Name as it appears on the ballot: Sona L. Cooper
Previous elected offices held: Spring Lake Board of Commissioners, 2017-present
Age as of Election Day: 61
Occupation (employer, where you work, what you do): CSP and Consultant
Best phone number and email for voters to reach you. Website and campaign social media:
- 910-587-7888; cooperforalderman@gmail.com
1. Give us your elevator pitch in 200 words or less. Why are you running for this office? What makes you the most qualified candidate?
I am running for office because I believe in Spring Lake’s potential and the strength of our community when we work together. My focus is on putting residents first through integrity, transparency, and action.
With years of public service, I have built strong partnerships at the local, state and national level that bring real resources and opportunities to our town. I understand the challenges we face, housing, economic growth, public safety, and infrastructure and I have the experience to turn ideas into solutions.
What makes me most qualified is my proven record of leadership. I’ve worked to support small businesses, improve external relationships, and expand community services. I listen, I act, and I deliver results.
Spring Lake’s best days are ahead, and I am committed to providing steady leadership that amplifies resident voices and builds a stronger future for all.
2. What do you view as the three most pressing issues facing Spring Lake? How will you address them as mayor or as a commissioner?
The three most pressing issues in Spring Lake are economic development, affordable housing, and public safety. I will work to attract new businesses and support small ones to create jobs and grow our tax base. I will push for affordable housing options and neighborhood revitalization so families have safe places to live. And I will advocate for stronger public safety through increased resources, community policing, and youth engagement. Together, these steps will build a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Spring Lake.
3. What’s the best or most important thing the Spring Lake Board of Commissioners has done in the past year? Additionally, name a decision you believe the board should have handled differently. Please explain your answers.
The most important thing the Spring Lake Board of Commissioners has done in the past year is strengthen our financial stability and accountability. By working closely with state oversight and improving budget practices, we have restored trust and created a stronger foundation for future growth.
I don’t think there is a decision made in the past term that should have been handled differently because we were well informed prior to this meetings.
4. With the recent county tax revaluation, property taxes have gone up for many people. If elected, what would you do to address concerns from Spring Lake residents about higher tax bills while maintaining town services?
I understand the strain higher property taxes place on families as those increases affect me as well. If elected, I will work to balance fairness with fiscal responsibility. That means carefully reviewing the town’s budget to cut waste, prioritizing essential services, and seeking grants and partnerships to reduce the burden on taxpayers. At the same time, I will push for smart economic growth to expand our tax base so we are not relying so heavily on homeowners. My goal is to maintain strong services while ensuring residents see value for every dollar they contribute.
5. Spring Lake’s aging water and sewer systems have been a recurring issue for the town for quite some time. What is the best way to generate the revenue needed to provide residents with reliable water and sewer services?
Spring Lake’s aging water and sewer systems are one of our biggest challenges, and fixing them requires a long-term, sustainable plan. The best way to generate revenue is by pursuing state and federal grants, infrastructure funding, and partnerships that reduce the direct burden on our residents. At the same time, we must ensure that every utility dollar is spent efficiently by prioritizing repairs and upgrades where they are most needed. As our town grows, smart economic development will also expand the tax and utility base, helping to fund these improvements. My commitment is to secure outside funding first, protect residents from unnecessary rate increases, and deliver reliable water and sewer services that meet our community’s needs.
6. How will you work to attract and retain new businesses and other development to Spring Lake? Name another municipality you believe has made smart decisions about sustainable growth and development, and describe what it has done that could be implemented in Spring Lake.
To attract and retain businesses, I will focus on making Spring Lake a place where investment is welcomed and supported. That means streamlining processes for small businesses, strengthening partnerships with regional economic development organizations, and improving infrastructure so companies have what they need to grow here. I will also work to create a vibrant town center and expand housing options to support a thriving workforce.
7. Nonprofits are seeing homeless encampments popping up in Spring Lake. What is needed to tackle homelessness in town, and how would you work to implement these solutions?
Homelessness is a complex issue that requires compassion and collaboration. In Spring Lake, we need to strengthen partnerships with nonprofits, Cumberland County, and faith-based organizations to connect people with housing, mental health services, and job opportunities. I would advocate for grant funding to support transitional housing and supportive services while encouraging affordable housing development so fewer families fall into homelessness. Just as importantly, I would push for community-based outreach meeting people where they are and connecting them to resources. By working together, we can address the root causes and provide pathways toward stability and dignity for every resident.
