Suffolk Legis. Jon Cooper (D-Lloyd Harbor) is known around the legislative horseshoe for attempting to defuse tense debates with a light-hearted comment or two. But earlier this week, his attempt at humor backfired.
The legislature’s Budget and Finance Committee was debating whether to give $10,000 to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for equipment and supplies to be used in disasters to aid animals in distress.
The measure, sponsored by Legis. Kate M. Browning (WFP-Shirley), drew questions from Republicans Cameron Alden of Islip and Daniel P. Losquadro of Shoreham. Both said the money should have been included in the recently-adopted 2007 operating budget.
“No pun intended, but this sounds like a pet project,” said Losquadro, the minority leader.
Cooper, the majority leader, replied, “That was intended.”
The men then squared off, with Losquadro stressing the need to be fiscally prudent, particularly in years when money is tight, and Cooper pleading for animals caught in hurricanes and other disasters.
A motion to table the bill failed due to Democratic opposition on the seven-member committee. The measure then was forwarded without recommendation to Tuesday’s meeting of the full legislature, a move opposed by Republicans.
After the vote, Cooper, looking at the Republicans and smiling, said, “Animal haters – just joking, Dan.”
Alden shot back, “Wasteful, big spenders.”
Losquadro, looking stern, added, “There appears to be a double standard in terms of budgeting requirements.”
James T. Madore