Jim Cooper for Palmer Mayor
Who is Jim Cooper?
I have lived in Alaska for 44 years. I grew up in Juneau in a Coast Guard family. I continued that tradition with a 26 year Coast Guard career myself. During that career, my wife and I lived in many coastal communities in Alaska: Juneau, Douglas and Kodiak. Upon retirement, my wife, Cheri, and I moved to Palmer in 1995 and purchased the Just Sew fabric store and operated it for 11 years. During that time and since then, we became thoroughly committed to the community.
Why Jim Cooper?
- Current Palmer Councilman
- Former Palmer Mayor
- Former Palmer Councilman
- Past co-chair of the Palmer Pride & Special Events committees
- Past president of the Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce
- Past member of the Palmer Planning and Zoning Commission
- Past chairman of the Palmer Community Development Task Force
- Current Board member for Palmer Community Foundation
- Current Board member of the National Brain Tumor Society
- 26 year Coast Guard veteran
- Palmer Citizen of the Year.
Beliefs
Palmer has a sense of community. Those who live here or near here feel at home and feel safe. We need projects that continue to improve the quality of life, ones that will stand the test of time and will last well into the future. People appreciate the view, the people, the small shops, the walkability.
Some of the issues and priorities we need to guarantee for Palmer and her residents:
- Maintain the charm and integrity of downtown, encourage and assist businesses to locate and prosper here.
- Promote customer service from the City and involve business owners in decisions that affect them.
- Upgrade our current infrastructure; e.g. fix/add sidewalks and crosswalks, pave remaining roads within the City.
- Ensure the Palmer library meets the needs of the community.
- Prioritize walkability for all ages and abilities. Increase the existing walking/bike path and add others throughout the City.
- Have more community conversations; i.e. involving citizens in decisions.
- Manage the growth that continues to come to Palmer and the Valley.
- Stop being reactive to issues and become more proactive in our future.
- Collaborate with the Borough and State to improve their infrastructure that surrounds Palmer.
- Continue to keep our downtown core area attractive and livable.
I think my improvements can be summarized into one word – Proactive. The City needs to be more inviting to its users; improve the website, have better and more personal interface. We need to invite more people to join the boards and commissions but more importantly they need to listen to them and take their recommendations seriously. We also need to improve relations with the businesses, have an open-door policy and accept business involvement and suggestions with how to make things better or easier for them – regardless of where the owners live. We need to continue to make Palmer a destination, the best place to live, work and play.
For over 30 years, I have been a public servant. I have a history of working with all people and making decisions which benefit the whole of Palmer, not just those who vote for you. I also have a history of getting things done – new taxiway, new wells, new sewer treatment plant, paved streets, waterline to the hospital, an ice rink to name a few - all things that have a positive lasting impact on the city and the people who live here.
I am committed to ensuring the decisions made by the Council are in the best interests of all the residents of our great city and I will continue to strive and keep Palmer – “Alaska at Its’ Best”.
Remember the City of Palmer election is on October 7, 2025. Polls are open from 7:00am to 8:00pm. For more information on polling places and candidates visit https://www.palmerak.org/elections. Early voting begins September 22nd. Absentee ballots are also available. Contact the City of Palmer for more information at 907-761-1301.
Please Contact me if any questions/concerns or clarifications. justsew@mtaonline.net or 425 - 736 - 7175
It is time for a Positive change for Palmer. “Dare to make a Difference”