[2] Cohen was a member of the Newton Board of Aldermen from 1972–1979 and a state representative from 1979–1998.

[4] The designation is based on crime statistics in six categories: murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, and auto theft.

Cohen decided not to run for another term in 2009 and left office on Jan. 1, 2010, replaced by political newcomer Setti Warren, who won a close race against State Representative Ruth Balser.

Cohen's final term ended with controversy over the city's new Newton North High School.

[5] He said he chose not to run for a fourth term because he did not want to harm efforts to override Proposition 2½.