J. Martin (Marty) Cooke
No biography on file yet.
Voice
- Meetings spoken in
- 20
- Total speaking time
- 3:15:56
- Avg per meeting
- 9:48
- Segments
- 3244
Want every word Cooke has said?
The OpenCity MCP for Claude.ai answers questions like “what has Cooke said about housing this year” with one prompt — full speaking history, with YouTube timestamps.
Top issues during term (20)
Flock Safety Automated License Plate Reader Cameras
The related Axon transcription add-on costs $99,672 per year; the overall Axon contract runs about $4.2 million.
Absentee ballot review
Zero direct hit to your wallet, though local elections shape where your tax dollars actually go.
UDO Text Amendments and State Law Compliance (HB 1222)
Administrative costs associated with updating county codes and processing reviews.
Water Capacity and Fire Flow in Southern Brunswick County
Potential future capital outlays for water infrastructure upgrades and looping lines.
Water Shortage Response Plan and Water Emergency Ordinance
Residents who ignore the new watering schedule could face local fines, while the county saves money on long-term water treatment and infrastructure strain.
Village at Town Creek Planned Development (PD-181)
Private capital investment for housing construction and road safety improvements.
Heron Bluff Major Subdivision (172 homes)
Property values and local infrastructure spending near the proposed site hold steady for now.
Creation of Brunswick County Cemetery Committee
Minimal fiscal impact, primarily involving staff time for mapping and enforcement.
Handling of Planning Public Hearings and Meeting Length
Planning Board Leadership Controversy
Leaning Pine Planned Development Extension
Chappell Loop Road Rezoning to Commercial-Intensive
Cumulative Flooding and Stormwater Management
Could increase upfront development costs but reduce long-term public drainage repair expenses.
Volunteer Fire Department Contract Negotiations
Involves millions in potential county subsidies and funding support for volunteer fire departments.
Wastewater Treatment Capacity and State Allocation Rules
Affects infrastructure development timelines and utility capital projects.
Fiscal Year 2027 County Budget Adoption
Balances at $324 million in general fund revenues and expenditures with no property tax rate increase.
election
While voting itself is free, the policies these commissioners pass will directly shape your local property taxes and county spending.
Highway 211 Corridor Commercial Rezoning (Summerlin Commercial)
Increases local property tax values and commercial investment potential.
Open Burning Regulations and State Authority
Potential future costs if local monitoring or air quality programs are established.
Severe Drought and Water Shortage Restrictions
Potential savings or revenue opportunities if treated wastewater is successfully permitted for commercial use.
Decisions during term (429)
Recorded while Cooke was in office — not necessarily decisions they moved, spoke to, or voted on.
Approval of Consent Agenda (Items V.1–V.16)
Public Health Accreditation Required Rules and Policies Assessment (VI.3)
National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week Proclamation (VI.2)
Water Shortage Response Plan and Water Emergency Ordinance Updates (VII.1)
Axon Transcription Software Amendment (VIII.1)
Port Security Grant Program (PSGP) Award Approval (VIII.2)
Hydrant Bulk Water Policy Updates (VIII.3)
Motion to Request Resignation of Planning Board Chairman Clifton Cheek
Board Appointment — Calabash Planning and Zoning Board ETJ Appointee (IX.1)
Clerk to the Board - Approval of the JCPC Roster Effective September 2026
Clerk to the Board - Meeting Minutes — October 19, 2026, Regular Meeting and Special Meetings
County Attorney - Calabash Pointe, Ph 3, Units 157-181 Deed of Dedication
County Attorney - Hewett Landing, Phase 2, Lots 17-24 and 86-245 Deed of Dedication
Finance - Fiscal Items
Health Services - Health and Human Services - NC Department of Commerce Memorandum of Understanding FY 27-30
Health Services - NC DHHS, Division of Child and Family Well-Being and Division of Public Health FY 2027 Consolidated Agreement Amendment 2
Operation Services - Nash Equipment Company - Agreement for Mini Excavator
Operation Services - Shallotte Warehouse Internet Service Upfit
Social Services - State-County Memorandum of Understanding
Tax - November 2026 Tax Releases
Voting record (15)
Oldest to newest — hover a bar for the item.
Approval of Rezoning Case Z-941 Appeal Request
Viewed the surrounding area along Ocean Isle Beach Road as predominantly residential.
Overturn Staff Decision on Pointe Grand Long Beach Stormwater Permit
Noted fairness concerns regarding the lack of maintenance agreements for off-site drainage infrastructure.
Pause ALPR Procurement and Direct Administrative Review
Letter of Support for Novant Health Bed Expansion
Fire Fee Agreed-Upon Procedures Agreement
Noted that volunteer fire departments already face arduous administrative burdens and viewed the new requirement as an unexpected surprise.
Table Modification to Public Comment and Public Hearing Policies
Rezoning Case Z-936 Approval
Rezoning Case Z-938 Approval
Special Use Permit Case 26-12S - Salty Paws Dog Daycare Approval
Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Ordinance, Fees, Capital Improvement Plan, and Opioid Settlement Fund Resolution
Expressed concerns about artificially low tax rates and reliance on fund balance reserves.
Denial of Rezoning Case Z-935-CZ (Mount Misery Concrete Plant)
Approval of Rezoning Case Z-936 (Summerlin Commercial / NC District)
Commissioner Sykes made the motion to approve the medical plan through the NCHIP with the removal weight loss GLP-1 medication, authorized the County Manager to sign the associated documents and sched
Renewal of NCHIP Medical Plan and Removal of Weight-Loss GLP-1 Coverage
Voted against because he supported providing a subsidy for the medication to help improve employee health and longevity.