[img]2842|right|Mr. Jeff Cooper, with Barbara Silverstein of The Help Group.||no_popup[/img]Even though he is strolling through his middle 50s, City Councilman Jeff Cooper and grimness never have been introduced.
Rare is the person who ever has encountered the mortgage banker when he was not wearing a smile.
In some circles, and squares, he is known as The Grin Reaper.
Mr. Cooper believes that lives should be built so they are fun. Loves a good time. Seriosity should be reserved for truly grim times, such as when your favorite Hungarian cricket team loses in the final minute.
And so it was that at last Monday evening’s City Council meeting, a moment smilingly arrived when Mr. Cooper was showcased at the height of his game.
When the Council was discussing finalization of the smoking ban in multi-unit buildings, the frequent critic Cary Anderson called out Mr. Cooper, who never has been shy about isolating himself as a lone dissenter.
At the speaker podium, the unreluctant Mr. Anderson suggested that Mr. Cooper’s opposition may have been rooted in his penchant for stogies.
Mr. Cooper found the opening for one-upping irresistible.
He not only acknowledged being a cigar aficionado. He decided to one up Mr. Anderson by throwing in a bonus. “Yes, Cary, not only do I sometimes puff on a cigar, but I also occasionally smoke a recreational joint.”
Afterward, Mr. Cooper said he was as forthright as he coud be.
“There is not much to add,” he said. “I enjoy smoking a cigar or a joint occasionally as I enjoy having a beer or a cocktail occasionally.”
