A new term limits measure has been signed into law by Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino.

The new law limits the County Executive to three four-year terms. Legislators are limited to six two-year terms.

Astorino said "The ballot box remains the best way to express the will of the people, but term limits provide a check against entrenched interests gaming the system."

He went on to add, "It is for these reasons that I have signed this legislation."

The law was passed by the Board of Legislators December 6.

(L-R Legislators Peter Harckham, Gordon Burrows, John Nonna)

By a 10-6 vote, the Westchester County Board of Legislators tonight voted to impose term limits on County Legislators as well as the County Executive.

Under the measure, Legislators would be limited to six two year terms in office, while the County Executive would be permitted at most, three four year terms. The new term limits will take effect January 1, 2012.

Several members of the Westchester County Board of Legislators held a news conference today  to announce a bi-partisan proposal that would impose a maximum limit of twelve consecutive years for both the 17 members serving on the Board of Legislators as well as the County Executive.