On the verge of defending their majority in the 18-member Suffolk County Legislature in the 2009 elections, the 10-member Democratic/Working Families/Independence Party caucus rewarded Legislator Jon Cooper (D-Lloyd Harbor) for his leadership skills by coming together at an organizational meeting yesterday to unanimously re-elect him as their Majority Leader for a fourth consecutive term.

"Jon’s institutional knowledge and diplomacy skills made it easy for me to support his re-election as Majority Leader," said Legislator DuWayne Gregory (D-Amityville), the newest member of the Caucus. "I look forward to working with him in the coming year to provide the great people of Suffolk County with the hardest working and most responsive government possible."

Cooper, a popular nine-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 balancing his continuing leadership responsibilities with his service to the people of the 18th district, Cooper will also still 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 children with his life partner of 28 years, Rob.

"I'm honored that my colleagues continue to express their confidence in me," said Cooper. "As we enter into these difficult and financially trying times, it will take a concerted team effort at the local, state and federal levels to ensure that we put Suffolk back on a secure economic footing for the future. I look forward to leading our caucus as we deal with these unprecedented challenges."