Wallace City Council Position 6: Dean Cooper

Dean Cooper is seeking re-election to position six on the Wallace City Council and is running against Owen Cotter.

Cooper, 52, has an extensive education background, with a Bachelor of Science in business administration, a Silver Key, Departmental Honors, and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Chapman University.

A Colorado native, Cooper’s Wallace roots come from his in-laws, his wife, Jill Lilienkamp-Cooper was born and raised in Wallace and his father-in-law, Dick Lilienkamp has lived in Wallace his entire life.

Cooper has been on the Wallace City Council for several years and has even served as Council President at times.

“I feel my biggest asset to the council is a deep understanding of the city’s finances and how to get grants for projects,” Cooper said. “I enjoy enhancing the city’s infrastructure whenever possible. As Council President I have sat in for mayors on several occasions and ran council meetings.”

Cooper has had an active role in several important Wallace projects including the Roads Project, the recent Sewer System Renovation Project, Negotiated Police and Fire District 1 agreements, and the Pool Renovation.

“During these projects I have learned how to manage complex contracts and ensure the city’s interests are seen to by all parties involved,” Cooper said. “I have operated several businesses in Wallace and have successfully worked with other businesses, groups and citizens on diverse projects.”

Cooper has some broad goals, as well as some very specific ones should he be re-elected.

“My goal is to keep our special community intact and to maintain the way of life we all cherish in Wallace,” he said. “I will continue to serve the citizens of Wallace to the best of my abilities. I plan to provide continuity for ongoing projects like the Pool Renovation and 6th Street Bridge. I believe in having an open mind and will continue to provide a platform to the community to ensure the community’s needs are heard and addressed.”

Cooper understands the issues within Wallace and wants to be a part of the solution.

“Wallace’s tax base is small and major projects become a challenge,” he said. “I have been successful helping the city get grants and funding outside of our tax base for several major infrastructure projects. You need to give your time, thoughts, support, and energy to a wide variety of projects and interests. Getting funding for projects, outside of our tax base, is critical to being able to make significant enhancements to Wallace.”