+ − Contact Information
Email Address: buchwaldd@assembly.state.ny.us
Phone: (518) 455-5397
Office Address:
LOB 326
Albany, NY 12248
+ − Biography
David Buchwald was elected to the New York State Assembly on November 6, 2012, and has quickly established himself as a strong advocate for job growth, lowering taxes, and fighting for our values in Westchester. He has achieved notable increased in state aid to local school districts, helping both students and property taxpayers, and he has pushed, with significant success, for the repeal of the 18-a utility tax that especially burdens small businesses and seniors. David has every year in the Assembly received a perfect score from Environmental Advocates of New York. He teamed with business leaders and environmental groups to hold a press conference opposing a bill that would have prevented the electric car manufacturer Tesla from selling its cars directly to consumers at showrooms, including in Mount Kisco and White Plains. A week after the press conference, Governor Cuomo forged a compromise that allows Tesla to keep its stores open and preserves jobs and consumer choice in Westchester. David is also the lead sponsor of a bill to strip public officials of their state pensions if they commit a felony involving a violation of the public trust. The bill, introduced in May 2013, gained 40 sponsors by the end of that year, 60 sponsors by March 2014, and today has 90 sponsors in the State Assembly.
Prior to joining the State Assembly, David was a member of the White Plains Common Council where he represented 57,000 residents of the City of White Plains. In that role, David was an advocate for the environment, senior citizens, and enhanced budget scrutiny. David authored legislation strengthening the Citys Code of Ethics, combating illegal dumping, improving sidewalk snow removal and establishing the ability of Council Members to have unpaid interns. David also served as Chairman of the White Plains Traffic Commission where he worked to promote efficient traffic rules, pedestrian safety, bicycle access and sensible on-street parking rules.
After graduating from Yale University, where he received a B.S. in Physics, David worked for three years at the Manhattan offices of NERA, an economics research firm headquartered in White Plains. At NERA, Davids research focused on antitrust economics ranging across numerous industries, from cable to music to retail stores. David then went on to receive a J.D., cum laude, from Harvard Law School and a Masters of Public Policy from the John F. Kennedy School of Government. David then worked in the tax department of the law firm of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, where he represented both business and pro bono clients in need of tax advice.
David is active in his local community. Among other activities, he is an active member (and former board member) of the White Plains Historical Society and is a former board member of the White Plains Downtown Residents Association. He has also been a volunteer at the White Plains clinic of the Westchester County Earned Income Tax Credit Program, where he has helped low- and lower-middle-income residents in filling out their tax returns. In June of 2008, David was appointed by New Yorks Governor to serve as one of Westchester Countys representatives on the Metro-North Railroad Commuter Council (MNRCC), an oversight and advisory body that seeks to improve the railroads services and responsiveness to the needs of riders. From 2010 through 2012, David served as Chairman of the MNRCC during which time he spoke out against fare increases and successfully pushed for quiet cars on trains and a Metro-North Pledge to Riders.
David grew up in Larchmont, New York, and attended the Mamaroneck public schools. David has lived in White Plains for thirteen years. White Plains is also the home of his parents, as well as his sister, a psychologist working with adolescents, his brother-in-law and his niece. David married his wife, Lara, on March 1, 2014.