Cooper declares candidacy for Maine House 107 seat

By Ed Pierce

Lifelong resident Mark Cooper has announced his candidacy for the Maine House of Representatives District 107 as a Republican and says he intends to be a strong voice for Windham voters if elected.

Mark Cooper of Windham, a local building
contactor and farmer, has declared his
candidacy as a Republican for the Maine
House of Representatives District 107,
serving part of Windham.
SUBMITTED PHOTO  

Cooper, 60, is a local building contractor and farmer, and has decided to harness his experience in farming and in business for the benefit of the community.

“I believe in a common-sense approach to legislation and fiscal responsibility,” Cooper said. “As a small business owner working for a living, I understand the financial implications of wasteful government spending policies. I enjoy working with others to obtain workable and sensible solutions. I firmly believe Maine should be taking care of Mainers as a priority.”

Along with his wife Gaylene, Cooper has operated his family farm and accompanying businesses for over 40 years on Chute Road and says in that time he has seen a lot of changes in Windham.

“I love that Windham has become a place where more people want to live. It’s a testament to our schools, our local businesses, and our community leaders that we are doing something right, but I do think we need to look at how we are approaching this growth,” Cooper said. “I talk to a lot of seniors that have been priced out of their homes. I know there are too many folks in town who have had to sell family properties because the taxes are just too high. I’d like to be able to be able to help the town government connect with the state government to see where we might be able to make things a little easier on folks that are struggling to stay in their homes.”

A 1981 graduate of Windham High School, Cooper went on to earn an associate degree from the University of New Hampshire. He and Gaylene are the parents of sons Craig Cooper and his partner Amanda Larrabee and Eric Cooper and his wife Lauren, and they are the grandparents of Brian and Reagan.

His family business interests include L C Cooper Co Inc., a building contractor operation now in its 54th year in business and third generation. The Cooper family farming businesses include Coopers Maple products, Coopers Greenhouse, Coopers Royal Heritage Farm miniature horses and American Aberdeen cattle. Mark and Gaylene also work with Mark’s parents’ farm, Cooper Charolais Farm & Apiary, including beef cattle and a beekeeping operation.

“Windham has been home to my family for three generations, and we take pride in being able to live and work in this community, to employ a fair number of folks in Windham, and to contribute to the economy” Cooper said. “Serving in the State Legislature feels like a way to bring our experience in farming and in business to the larger statewide conversation about where Maine is headed. Right now, I’ve got some major concerns. The Maine State Legislature currently needs a serious infusion of common sense and logical thinking.”

According to Cooper, the current Democratic-controlled government is running blindly unchecked and turning Maine into “California of the East.”

Through his years of farming, Cooper has been actively involved in several trade and industry associations, including serving as Director and Superintendent of the Cumberland Fair, Director for the Maine Maple Producers Association, President of the Maine Miniature Horse Club, President of the Maine Beef Producers Association, Cumberland County Farm Bureau, and a member of former Maine Gov. John R. McKernan Jr.’s Ag Advisory Committee.

Cooper said that the economy, inflation, and financial pressure are the major concerns Windham voters are expressing to him.

“Many of the working families are feeling the effects of rising inflation and cost of living increasing faster than income,” Cooper said. “Basic needs including food, electricity, heating, and property taxes are escalating rapidly. Maine residents should not have to make a choice between buying groceries, heating their home, or paying their taxes.”

He said he’s looking forward to the campaign and will work hard to represent the best interests of Windham residents if he’s elected.

“I’m looking forward to meeting new neighbors and reconnecting with old friends over the next nine months,” Cooper said. “I’m hoping to put together a big team, so if you’d like to be a part of the campaign, please send us an email at GMCooper81@aol.com. Yes, I still have an AOL account so please don’t hold that against me as you consider supporting our campaign.” <