On Friday, May 4th, Suffolk County Majority Leader Jon Cooper (D-Huntington)
was honored as the 2007 Legislator of the Year at the Parents for
Megan’s Law "Champion for Children Awards." The
not-for-profit organization is dedicated to the prevention and treatment
of child sexual abuse through the provision of education, advocacy,
counseling, victims services policy and legislative support services.
In February 2006, the Suffolk County Legislature unanimously approved
a resolution sponsored by Legislator Cooper that made it illegal
for any convicted sexual predator to reside within one-quarter mile
of schools (public, private and parochial), day care centers and
playgrounds. This was the first countywide residency restriction
law enacted in New York State.
Additionally, in December 2006, Legislator Cooper achieved passage
of his landmark legislation that prohibits Level 2 and Level 3 sex
offenders (the most dangerous and most likely to re-offend) from
loitering near playgrounds, youth centers, video arcades and other
locations where children are likely to gather.
"I consider it a great honor to receive the Champion for Children
Award," stated Cooper. “As an elected official, it’s
my responsibility to do all I can to protect my most vulnerable
constituents—our children—from harmful sexual predators."
Each year Parents for Megan's Law recognizes those in legislative,
law enforcement, prosecution, probation and parole roles who have
demonstrated exemplary efforts on issues related to child protection.
Laura Ahearn, Executive Director of Parents for Megan's Law, stated
"Legislator Cooper has used his elected office as a pulpit
to protect children. He has introduced and passed groundbreaking
legislation to prevent sexual predators from having access to potential
victims. This includes New York State's first residency restriction
law and Suffolk's first loitering law which prevents sex offenders
from loitering near playgrounds and other places where children
congregate. It was a pleasure and great honor to recognize Legislator
Cooper as Parents for Megan’s Law's 2007 Suffolk County Legislator
of the Year."
