Mayoral candidate defends accusations from opponent

Editor,

As the saying goes, my opponent is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts. I was very saddened that he used his Observer interview to attack my candidacy and spread misinformation, rather than simply explaining his platform as I did. It was unnecessarily divisive and careless. 

As a business owner, an employer who helps support over 90 families and an elected official, I understand the need to be proactive and enterprising. I believe in ensuring all involved have a place at the table before decisions are made, just as was the case during discussions surrounding the coyote issue in town. I let everyone speak and proposed a solution that all agreed was the best course of action.

In his Observer Q&A, my opponent made an assertion that I wouldn’t timely share my vision for Oakland. That is simply silly. Anyone who has attended Town Commission meetings the past nine years has heard my vision and position on most issues. One might ask my opponent if he participated in Oakland’s visioning meetings at Mosaic Church 12 years ago. I did, and those ideas for Oakland Avenue, Tubb Street and West Colonial Drive are now codified in our Comprehensive Plan.

The south side of Tubb Street (the main street) should be friendly to a mix of “mom & pop” boutique-style shops/restaurants, with brick and hardscape style, to retain the Oakland feeling we call home. We do not want chain restaurants; we want local unique style businesses — for example, Prairie House Coffee, Farm 9 or West Orange Creamery. 

We must create synergy for our small businesses, and they will thrive. It is difficult to attract neighboring residents to shop and visit our town due to the limited number of shops and eateries. However, multiple locally owned businesses side by side will create synergy and opportunity for our residents and small businesses as we develop a thriving microeconomy.

Sadly, he made a few other false and baseless claims. But I will let my voting record speak for itself — unpaved dirt roads, a new Town Hall, Oakland Nature Preserve and opposition to dense development. As my campaign signs state, I will “Keep Oakland Quaint.”  

I am also questioned a lot by his campaign regarding my being commissioner for nine years and if I believe in term limits. For the record, I support term limits for Washington, Tallahassee and Orange County government because politicians run for re-election for a paycheck and retirement. 

In Oakland, that’s not the case. Every Oaklander can run against a commissioner/mayor to replace him/her every four years. At $50 a month, we are essentially volunteers. That’s why I believe we have some of the finest, well-meaning elected officials in Oakland. They serve because they care. 

So, what I will oppose are pay raises for our small-town commission; higher pay would change that dynamic. We do not need divisive politics in Oakland. We need wise community-engaging leadership. 

Finally, if you hear an accusation that is contrary to what we all know to be true, it’s likely not true. Always feel free to contact me and ask. As I have been for the past nine years as your commissioner, I will always be transparent and communicative with you.  

Commissioner Sal Ramos

Candidate for mayor

Town of Oakland