Ranking county official tapped as aide to Gov. Paterson

Westchester Deputy County Executive Larry Schwartz announced Thursday he will be leaving his post to become the first deputy secretary to Gov. David Paterson. Schwartz has been in his current job for

News 12 Staff

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Jan 23, 2009, 1:00 AM

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Updated 5,664 days ago

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Westchester Deputy County Executive Larry Schwartz announced Thursday he will be leaving his post to become the first deputy secretary to Gov. David Paterson.

Schwartz has been in his current job for eight years, but he has years of political, operational and management experience, which he plans to utilize in the governor's office in Albany.

?He's going to tap into all these things in a way that he believes would be helpful and constructive not only to the state government, but also to the people of the State of New York,? Schwartz says.

Schwartz helped Westchester County Executive Andy Spano win his first term, and after serving as chief advisor, became his deputy in 2001.

?We're one of the best managed governments in the country, and it?s mostly because of him,? Spano says. ?New York State is lucky to have him.?

Schwartz's new job will include helping run state government on a day-to-day basis, pushing Paterson's agenda in the Legislature, reforming state government and turning the state economy around.

Chief Advisor Susan Tolchin will replace Schwartz as the deputy county executive starting next month. Her position will remain unfilled.

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