NORTH SMITHFIELD – Former North Smithfield councilman Douglas Osier said he has been walking the neighborhoods and “listening directly to constituents.” He said he holds “a proven record” and believes “community input is critical to serving residents and advocating on their behalf.”
Osier believes “town leadership should provide proper planning and a long-term, sustainable vision.”
“There needs to be a balance between preservation and development,” Osier said. “I think of the lasting impacts and not just the short-term benefits.”
Osier said he finds that “data analytics and community collaboration can improve solutions and decisions.”
When serving on the council for a previous term, Osier noted that he voted to protect the natural resources of North Smithfield and was, “the only councilor to vote against the dangerous changes made to the water supply protection overlay district.”
Osier said he feels that, “the town should protect and enforce regulations that directly impact residents’ well being, in this case, drinking water. These conversations and decisions should not be rushed, as they could result in lasting impacts.”
Osier said he has also, “advocated for open government, promoted business and economic development, and voted in favor of schools and education.” He also, “sponsored a solar moratorium, in collaboration with the planning board, which provided updates to the town’s ordinance; incentivizing solar away from forested land and improving the decommissioning of solar panels.”
Additionally, he notes he voted in favor of open space with the acquisition of the 100-acre Souza property.
While chairing the budget committee, Osier said he, “helped propose a fiscally responsible budget, which looked at pre vs post pandemic spending, considered inflationary pressures, kept the tax burden off of residents, and analyzed the long-term impacts to fund various projects.” He notes he also proposed to “improve processes” and asked that “going forward, the budget committee meet with the town council and increase the frequency of joint meetings.”
Osier and his wife, Ashley, live in North Smithfield with their two young children and three dogs.
“My wife and I moved to town because of the affordable taxes, great schools, rural landscape, and community,” he said. “I want my family to be proud to call North Smithfield home, both now and well into the future.”
Osier said he provides “fiscal responsibility, accountability, and ethical leadership.”
“I respectfully ask for your vote,” he said.
Good luck. I’ll be voting for you!
Peg Votta