LaFayette building dedicated in Mount Vernon

The Westchester County office building at 100 E. First St. in Mount Vernon has been formally named in honor of Reginald A. LaFayette, a long-time political and public service figure in the county and Democratic Commissioner of the Westchester County Board of Elections. A dedication ceremony of the sign naming the building for LaFayette took place on June 16.

Westchester County Executive George Latimer said, “Reggie was a friend, a colleague and a voice to be remembered in Mount Vernon and all of Westchester County. Going back to our days coaching little league together, Reggie always stood out as a person working to make positive change in our community. While the reason for this dedication is a somber one, the dedication will be a celebration of his life that will last forever.”

LaFayette began his public service career in Mount Vernon as deputy comptroller before serving 14 years as city clerk. Beginning in 1999, LaFayette served as the Democratic Commissioner for the Westchester County Board of Elections. He served in that position until his death.

LaFayette also held the positions of executive chair of the New York State Democratic Committee and was a member of the Democratic National Committee. He served as a delegate for the National Democratic Convention for former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in 2008 and President Barack Obama in 2012.

LaFayette had been a Democratic District Leader in Mount Vernon since 1972, was a member of the Black Democrats of Westchester and had been a Prince Hall Mason since 1983 and a member of Progressive Lodge No. 64 for thirty-five years. He was 69 years old when he died last year.