Candidate introduces herself to public

My name is Sandra Ooms and I am running for Town Council. I have been a resident of Vernon for more than 25 years. I am a registered nurse with a graduate degree in nursing and a concentration in education. I teach nursing courses which focus on leadership, ethics, effective decision making skills and creating change in large populations for the College of Saint Elizabeth, Morristown, N.J.

I have been the recipient of several awards, which include a Humanitarian award from the Health Network and Kessler’s President Award for Outstanding Service and Leadership. I strive for success.

Throughout my career I have used decision-making skills, which include critical thinking, evidenced-based analysis, ethical considerations, exploration of consequences and follow-up. Applying these necessary elements to the council’s decision making process will contribute to quality outcomes for the benefit of the community and the taxpayer, and prevent decisions from being made that may have an adverse effect. I am not afraid to question or challenge.

I have been a regular at town meetings, understand the issues, follow the town’s finances, attended workshops and lectures on good government, provide the town council meetings online, which the town links to and I provide the town’s bills list online so the taxpayers can view how their money is spent.

As a council member, I will be transparent and will keep the public informed. I will work hard to keep taxes stable, make decisions based on analysis, evidence and community input, balance growth with fiscal responsibility and provide in-depth analysis for appropriateness before bond votes.

However, it not all about finance but also about the community. I am well versed at advocating for the needs of others and the public at-large, and will do the same for you. I will advocate for the development of a “community advisory committee” that will assess the needs of the community and develop an action plan to address those needs. The health and safety will always be in the foreground with maximum support for our emergency services and senior population. I will spearhead initiatives to improve the appearance of our "Main Street” area. And I will explore the viability of the bike path where the community can walk and ride in a safe environment.

Sandra Ooms
Vernon Township Council candidate