Cuomo appoints Spano to state Board of Elections

Former Westchester County Executive Andy Spano will join the state Board of Elections, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Monday.

Cuomo appointed Spano to the post on the recommendation of Democratic Party chairman Keith Wright, who is also a state Assemblyman.

Spano will act as one of two Democratic Party commissioners to serve alongside two Republican Party commissioners to enforce state election laws. Critics take issue with the party involvement in the board, though supporters say the arrangement offers election balance.

Spano served as Westchester County clerk, then was elected three times as county executive. In 2009, he lost the election to current County Executive Rob Astorino, a Republican who is running against Cuomo for governor in this year”™s election.

One of Spano’s former deputies, Larry Schwartz, is now one of the governor’s top aides.

Spano said in a written statement he looked forward to his new post.

“New Yorkers deserve a watchdog at the board that protects the integrity of our elections and ensures that the voice of the people is heard,” he said.