Jim Maisano introduced as part of George Latimer's administration

WHITE PLAINS – Longtime Westchester County lawmaker Jim Maisano was introduced as the new director of the county Department of Consumer Protection at a news conference Friday.

Maisano, a Republican in office for 21 years, said it will be “very cool” to work on enforcing laws that he helped craft or voted on.

“It’s got to be one of the best governmental experiences anyone could ever have,” he told reporters gathered in County Executive George Latimer's office.

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He’ll resign from the county legislature on or about Feb. 25 and start his new job Feb. 26 after being appointed from across the aisle by Latimer, a Democrat. Latimer, joined by Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins at the news conference, said Maisano’s party affiliation “is not relevant.”

“The only standard that matters for people that we bring into this administration is that they be talented and they have the ability to materially advance the interests of the people of Westchester County,” Latimer said.

Maisano said his vision for the department includes outreach to seniors and undocumented immigrants. He said he’d lobby for more staff, but believes new hires would pay for themselves through increased revenue from violations.

The New Rochelle legislator, who spent four years in the Marine Corps, is an attorney by trade. He said that would give him unique insight into municipal law. Maisano took office in the county’s District 11 in 1998 and spent four years as vice chairman from 2014-17.

The pending appointment, first reported by The Journal News/lohud on Thursday, will open up Maisano’s legislative seat, which represents New Rochelle and Pelham to a special election. County lawmakers will set the date within 90 days of Maisano’s resignation.

There is a separate special election set on April 24 for the state Senate seat that opened up when Latimer became county executive Jan. 1. Facing off for that seat are Democrat Shelley Mayer and Republican Julie Killian.

County legislature Chairman Ben Boykin, reached by phone, said lawmakers would consider coinciding the county election with the Senate election, for District 37 which comprises a large portion of eastern Westchester.

“That’s clearly one option but there might be other dates that we will look at,” Boykin, a White Plains, said.

Maisano’s vacancy puts the seat in play for Democrats, who have a pronounced advantage in voter registration within the district. Democrats already hold a 12-5 majority in the legislature.

Follow Mark Lungariello on Facebook: @lungariello; and Twitter: @marklungariello.