New York State isn't dysfunctional, contrary to the prevailing assessment of the state's historically inept government, Assemblyman George Latimer told an audience of more than 150 people on Saturday.

Instead, Latimer said, New York is really three states in one:  "One part Michigan, one part Connecticut and one part the city-state of New York City."

Latimer made the remarks in a speech at the Davenport Club in New Rochelle, where three local chapters of The League of Women Voters marked their 90th anniversary as an organization.

On Valentine's Day in 1920, the League of Women Voters was founded, and over its first 90 years the organization has worked on behalf of women and other voters, growing into a national organization of more than 800 chapters.

"It was established after a 72-year struggle to get women the right to vote," said Nina Recio Cuddy, current president of the Larchmont/Mamaroneck LOWV chapter.

Guests said Latimer, a Democrat, has kept the interest of Sound Shore communities close to his heart during a political career that has taken him from the Rye city council, to the Westchester County Legislature and the state assembly. Latimer represents the 91st District, which includes Larchmont, Mamaroneck, Rye, Rye Brook and Port Chester.

"We have to honor people like George Latimer, who has spent a great majority of his life doing such great public service. He is an example to all of us involved in politics," said Larchmont Mayor Josh Mandel.

Mandell said he admires Latimer's work ethic on behalf of his local constituents.

"He shows the kinds of things that you can do to make a difference for your constituents," Mandell said, "and while I know he works in an area in Albany that is really difficult these days, I know he is out there speaking for people in our area of Westchester and fighting for our rights."

In his keynote address, Latimer addressed widespread citizen dissatisfaction with New York State government with a speech entitled "O, Albany, What's Wrong Up There? How Do We Fix It?" 

In an enlightening, humorous and thought-provoking address, Latimer spoke about the "problem of the framework of not one state but of three states: New York State is three states," he said.

Latimer talked about how the problems of people living upstate New York are very different than the problems of those living in the city and those who live in Westchester. He said when he's asked to do the right thing, it is not the same as when a colleague in Brooklyn is told the same thing.

The 55-year-old assemblyman took issue with a phrase many use: "New York State government is not dysfunctional. Dysfunction makes you believe that enough changes of structure and perhaps even personalities would make the thing function better," he said. "There is structural disagreement on how to deal with the problems and it comes out of what I just said about the three states of New York."

Latimer said it's difficult to find common ground when dealing with upstate New York, the city and the suburbs -- and it's up to elected officials to figure out how to balance the needs of such diverse communities.

He also lamented the ideologies that have polarized state politics.

"We cannot as a state survive, if we don't work (in a) bipartisan" manner, he said to a round of applause.

More than 150 people were on hand, including many of the current members from different Westchester branches of the League of Women Voters.

"I like to support all of the local leagues, and here you have three of them," said Adelaide DiGiorgi, President of League of Women Voters of Westchester.

Also on hand were a number of community officials, who came out to honor Latimer. Among those were State Senator Suzi Oppenheimer, Mamaroneck's Town Supervisor Valerie O'Keefe, Village of Larchmont trustee Ann McAndrews, Rye Mayor Doug French, New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson and several others who understood how important the anniversary is.

"We all come from mothers whose grandmothers can tell you a story about when it was illegal for women to vote, and it just seems crazy to me that you can talk to women from two generations ago who weren't allowed to vote," Mandell said. "Today, I want us to never forget the reason that The League of Women Voters came into existence was to fight for such a fundamental right."