Some of my thoughts on existing community issues..
Infrastructure
A forward looking plan to maintain all parts of the town's infrastructure will keep the ultimate maintenance cost down. Police
We have an excellent police department now and should support their efforts toward continually upgrading the quality of that
department. Fire
As our community grows, it is essential that we maintain an appropriately staffed and equipped fire department. Our volunteers
are excellent and the addition of 3 full time fire fighters during the day has certainly enhanced the performance of our department.
We are still heavily dependent on volunteers however; so we need to think in terms of phasing in more full time personnel annually. Emergency Medical Services
It is not in the best interests of our community to depend on a private ambulance service. We should work with Fayette County to
stabilize the Fayette County Ambulance Service so that emergency medical services are not fragmented. We are county
residents, we pay for the Fayette County Ambulance Service, it should meet our needs as well. Parks and Recreation
Essential to the well-being of our community, sufficient public parks and organized recreational activities for youth and adults help
contribute to the solid fabric of the family. Growth Planning
This is a two part issue. One being residential growth, a scatter-shot approach to residential growth will only work to the detriment
of the quality of life in our community. Two, commercial and industrial growth must be managed and planned in a manner
that is both fair to those businesses and industries interested in our town and enhances the core qualities here. Environmental Conservation
We must immediately address this issue, we are rapidly losing the very reasons we find Oakland so appealing, we are clear cutting
for development with no regard for the tranquil environment that existed here prior to our arrival. Fiscal Responsibility
Our town has been run in a fiscally responsible manner, witness the fact that we are essentially debt-free. However, there are needs
in our community that are not being met. We need to address these needs in a fiscally responsible manner. Town Employees
Our town employees directly effect our quality of life. We need to ensure that their needs for adequate pay and benefits are met so as
to maintain a well trained, experienced, and happy staff.
