Candidate Questionnaire
What is your name:
Cooper Beck
What office are you seeking?
Henderson City Commission
What is your age:
21
Please provide family background:
Son of Krista Beck, and Edward and Jennifer Benson. Grandson of Elaine Benson, Mary Johnston, and Wayne and Candy Beck, and the late Pascal Benson. Lifelong resident of Henderson.
What is your educational background?
I graduated from Henderson County High School in 2023. I attended Bellarmine University, where I was involved in student leadership and advocacy, before returning home. I also completed the Henderson Area Nonprofit Development and Leadership Academy, where I earned certifications in nonprofit leadership and administration.
Have you been elected to a political office previously? If so, what office(s) and when did you hold the office(s)?
No.
What is your professional background?
I’m the founder and Executive Director of Henderson KY Pride, where I’ve led the organization from the ground up and built programs, events, and partnerships across the community. I serve on the Board for Matthew 25 HIV/AIDS Services and as a board member with Leadership Everyone. I’m also a commissioner on the Human Rights Commission for Henderson County. I also work with Elevate Western KY with their Corporate and Career Services, focusing on strategic partnerships and workforce development. A lot of my work has been focused on connecting people, building partnerships, and finding practical solutions to community needs.
Current Occupation:
Executive Director, Henderson KY Pride
Strategic Partnerships and Corporate Liaison, Elevate Corporate and Career Services
Why are you running for office?
I’m running for office because I love Henderson and believe it deserves thoughtful, informed leadership that focuses on solutions, not just pointing out what’s wrong or right. Over the past few years, I’ve been doing the work here, building organizations, working with people across this community, and listening to what residents are actually experiencing. I’ve seen where things are working and where we have real opportunities to improve. I believe in building a Henderson for Everyone, where people feel heard, where neighborhoods are supported, and where we focus on what brings us together instead of what divides us. I don’t have all the answers, and I don’t think anyone should pretend to, but I do know how to listen, ask the right questions, and follow through, and I want to take that approach into local government to help move our city forward in a way that’s practical and grounded in what people actually need.
If elected to office, what would be your top three goals?
I want to establish a Commission on Youth made up of a diverse group of young people and community members who can take a real look at the systemic issues youth are facing in Henderson. We talk about these challenges, but we don’t always address them in a coordinated or consistent way. This would create a structured approach to identifying those issues and working toward practical solutions.
I also want to move forward on a citywide affordable housing plan. That means setting clear, measurable goals to increase the number of quality, attainable, and affordable housing units over the next several years. Housing affects everything from workforce growth to whether people can afford to stay and build their lives here.
Another priority for me is improving transparency and accessibility in local government. That starts with practical changes like moving City Commission meetings to 5:30 so working people can attend, and making sure residents actually know what’s happening through a city-wide engagement calendar, what decisions are being made, and how they can be part of the process.
Why should people vote for you?
I think it comes down to the kind of leadership someone wants to see. I’ve spent the last several years working in this community, building things, working with people across Henderson, and following through on what I’ve committed to. That’s given me a real understanding of how things work, but also how decisions affect people day to day. I take the time to listen, to understand different perspectives, and to focus on practical solutions. I don’t have all the answers, but I will show up prepared, stay engaged, and take the responsibility seriously.
Additional Comment:
I know my age is something people will think about, and that’s fair. I’m 21, and I’m not trying to pretend otherwise. What I can say is that I’ve spent the last several years showing up in this community, building things, working with people across Henderson, and taking on real responsibility. I see my age as a strength because I’m directly connected to a generation that’s often talked about but not always included. I understand the challenges young people are facing, but I’ve also put in the work to understand how our local systems operate and how decisions get made. At the end of the day, this comes down to whether someone is willing to listen, put in the work, and take the role seriously. That’s what I’m committed to doing.
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