Sam Raper has been a proud member of Cookeville, TN since 1998 when she moved here to become a Tennessee Tech Golden Eagle. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in English with a concentration in Writing in 2006, set down roots and raised her children in this growing community she calls home. Sam is part of Cookeville’s thriving theatre community. She is a business woman and for years has worked helping the children of Putnam County. Her experience organizing local events and assisting with social programs has afforded her the skills necessary to lead the city that has given her so much. Sam has worked for years with city leaders to keep Cookeville a place where we take care of each other and come together in times of crisis.
Sam Raper is committed to giving families and longtime residents a strong voice as our city grows. She believes in responsible growth, affordable living, and listening to all the people.
When elected, she will work to reclaim the values that foster a thriving democracy: a commitment to take care of the less privileged, to empower the vulnerable, and to ensure that every voice is heard. She will work to create a future where everyone has the opportunity to succeed, to thrive, and to simply live without fear.
AFFORDABILITY: True security is affordable roofs over heads, food on tables, and a sense of community and belonging. Sam is committed to cooperation where building meaningful relationships leads to actionable plans for a Cookeville that ensures the secure wellbeing of all its citizens.
CITY GROWTH: A thriving city necessitates growth and community investment. Sam will work to ensure that economic growth is balanced with programs that benefit citizens at all economic levels. A rising tide lifts all boats; Sam knows our community will only truly thrive when all our members have opportunities for dignity and growth.
COMMUNITY UNITY: The most powerful voices aren’t the loudest or most aggressive. Sam knows true leadership comes from listening, from truly hearing what every community member has to contribute to the betterment of us all. She will use what she hears to cooperate across perceived differences to connect our community in ways that will only make us stronger.
