CANDIDATE PROFILE - Wallace City Council Seat 6, Dean Cooper

- Full name and age  

 Dean Cooper, 56 

- Education  

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) from Chapman University, Silver Key Recipient, Departmental Honors and Magna Cum Laude. 

- A brief description of your immediate family     

My brother is a doctor and lives in Ohio as does my mother. My Wife is Jill Lilienkamp-Cooper. My father-in-law, Dick Lilienkamp, has lived in Wallace his entire life (83). I have a brother and sister-in-law, Scott and Chris Bischoff, who live in Wallace, and my brother and sister-in-law, Ken and Jill Lilienkamp, live in Boise.  

- Notable/relevant achievements 

Recipient of the Esto Perpetua and Citizen of the Year awards. Led Wallace’s “Center of the Universe” proclamation. Helped win Bank Street’s “Great Streets” award. Former Lookout Pass owner, 1313 Club operator, Taft Tunnel director, and longtime NP Depot and Slippery Gulch leader. Guided major preservation and tourism initiatives. 

- What is your background and/or relevant experience for the position you are running for?    

I’ve served Wallace for 18 years, including as Council President, bringing deep knowledge of city finances and grant acquisition. I’ve led major projects like road paving, sewer upgrades, and pool renovations. With training in public governance and experience running meetings, I’ve ensured city interests are protected while enhancing infrastructure and supporting police, fire, and community partnerships. 

- What is your main priority if you are elected?    

I strive to serve the citizens of Wallace as fairly as possible. Providing continuity for ongoing projects and involvement in future pursuits. I believe in having an open mind to different proposals and listening to the citizens to get a sense of what the public wants. 

- What do you believe are the key issues associated with the position?   

Wallace’s tax base is small and major projects become a challenge. I’ve been successful helping the City get grants and funding outside of our tax base for several major infrastructure projects. A good example of this is my fundraising efforts for the pool renovation, where I was able to raise over $400,000. I also take pride in working on our 6th Street Bridge, where we worked with the State to get a new bridge over the South Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River with limited costs to our taxpaying citizens. 

Besides the specific projects, Councilmembers need to be able to listen and make fair decisions. Listening to what the public wants is more important than doing what you want. You need to give your time, thoughts, support, and energy to a wide variety of projects and interests. Getting funding for projects, outside of our tax base, is critical to being able to make enhancements to Wallace.