Dennis P. Gallagher

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Dennis P. Gallagher is a former New York City Council member who represented the 30th District in Queens, including the neighborhoods of Middle Village, Glendale, Ridgewood, Richmond Hill, Woodhaven, and Forest Hills. Gallagher was one of only three Republicans in the 51-member city council, and the only one not representing a Staten Island district.

Dennis Gallagher held a variety of positions in the public sector before being elected to office. These positions included Investigator for the State of New York Crime Victims Board, Regional Coordinator for the New York State Assembly, Executive Assistant (secretary) to State Senator Serphin R. Maltese, and Chief of Staff to his predecessor, Councilman Thomas V. Ognibene.

Gallagher was first elected to the council in 2001. Gallagher enjoyed reasonable popularity in his first term. He supported community-led efforts to defeat the cross-harbor tunnel plan and to prevent the construction of a Home Depot at the Elmhurst gas tank site in favor of a park. This won Gallagher the support of many in the community. He won re-election in 2005.

On August 2, 2007, Gallagher was indicted on rape and assault charges. While Gallagher has pleaded not guilty to the charges, he has admitted having sex with his accuser, a 52 year old woman, but said it was consensual.[1]

On March 17, 2008, Gallagher pleaded guilty to "forcibly touching and sexually abusing" his accuser, and announced his resignation from the City Council, according to the Queens District Attorney.

According to the DA's office, Mr. Gallagher stated:

"On Sunday, July 8, 2007, while I was intoxicated, I intentionally and forcibly touched intimate parts of the complainant and subjected her to sexual contact without her consent. My conduct was wrong and I apologize to the complainant. I intend to continue treatment for my alcohol abuse and also announce my resignation as a member of the New York City Council, effective close of business on Friday, April 18, 2008."

Mr. Gallagher will also undergo treatment for alcohol abuse. Under state election law, the Mayor will have to call a special election in the coming weeks to replace Mr. Gallagher, who was one of just three Republicans in the City Council.[2]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Duke, Nathan. "Gallagher declines plea deal: Report", Times Ledger, 2007-10-04. Retrieved on 2007-10-12. 
  2. ^ Sarlin, Benjamin. "Queens Council Member Pleads Guilty to Sexual Abuse", The New York Sun, 2008-03-17. Retrieved on 2008-03-18. 
Preceded by
Thomas Ognibene		 New York City Council, 30th District
2002–2008		 Succeeded by
TBD
Members of New York City Council

Speaker: Christine C. Quinn

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