Thomas V. LaFauci
Thomas V. LaFauci | |
|---|---|
| Member of the New York State Assembly from the 33rd district | |
| In office January 1, 1967 – December 31, 1967 | |
| Preceded by | Jules G. Sabbatino |
| Succeeded by | Joseph S. Calabretta |
| Member of the New York State Assembly from the 34th district | |
| In office January 1, 1966 – December 31, 1966 | |
| Preceded by | District created |
| Succeeded by | Thomas P. Cullen |
| Member of the New York State Assembly from Queens's 1st district | |
| In office February 20, 1952 – December 31, 1965 | |
| Preceded by | Alexander Del Giorno |
| Succeeded by | District abolished |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 18, 1918 Queens, New York City, U.S. |
| Died | July 16, 2002 (aged 83) Queens, New York City, U.S. |
| Party | Democratic |
| Education | St. John's University School of Law |
Thomas V. LaFauci (October 18, 1918 – July 16, 2002) was an American politician from Queens, New York, who served in the New York State Assembly from 1952 to 1967.[1][2][3]
Early life and education
LaFauci was born on October 18, 1918, in Queens, New York City.[1] He attended St. John's University School of Law, graduating as a member of the Class of 1942.[4]
Legislative career
LaFauci was elected to the New York State Assembly in a special election held on February 20, 1952, succeeding Alexander Del Giorno in Queens's 1st district.[1] He represented the 1st district until 1965, when redistricting abolished the seat. He then represented the 34th district in 1966 and the 33rd district in 1967.[1]
Chairmanship of the Codes Committee
In 1967, LaFauci served as chairman of the Assembly Codes Committee.[5] In that role, he presided over a dramatic 90‑minute committee meeting that killed a bill to liberalize New York's abortion law. The committee voted 15 to 3 against reporting the bill to the floor. After the meeting, LaFauci told reporters, "The bill was dead by a good comfortable margin."[5]
Subway safety legislation
In April 1965, LaFauci sponsored a package of bills aimed at reducing crime in New York City's subways.[6] The proposals included:
- Closed‑circuit television in every subway station with central monitoring
- Communications systems between cars in each train and between trains and stations
- Limiting trains to no more than three cars between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.[6]
Speaking on the Assembly floor, LaFauci argued that "the mere installation of a closed‑circuit television system in the subways would have the effect of deterring a criminal since he would be reluctant to commit a crime with knowledge that he is in plain view of a television camera."[6] He also referred to past proposals he had advocated, including a curfew making it illegal for anyone under 16 to be out after 11 p.m. unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. "Maybe," he said, "this curfew can be considered a sort of police state tactic, but something has to be done."[6]
Death
LaFauci died on July 16, 2002, in Queens at the age of 83.[1]
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 "Thomas V. LaFauci". Wikipedia. Retrieved July 9, 2026.
- ↑ "Syracuse Herald Journal Archives, Feb 13, 1967, p. 27". Newspaperarchive.com. February 13, 1967. Retrieved April 23, 2019.
- ↑ "Syracuse Herald Journal Archives, Mar 4, 1967, p. 33". Newspaperarchive.com. March 4, 1967. Retrieved April 23, 2019.
- ↑ "Members of the Assembly". St. John's University Digital Memory. Retrieved July 9, 2026.
- 1 2 "Abortion Change Killed in Albany by Vote of 15 to 3". The New York Times. March 8, 1967. p. 1. Retrieved July 9, 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 "Albany Gets Bills on Subway Crime; Station TV's, 3-Car Trains at Night Are Called For". The New York Times. April 6, 1965. p. 24. Retrieved July 9, 2026.