Koleen Brooks

Koleen Brooks (born 1965) is an American politician and model, and a former mayor of Georgetown, Colorado and topless dancer. She was ousted from her position as mayor due to "unbecoming" conduct and subsequently posed for "Playboy", cashing in on her notoriety.

Biography

Background

Brooks grew up in Georgetown, Colorado and gave birth to her son Dustin at the age of 17. She did not pursue education after high school, turning to topless dancing. By 2001, Brooks owned Dare 2 Be Different Tanning and Hair Salon.cite news|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/women/story/0,3604,707447,00.html|title=Too wild for the west|accessdate=2008-01-08|date=2002-04-30|publisher=Guardian News and Media Limited|work=The Guardian|first=Kimberley|last=Sevcik]

Run for mayor

Brooks' entry into politics created much heat from the preservationist faction of the town. Her platform included the construction of a video arcade, a bowling alley and a skateboard park, introducing a concert venue, snowmobiles and barbecues all meant to update the town to the 21st century. These went against the preservationist view of saving the town's pastel Victorian style.

Brooks' supporters experienced pressure and social displacement for their support. Sign maker Wendell Pugh was fired for drawing a pro-Brooks cartoon. Tasso Maras' restaurant was boycotted by a group of citizens. In 2001, she won the election for the position of mayor with a 31-point margin. In her brief tenure, Brooks was accused of flashing her breasts in a bar, putting out a hit on a policeman who didn't support her and marijuana use.

Accusations

In February 2002, Brooks reported an attack on her life by a knife-wielding middle-aged man. After conflict erupted between her and the police force, the Colorado Bureau of Investigations stepped in and charged her with evidence-tampering and false reporting. Brooks' trial date was initially set on April 19 and then moved to May 24 with a change of venue. This allegation resulted in a recall vote and on April 2, she was forced to leave her position as mayor.

Promotional career

Following her chaotic tenure, Brooks made appearances on talk shows and made a websitecite web|url=http://www.koleenbrooks.com/|title=website] that recalled her topless dancing days. She also posed for "Playboy "in an office inspired setting. An Emmy-winning writer of "The Sopranos "bought the rights to Brooks' story; Julia Roberts is rumored to star in this feature.

References