On Feb.1, Kevin J. LaValle (right) was sworn in as the 44th Brookhaven town clerk in the town’s 368-year history. The swearing in was officiated by the deputy town clerk, Lauren Thoden (left). LaValle was voted in after the Jan. 17 special election which was held due to the retirement of former town clerk, Donna Lent, who served nine years in the position. LaValle previously served as the town councilman for the Third Council District.  He was first elected to the town council in 2013. LaValle was educated in the Middle Country School District, graduating from Centereach High School in 1995. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in political science from Salisbury University where he graduated in 2000. He currently resides in Selden. Prior to his election to town council, LaValle served as chief of staff for former Suffolk County Legis. and current Brookhaven Town superintendent of highways, Daniel Losquadro, for three years before he became president and part-owner of Pinnacle Title Agency from 2007 to 2011. He also served as a legislative aide to Suffolk County Legis. Thomas Muratore.