Harckham Decides Against Running for Fifth Term on BOL
County Legislator Peter Harckham (D-North Salem) announced Tuesday morning that he will not seek another term in November representing District 2 on the Board of Legislators.
Harckham, who served as Democratic Majority Leader in 2010-11, made the announcement on his Facebook page.
“As I consider what is best for my family and me looking out over the next two years, I have concluded that the best course of action is to not seek a fifth term as your County Legislator,” Harckham wrote. “I have loved this job like no other I’ve had, but it is time to move in a new direction for my family and career.”
Harckham, 54, was first elected in 2007, defeating Peter Michaelis of Bedford. He was re-elected three times, defeating Michaelis again in 2011 and Lewisboro attorney Andrea Rendo in 2013.
He made a run for the state Assembly in a February 2010 special election following the departure of Adam Bradley. In that special election, he lost to Robert Castelli.
During his seven years on the Board of Legislators, Harckham has focused on environmental issues, particularly protection of the watershed and the drinking water supply, a key issue in his district in the northeastern part of the county.
On his watch, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection agreed to a pilot project to test alternative septic technologies and to release $20 million of the agency’s funds that went toward improving water quality for Peach Lake in North Salem and throughout northern Westchester.
Harckham also led negotiations between the county, municipalities, the state and New York City to implement new MS4 septic requirements that will save municipalities hundreds of thousands of dollars.
In addition, he’s been a staunch supporter for greater funding from the county for child care for working families and for social service programs to help the working poor.
He said Tuesday that it was a difficult decision to step aside but feels the time is right at the end of this year.
“I love the work, I love the people I work with, and most importantly, I love the people I’ve worked for in northern Westchester,” Harckham said. “But we all have an internal clock that tells us when it’s time to go.”
First, however, Harckham said he wants to see several projects completed, including the police consolidation between Mount Kisco and the county.
He said he would explore opportunities in both the public and private sectors and did not rule out running for public office at some point in the future.
Before becoming county legislator, Harckham served for four years as president of A-Home, a nonprofit housing corporation that builds affordable housing in northern Westchester.
Early in his professional career, Harckham worked for advertising agencies and eventually launched his own company, Harckham Media Group, LLC.
“I have loved this job like no other I’ve had, but it is time to move in a new direction for my family and for my career,” he said.
Martin has more than 30 years experience covering local news in Westchester and Putnam counties, including a frequent focus on zoning and planning issues. He has been editor-in-chief of The Examiner since its inception in 2007. Read more from Martin’s editor-author bio here. Read Martin’s archived work here: https://www.theexaminernews.com/author/martin-wilbur2007/
