Meet Margaret

County Legislator. Volunteer Firefighter. Community Advocate.

Margaret Cunzio serves as the Westchester County Legislator for District 3, representing the communities of North Castle, Mount Pleasant, Pleasantville, and Sleepy Hollow. A former Chair and current member of the Public Safety & Veterans Committee, she brings a unique perspective to county government — one shaped by hands-on experience as a volunteer firefighter and a lifelong commitment to community service.

Margaret Cunzio spraying nozzle at the fire department

The Firefighter-Legislator

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Margaret made an unusual decision for an elected official: she became a volunteer firefighter. After completing over 100 hours of training and earning her Firefighter 1 certification at the Westchester County Department of Emergency Services, Margaret joined the Thornwood Fire Department as an interior firefighter.

That experience transformed how she approaches public safety legislation. When Margaret advocates for equipment grants, expanded tax exemptions, or lithium-ion battery safety laws, she speaks from direct knowledge of what firefighters need and what communities face.

"There's something powerful about sitting in Board of Legislators meetings after spending the previous night on a fire call. It reminds me exactly who we serve and why equipment grants aren't just line items in a budget — they're tools that protect lives."

A Heart for Animals

Margaret's compassion extends beyond human constituents. Over the years, she has personally transported more than 270 animals from the Outer Banks to Westchester County, finding each one a loving home.

Jesse, one of Margaret's rescue animals

Jesse

This hands-on rescue work gave her ground-level understanding of animal welfare challenges — knowledge she brought to the Board of Legislators when authoring the Dog Anti-Tethering Law and working to strengthen the Animal Abuse Registry.

When legislators questioned why the Registry contained only two names after six years of operation, Margaret partnered with the Westchester District Attorney's office to expand investigative powers and improve enforcement. For Margaret, animal welfare isn't an abstract policy issue — it's a personal mission.

Personal Understanding, Better Policy

Some of Margaret's most impactful legislation stems from lived experience:

Food Allergies

Margaret lives with food allergies. She understands the anxiety of dining out, the careful questions about ingredients, and the constant vigilance required to stay safe. That personal experience drove her to co-sponsor the Food Allergy Restaurant Safety Act, requiring restaurant staff training throughout Westchester County.

First Responder Challenges

As a volunteer firefighter, Margaret knows the time commitment, personal costs, and dangers that first responders face. She fought to reduce property tax exemption eligibility from five years to two years and eliminate geographic restrictions that prevented volunteers from qualifying.

Community Infrastructure

Living in District 3, Margaret sees the same infrastructure challenges her constituents face. When Quarry Heights residents needed water service, she worked across multiple levels of government to secure $1.1 million in funding.

Legislative Leadership

Current Position

  • ▸ Westchester County Legislator, District 3
  • ▸ Minority Leader
  • ▸ Co-Chair, Rules Committee
  • ▸ Member, Appointments Committee
  • ▸ Member, Legislation Committee
  • ▸ Member, Public Safety & Veterans Committee
  • ▸ Member, Seniors & Youth Committee

Key Legislative Achievements

  • ▸ Food Allergy Restaurant Safety Act (unanimous passage)
  • ▸ Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Legislation
  • ▸ Dog Anti-Tethering Law
  • ▸ Expanded Property Tax Exemptions for Volunteer First Responders
  • ▸ Animal Abuse Registry Strengthening
  • ▸ Fire Department Equipment Grant Facilitation
  • ▸ Quarry Heights Water Infrastructure Funding

Roots & Community

Education

A Byram Hills High School alumna, Margaret has spent her career in education — first as an elementary school teacher, then as a college professor. She currently teaches at SUNY Empire State University, and holds a B.A. in Journalism from Iona University, an M.S. in Education from Fordham, and a P.D. in Educational Administration from Mercy University.

Hometown

Margaret grew up in Armonk and has lived in Westchester County her entire life. She has called Thornwood home for over 26 years. From attending Fol-de-Rol as a child to serving as District 3's legislator today, her roots in this community run deep.

Scouting & Youth Recognition

Margaret participates in Eagle Scout review boards and presents proclamations for Eagle Scout and Girl Scout Gold recipients across the district. Investing in the next generation of leaders is central to her work — from hosting student mock legislative sessions at the Board of Legislators to recognizing young people who demonstrate the character and commitment our communities depend on.

Solidarity & Remembrance

Margaret joined the Westchester Jewish Council and UJA-Federation on a solidarity trip to Israel, and has continued her studies at Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center. Standing against antisemitism and honoring the memory of the Holocaust is a commitment she carries into her work representing Westchester's diverse communities.

Margaret Cunzio in dress sitting on firetruck

What People Are Saying

"Her leadership is not bounded by whether she's in the minority or the majority."

GL

George Latimer

Congressman, NY-16

"Margaret Cunzio is a good and vocal advocate for her constituents and for the issues she believes in."

VG

Vedat Gashi

BOL Chairman

"A tremendous advocate... our volunteer firefighter, legislator, and educator extraordinaire."

KJ

Ken Jenkins

County Executive

"She's a spitfire — full throttle."

HD

Herb Doerr

Ex-Chief, Thornwood Fire Dept.