I have 40+ years of public sector experience in leadership positions. My husband Mark and I have been part of this community for 15 years – full time residents for 5 years. I run a part time consulting business and volunteer as a grant writer for the Pamlico Music Society.

Meet the 2025 Oriental Town Board Candidates

Iris Cooper and her husband, Mark, have been members of their community for 15 years. She volunteers as a grant writer for the Pamlico Music Society.

Meet the 2025 Oriental Town Board Candidates - TownDock.net

Iris Cooper
My name is Iris Cooper and I am a candidate for the Town of Oriental Town Board. I am asking for your support because I believe our community deserves leadership that listens, acts with integrity and focuses on real results – a community where everyone has a voice.

I have 40+ years of public sector experience in leadership positions. My husband Mark and I have been part of this community for 15 years – full time residents for 5 years. I run a part time consulting business and volunteer as a grant writer for the Pamlico Music Society.

Iris Cooper runs a part-time consulting business. She has more than 40 years of public-sector experience in leadership positions.

Iris runs a part-time consulting business. She has more than 40 years of public-sector experience in leadership positions.

Jordan, Moffat, Cooper, Ostendorff and McGuire elected
November 4, 2025
Eleven candidates sought five town board slots in Oriental, including two incumbents. The incumbent mayor ran unopposed.

Elected for Oriental town commission are Paul Jordan, Chris Moffat, Cooper, Ostendorff and McGuire.

Incumbents Bonnie Crosser and Allen Price were part of a controversial board. They received less than half the votes of winning candidates.

Election Results 2025

Iris Cooper, Commissioner
Liaison to Tourism Board, Planning Board, Human Resources
(703) 585-7416 (Cell)
ICooper@townoforiental.com

Term expires 12/2026

Mayor & Board - Oriental, North Carolina

Iris currently serves as a commissioner for the Town of Oriental. She was elected in 2025.

2026 North Carolina General Election

Iris Cooper
My name is Iris Cooper and I am a candidate for the Town of Oriental Town Board. I am asking for your support because I believe our community deserves leadership that listens, acts with integrity and focuses on real results – a community where everyone has a voice.

I have 40+ years of public sector experience in leadership positions. My husband Mark and I have been part of this community for 15 years – full time residents for 5 years. I run a part time consulting business and volunteer as a grant writer for the Pamlico Music Society.

We fell in love with the quirkiness and character of Oriental – the community, the volunteerism and the many activities the Town offers. I value what the Town is today – but we also must have a sustainable future, and the services residents need balanced against what is financially possible. To achieve this, we must allow informed discussions, hear our residents and drive to achievable solutions. The division on the Town Board we have all experienced in recent years does not serve anyone.

If elected, I will work hard to ensure that every dollar is spent effectively and that decisions are made with your input! I am committed to transparency and civility – you deserve nothing less.

Pledges to spend town funds effectively and make decisions with resident input.

- Pledges to spend town funds effectively and make decisions with resident input.

Economy

We fell in love with the quirkiness and character of Oriental – the community, the volunteerism and the many activities the Town offers. I value what the Town is today – but we also must have a sustainable future, and the services residents need balanced against what is financially possible. To achieve this, we must allow informed discussions, hear our residents and drive to achievable solutions. The division on the Town Board we have all experienced in recent years does not serve anyone.

Supports balancing resident services with available financial resources.

- Supports balancing resident services with available financial resources.

Public Services

As of September 2, 2026, Iris Cooper did not have a website or any information online.

Housing & Urban Development

Public Safety

Transportation & Infrastructure

Energy & the Environment

Iris Cooper

As of September 2, 2026, Iris Cooper’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Jordan, Moffat, Cooper, Ostendorff and McGuire elected

November 4, 2025

The incumbent mayor ran unopposed.Elected for Oriental town commission are Paul Jordan, Chris Moffat, Iris Cooper, Lou Ostendorff and Don McGuire.

Incumbents Bonnie Crosser and Allen Price were part of a controversial board. They received less than half the votes of winning candidates.

Jordan, Moffat, Cooper, Ostendorff and McGuire elected

If elected, I will work hard to ensure that every dollar is spent effectively and that decisions are made with your input! I am committed to transparency and civility – you deserve nothing less.

Calls for balancing resident services with what is financially feasible while supporting Oriental's sustainable future.

Mauricio Mendez

Buket Urgen

Walter Ley

Charlie Overcash

Don McGuire

Lou Ostendorff

Paul Jordan

- Town commissioners serve as the legislative body for the town government. 
- Town commissioners have the authority to decide the services offered to the town, pass the budget, decide the property tax, acquire property, and enter into agreements with other governments. 
- The town commissioners can create or abolish any offices, positions, departments, etc. to improve the organization of the town. 
- Town commissioners may make investigations into the town or any of its departments or agencies. 
- Most town commissioners in Georgia are elected in odd years to staggered 4 year terms. Elections are nonpartisan. 

Legislative body for your town's government. 