Westchester County Democratic Committee Mourns the Loss of Former Chair
WESTCHESTER COUNTY (January 15, 2022) – The Westchester County Democratic Committee (WCDC) mourns the loss of former County Chair and Board of Election Democratic Commissioner Reginald Lafayette. Lafayette passed away suddenly this morning, January 15. The cause of death has not been released.
Lafayette, a Mount Vernon resident, has served numerous roles in local and county government. Lafayette started his career in Mount Vernon City Hall, serving as a Deputy Comptroller and City Clerk, before assuming the role as Board of Elections Democratic Commissioner for Westchester County. Lafayette has also swiftly moved up in the ranks, politically. Lafayette has served as a Mount Vernon Democratic District Leader since 1972; the Chair of the Mount Vernon Democratic City Committee; a Democratic State Committee member, representing the 89th Assembly district; and the former Westchester County Democratic Committee Chairman, a post in which he served for 16 years.
“Reggie was a mentor to many and a man of principle. I learned so much from him. He will be missed” says Suzanne Berger, the current Chair of the Westchester County Democratic Committee.
“I am in utter shock…” says County Legislator (D-11) and Chair of the Black Democrats of Westchester County Terry Clements. “Reggie was not only a friend, but a powerful figure in Westchester. Reggie was tough, hard-working, dedicated and passionate and I am going to miss my friend deeply”
“The sudden passing of Reggie Lafayette is a tremendous loss to all people around the state of New York. Reggie’s public service was exemplary as well as his dedication to ensuring that people of color and women were elected at every level of government” says Ken Jenkins, Westchester’s Deputy County Executive.
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WESTCHESTER COUNTY (January 15, 2022) – The Westchester County Democratic Committee (WCDC) mourns the loss of former County Chair and Board of Election Democratic Commissioner Reginald Lafayette. Lafayette passed away suddenly this morning, January 15. The cause of death has not been released.
Lafayette, a Mount Vernon resident, has served numerous roles in local and county government. Lafayette started his career in Mount Vernon City Hall, serving as a Deputy Comptroller and City Clerk, before assuming the role as Board of Elections Democratic Commissioner for Westchester County. Lafayette has also swiftly moved up in the ranks, politically. Lafayette has served as a Mount Vernon Democratic District Leader since 1972; the Chair of the Mount Vernon Democratic City Committee; a Democratic State Committee member, representing the 89th Assembly district; and the former Westchester County Democratic Committee Chairman, a post in which he served for 16 years.
“Reggie was a mentor to many and a man of principle. I learned so much from him. He will be missed” says Suzanne Berger, the current Chair of the Westchester County Democratic Committee.
“I am in utter shock…” says County Legislator (D-11) and Chair of the Black Democrats of Westchester County Terry Clements. “Reggie was not only a friend, but a powerful figure in Westchester. Reggie was tough, hard-working, dedicated and passionate and I am going to miss my friend deeply”
“The sudden passing of Reggie Lafayette is a tremendous loss to all people around the state of New York. Reggie’s public service was exemplary as well as his dedication to ensuring that people of color and women were elected at every level of government” says Ken Jenkins, Westchester’s Deputy County Executive.
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INDEPENDENT REDISTRICTING COMMISSION HEARING
For the first time in history, New York’s decennial redistricting process will be undertaken by an independent commission. Later this year the Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) will submit Congressional, Senate, and Assembly district maps to the State Legislature for approval. Once this process concludes, the final maps will be used for Congressional and State Legislative elections during all even-numbered years from 2022 through 2030.
To start this process, the IRC is holding a series of virtual public hearings to solicit input from communities around the State. As the IRC embarks on the process of drawing future district lines, feedback and guidance from the residents of New York is of the utmost importance and at the core of the Commission’s goal to fairly and equitably redraw Congressional and State Legislative district lines. New Yorkers will have the opportunity to submit information about their communities of interest and present this information at these local hearings. In addition to suggestions regarding communities of interest, the IRC also welcomes public comment and feedback on the redistricting process. These hearings are the best opportunity for residents to participate in this process.
The virtual hearing for the Mid-Hudson region, which includes Westchester County, will be next Monday, August 2 at 2:00 PM. If you plan to testify, please be sure to register no later than 2:00 PM on Sunday, August 1. Information on these hearings and how to register and submit testimony can be found on the Commission’s website here: https://nyirc.gov/meetings.
Participants will have up to three (3) minutes of speaking time and are encouraged to submit written testimony. The IRC suggests that testimony include, but not be limited to: how do you as a resident feel about the current district lines in your community? What would you like the IRC to know about your community of interest? All hearings will be recorded for public record and livestreamed as they occur.
The IRC’s virtual public hearings will conclude before Census block level data is released in August. Once that data is released by the Census, the IRC will begin drawing district lines, and New York residents will have an opportunity to comment and testify at hearings after the first draft of district lines is released.
This independent redistricting process is unprecedented, and the more involved New York residents are, the better the outcome will be. These hearings are the first opportunity for residents to make an impact on the legislative districts that will define our government and politics for the next decade. I encourage you to get involved and make a difference for your community.
Christine Robbins, Chair
Somers Democratic Town Committee
For the first time in history, New York’s decennial redistricting process will be undertaken by an independent commission. Later this year the Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) will submit Congressional, Senate, and Assembly district maps to the State Legislature for approval. Once this process concludes, the final maps will be used for Congressional and State Legislative elections during all even-numbered years from 2022 through 2030.
To start this process, the IRC is holding a series of virtual public hearings to solicit input from communities around the State. As the IRC embarks on the process of drawing future district lines, feedback and guidance from the residents of New York is of the utmost importance and at the core of the Commission’s goal to fairly and equitably redraw Congressional and State Legislative district lines. New Yorkers will have the opportunity to submit information about their communities of interest and present this information at these local hearings. In addition to suggestions regarding communities of interest, the IRC also welcomes public comment and feedback on the redistricting process. These hearings are the best opportunity for residents to participate in this process.
The virtual hearing for the Mid-Hudson region, which includes Westchester County, will be next Monday, August 2 at 2:00 PM. If you plan to testify, please be sure to register no later than 2:00 PM on Sunday, August 1. Information on these hearings and how to register and submit testimony can be found on the Commission’s website here: https://nyirc.gov/meetings.
Participants will have up to three (3) minutes of speaking time and are encouraged to submit written testimony. The IRC suggests that testimony include, but not be limited to: how do you as a resident feel about the current district lines in your community? What would you like the IRC to know about your community of interest? All hearings will be recorded for public record and livestreamed as they occur.
The IRC’s virtual public hearings will conclude before Census block level data is released in August. Once that data is released by the Census, the IRC will begin drawing district lines, and New York residents will have an opportunity to comment and testify at hearings after the first draft of district lines is released.
This independent redistricting process is unprecedented, and the more involved New York residents are, the better the outcome will be. These hearings are the first opportunity for residents to make an impact on the legislative districts that will define our government and politics for the next decade. I encourage you to get involved and make a difference for your community.
Christine Robbins, Chair
Somers Democratic Town Committee
A MESSAGE FROM SOMERS DEMOCRATIC COMMITTEE
CHAIRWOMAN CHRISTINE ROBBINS
Somers Democratic Committee Chairwoman, Christine Robbins has announced the committee’s candidates for Somers Town Supervisor, Town Board, and Receiver of Taxes.
Chairman Christine Robbins stated:
“The Somers Democratic Committee and I are pleased to endorse Stephanie Keegan for Somers Town Supervisor, and Tom Newman and Margaret DiLorenzo for Somers Town Board. The town is seeing a turnover in leadership, and these three people are the right candidates at the right time for the future of Somers.”
“Stephanie brings a broad wealth of government experience to Somers ranging from her time in Washington, efforts in Albany, and most important to the aid of town residents during times of crisis. A resident of Heritage Hills, Stephanie is known as a dynamo whose energy improves everything that she leads. She looks forward to detailing her exciting and cost saving ideas for Somers in the coming months. Her fresh voice will be a welcome addition to the town’s government.”
“Tom Newman and Margaret DiLorenzo are two people known by many as long-time supporters of our schools, athletics, businesses, and at-risk youth. Their record of community service to Somers and their knowledge of business and fiscal accountability will serve the town’s finances well during the next four years. Together, they have the drive and commitment needed to make a difference for Somers.”
“The Somers Democratic Committee has also endorsed Somers Town Receiver of Taxes Michele McKearney for re-election.”
“The Somers Democratic Committee unanimously endorsed, County Legislator Vedat Gashi for re-election. He has established a superb record of protecting the interests of the residents of the 4th Legislative District, as well as the interests of Westchester County as a whole. The Somers Democrats are proud of his service as an outstanding and influential County Legislator. The committee will also be supporting County Legislator candidate Erika Pierce for the 2ndLegislative District seat.”
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CHAIRWOMAN CHRISTINE ROBBINS
Somers Democratic Committee Chairwoman, Christine Robbins has announced the committee’s candidates for Somers Town Supervisor, Town Board, and Receiver of Taxes.
Chairman Christine Robbins stated:
“The Somers Democratic Committee and I are pleased to endorse Stephanie Keegan for Somers Town Supervisor, and Tom Newman and Margaret DiLorenzo for Somers Town Board. The town is seeing a turnover in leadership, and these three people are the right candidates at the right time for the future of Somers.”
“Stephanie brings a broad wealth of government experience to Somers ranging from her time in Washington, efforts in Albany, and most important to the aid of town residents during times of crisis. A resident of Heritage Hills, Stephanie is known as a dynamo whose energy improves everything that she leads. She looks forward to detailing her exciting and cost saving ideas for Somers in the coming months. Her fresh voice will be a welcome addition to the town’s government.”
“Tom Newman and Margaret DiLorenzo are two people known by many as long-time supporters of our schools, athletics, businesses, and at-risk youth. Their record of community service to Somers and their knowledge of business and fiscal accountability will serve the town’s finances well during the next four years. Together, they have the drive and commitment needed to make a difference for Somers.”
“The Somers Democratic Committee has also endorsed Somers Town Receiver of Taxes Michele McKearney for re-election.”
“The Somers Democratic Committee unanimously endorsed, County Legislator Vedat Gashi for re-election. He has established a superb record of protecting the interests of the residents of the 4th Legislative District, as well as the interests of Westchester County as a whole. The Somers Democrats are proud of his service as an outstanding and influential County Legislator. The committee will also be supporting County Legislator candidate Erika Pierce for the 2ndLegislative District seat.”
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CONGRATULATIONS STATE SENATOR PETER HARCKHAM!
Harckham Declares Victory in Re-Election Bid for Second Term in State Senate
South Salem, NY – New York State Senator Pete Harckham declared victory today in his re-election bid for the State Senate after reducing the nearly 9,000 vote lead held by his opponent Rob Astorino to less than 500 votes during absentee ballot counting. With more than 15,000 ballots still to be opened in Westchester County, where Harckham is winning votes at a 75% clip, he will take the lead in today’s vote counting and from there will build up an insurmountable total.
This morning, Astorino graciously conceded the race to Harckham during a personal phone call. Harckham thanked Astorino for his congratulations and wished him and his family well.
“I am humbled and grateful for all of the tremendous support I have received during this campaign, and thank all of the voters in Senate District 40 for participating in this historic election,” said Harckham. “The confidence and trust that residents have placed in me once again will continue to guide my intentions. These are challenging times, though, and I look forward to being engaged in the hard work necessary to ensure a better future for all.”
Harckham will begin his second term representing the 40th Senate District in January 2021, and his win now ensures that the Democrats will hold a supermajority in the State Senate.
“I'm thrilled to welcome my good friend Senator Peter Harckham back to the State Senate,” said Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. “Senator Harckham has worked tirelessly to deliver results to the people of Westchester, Dutchess and Putnam Counties and earned this re-election. I look forward to continuing to partner with Senator Harckham as we tackle the many challenges ahead of us.”
After the absentee ballots were counted in Dutchess and Putnam Counties, two Republican strongholds, Harckham had reduced Astorino’s lead to 5,896 votes. Three days of vote counting in Westchester, marred by stalling tactics and needless delays by the Republicans, had left Harckham just a few hundred votes behind though. Interestingly, yesterday’s surge of votes for Harckham took place mostly in Mount Pleasant, Astorino’s home turf, while absentee ballots in major Democratic strongholds like Mount Kisco, New Castle and Peekskill have not yet been counted.
In total, the absentee ballots in the race amounted to about 25% of the entire vote. With Harckham on track to win the election by potentially upwards of 10,000 votes, the perception that this was a close race is being replaced with the more accurate understanding that this was merely a slowly counted race. Harckham’s win over incumbent Terrence Murphy in 2018 was by just 3,700 votes.
During his first term in the State Senate, Harckham burnished his reputation as a public servant of the highest order. This past year alone Harckham passed 31 bills, a significant achievement by any measure and more than any other first-term legislator (second most in the entire Senate, too). His legislative accomplishments included keeping property taxes low, meeting the needs of our municipal governments, ensuring funding for schools, protecting the environment and supporting the workers and community surrounding Indian Point.
To keep property taxes low, Harckham helped pass a permanent tax cap and sponsored bills to create a real property exemption task force and an investigation in determining property tax saturation for communities overburdened by tax exempt properties. For municipal governments he created a residential parking program, designated inland waterways and made them grant eligible and allowed ball fields to lease space for small businesses to advertise.
As Chair of the Senate Committee on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, Harckham passed eight bills in regard to the opioid crisis, including a bill in support of the good Samaritans carrying overdose reversal medicine and “Stephen’s Law,” which requires that certified drug treatment programs notify patients of their rights to identify trusted individuals who should be contacted in case of emergency.
Harckham secured more than $27 million in grants and funding in direct support for the district during his first term in the State Senate, providing crucial support for infrastructure, school districts, first responders, parks, libraries and healthcare clinics. Meanwhile, in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, Harckham and his team hosted seven food drives and collected about 30,000 pounds of food items and over $10,000 in cash donations for distribution residents in need.
“It should be obvious by now that our residents prefer problem-solving over politicking,” said Harckham. “We have the crucial work of governing ahead of us, so let’s finish counting the ballots without any more obstructions and refocus on what’s most important: helping people lead better lives.”
Harckham Declares Victory in Re-Election Bid for Second Term in State Senate
South Salem, NY – New York State Senator Pete Harckham declared victory today in his re-election bid for the State Senate after reducing the nearly 9,000 vote lead held by his opponent Rob Astorino to less than 500 votes during absentee ballot counting. With more than 15,000 ballots still to be opened in Westchester County, where Harckham is winning votes at a 75% clip, he will take the lead in today’s vote counting and from there will build up an insurmountable total.
This morning, Astorino graciously conceded the race to Harckham during a personal phone call. Harckham thanked Astorino for his congratulations and wished him and his family well.
“I am humbled and grateful for all of the tremendous support I have received during this campaign, and thank all of the voters in Senate District 40 for participating in this historic election,” said Harckham. “The confidence and trust that residents have placed in me once again will continue to guide my intentions. These are challenging times, though, and I look forward to being engaged in the hard work necessary to ensure a better future for all.”
Harckham will begin his second term representing the 40th Senate District in January 2021, and his win now ensures that the Democrats will hold a supermajority in the State Senate.
“I'm thrilled to welcome my good friend Senator Peter Harckham back to the State Senate,” said Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. “Senator Harckham has worked tirelessly to deliver results to the people of Westchester, Dutchess and Putnam Counties and earned this re-election. I look forward to continuing to partner with Senator Harckham as we tackle the many challenges ahead of us.”
After the absentee ballots were counted in Dutchess and Putnam Counties, two Republican strongholds, Harckham had reduced Astorino’s lead to 5,896 votes. Three days of vote counting in Westchester, marred by stalling tactics and needless delays by the Republicans, had left Harckham just a few hundred votes behind though. Interestingly, yesterday’s surge of votes for Harckham took place mostly in Mount Pleasant, Astorino’s home turf, while absentee ballots in major Democratic strongholds like Mount Kisco, New Castle and Peekskill have not yet been counted.
In total, the absentee ballots in the race amounted to about 25% of the entire vote. With Harckham on track to win the election by potentially upwards of 10,000 votes, the perception that this was a close race is being replaced with the more accurate understanding that this was merely a slowly counted race. Harckham’s win over incumbent Terrence Murphy in 2018 was by just 3,700 votes.
During his first term in the State Senate, Harckham burnished his reputation as a public servant of the highest order. This past year alone Harckham passed 31 bills, a significant achievement by any measure and more than any other first-term legislator (second most in the entire Senate, too). His legislative accomplishments included keeping property taxes low, meeting the needs of our municipal governments, ensuring funding for schools, protecting the environment and supporting the workers and community surrounding Indian Point.
To keep property taxes low, Harckham helped pass a permanent tax cap and sponsored bills to create a real property exemption task force and an investigation in determining property tax saturation for communities overburdened by tax exempt properties. For municipal governments he created a residential parking program, designated inland waterways and made them grant eligible and allowed ball fields to lease space for small businesses to advertise.
As Chair of the Senate Committee on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, Harckham passed eight bills in regard to the opioid crisis, including a bill in support of the good Samaritans carrying overdose reversal medicine and “Stephen’s Law,” which requires that certified drug treatment programs notify patients of their rights to identify trusted individuals who should be contacted in case of emergency.
Harckham secured more than $27 million in grants and funding in direct support for the district during his first term in the State Senate, providing crucial support for infrastructure, school districts, first responders, parks, libraries and healthcare clinics. Meanwhile, in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, Harckham and his team hosted seven food drives and collected about 30,000 pounds of food items and over $10,000 in cash donations for distribution residents in need.
“It should be obvious by now that our residents prefer problem-solving over politicking,” said Harckham. “We have the crucial work of governing ahead of us, so let’s finish counting the ballots without any more obstructions and refocus on what’s most important: helping people lead better lives.”
When Democrats vote, Democrats win!
Democracy was the big winner on Election Day 2020. Voters turned out in droves, because democracy itself was on the ballot.
Democracy was the big winner on Election Day 2020. Voters turned out in droves, because democracy itself was on the ballot.