Councilman Cooper announces candidacy for Mayor of Darlington
Darlington City Councilman James “Jimmy” Cooper III formally announced Monday July 6th his candidacy for Mayor of Darlington.
Cooper was elected to Darlington City Council in 2011, and is the fourth-generation proprietor of Cooper’s Barbershop in Darlington. He has also served on the Darlington City Planning Commission and the Darlington Downtown Revitalization Association.
His speech was provided to the News and Press, as follows:
“I would first like to thank and honor God for allowing me to be here today.
I would also like to thank each and every one of you for coming out this evening.
Tonight we are gathered here at Cooper’s Barbershop- a homegrown business that has proudly served the Darlington community since 1920.
For over four generations, this shop has grown into more than just a business…it has become a Darlington Institution…one that I am proud to continue!
You know, as a barber, I have had the unique opportunity to hear from customers, people who come from all parts of the community – male, female, black, white, young and those who are seasoned.
This has given me the chance to hear the concerns of the people -and it was this unique perspective that led me to work hard- first in my church and community and later serving on the City’s Planning Commission and the Darlington Downtown Revitalization Association.
This sense of making a better community…this sense of service eventually led me to run for Darlington City Council back in 2011.
Since then I have been honored to serve the citizens of Darlington for these past four years ever since the people elected me as your At- Large Councilman.
Working alongside our Mayor and my colleagues on Council, I have had the opportunity to address the many issues and challenges facing our community, and we have made some progress on some of these issues.
We are working hard to deal with issues like blight, crime and environmental issues like “The Ditch” that are plaguing our neighborhoods.
The ongoing revitalization efforts for our downtown are progressing, and we have broken ground on a new retail project that will bring much-needed jobs, business opportunities and more shopping options to Darlington.
Yes we are moving forward here in Darlington, but there is so much more that needs to be done.
After much soul searching, many talks with my family and constituents, I pleased to officially announce here tonight, my candidacy for Mayor of the Great City of Darlington South Carolina.
Over the course of this campaign I will be reaching out to all parts of our community, and I will be seeking to do more than just share with you my vision for the future.
I hope to also get your Input-and your commitment towards making a better city for ALL of our citizens.
Tonight, I ask for your support, and most importantly I ask for your prayers as we work together to Drive Darlington Forward!”
