New Rochelle Firefighter Joins Westchester Human Rights Commission

Mark Lee McLean, a New Rochelle Fire Department lieutenant and an active member of the NAACP New Rochelle chapter, was recently named to the Westchester County Human Rights Commission.

“The Human Rights Commission plays a vital role in helping to eliminate discrimination and educate the public about human rights issues,” said County Executive Robert P. Astorino after making the appointment. “Westchester is a diverse community that tolerates nothing less than dignity and respect for all. I thank the commission for its unwavering dedication and I know Mark will be a valuable addition to the team.”

McLean is one of 15 commission members. Among other responsibilities, he will help review cases involving allegations of discrimination and attend a monthly meeting of the Human Rights Commission.

“I want to thank County Executive Rob Astorino for this appointment. Serving on the Human Rights Commission will give me the opportunity to bring my real world perspective as a New Rochelle firefighter, member of the NAACP, community advocate and volunteer to the important work of the Human Rights Commission,” said McLean. “I have always believed that acts of unlawful discrimination are much like what I address in my profession as a firefighter; left unchecked they can inflame and bring lasting harm to our community. I look forward to playing a role in our efforts to combat unlawful discrimination here in Westchester.”

McLean also chaired an independent committee in 2011 that drafted a plan to redistrict New Rochelle after the 2010 U.S. Census.

Astorino said the Human Rights Commission strives to investigate, uncover and prosecute violations of the County Human Rights Law and related laws. The panel also provides education and advocacy that foster racial and ethnic harmony among diverse individuals and groups and promotes and supports the furtherance of human rights in employment, housing, public accommodation, schools, credit and other areas.

The Commission Board meets the first Wednesday of every month at 6 p.m. at:

112 East Post Road, 3rd Floor
White Plains, New York 10601

All meetings are open to the public.

Members include:
Jerold Ruderman, White Plains  – Chair
Donna Marie Baloy, Baldwin Place
Millie H. Becker, Pound Ridge
Thomas Koshy, New Rochelle
Kimberly Morella, Mount Kisco
Charles Palombini, Cortlandt Manor
George Rios, Yonkers
William Schmidt, Peekskill
Harry Singh, Yonkers

Recently, Westchester County began sharing its Human Rights Commission with Yonkers. The move saves Yonkers $100,000 annually.