Will Make History as the First, Black, Female Westchester County Board of Elections Commissioner
On Feb. 16, Tajian Nelson was unanimously selected by the Westchester County Democratic Party’s Executive Committee to become the next Democratic Commissioner at the Board of Elections.
Nelson replaces Reginald LaFayette who passed away last month. The Westchester County Board of Legislators is expected to adopt the appointment.
Nelson will become the first, black female Commissioner of the Westchester County Board of Elections.
Nelson has worked at the BOE under LaFayette for many years, and her appointment was not controversial or contested.
On Feb. 16 she posted, “Last night I received the unanimous vote and support from the Westchester County Democratic Committee’s Executive Committee to become the next Democratic Board of Elections Commissioner, which will make me the first black female Westchester County Board of Elections Commissioner. I will be completing Commissioner LaFayette’s term effective in early March once signed off/approved by the Board of Legislators. I am truly beyond humbled and honored to have received the faith and support from all members in the Executive Committee from Chairwoman Suzanne Berger, First Vice Chair MaryAnn Carr, all Twelve Vice Chairs, my fellow officers, all 25 City and Town Chairs, State Committee members, former Chairs and our affiliate groups: Black Dems, Women Dems, Westchester Young Dems, Hispanic Dems, Hudson Valley Stonewall Dems and Westchester Asian American Dems. I must give special thanks to my Mt. Vernon Dems Chair Mary Graves and Somers/Northern Westchester Coalition Chair Christine Robbins for nominating me and to Yonkers Dems Chair Tom Meier for making the motion for all the Town/City Chairs to be listed as additional seconders to my nomination. Special shout-out and thanks to Westchester Black Women’s Political Caucus President Subomi Macaulay and my fellow chapter caucus sisters throughout the County especially my Mt. Vernon Chapter for their letter of support from the beginning and always. I also want to thank my State, County and Local Elected officials for their love and support as well, especially those from the Senate and Assembly who stopped by our meeting last night to address the committee. Last but never least to my family and friends near and far, BOE Family, Mt. Vernon Dems, thank you for always having my back, holding me up, being my biggest cheerleaders, and supporting me through the good times and bad. I know you will always be by my side and my love for all of you knows no bounds. Thank you to my numerous angels in heaven guiding and watching over me always, my beloved Lou, Popi, Nani, Dad, Rochelle, Gladys, Uncle Will, the newest one Reggie, among a host of other family friends, too many to list. I look forward to everyone’s continued support as I will be seeking the nomination for the new term beginning January 2023 later this year. THANKS AGAIN TO EVERYONE! I will definitely make you PROUD!”
Jovan Richards, Executive Director at Westchester County Democratic Committee posted, I want to join in the applause for my friend and mentor Tajian Nelson. For the remainder of the year (and god willing the next four years) we will refer to her as the Honorable Board of Elections Commissioner Tajian Nelson. I know how hard Tajian worked for this, because I had a front row seat. I’m proud of my friend. While you were grieving your mentor, you were also hard at work ensuring his legacy would not be forgotten and beginning your legacy as the first woman of color in this role. Congratulations, friend.”
The position of Westchester County Board of Elections Commissioner is one of the most prestigious, and among the highest salaried positions in County government. Doug Colety is the republican commissioner at the BOE.
This story was first reported at https://thewestchesterinsider.blogspot.com/
