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PLATFORM

Andrea is running for a seat on the Oakland Council because we need members who will consistently show up and…

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  • Support efficiency, accountability, and transparency

  • Improve the town image to reflect the “gem” we know it is

  • Represent all residents by cultivating unity, cooperation, & respect


 

OAKLAND DESERVES A VIBRANT DOWNTOWN & BEYOND 

 

Oakland truly has so much to offer and yet, we still consistently hear about the dismal condition of our downtown and higher taxes and the reality is, yes it does impact desirability and in turn the value of our homes, as compared to similar nearby towns.  We believe there is a multi-tiered approach with both short- and long-term goals to overcome many of the town issues.

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  • DOWNTOWN REVITILIZATION - Support the proposed Tax abatement plan for businesses to beautify building facades, and create more opportunities to partner and support the business district.   

  • RE-BRANDING – Oakland is more than a “Valley of the Homes”. Establish a “Re-Branding” committee to develop a new campaign to elevate the perception and value of our underrated beautiful town.

  • NEW DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT STUDY- With Sewers coming to the downtown, it’s time for a New Vision of what Oakland could be beyond the aesthetic, addressing traffic, parking, and improving pedestrian and bicycle safety along with a more functional better use of land with mixed use developments. 

  • BEAUTIFICATION & REDEVELOPMENT - The Van Allen & Stream house location is ostensibly a gateway to the Oakland business district and remains an unnecessary blemish.

    • Immediately beautify with plantings and community art projects.

    • The addition of a large Welcome to Oakland or Oakland Business District Sign and/or Sculpture.  

    • Establish plans,  fundraising methods and goals  for non-taxpayer funded Van Allen House children’s museum and improvements.

    • Research the potential for a Riverwalk from Great Oak Park to the Recreation field (especially with the new Bandshell that’s coming next spring!)

    • Plans to create a Children's Water Sprinkler Feature

    • Future branding and signage for the various sections of town (Historic, College Streets, Tree Streets etc...) including updated street signs.  

    • Library & Municipal building area beautification - Plantings around the parking lot on perimeters and circle. 

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OAKLAND DESERVES SAFE UPDATED INFRASTRUCTURE

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  • PATRIOTS WAY BRIDGE- While former Mayor Schwager worked to attain grant monies, securing almost 9 million dollars that will help offset the cost, thus reducing the tax payer burden, we still need to ensure that important measures are taken to plan ahead for our towns infrastructure needs, and attend to them in a timely manner to avoid the increase in costs and risk of safety to Oakland residents. This must be a high priority!  

  • SOLAR PANELS- Reduce electric costs with solar panels for schools and municipal buildings. Like neighboring towns have installed.

  • SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENTS- Provide additional sidewalks throughout town, especially on routes where students are expected to walk to school, based on the required distance for bussing. 

  • ROAD SAFETY - Improved street signage and directionals throughout the borough and speed deterrents 

    • Require house numbers be clear on mailboxes and homes for both safety and improving mail and package delivery

    • Speed bumps on Oak Street leading into Library and Valley Middle School. 

    • No Left turn/Bollards at entrance to Walgreens/Columbia Bank from traveling north 202​

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OAKLAND DESERVES TAX STABILIZATION- ACCOUNTABILITY, EFFICIENCY & TRANSPARENCY

 

Oakland taxes remain of the highest in the area and while nearly 70% is school taxes, we must take actions now to stabilize.  Additionally, with the fines and added expense of the town’s sewer debacle and now, water safety issue, we MUST promote accountability and ensure efficiency throughout Oakland.  LET’S stabilize TAXES  starting with SENSIBLE BUDGETING, CREATIVE FUNDING, RATABLES and ACCOUNTABILITY.

 

  • RATABLES- Identify additional areas for zoning business or mixed use

  • GRANTS, SPONSORSHIPS & COMMUNITY FUNDRAISERS - Hedge increases with creative funding avenues

    • GRANT WRITER- We are potentially missing out on opportunities providing valuable savings and cost offsetting for important improvements.

    • SPONSORSHIPS & COMMUNITY FUNDRAISERS–  Expand opportunities with local business and create fundraisers to help offset costs for various town projects and events such as fireworks, music events, beautification projects. 

  • ACCOUNTABILITY – The buck stops at the council! If we are to avoid being saddled with unnecessary or unwarranted expenses, Council members should bear the responsibility of reviewing & signing off on all town expenditures to ensure validity and accuracy.

  • TRANSPARENCY - Oakland residents deserve honesty, transparency, and timely updates on town projects. 

    • PROGRESS TRACKING - Create a dedicated page on the borough website that includes all details & documents around the project or issue, details the remedy, alternatives and tracks progress in real-time.  

    • STREET MAINTENENCE TRACKING WEBPAGE AND LINK FOR RESIDENTS TO REPORT POTHOLES OR WORK TO BE DONE 

  • MAINTENANCE & CARE FOR OAKLAND ASSETS- Plan for the future. Annually review care and maintenance of Oakland owned building and assets to ensure efficacy and efficiency.  Adopt a long term plan for funding long-term maintenance.

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LET’S BECOME A FIVE STAR TOWN   

Set the bar for a Business and Resident Friendly town. 

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  • Streamline Permits, licensure and Inspection methods- Facilitate both expeditiously and with a smile! 

  • Review the Septic rules for property sales.  Work to alleviate hardships for Sellers, especially seniors.  

  • Regular Styrofoam collection- (When the town cut this service, Andrea sponsored Collection events with the Sustainable Green Team.) It’s time this becomes a regular service for residents.    

  • Better support and collaboration with Oakland Businesses- Provide businesses more opportunities to be a part of the Oakland Community with sponsorships and events. 

  • Culture and Arts Projects-  To educate, beautify and further engage our community

  • Oakland Committees & Volunteers - Allow residents who offer, the opportunity to volunteer regardless of party politics. Hold periodic joint meetings to share ideas, brainstorm and collaborate and award recognitions for Oakland Volunteers, a vital part of Oakland's success.

  • Improve Communications - Improve communications regarding roads and other issues to ease with timely notifications via text and email Create a Weekly Borough updated, include borough and committee meetings, town events, school and sports events and timely traffic notices. 

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It's about time the Oakland Council represents
ALL OAKLAND RESIDENTS!! 
 

On November 5th let YOUR VOICE be heard,

VOTE FOR ANDREA LEVY

Candidate for Oakland Borough Council 

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