Gregg Cooper is a fourth generation Coloradan running for County Commissioner. Who is he and what are his plans for affordability and prosperity?
Gregg Cooper has executed solutions internationally and will serve his home Eagle County for free
Gregg Cooper/Courtesy photo
“Democrats as well as Republicans asked me to run for County Commissioner. It made sense. All of us want a better County and improved way of life.”
Gregg has spent 20+ years solving economic problems in more than 40 countries, in industries including health care, solar, coffee, petroleum byproducts, aviation, transportation, and housing. “Standard practices are needed in Eagle County. Problems are actually quite small when tackled properly. What I’ve done internationally in months are 20-year problems here. The program is simple. Make the plan, drive to the plan, evaluate for learnings.”
Politicians are known for their inability to solve problems or be cost-efficient. Gregg Cooper is running for Eagle County Commissioner to make Eagle County a Model of Excellence simply via proactive planning.
Here’s what you need to need to know:
Fixing Affordability
Affordable Home Ownership
For most, home ownership here is not affordable. “However we can get people into home ownership at a $133k starting point by partnering private and government land, and build homes and community centers economically. We will start with a pilot program and grow from there. The county will be cash-neutral, and the environment protected as all homes will be in areas not critical to wildlife. As a result, we attract and keep good people in our county and equally important, they build generational wealth.”
Taxes
Prior commissioners have stated that there was nothing they could do about the rising tax burden on county residents. Cooper wholeheartedly disagrees.
“It starts with returning last year’s property tax overcharge and establishing a tax reduction for primary residences (called Homestead). Then, while lowering local taxes, a total review will occur for all taxes including state, sales, income, local, county, school, transfer, property, use, and other taxes. When it adds up, we all pay too much.”
Diversification
New economies, new jobs. Professional sports are usually the place to start. Technology – economies are next, however Eagle County is poised to launch further into aviation.
County Optimization
To keep simple, there are standard business processes that can be implemented including technology, automation (etc.) that will free up the great staff to do what they do best versus administer.
Taking Good Care of Our Youngest
The County Commissioners are separate from the Board of Education and, hence, cannot effect change within the schools like math and reading scores. However, Cooper has sought to protect children outside the school.
Rising crime in our valley, including shootings now, is mimicking patterns seen in Denver and across the country, such as gangs and fentanyl. With investment in, and support for law enforcement, we will ensure our children are safe in our parks, libraries, and our streets.
The Eagle County 2050 Plan
How to Fix the Future
“You can’t have a future with just-in-time management, but it is occurring in Eagle County. Reactionary decisions cause overspending and then budget cuts occur when money runs out. That’s why The Eagle County 2050 Plan lays out a powerful vision of what we will need in 25 years.” Cooper believes it’s vital to assure decisions by Commissioners.
He suggests The Eagle County 2050 Plan include nine areas:
Economic Development, Public Health and Safety, Education and Workforce Development, Environmental Sustainability, Infrastructure and Transportation, Energy, Governance and Accountability, Digital Transformation, and Community Development.
Cooper will Serve Without Pay
Cooper is committed to fiscal responsibility and getting Eagle County improved fiscal results. He will forego his salary as Commissioner. “I suggest our elected officials are paid last or not at all. If the budget truly requires an overrun, the salary would not be available to incentivize proper fiscal behavior. In this case it’s $140,000-plus per commissioner each year.”
On a Personal Note
Gregg believes firmly in Faith, Family, and Freedom. His policies and procedures are driven by these values looking to reach across aisles and work with all interested parties, help all, and create a safer, more successful “hometown” (for all).
He also believes in protecting Bighorn Sheep and (E-16) Elk herd along with preserving natural resources which bring $3.25 Billion every year to Colorado (along with 25,000-plus jobs). “We need to preserve these animals for future generations; when it’s gone, it’s gone.”
You can read more about Gregg Cooper at Facebook.com/cooper4eaglecounty or Cooper4EagleCounty.com.
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