The Chairman of the Westchester County Board of Legislators, Ken Jenkins today released a statement blasting County Executive Rob Astorino for what he called his "useless" veto of the County's tax levy.

The Board of Legislators on Monday approved a 2.25% cut in the tax levy. Astorino then vetoed the move saying it was based on "financial gimmicks" and "shoddy accounting practices" and that his initial 1% cut in the property tax levy stands.

Today, Jenkins fired back saying, "It would appear that Mr. Astorino and his advisors need to brush up on their knowledge of the County Charter.

"In  Section 167.111," he says,"it clearly states that "when the County budget shall have been finally adopted, an appropriation act for such budget shall be passed by the County Board and taxes for the ensuing year, including state, county and special district taxes, shall be levied not later than December 28."

He went on to argue, "This is the Charter role and sole responsibility of the Legislature. There is nothing for Mr. Astorino to approve."

Astorino responded saying by saying his veto was a "principled stand that was both legal and necessary."

The County Executive says the move was legal and done in consultation with the County Attorney's office, and  necessary because you cannot "Balance the budget by tricks and gimmicks-that's what they do in Albany, they do it well in Albany, but we're in a 10 billion dollar hole in this state. You have to do it through real reform, structural reform, such as unfortunately, a reduction in the workforce."