Opinion Exchange

In disputed action Friday, a coalition of seven Republican and two Democratic legislators voted 9-0 to approve a $1.7 billion 2013 Westchester County budget. The rest of the board’s Democratic majority had sought to derail the vote and adjourn the meeting — to no avail. Republican County Executive Rob Astorino signed the measure into law shortly after the vote.

Gary Stern and Elizabeth Ganga’s initial report on Rob Astorino signing Westchester County’s 2013 budget is here.

Westchester’s budget coalition explains its compromise in a commentary.

Westchester County Chairman Ken Jenkins said Monday the vote is still under review.

Did Westchester Democrats do the right thing on the county’s budget? Vote in our survey.

Our editorial argues that Democrats overplayed their budget hand.

Columnist Phil Reisman weighs in on the board’s all-out war and Ferncliff kids needing a home instead of politics.

Leading up to Dec. 7 Westchester County Budget vote:

Dec. 6
Westchester legislators $7 million shy on deal
Editorial: Westchester budget plans control tax levy, but ignore true costs
Video: Westchester legislators talk about county’s budget with The Journal News Editorial Board
Dems propose county job cuts; Astorino calls for compromise

Dec. 4
CSEA puts out TV ad slamming proposed Westchester budget cuts

Dec. 3
Westchester lawmakers compile list of additions to proposed budget
Legislators restore spending in Westchester budget

Nov. 28
Video: Rob Astorino talks Westchester budget with LoHud.com editors
Rob Astorino isn’t ready to raise taxes in Westchester budget

Nov. 16
Westchester legislators accuse Astorino administration of inaccuracies in budget document

Nov. 14
New Westchester budget: 126 layoffs, no tax increase