Tell us about yourself
My name is Mark Oram and I am seeking re-election for a position as a City Councilor at Large. I have been privileged to be elected as a local Ward Councilor and an At Large City Councilor over the past years and have gained valuable experience and knowledge as a City Councilor. My professional field includes education, public/environmental health and leadership. I have taken graduate courses in public administration and have acquired my Masters in Public Health. I have been involved with municipal government for my entire professional career and look forward to continuing my service for the City of Marlborough
What are the biggest issues facing the city?
One of the City’s greatest assets is our schools and I will continue to support our schools and other educational opportunities including the many opportunities that our renovated library offers.
Our City needs to mange our growth and be ready for additional needs created by new growth, such as our public safety needs and increases in student population. I have supported the need for a professional City Planner to assist the Planning Board and the City Council with our demands caused by new growth.
There is also a need to create housing for our present families and workers. This housing needs to be affordable to allow our families to live in the same City that they were raised in.
We also need to continue to upgrade our infrastructure including our streets, utilities and public buildings that need improvements.
There is a need to assess energy needs for our municipal buildings, schools and treatment plants and apply renewable energy.
Our City’s natural resources need to be protected including our water bodies and watersheds.
As a city councilor, how would you approach issues regarding traffic, public safety and speeding?
I have had discussions with our Police Chief and actively place request to our Traffic Commission for increased traffic enforcement and measures needed to improve safety on our City streets. There is a need to assure there is sufficient personnel to allow for the needed traffic measures to assure safe roads.
Do you think the city is on the right track in relation to residential and commercial development?
The City needs to conduct a thorough review with planning professionals including a needed City Planner to assure we are planning and preparing measures and resources needed for expected new growth. This includes our school needs and city services that will be challenged by new growth.
A series of zoning changes were vetoed by Mayor Arthur Vigeant earlier this year. Now, there are proposed changes in the Village District’s zoning. How would these changes improve the district?
These changes and additional changes would allow for appropriate growth on our Main Street and surrounding areas (Village District) and prevent unreasonable development. The need for parking in the Village District is a serious concern. More people are working from home and this would burden to the existing parking spaces utilized by these new residents moving into the the Village District. The expectation when the initial rules were created was that these new residents would leave our parking garages during the day and that would allow these spaces for the businesses open during the day. The Village District zoning allows residential units to be built with limited parking spaces for their residents. There is a need to consider future parking demands prior to considering any additional proposals for the Village District. In my research, parking space can be costly, as much as $40,000 per space for a parking garage. The developers proposing these residential units should be required to provide the needed parking.
Currently, there are several vacancies on Main Street, in addition to the vacant lot next to Welly’s. As a councilor, how would you support downtown revitalization?
There needs to be a professional coordinator that can help attract business to our downtown. This has to be a coordinated effort with our downtown business, landlords the Chamber of Commerce and our City officials. We should determine how the Town of Hudson was successful in creating a vibrant downtown.
What skills and experience do you have to prepare you to be a member of the city council?
As noted in my introduction, I have been working as a City Councilor, both at the local level and as an At Large City Councilor.
I have served in the various subcommittees and have gained a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience over my past 22 years of service to our City. I have also been a municipal public health agent for the majority of my work career. My education includes a Masters in Public/Environmental Health and I have taken courses in education, leadership and graduate courses in public administration.
