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The committee hosted its annual golf day and dinner Thursday at Anglebrook Golf Club.
Astorino, the Westchester County Executive who is running for governor on the Republican ticket against incumbent Andrew Cuomo, was the guest of honor, though he was unable to attend. Astorino was in New York City debating Cuomo's primary opponent, Zephyr Teachout on WNYC Radio.
In Astorino's place was Kevin Plunkett, the deputy county executive. Plunkett said Astorino has the same momentum George Pataki had in 1994 when he unseated Cuomo's father, Mario Cuomo as governor.
"We are all working together," Plunkett said. "We hold the position that we are not moving in the right direction. Is New York winning or losing?"
Plunkett said municipalities have been hurt by unfunded mandates and jobs are fleeing the state. He also criticized Cuomo for his handling of the Moreland Commission.
"This was a corrupt act," Plunkett said. "That is wrong. He needs to be held accountable."
Since Astorino has become county executive, Westchester's tax levy has fallen two percent, Plunkett said. If Astorino is governor, New York would begin drilling for natural gas.
"We can do it in an environmentally safe way," Plunkett said. "It will create jobs. This is a big state and a lot of people are losing."
When it comes to education, Plunkett said Astorino had a 15-point platform and that Common Core was not working.
"The governor has washed his hands of Common Core," Plunkett said. :"People have had enough of Albany's bullying attitude."
James Chisholm, chairman of the committee, said this was the perfect time for Astorino to be elected.
"He has put Westchester back on the right track," Chisholm said.
Rick Morrissey, supervisor of the Town of Somers, said he believes Astorino will provide mandate relief if he is elected.
"He has made Westchester a better place to do business and has kept taxes down," Morrissey said.
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