Charles D. Cook

Charles David Cook (February 26, 1935 – May 23, 2001) was a US legislator. He served in the New York State legislature for over 25 years. He was elected Senator in 1978. During his time in office, Cook represented all or parts of 11 different counties, or one-sixth of all the counties in New York State. He is mainly remembered for his work in health care, education, rural issues, and reproductive choice.

Born in Deposit, New York, Charles David Cook graduated from Hancock Central School in 1952, and received his bachelor's degree in political science from Hartwick College in 1956.

He became editor of the Bainbridge News in 1957, and entered the U.S. Army in 1958. Upon honorable discharge in 1960, he became editor of the Deposit Courier. In 1965, he entered public service when he was elected Delaware County treasurer and moved to Delhi, New York in December of that year. He held that position until his appointment as Delaware County commissioner of social services in 1971.

He was a member of the New York State Assembly from 1973 to 1978, sitting in the 180th, 181st and 182nd New York State Legislatures. He was a member of the New York State Senate from 1979 to 1998, sitting in the 183rd, 184th, 185th, 186th, 187th, 188th, 189th, 190th, 191st and 192nd New York State Legislatures. Cook had extensive committee involvement during his tenure in the state legislature, chairing committees on education, local government, transportation, and agriculture. He was the first chairman of the Legislative Commission on Rural Resources, which became known nationally for its programs to address the needs of rural residents. As chairman, he authored the legislation which established the New York State Office of Rural Health, which was later named after him, and founded the program of state grants to assist rural health care providers in extending and maintaining services in rural communities. He was credited in helping to maintain a $10,000,000 annual budgetary appropriation to support rural hospitals in diversifying and expanding outpatient services, a program that is still in operation. He also served as a member of the Legislative Commission on Critical Transportation Choices, and the Council on Health Care Financing.

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