"That does not suggest for a moment that we can rest on our laurels and not consider our position and options at all times."
Mr Cooper said $2 million of debt was repaid in the last 12 months, significantly reducing interest payments.
The trust's debt level is now at $20 million.
Mr Cooper said the board had advised management that no more borrowing would be approved.
The trust had broken its loan terms with the bank, as it did not earn enough money to cover 1.5 times its interest payments.
In September, CEO Allan Pollard said it was almost back to the required interest cover.
Most of the candidates agreed that the last few years had been extremely tough on trading.
The trust's portfolio includes rental housing, taverns with gaming facilities, restaurants, bottle stores, electricity generation, supermarkets and Solway Park Hotel.
Lloyd Wilson said he had some concerns but the positive cash profit, good equity and healthy grant programme were reassuring.
"I can see that in addition to difficult trading conditions - certainly not unique to the MLT - that there are some accounting procedures that have influenced the result."
Lucy Cruickshank, Mena Antonio and incumbent Steve Blakemore supported recent business decisions, such as the sale of Solway Four Square.
Ms Antonio said, as a parent, she could not ignore the social impact of gambling and alcohol.
"The key issue for me is whether the community wants gambling and alcohol activities reduced?
"If so, this will reduce net income and grants."
She said relying on profits from pokies was unsustainable as new regulations around gambling were tightening.
Incumbent Jock Kershaw said the trust's equity, after all debt was repaid, was more than $37 million.
"The financial future of MLT is therefore very sound."
He said getting rid of pokies would "simply be a stupid thing to do".
Incumbent candidate Ray Southey said the level of debt was not a concern, when compared to the $62 million value of the assets.
"I believe Trust House is going very well, cash profits in the last three years have been good."
Incumbent Karl Taucher said the future looked good, despite difficult trading conditions.
He said with new management in place, steps were well under way to improve service and sales.
"I have every confidence that the decisions being made by the CEO, with the backing of the board, will see a marked change in the way the organisation moves forward."
Ms Cruickshank said she applauded the trust and its community contributions.
"I support the decisions board and management have made recently to exit non-profitable entities and innovate to make existing businesses viable for the future."
Incumbent Steve Blakemore said a lack of conferences and competition from Greytown Fresh Choice impacted on finances for the year ended March 31.
But six months on, profitability was lifting and costs were reducing.
Mr Blakemore said better margins under the new "Bottle-O" franchise, strong accommodation and conference sales and other efficiencies made were positive indicators.
"These are starting to bear fruit and I am confident these positive trends will continue."
