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Comment leads to bill in county Legislature
Jill Terreri • Staff writer • November 11, 2009 • Democrat & Chronicle
In response to the utterance of the word “retard” in the County Legislature’s chambers in July, lawmakers will consider bipartisan legislation that requires “person-first” language in county correspondence.
The saying of the word by a lawmaker, which was caught on tape, subsequently drew 26 public speakers to the legislature, who denounced use of the word.
No legislator ever admitted to saying it.
The “Person First Language Act,” advocated for by the Center for Disability Rights, is a local law that would require new and revised local laws and county rules, as well as county-financed publications, to contain language that emphasizes a person first, not their disability.
The legislation, co-sponsored by all lawmakers, was introduced Tuesday, the first day lawmakers met after last week’s election, when Republicans solidified their 15-14 majority for another two years.
The legislature will need to vote on a new president in January. The selection process has not begun, said Legislator Dan Quatro, R-Webster, leader of the Republican majority.
President Wayne Zyra, R-Sweden, did not run for re-election.
Though Zyra is retired from employment outside the legislature and was able to perform the president’s duties full time, Quatro said other employment would not disqualify a future president.
Quatro said he would like to continue on as majority leader, but it is a matter for his fellow Republicans to decide.
Lawmakers will meet over three days next week to discuss County Executive Maggie Brooks’ proposed 2010 budget.
JTERRERI@DemocratandChronicle.com