At an organizational meeting today, the 10-member Democratic Caucus of the Suffolk County Legislature rewarded Legislator Jon Cooper (D-Huntington) for the leadership skills he displayed last year by coming together to unanimously re-elect him as their Majority Leader for a second term.

Following the historical defeat of Republicans during the 2005 watershed elections, Cooper's appointment to the top spot in his caucus last year made him the first Democratic Majority Leader in the thirty-six year history of Suffolk County Legislature. Cooper's reappointment to this leadership position is especially critical because Democrats will be facing their first re-election since taking control of the County Legislature in January 2006. Of the 10-member caucus, five lawmakers are facing their first election challenge as incumbents.

Lawmakers who this year looked to Cooper to help them become proactive advocates within county government were happy to have him continue at the helm. "I supported Legislator Cooper for Majority Leader once again because he's proven himself to be an effective leader in the Legislature," says Legislator Lou D'Amaro (D-Huntington Station). "His ability to communicate with both Democrats and Republicans has directly led to the passage of beneficial legislation for all county residents."

The Democrats' first year in control of the Legislature was highlighted by numerous good government and fiscally responsible initiatives. Among those was passage of an Operating Budget which cut general fund property taxes while putting more cops on the street and funding additional probation officers for a groundbreaking sex offenders court. In June, Cooper hammered out a bipartisan agreement for the 2007-2009 Capital Budget that saved taxpayers $13.9 million while continuing to provide for environmental protection, first responder support and badly needed highway maintenance.

Cooper, a popular seven-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. His 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 landmark measures as the ban on using hand-held cell phones while driving, outlawing the sale of the deadly diet drug ephedra and the creation of the "No Spray List" for residents who don't want their homes showered with chemical pesticides. This year Cooper also ushered through approval of several more groundbreaking initiatives, including laws that prevent sex offenders from living or loitering near places where children gather.

"Legislator Cooper's experience and ability to listen has made him an effective leader not only for the Democratic caucus, but has helped to bring all Legislators from both sides of the aisle together on so many critical issues," says Legislator Steve Stern (D-Huntington).

While balancing his continuing leadership responsibilities with his service to the people of the 18th district, Cooper will also stay on as 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 26 years, Rob. As Long Island's only openly gay elected official, Cooper's leadership position makes him one of the highest-ranking gay leaders in the state Democratic Party.