James Cooper Seeks To Unseat Shadid

James Cooper, an Oklahoma City writer and university professor, will challenge incumbent Ed Shadid for Oklahoma City’s Ward 2 City Council Seat.

“I have been energized and humbled by the amazing outpouring of support I
have received since announcing this run,” Cooper said. “It has been a pleasure
meeting citizens throughout the ward, listening to their concerns, and sharing
my vision of a ‘connected city’ with them.”

Cooper, who lives in the historic Paseo neighborhood, said it is time for “new
leadership” for the council ward.

“While Mr. Shadid has provided leadership in certain areas, his overall record as
a councilman leaves a lot to be desired,” Cooper said. “He has voiced many
concerns, but his record of accomplishment in office is very thin. Notably, he has
divided the citizens and the other members of council. This is not a recipe for
getting results.”

Cooper said he will offer a different leadership approach.

“The most important thing for a leader to do is to listen, and I will listen to the
voters of the ward,” Cooper said. “Secondly, I will work to accomplish
meaningful results for Ward 2 residents. Talking and asking questions are not
enough. To be successful as a councilman, you must achieve measurable results,
and I will be in the best position to advance the interests of Ward 2 during the
next four-year term.”

Cooper’s vision of a “connected city” includes a comprehensive, “all of the
above” public transit system featuring expanded bus service, an expansion to
the planned Streetcar system, bus rapid transit, and commuter rail. He also has
pledged his support for another MAPS initiative and has said he will work with
residents of Ward 2 to shape that initiative, as well as the next general
obligation bond issue.

Other issues Cooper will focus on include improved bicycle and pedestrian
corridors, crime and public safety, street and infrastructure improvement, and
neighborhood beautification.