By Bridget Nash, Staff Writer
Scott Cooper was born at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center and was raised in the rural community of Lahoma, where he lives with his wife, Laura, and daughter, Alina. He is enrolled at Northern Oklahoma College Enid and currently works for Honeywell International.
When he learned many state representatives are elected by the default of having no opponent, Cooper decided to run for state representative in Oklahoma District 41.
“I’m tired of seeing a lot of the positions go unopposed,” said Cooper, who is running as an independent.
Cooper is running for office with the goal of giving people a choice.
What are your proposals to enhance energy development in the state?
“Creating more demand for natural gas,” said Cooper. “Try to see if the natural gas companies want to enter into some kind of agreement of converting some vehicles into natural gas (powered vehicles) and use their profits for the conversion which will create customers and jobs.”
Cooper said this idea will create jobs and give them an almost instant piece of the market.
“And it might help people,” said Cooper.
What are your proposals to encourage economic development in rural areas of the state?
Cooper believes businesses in rural communities are the key.
“Try to encourage small business growth,” said Cooper. “Government grants to people that come up with business ideas that are valid.”
What is your opinion on the level of school funding now and how can the situation be improved?
“It definitely needs to be funded more,” said Cooper. “That’s some pretty tough choices there. You increase the funding and where’s the money going to come from?”
Cooper believes giving Oklahomans more power in deciding which funding should be increased and which should be cut is the answer.
“Letting the people decide where funding cuts need to come from, or other ideas on getting the money,” said Cooper.
What is an issue you find important?
“One of the most important things is the disconnection of our communities and the willingness of people to run for an office,” said Cooper. “And voter confidence.”
Cooper believes bringing more decisions straight to voters and encouraging town hall meetings will get more people involved in the voting process and create the desire in individuals to run for office.
