Andy Spano

Whether in government, politics or education, Andy Spano has always been a leader with vision, recognized nationally for his groundbreaking accomplishments. As a strong, tireless advocate for people, he likes nothing better than getting “out there” to share ideas with the people in his community. His new radio show on WVOX, 1460AM, Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow, is Andy’s latest venture into this territory. Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow will provide background and perspective on the issues which drive our economy and our elections, and will serve as a forum for voter education and exchange about those local and national issues.

Serving as the Westchester County Executive from 1998-2010, Andy brought Westchester into the national spotlight with innovations that benefited local residents and served as models for the country. Elected by large margins in 1998, 2001 and 2005, Andy initiated dozens of programs to improve the quality of life in Westchester, including programs that protect the environment, encourage affordable housing, combat domestic violence and enhance the security and safety of all county residents.

A long-time steward of the environment, Andy preserved 2,300 acres of open space from Yonkers to Yorktown and instituted innovative programs and partnerships designed to protect water quality. He tripled, to $30 million, the County’s New Homes Land Acquisition Fund, which helped builders of affordable housing overcome the high cost of land. Under his administration, the county expanded day care and instituted programs to protect children against predators and addressed problems such as teen drinking, smoking and obesity. In addition, Andy worked to make government more accessible through the county's award-winning website and through "Westchester Telecom," an innovative plan to aggregate the information needs of schools, governments, and other public institutions which enabled the creation of a high-speed fiber optic network that links the entire County. Westchester County remains the only county in Westchester with a ubiquitous broadband network.

As past president of County Executives of America, an organization representing the interests of counties nationwide, Mr. Spano used his influence to make changes in state and national policy. Throughout his tenure as County Executive, Mr. Spano brought Westchester into the national spotlight, with cutting edge programs that have made Westchester first. As a board member of the New York State Association of Counties, he was successful in getting the state to reduce the cost of Medicaid to counties, lifting a growing burden from local taxpayers. A groundbreaking lawsuit against a local utility helped to reduce electric costs for consumers who were being unfairly charged higher rates.

As Westchester County Clerk, Andy revolutionized the Clerk’s Office, gaining national recognition as an advocate for reengineering government to save tax dollars and provide better services. Andy’s introduction of modern technologies tripled the amount of work done with no increase in staff. Again he lobbied for wider changes, helping to guide a law through the State Legislature that created a records management improvement fund which benefited clerk’s offices statewide. As County Clerk, he also developed a nationally renowned Archives and Records Center, which provides access to the largest public and private historical collections.

As an educator, his early years spent teaching social studies ultimately gave way to a career as an administrator and advocate for children with special needs. An innovator in his field, he started an alternative school for children and ultimately became a founder and one of the leaders of the United Federation of Teachers in New York City.

Andy has been recognized by many prestigious groups for his contributions and accomplishments. He has been the recipient of numerous awards in the areas of human rights, education, government and labor. Some of these include: an honorary doctorate in Commercial Affairs awarded by Pace University; an honorary doctorate in Humane Letters awarded by Manhattanville College; the O’ Hare Medal awarded by Fordham University’s School for Social Justice; the Westchester Arts Council's "Man of the Year" award; the League of Conservation Voters award, the Guardian of the Sound award for environmental protection of the Long Island Sound; and the Fight Hunger Award from the Westchester Coalition of Food Pantries and Soup Kitchens.

Born April 17, 1936, Mr. Spano grew up in the Bronx and holds bachelor's and master's degrees from Fordham University. He and his wife, Brenda Resnick Spano, live in Yorktown and have six grown children and nine grandchildren.