MICHELLE OSTERHOUDT

ONEONTA COMMON COUNCIL, WARD 4

COMMUNITY OF RESIDENCE: Elm Street, Oneonta

EDUCATION: 

A.A.S. Degree in Liberal Arts Broome Community College

B.S English Education SUNY Oneonta

MSEd Curriculum and Instruction University of New England

Currently working on Certificate Of Advanced Graduate Degree: Advanced Educational Leadership/Administration University of New England

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

Public School Teacher

Public Speaking

Public Relations

Professional Development Presenter:

New York State Association for Computing and Technology

New York State Stem Collaborative

New York State English Council

COMMUNITY/POLITICAL INVOLVEMENT:

Member: Community Relations and Human Rights Commission

Education Chair of Oneonta Area NAACP

Facilitator/Public Relations Chair, Diversity Summit

Active NEA member while teaching in Norwich

FAMILY:

Married to Marty, self-employed contractor originally from Cooperstown, New York. Mother to Alex, 13-year-old middle school student who is an avid metal detectorist  and lover of history, and mom to Ella, a nine-year-old feisty blonde with a huge heart and smile to match.

IN TWO OR THREE SENTENCES, EXPLAIN YOUR PHILOSOPHY OF GOVERNMENT:

I believe in action. Not satisfied with the status quo, it is my duty to be involved and work towards change.

WHAT ARE THE THREE MAJOR ISSUES THE COMMON COUNCIL FACES, AND HOW WOULD YOU ADDRESS THEM?

Family Wage Jobs: Oneonta needs to enter the 21st Century when it comes to the job market and fiscal longevity. STEM is that way.

City Manager: This position should ultimately SAVE and GENERATE opportunities to make money. I think a new council, working together and starting fresh can hire the most qualified person.

Quality of Life in our neighborhoods (which encompasses many things): I want to work towards improving our quality of life by working with agencies within our community. I have ideas on how to work with these organizations.

WHAT QUALITIES/EXPERIENCE DO YOU HAVE THAT MAKES YOU THE BETTER CHOICE IN THIS RACE:

I believe over 30 years of memories  growing up here, and now raising my family here, gives me a unique perspective and makes me a compelling choice.

IS THERE A STATEMENT YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE WITH VOTERS?

Our ward is at the heart of the city and I understand the uniqueness of living in the 4th Ward. I promise to look at every concern independently and with the best interest of my constituents in mind.