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Welcome to Our Campaign’s Five Policy Pillars for Ottawa County.
Our Five Policy Pillars
My campaign coalesced around Our Five Pillars which are (a) Renewal and Restoration, (b) Community Wellbeing Programs, (c) Fair Housing, (d) Stewardship of the Earth, and (e) Transportation Equity.
Renewal and Restoration
Combat the Divisiveness of Ottawa Impact.
Ottawa County faces challenges stemming from the divisiveness caused by certain entities, such as Ottawa Impact. This divisiveness hampers progress and cooperation, hindering the county’s ability to address pressing issues effectively. Oliver commits to foster a more united community, where diverse voices are heard and respected, leading to more inclusive and effective governance.
Provide Improved Communications and Accessibility.
Transparency and accessibility are crucial for fostering trust and engagement between the government and the community. By holding regular town hall meetings, producing a podcast, and providing multiple avenues for public input, we can ensure that residents are informed about government decisions and have the opportunity to voice their opinions. This open dialogue can lead to more informed decision-making and a stronger sense of community engagement.
Retain Skilled and Qualified Public Service Employees.
Public service employees are the backbone of our county, providing essential services that residents rely on every day. Ottawa County has experienced a loss of skilled and experienced employees due to budget cuts and a toxic work environment created by Ottawa Impact commissioners. It’s crucial to address these issues and create a more supportive and positive workplace to retain our skilled workforce. Oliver will work to offer competitive salaries, improve working conditions, advocate for expanded access to resources for professional development, and foster a culture of respect and support, which will ensure that Ottawa County remains an attractive place to work for skilled professionals.
Community Wellbeing Programs
Support the Ottawa County Health Department.
The Ottawa County Health Department has been under relentless attack from some Ottawa County Commissioners and residents. These attacks have led to a toxic environment which has resulted in the loss of esteemed employees and a ridiculous waste of taxpayer dollars. Oliver pledges his full support beyond the extremely knowledgeable and hardworking staff of the Ottawa County Health Department and plans to work collaboratively with them to ensure they receive the proper amount of funding to operate efficiently.
Promote Mental Health Awareness.
Oliver Shampine applauds the powerful work of the Ottawa County Community Mental Health programs. He will advocate for increased funding regarding mental health services, support events which raise awareness about mental health issues, and support policies that reduce stigma and promote access to care.
Increase Overall Community Health and Wellbeing.
Through the advocation of policies by Oliver to address of some of the social determinants of health such as affordable housing, access to nutritious food, and healthier forms of transportation which are outlined in their respective areas; Ottawa County will improve in overall community health and wellbeing.
Fair Housing
Advocate for the Enforcement of the Fair Housing Act.
Ottawa County should be a welcoming place. To prevent discrimination in housing based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, or any other identities, Oliver Shampine will advocate for the full and proper enforcement of the Fair Housing Act which protects people from discrimination in housing. He will also fight for an increased monitoring of housing practices in Ottawa County, support local housing enforcement agencies, and organize programs to educate residents about their rights and how to report discrimination.
Promote Fair Zoning Practices.
Our local cities and villages must modify their zoning practices and establish regulations which require or incentivize developers to include a certain percentage of affordable housing units in new developments. Oliver will work with the Ottawa County Commissioners to promote recommendations for cities and villages regarding inclusionary zoning guidelines on the percentages of units that should be deemed to be “affordable” and define the income limits for qualifying residents.
Support Affordable Housing Projects.
The cost of housing is rising everywhere, especially in a location of high demand such as Ottawa County. With the introduction of a greater housing supply, it will help lower the costs. Oliver will collaborate with equitable developers and nonprofit organizations to identify suitable locations for affordable mixed-income housing developments and ensure the projects meet local housing needs. In addition, he will advocate at the state and federal levels for more funding and resources to help support the building of affordable housing projects.
Provide Housing Assistance.
Oliver believes in allocating funds to establish programs for rental and down-payment assistance. Some options could include rent subsidies, housing vouchers, grants for housing-related expenses, or loans for developers. A housing rehabilitation program would also be established to help homeowners repair their homes, making them safer and more livable. An example would be grants or low-interest loans for house improvements. Oliver will explore every option in collaboration with local agencies and non-profits to offer effective assistance to all residents in need of a home or repairs.
Stewardship of the Earth
Promote Local and Sustainable Agriculture.
Our Ottawa County farms and agriculture are an essential part of the local economy and ecosystem. Oliver plans to implement and advocate for land use policies that prioritize the preservation of agricultural land, ensuring the farmland is not lost to development. Simultaneously, he will fight for the allocation of funding and grants to support local farmers in their transition to sustainable farming practices.
An Enhancement and Expansion of Ottawa County Parks.
Oliver Shampine supports the dedicated and passionate Ottawa County Parks staff and their efforts to continue to monitor and meet the recreation needs of its residents and visitors. Oliver will prioritize the maintenance and expansion of public parks and green spaces. He will work to secure funding for park renovations and the preservation of natural habitats.
Support of Initiatives to Reduce County Environmental Impact.
Through collaboration with community organizations and environmental groups, Oliver will work to promote conservation efforts and sustainable land management practices. He looks to explore new renewable energy projects, help increase recycling and waste reduction efforts, and promote energy efficiency as well as green building practices.
Transportation Equity
Increase Transportation Accessibility.
Every person of Ottawa County should have access to transportation in order to reach important locations and needs. Oliver will engage with the community and advocacy groups to better understand transportation needs and concerns. In addition, he will fight for infrastructure improvements in buses and sidewalks so that people with disabilities are accommodated. He also will support transportation initiatives which prioritize benefiting underserved communities.
Advocate for Improved Public Transportation Options.
Oliver will work with community organizations, such as Harbor Transit, to identify transportation needs and develop adequate solutions to address those needs. He will advocate for more funding towards an expansion of bus routes, an increase in the frequency of service, and extension of operating hours throughout Ottawa County.
Support Non-Motorized Transportation Projects.
Oliver is committed to promoting active lifestyles in order to improve air quality and the overall health of residents. By opening up more channels of transport, Oliver believes people may choose a healthier way of travelling. He will support non-motorized transportation projects by advocating for infrastructure improvements that prioritize pedestrians, cyclists, and other non-motorized users. An expansion and enhancement of sidewalks and bike lanes will create safe and accessible routes for non-motorized travel. He will also collaborate and promote organizations involved in building pedestrian-friendly streetscapes, bike-sharing programs, and traffic calming measures.