Margaret Cunzio for Westchester County Legislator, District 3
Firefighter. Advocate. Your Voice in Westchester.
Representing District 3
Public Safety & First Responders
As a volunteer firefighter, Margaret understands what our emergency services need. She's secured equipment grants for six fire departments and expanded tax exemptions for volunteer first responders.
Learn More →Protecting Our Communities
From lithium-ion battery safety legislation to the Food Allergy Restaurant Safety Act, Margaret champions practical laws that save lives without burdening businesses.
Learn More →Rescuing & Protecting Animals
Having personally rescued and rehomed over 270 animals, Margaret authored the Dog Anti-Tethering Law and strengthened the Animal Abuse Registry to protect Westchester's most vulnerable.
Learn More →Building Stronger Infrastructure
Margaret delivered a $1.1 million water line project for Quarry Heights and advocates for infrastructure investments across District 3.
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A Leader Who Shows Up
Margaret Cunzio doesn't just legislate — she serves. As a certified volunteer firefighter with the Thornwood Fire Department, she brings firsthand experience to every public safety decision.
When she sits in Board of Legislators meetings after a fire call the night before, she knows exactly who she's voting for and why equipment grants aren't just line items.
Results That Matter
Margaret doesn't just talk about issues — she gets things done. Here's what she's delivered for District 3.
Public Safety
- ▸ Equipment grants secured for 6 fire departments across District 3
- ▸ Volunteer first responder tax exemptions expanded — eligibility cut from 5 years to 2
- ▸ HERRO tuition assistance program increased from $500K to $600K
- ▸ Landmark lithium-ion battery safety legislation passed
Community Health
- ▸ Food Allergy Restaurant Safety Act — passed unanimously, protecting 32 million Americans with allergies
- ▸ Mandatory allergen training for restaurant staff countywide
- ▸ Battery fire public education campaigns launched
- ▸ Emergency responder notification requirements for battery storage systems
Animal Welfare
- ▸ Dog Anti-Tethering Law authored and passed
- ▸ Animal Abuse Registry strengthened with expanded investigative powers
- ▸ Partnered with DA's office to improve enforcement
- ▸ 270+ animals personally rescued and rehomed from the Outer Banks
Infrastructure
- ▸ $1.1 million secured for Quarry Heights water line project in North Castle
- ▸ Coordinated EPA, NYS Health Dept., and Westchester Joint Water Works
- ▸ American Legion Hall grant secured with New York State representatives
- ▸ Ongoing advocacy for lead pipe replacement programs countywide
What People Are Saying
From the Blog
Supporting Our Volunteer Firefighters: Securing Critical Equipment Grants
Margaret helped six volunteer fire departments in District 3 secure grants for essential equipment — SCBA filling stations, utility terrain vehicles, and a fireboat for Sleepy Hollow.
Making Dining Safer: Food Allergy Restaurant Safety Act Protects Lives
The Food Allergy Restaurant Safety Act passed unanimously — requiring allergen training for staff at every restaurant in Westchester County, protecting 32 million Americans with food allergies.
Protecting Our Most Vulnerable: Strengthening Animal Abuse Laws in Westchester
Drawing on her experience rescuing over 270 animals, Margaret championed the Dog Anti-Tethering Law and strengthened the Animal Abuse Registry with expanded investigative powers.
Delivering Clean Water to Quarry Heights: A Victory for North Castle Families
Margaret secured $1.1 million for new water lines in North Castle's Quarry Heights neighborhood — coordinating the EPA, NYS Health Department, and Westchester Joint Water Works to get it done.
Addressing an Emerging Threat: Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Legislation
As a volunteer firefighter, Margaret championed comprehensive lithium-ion battery safety legislation — banning substandard batteries, requiring warning signage, and protecting first responders.
Honoring Our Veterans: Securing Funding for Valhalla American Legion Hall
Working with New York State representatives, Margaret secured critical funding for the American Legion Adolph Pfister Post 1038 in Valhalla — ensuring veterans in District 3 have the facilities they deserve.
Honoring Service: Expanding Property Tax Exemptions for Volunteer First Responders
Margaret championed legislation cutting the eligibility window from five years to two and eliminating geographic restrictions — making it easier for volunteers to qualify for property tax exemptions.
Bipartisan Leadership
Working Across Party Lines
Margaret's most significant legislation has passed with unanimous or near-unanimous support. Good policy transcends party lines.
County Executive Ken Jenkins, Sgt. Dress (WCPD), Margaret Cunzio, Officer Olsen (WCPD), Commissioner Kathy O'Connor (Westchester County Parks) — 4th of July at Kensico Dam
Margaret Cunzio and County Executive Ken Jenkins — Sleepy Hollow St. Patrick's Day Parade
BOL Chairman Vedat Gashi and Margaret Cunzio — Arc Stages Gala
Margaret Cunzio, BOL Chairman Vedat Gashi, County Legislator Colin Smith
Congressman George Latimer and Margaret Cunzio — Sleepy Hollow St. Patrick's Day Parade
Margaret Cunzio, Councilwoman Laurie Smalley, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Assemblywoman MaryJane Shimsky
Margaret Cunzio, Robert Caluori (CFO, Westchester Library System), BOL Chairman Vedat Gashi
Pleasantville Mayor Peter Scherer and Margaret Cunzio — Arc Stages Gala
Margaret Cunzio accepting a proclamation from Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins
Support the Campaign
Margaret is running for re-election to continue fighting for District 3. Your support makes a real difference.
Make checks payable to:
Friends of Margaret A. Cunzio
PO Box 43
Thornwood, NY 10594
Maximum contribution: $2,100 · Contributions are not tax-deductible.
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