FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 3 , 2006
Contact: Paul Perillie, Democratic Caucus Aide -- #(631) 854-4500

For The Times They Are A Changing
Cooper Voted First Democratic Majority Leader in Suffolk County History

At an organizational meeting today of the newly sworn in 10-member Democratic Suffolk County legislative majority, incumbents and freshmen lawmakers came together to unanimously elect Legislator Jon Cooper (D-Huntington) as their Majority Leader.

Following the historic defeat of Republicans during last November’s watershed elections and the ascendancy of former Democratic Minority Leader Bill Lindsay (D-Holbrook) to Presiding Officer, Cooper’s nomination to the top spot in his caucus makes him the first Democratic Majority Leader in the thirty-six year history of the Suffolk County Legislature.

"As I step down from the position of Minority Leader, it is my pleasure to see Jon Cooper assume the position of Majority Leader," said Lindsay. "A valuable member of our caucus and the prime sponsor of some of our most innovative legislation, I have no doubt he will be a driving force behind our plans for good government."

Cooper, a popular six-year veteran of the Legislature, is widely recognized on both sides of the aisle as being one of the most prolific lawmakers in Suffolk County history. Cooper’s initiatives have not only been adopted by state lawmakers but have been the impetus for national legislation as well. While in the minority, Cooper was able to gain bipartisan support to pass such measures as the nation’s first ban on using hand-held cell phones while driving; landmark legislation outlawing the sale of the deadly dietary supplement ephedra; and a far-reaching notification law for child sex offenders.

Democratic control of the Legislature would not have happened if not for the dark horse victory of Legislator Kate Browning (WFP-Shirley) over former Republican Majority Leader Peter O’Leary. "I decided to run for office in part because of the example Jon set," said Browning of Cooper. "I am eager to join him and get to work making local government a force for positive change in people’s lives."

While balancing his new leadership responsibilities with his service to the people of the 18th legislative district, Cooper will also still stay on as the president of Spectronics Corporation, a company with nearly 200 employees that is one of the few remaining manufacturing firms on Long Island. On top of all this, Cooper will also be kept busy raising his five adopted children with his life partner of 25 years, Rob. As Long Island’s only openly gay elected official, Cooper’s new leadership position now makes him one of the highest ranking gay leaders in the state Democratic Party.

Cooper’s trademark energetic style and venerable work ethic are sure to serve him well as he embarks on this new phase of his career in public service. Cooper is grateful to his fellow lawmakers for naming him to this important post and, in the coming months, political observers expect him to use the same skills that made him so successful in the minority on behalf of his new majority colleagues.

"There is so much talent in this new majority," said Cooper. "I suspect we veteran Democrats will find ourselves trying hard to keep up with the energy and productivity of our freshmen colleagues."

Anticipating the busy year that lies ahead of him and the rest of the Democratic majority as they begin implementing their good government agenda, Cooper is optimistic about his ability to lead his party at this historic time.

"Throughout my tenure as a public servant, I have always tried to promote good ideas over party ideology," added Cooper. "On Election Day, county residents decided that we Democrats have a better plan for Suffolk’s future. I will do everything in my power to fulfill that mandate, including championing good ideas—no matter what side of the aisle they come from."