Mike Ostrander is running for Council in Prescott. He says a priority is making sure council is better fiscal managers.
Ostrander explains that a big part of the job is to manage the budget, funding different departments that require things. He says we want to move Prescott forward but the bills have to be paid first. Ostrander says the financial sheet will have to be looked over very well because things like street repairs and the sewer system are big ticket items.
“We have to put priorities in lists of as they need done. Some streets are obviously in worse shape than others and that’s continually a challenge to try to keep that all in focus as we try to go ahead.”
He says with the Leo Boivin arena issues the town will have to look at it from different angles, which will be a major undertaking. Ostrander also says the town wants to get more smaller businesses and there is some space on the north side of the 401. For parks and recreation in Prescott, he says the harbour is a main focus in the summer and has to be maintained and keep the upkeep at a high level.
He says he’s built his experience from studying and reviewing what has gone on in the town in the past, particularly with finances. Ostrander notes, the more experience the Council has the more they can help out the Economic Development Officer as well. He has had a 35 year police career and says that helped knowing how the government works, understanding the needs and wants of the public and he finds the experience has helped him get to answers reasonably quick.
The My Prescott Now newsroom will be interviewing Councillor candidates for Prescott over the next week. The 2018 Municipal Election is set for October 22.
