Creative thinking to stretch the budget

October 22, 2014 · 0 Comments

Joshua Oatman is running for Shelburne Council October 27th and says that “as a creative business owner, he has experience with both analytical and creative thinking…knowing how to spend within a budget and finding creative ways to stretch the money further.”

Josh Oatman was born and raised in Shelburne and the surrounding area. A graduate of Centre Dufferin District High School, he went on to receive a college diploma in Creative Digital Media and currently runs a creative media business in Shelburne. He provides services in graphic design, custom painting, web design and videography, as well as restoring classic cars at Oatman’s.

He is a single father raising two daughters and volunteering for their classes at school. “My proudest achievement is being a father,” he says. For the last four years, Oatman has been involved in organizing the car show portion of the Shelburne Street Festival.

“Believe I could make a difference,” says Oatman, “having lived here for most of my life, I feel I have a certain understanding of the needs of the town and would like the chance to be involved in the decision making process.”

Mr. Oatman gave the following responses to the Free Press:

What specific skills do you bring to the position of Councillor and how have you acquired and utilized those skills?

“Analytical and creative thinking, ability to work in a team, experience in management; these are all skills I will bring to the position.”

What do you feel is an acceptable number of meetings for a member of Council to miss?

“I don’t think a councillor should miss any meetings unless it is unavoidable i.e. family emergency, other Town business etc.”

What are your thoughts on the increased remuneration recommendation for Council recently made by Ward & Uptigrove Consulting and Human Resources?

“I don’t think this increase is necessary, I believe council members are fairly compensated already. Adding to the wage will only increase the burden on taxpayers.”

What is the biggest challenge the Town will face in the next term? As a member of Council, how would you specifically deal with this and/or other challenges?

“Infrastructure is the biggest challenge, ensuring the water and sewer has the capacity for all the new construction and ensuring that old infrastructure is maintained.”

What changes would you like to see implemented for the Town by the end of the next term?

“There are many changes I would like to see, for example, I would like to see more industry brought in, creating more jobs and increasing the tax base to lessen the burden on residents.”

Election Day is October 27th with voting held between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. If you are not on the voters list, visit the Town Hall to have your name added to the voters’ list. Advanced Polls are Saturday October 18th and Wednesday October 22nd from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Advanced polls will be held at the Town Hall 203 Main St. East in Shelburne.

By Marni Walsh