Primarily concerned with the new generation

Last summer, attorney Sean Cooney gained wide recognition for his representation of Maria Whyte in a trial challenging the number of valid signatures opponent Ralph Hernandez obtained in last September's Democratic primary. Hernandez was knocked off the ballot, leaving Whyte the unopposed Sixth District county legislator. It was after this that Cooney decided to run for the 58th District state senate seat.
A native of Canandaigua, Cooney attended McQuaid Jesuit High School and went on to study at Saint Louis University, another Jesuit institution. After completing law school at the University at Buffalo, Cooney traveled to Mombasa, Kenya, where he worked in a legal services office.
While in Kenya, he helped workers protect their rights against corporate employers and trained prisoners on legal issues and human rights inside Shimo La Tewa prison.
Upon his return to Buffalo, Cooney began his work as an attorney at the law offices of Cantor, Lukasik, Dolce and Panepinto. Cooney now represents Western New Yorkers with the struggles they face regarding lost wages, medical bills and injury.
Sean Cooney may not be a native of the area he hopes to represent, but his years in Buffalo illustrate an unparalleled commitment to local citizens and the issues that concern them.
As a member of the Coalition for Economic Justice, The Kiwanis Club of Buffalo, West Side Neighborhood Housing Services, Grassroots Gardens and a board member of Hasek's Heroes, Cooney has demonstrated dedication to causes that enhance the lives of the citizens of Western New York.
In an extension of this dedication, Cooney has become involved in the progressive local political movement.
"For the past five years, I have been part of a movement to elect new, young, diverse leaders to local offices," Cooney said. "Too often, our government and political system seems out of reach to young people, average folks and families. Being a part of campaigns to elect some of our region's most new and bright legislators has shown me how much change can come when a community organizes together and elects leaders with independence."
Cooney now strives to be one of these new, young, impassioned leaders elected to public office.
"Right now is an incredible opportunity for reform," Cooney said. "We are enduring a fiscal crisis, a severe recession and political uncertainty after the Senate coup last year. These crises have opened a window for reform that must not be squandered, but must be met with the election of legislators with a true commitment to meaningful reform and not just lip service or gimmicks."
Cooney believes he has this devotion.
"As a new candidate not currently employed within our political system, I have the independence to champion these reforms [and] win the support of the WNY voters, but most of all, restore our trust in state government," Cooney said.
Cooney's platform stresses economic development for the region, with a focus on better utilizing the economic stimulus funds that continue to reach the area.
"We need to invest in our assets and rebuild our industry," Cooney said. "Our universities and waterfront must be a priority for public investment and we must rehab our abandoned manufacturing facilities to produce components of renewable energy."
The economic development that Cooney envisions needs to be accountable on two fronts: implementing certain standards for corporations that receive public money and greater oversight and transparency in the way the state spends tax dollars.
The primary social issue addressed by Cooney is equality rights among the LGBT community. Cooney is an advocate for marriage equality, the Gender Expression Non-discrimination Act and the Dignity for Students Act. Overall, he supports general legislation advancing protections and equality.
"I support marriage equality," Cooney said. "I will vote for it, I will fight for it, I will pass it."
Cooney does not just support the LGBT community, but he also attends and participates in rallies, meetings and events, and has even testified at public hearings. His dedication to local organizations and his dedication to Western New York has been noticed by not only local officials, but also students, coworkers and fellow advocates alike.
"Sean introduced me to local politics while [I was] interning at his law firm back in 2006," said Evan Schweigel, a senior urban and public policy major. "Sean is genuine, friendly and extremely intelligent, which I think sets him apart from other candidates. It's very positive that he is a fresh face … We could definitely use some new blood [in local politics]."
Schweigel emphasized Cooney's involvement and promotion of West Side organizations and specifically that of People United for Sustainable Housing Buffalo.
Cooney will face off against William Stachowski and Tim Kennedy in the fall 2010 primary elections.

E-mail: news@ubspectrum.com