iona College and at CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Assemblyman Castelli used his experience to help shape the future leaders of our State. As a small businessman, he operates a security consulting business, and is a nationally- recognized commentator to television and print media on terrorism and homeland security, criminal investigation, organized crime, white collar crime, security management and police procedures.<br><br>From 2000 to 2004, Assemblyman Castelli was a Lewisboro Town Councilman, and in 2010 he served as Chair of the Public Safety and Emergency Services Transition Committees for Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino. He holds certifications as a Certified Fraud Examiner, Crime Prevention Specialist, Certified Criminal Analyst, Certified Protection Professional, Certified Police and Security Officer Instructor, Certified Firearms Instructor and licensed and bonded Private Investigator.<br><br>He resides in Goldens Bridge and is the proud father of two sons: Christian, a Lt. Colonel in the United States Army Special Forces, and also a graduate of the Kennedy School, and Paul, an ordained Minister, serving a congregation in southern Florida.<br><br>The 89th Assembly District includes Bedford, Harrison, Lewisboro, Mt. Kisco, New Castle, North Castle, Pound Ridge and White Plains.