Westchester Reporter

Westchester County Executive George Latimer has put forward a proposal to honor former County Executive Andrew J. Spano by naming the Westchester County Archives and Records Center after him. The building would be renamed the Andrew J. Spano County Archives and Records Center, recognizing Spano's contributions during his tenure as Westchester’s seventh County Executive.

Latimer expressed his pride in acknowledging past leaders, stating: “As I close my seventh year as Westchester County Executive, I feel a sense of pride in recognizing the accomplishments of the leaders who came before me. I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to Andy and his family, and it is my hope that as people pass this County building, they will think of him fondly for all that he achieved for the people of Westchester.”

Ken Jenkins, Deputy County Executive, praised Spano's leadership qualities: “Andy Spano was the kind of leader we all aspire to be – an executive, a mentor, and a friend. He cared about making a difference in the lives of Westchester’s residents but he also cared very much about his colleagues in County government."

Vedat Gashi, Chairman of the Westchester County Board of Legislators, also commended Spano: “This is a well-deserved honor to a great man, and a great former County Executive and Yorktown’s own Andy Spano.”

County Clerk Timothy Idoni highlighted Spano's achievements: “Andy Spano is best known for twelve amazing years as our County Executive. But his public service began as first a teacher and then as an amazing County Clerk."

Barbara Davis from the Westchester County Historical Society expressed gratitude towards Spano for including their operations in developing the Records Center.

Susan Tolchin recalled her experiences working with Spano: "He created a volunteer corps to help residents search for records they needed... Later when he asked me to join his Administration, I knew he would bring change."

Larry Schwartz acknowledged Spano's initiatives during his term as both Clerk and Executive: "Some of Andy’s initiatives included creating a County Archives in the Records Center... This will serve as part of his unsung legacy."

Spano himself shared his happiness over this recognition: “Today I am really happy... not because my name is on a building... Thank you so much.”

Spano served three terms from 1998 through 2009 and was previously the county clerk from 1982 through 1994. His administration focused on environmental protection, affordable housing development, domestic violence prevention programs among other initiatives.

The proposal follows previous dedications made by Latimer such as naming trailways after Andrew P. O’Rourke and rededicating office buildings after Edwin G. Michaelian.