General Election votes determine Lind Council Position No. 5: Craig Cooper

Age: 36

Current Profession: Certified Energy Specialist for CHS/Cenex

Spouse: Jessica

Children: Lane, Brody, Levi and Josephine

Craig Cooper is seeking election in the role of Council Position No. 5 for the Lind Town Council. Cooper is running for the position currently held by Kindra Haase.

Originally from Lind, Cooper returned to the community two years ago and after viewing how the town had changed, he wanted to become involved. Cooper is seeking election in order to make a change in the community, while also serving as a voice for the citizens to ensure issues are being brought up and addressed.

Cooper is motivated to serve on council in order to guarantee a future for his children within the Lind community. Cooper has served as a volunteer with a council in rural New York, where he spent two years assisting with fundraising and other projects within the community.

Cooper said one of his main focuses if elected is to continue the work the council has been doing while simultaneously looking out for the citizens of Lind. His top two priorities at the council level would be improving the infrastructure and beautification of the downtown district.

He added he does not know all of the priorities of his position yet, but if elected he would work diligently with the other council members to determine the most important projects for the community.

Cooper said he understands projects take time, and a prioritization of projects is crucial for the longevity of the community. He said the most immediate priority and focus for the town needs to be on the recently approved Storm Water Project through the Department of Ecology.

Cooper said the completion of the Wastewater Treatment Plant was a large accomplishment for the town, and is now the council’s responsibility to protect that project. With the improvement of the wastewater system, the town also needs to focus on improving the aging infrastructure throughout the community, Cooper said.

For Cooper, his knowledge and experience with equipment and managing employees are two of the strengths he brings to the position. He stated he knows what equipment is unnecessary for the town to purchase, which could potentially save the town money.

As a child growing up in Lind, Cooper’s father served on the Lind Town Council and Cooper said he remembers his father discussing many of the same topics the council still discusses today. He believes by creating a long-term plan for the town and by familiarizing himself with the town’s ordinances, the council can work together to improve the future of the community.

Along with his work for CHS/Cenex, Cooper currently serves as a volunteer firefighter for the Lind Fire Department and is also a Lind Lions Club member. His role with both organizations is something he values, as they both work to protect the future of the Lind community.

Cooper said he wants voters to know he moved back to the community in order to assist wherever possible. If elected, it is his goal to ensure the council works well together to improve the efficiency of meetings and continue to work towards providing a future for the town.