Oscar Santiago seeks Hanceville council seat

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August 18, 2012

Oscar Santiago seeks Hanceville council seat

By Benjamin Bullard The Cullman Times The Cullman Times Sat Aug 18, 2012, 05:50 AM CDT

HANCEVILLE — Oscar Santiago of Hanceville has announced he will seek the Place 3 seat on the city council in the August 28 municipal election.

Santiago, who has lived in Hanceville for the past 22 years, said he is seeking the office in order to bolster city government as Hanceville is grows and faces many changes.

“I have decided to run to be able to continue the forward progress that Hanceville has embarked on, and to give back to the city and my neighbors,” Santiago said. “I love this town, and I care what happens here. I want our citizens to know — it is ‘your eyes and your voice; our future’ that I will work for.”

A spot on the city council isn’t an aloof position for any of the five residents who’ll be elected to serve, said Santiago. Rather, he said, a council member should serve as a conduit for the needs and voices of the people who elected him.

“If given the opportunity to serve my city, I will be acting as a liaison between the city government and our residents. I will communicate the concerns of the people to our mayor and fellow councilmen,” he said.

“That’s a vital duty of the council, because it allows the voice of the people to be heard, and it represents the best interest of the citizens. I will continue to work hard for my people and to try to make a difference in our town, and in their lives. I will represent the city as a whole, and not just a selected few.”

Santiago said he will bring his career experience in business management to bear in his role on the council, working to ensure the city always finds a way to manage its growth while living within taxpayers’ means.

“Annual budgets determine how the city’s money will be allocated in the coming year, and it is the duty of the councilmen to approve or reject the budgets based on the needs of the city. I will work with the council and the mayor on a responsible annual budget,” he said. “If elected, I will work hard for our citizens to ensure that our budget is kept responsibly.

“I feel, with my strong past professional experience in management and operations, as well as having previously owned a business, that I can offer a fresh set of ideas with continued growth potential. With 16 years of successful management and leadership experience, and a known reputation for meeting the most challenging organizational goals and objectives, I can offer to be a focused member of the city council and amplify our citizens’ needs to the council and mayor.”

Santiago and his wife of 30 years have three children — all graduates of Hanceville High School — and two grandchildren. He is a member of First United Methodist Church in Hanceville. He currently works for TMC Transportation. He will face incumbent Kim Brown for the Place 3 position on the council.

‰Benjamin Bullard can be reached by e-mail at bbullard@cullmantimes.com or by telephone at 734-2131 ext. 270.

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Oscar Santiago seeks Hanceville council seat

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