Susan Cooper

Susan Cooper

Charlestown’s scenic ocean beaches; peaceful, sparkling ponds; miles of hiking trails; abundant bird and wildlife; dark skies; and one of Rhode Island’s lowest tax rates made Charlestown the perfect place for Susan to settle when she retired. To Susan, being actively involved in her community is important, and through discussions with friends and neighbors, attendance at Town Council meetings, and service on the Zoning Board of Review, she developed a further appreciation for the history and the cultural and economic resources of the Town. She was impressed by the dedication and professionalism of our current community leaders, their commitment to the Town, and their work to protect those things that make Charlestown so special. She wanted to help. Susan got involved and has taken a leadership role on the Town Council since 2020.

Susan J. Cooper – Town Council

Susan was a practicing attorney in the area of health care regulation and had also served as an attorney in the federal and state courts in Missouri. Susan strongly believes that Charlestown’s path forward must be one that protects the wonderful natural resources of the Town while seeking opportunities that foster the interests of the majority of its citizens. Elected to the Town Council in 2020, her strong analytical and communication skills developed from decades of legal practice and her financial and management background have served the town well. Susan understands the long-term impacts of local government decisions, and she is committed to keeping taxes low and the quality of life of Charlestown’s residents high. In her first term on the Council, Susan was an ex officio member of the Budget Commission, was instrumental in the adoption of Charlestown’s Comprehensive Plan for the next 20 years, and worked with the outside consultant to create Charlestown’s recently completed Town-Wide Survey. In addition, she proposed and successfully established Charlestown’s Climate Resiliency Commission and will continue to work through the Council and Climate Resiliency Commission to protect the Town’s resources with particular emphasis on groundwater preservation. “I believe in working collaboratively and in the importance of listening and mutual respect in bringing about good outcomes for the community.” 

Charlestown’s scenic ocean beaches; peaceful, sparkling ponds; miles of hiking trails; abundant bird and wildlife; dark skies; and one of Rhode Island’s lowest tax rates made Charlestown the perfect place for Susan to settle when she retired. To Susan, being actively involved in her community is important, and through discussions with friends and neighbors, attendance at Town Council meetings, and service on the Zoning Board of Review, she developed a further appreciation for the history and the cultural and economic resources of the Town. She was impressed by the dedication and professionalism of our current community leaders, their commitment to the Town, and their work to protect those things that make Charlestown so special. She wanted to help. Susan got involved and has taken a leadership role on the Town Council since 2020.

Education

  • JD, Washington University School of Law, Saint Louis, MO
  • BA, Psychology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD

Professional Experience

  • Staff Attorney and Law Clerk, United States District Court, Eastern District of Missouri
  • Attorney/Director, BJC HealthCare, St. Louis, MO
  • Attorney/Compliance Officer, Unity Health, St. Louis, MO
  • Attorney for the State Public Defender’s Office, St, Louis, MO

Public Service

  • Charlestown Town Council (2020 – present)
  • Town Council Liaison to the Budget Commission and Affordable Housing Commission
  • Charlestown Zoning Board of Review (2019 – 2020)
  • Secretary and Board Member for a community health organization in St. Louis, MO
  • Board Member for her children’s school, focusing on community outreach and fundraising
  • Trustee of a church group, with a focus on building, repair, and improvement projects
  • Member, Parks and Recreation commission, University City, MO
  • Volunteer leader, Appalachian Service Project, a Habitat-for-Humanity–like program involving high school and college students in summer-long building projects at various locations across Appalachia
  • Service on numerous church, school, and Missouri Bar committees dealing with access to legal services, development of after-school programs, and fundraising for these and other efforts

Personal

  • When not involved in public service, Susan spends her leisure time working on her home and gardens, hiking, kayaking, reading, and cooking for family and friends. Her two adult children live and work in New York and London, respectively, but share her delight in the wonders of Charlestown.

Agenda

  • Susan fully supports the CCA Platform for the 2020 election

On November 8th, please vote for Susan J. Cooper for Charlestown Town Council

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Town Council

Planning Commission

Chariho School Committee