Cooper's qualifications add up

In a letter to the editor published Oct. 1 in the Olympian, it was stated that Jim Cooper does not have a college degree. This is not true. Jim has an AA in liberal arts from Whatcom College, plus he is an Army veteran, Eagle Scout and certified EMT.

To imply that a person is not qualified to be a county commissioner solely on the basis of education is absurd. As an Olympia City Council member, Jim is chair of the budget committee that determines how the city spends your money. Surely, if he were not qualified he would not hold that position. Many citizens hold responsible jobs that do not require a four year degree. Whether it be a store clerk, gardener, wait person or county commissioner, education is not the only qualification. Knowledge and dedication is what is important.

Thurston County has elected very competent people, such as Les Eldridge, Karen Fraser, Sandra Romero, and Cathy Wolfe to name a few. They were honorable public servants not because of their education but because they cared for the well-being of all of their constituents. Through his work as an executive at United Way and as an elected official, Jim Cooper has shown his compassion to those less fortunate.

This story was originally published October 17, 2016 at 1:28 PM with the headline "Cooper's qualifications add up."