About County Legislator Jim Maisano
County Legislator Jim Maisano's priorities are:
1) Controlling property taxes by reducing unnecessary spending.
2) Promoting open, accessible and responsive government.
3) Protecting the environment - especially the Long Island Sound.
4) Preserving the quality of life in our neighborhoods by opposing irresponsible development.
Jim is committed to bringing the county government directly to his constituents through his cable television and radio show, his blog, emails, and regular updates on social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+. No one works harder than Jim at connecting with the people he represents.
Jim was raised in New Rochelle, after his family moved here in 1964 - a 48 year resident. After serving in the United State Marine Corps and attending college and law school, Jim returned to his hometown of New Rochelle to practice law and enter into public service.
Jim was re-elected to an eighth term on the Westchester County Board of Legislators in 2011, where he continues to be one of the most experienced, independent and bipartisan legislators. He represents approximately 55,000 people in the City of New Rochelle and Town of Pelham. First elected in 1997, Jim has held various leadership positions, including: Republican Minority Leader (2003, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013); Republican Minority Whip (2002, 2008, 2009); Co-Chair, Rules Committee (2003); Chair, Public Works Committee (2000-2001); and Chair, Intergovernmental Relations Committee (2004-2005). He has served on the Legislation and Environment Committees for his entire career.
Jim currently practices law at his own firm in New Rochelle. He concentrates his practice on commercial litigation, real estate and wills, estates and probate matters. He was recently a counsel with the New York law office of Crowell & Moring (2007 - 2011). Prior to Crowell & Moring, Jim practiced at the New York office of Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney (2003 – 2007). Jim’s legal background includes working as a sole practitioner in New Rochelle (1995-2003), and practicing at New York City firms in the areas of insurance defense (1994-1995) and commercial litigation (1992-1994).
Jim served in the United States Marine Corps from 1984 to 1988. He worked as a landing support specialist in embarkation and logistics. Jim served as platoon sergeant and supervised and trained a platoon of Marines. He was honorably discharged as a sergeant and received several awards and commendations during his service to our country.
Jim earned his B.A. in history and political science from the City University of New York at Hunter College in 1989. In 1992, Jim received his J.D. from the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Law and made the student commencement address at his law school graduation. Jim graduated from Iona Prep in New Rochelle in 1981.
Jim has been a member of many civic and professional organizations including the New Rochelle Lions Club; Bronx-New Rochelle Elks Lodge #756; Marine Corps League; Casa Calabria Society; Irish Benevolent Society; Westchester Bar Association; and New Rochelle Bar Association. Jim enjoyed being a coach in New Rochelle Little League and Youth Soccer of New Rochelle. He also runs a successful Toys for Tots drive in conjunction with the Marine Corps each holiday season.
In 1996, Jim married the former Jean Barno, and their son Michael was born in 2000. The Maisano Family has a dog named Marlee, and fosters dogs for Pet Rescue, providing a home for abandoned dogs until permanent homes can be found. Jean works as a fund raising and communications consultant for nonprofit agencies. Michael attends Albert Leonard Middle School in New Rochelle. Jim and his family are members of the parish at Holy Name of Jesus Church in New Rochelle.