The Coopertown Times was honored to sponsor the 2024 Coopertown Candidate Breakfast, where well over 100 residents gathered to meet their local candidates. Mayor Becca Werner kicked off the event, welcoming attendees before introducing the Alderman candidates from Wards 1 and 2. After speeches by the unopposed Aldermen, it was time for the mayoral candidates to take the stage.
Making an unexpected appearance was Dickie Thompson, who had previously stated he wanted nothing to do with City Hall or the event. Choosing to sit at the back of the room rather than with the other candidates, Thompson requested to speak last when Mayor Werner introduced him first. Even before the event began, he engaged in a heated conversation with Mayor Werner, accusing her of being the “worst mayor” and expressing his disdain for her administration and the town in general.
When it was Robert Watts’ turn to speak, Thompson abruptly stood up and delivered a passionate yet rambling speech about Coopertown’s past, his service in Vietnam, and how he had a higher calling from God than to be the Mayor and we would all learn that higher calling at a future date. In a wildly unexpected turn of events, he then essentially suspended his mayoral campaign, endorsing Watts for mayor. Watts, who seemed taken aback by Thompsons interruption and withdrawal, continued with his platform, which primarily centered on a single promise: to “keep Coopertown country.”
In contrast, candidate Jeff Smith provided a detailed, multi-faceted plan for Coopertown’s future. He addressed misconceptions about his background, emphasizing his rural upbringing in Illinois and his commitment to preserving Coopertown’s values – the same values he holds. Alongside Alderman candidates Candace Rundle and Tim Mason, Smith articulated thoughtful strategies to improve the town and foster community unity. All three candidates expressed their love for Coopertown and their desire to see it thrive as their chosen home.
in the midst of questions for the candidate Mr. J.L. Shelton, a key proponent for surrendering the town charter, spoke on the issue at length, suggesting that citizens should have the right to decide its [the town’s] fate. He mentioned challenges with previous administrations and concerns about land ownership and that if it were to be enacted, the county would pick up the tab for services at no further cost to citizens. Mayor Werner countered, explaining that surrendering the charter would revert donated land back to the original owners. While Vice Mayor Anderson noted that if we go back to the county they may, or may not, renew certain services contracts and raise taxes to cover road maintenance.
The candidates and residents engaged in lively, thoughtful, and productive discussions, with some expressing disappointment over the disruptions caused by Thompson and Shelton. “They seem like angry old men over slights from years ago,” one resident remarked. “This was totally the wrong time and place for those two to go off about these topics…it seemed like they wanted to be in control of the conversation.” Yet another said: “The citizens have decided. Multiple times. When they chose to become a town, and when the question of surrendering the charter has come up, it has failed to reach the ballot three times…get over it already.”
From the pleas of new-comers to not allow Coopertown to go the way of their previous home-towns, to the prayers of those born-and-raised here to keep it as rural and unmolested as possible, all sides and perspectives were seemingly accurately represented and spoken for. As for the candidates – some have clearer, more robust, plans than others; but the end goal seems to be the same: community unity, fiscal responsibility and controlled growth…or simply “keeping Coopertown country.”
The breakfast concluded with Mayor Werner thanking the community for their support over the past four years, reflecting on the challenges and rewards of her tenure. The event showcased a stark contrast between candidates visions, and highlighted just how closely aligned the citizenry really is in terms of desired outcomes, leaving Coopertown voters with much to consider ahead of the election.
