Political newcomer David Koon was elected to represent the 135th Assembly District in a special election held in February 1996. He was elected to a full term in November of that year. David serves as a member of the Alcoholism and Drug Abuse; Economic Development, Job Creation, Commerce and Industry; Local Governments; Small Business; and Library and Education Technology Committees. David resides with his wife of 29 years, Suzanne, and their son Jason. Dave and Suzanne have a daughter Jennifer (deceased).
A graduate of Fairmont State College in West Virginia, Dave was employed with Kelly Springfield Tire Company in Cumberland, Maryland. At that time, Dave plunged wholeheartedly into several community activities, such as Church Councilman, Mason, member of the Optimist Club, and Boy Scout Leader.
In 1982 Dave joined Bausch and Lomb as an Industrial Engineer and moved to Oakland, Maryland. In Oakland, Dave continued his love of community service as a Cub Scout Master, member of the Executive Board for Scouting for which he received the Scouting's Award of Merit. He played an active role in education as a PTA President and became an active member of the Lions Club and his church.
Bausch and Lomb moved Dave and his family to Fairport, a suburb of Rochester in 1989. Landing a seat on the church council and becoming Chair of the Christian Education Committee at Reformation Lutheran, Dave focused on his love of community service. David and his family were recipients of the Faith in Action Award from the Greater Rochester Community of Churches.
In 1994, Dave was appointed to Mayor William Johnson's transition team on crime and violence. He then became Co-chair of the Task Force to Reduce Violence. Dave helped to organize the Rochester Challenge Against Violence, a grassroots campaign that brought 2,000 volunteers into the city. The volunteers spent 15,000 hours proving that people can stop violence by getting involved and working together.
Dave was given the Peacemaker Award from the Center for Dispute Settlement, selected for the 95-96 Class of Leadership in Rochester, and is a recent graduate of Rochester Citizens Police Academy. He was recommended for the New York State Crime Coalition's Crime Prevention Award and President Clinton's Task Force Against Youth Drugs and Violence.
Dave's tireless efforts for the betterment of this country have produced a man who is eminently qualified to serve New York.
Standing Committee Assignments 1999: Alcoholism and Drug Abuse; Economic Development; Libraries and Education Technology; Local Governments; Small Business.
