Town of Oakland Town Board Chair
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Sheila Palinkas
(NP)
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Laura Payne
(NP)
Please describe your priorities for your term in office.
What would you do to promote civility and cooperative problem-solving in your community?
What is the most pressing social service issue facing your community and what should your local government do about it?
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I will work collaboratively with other local officials to develop permanent plan to provide excellent yet
affordable EMS/Fire services. The Town Board voted to leave their current services by Jan 1 2025. When
I joined the board in Aug 2024, there was not yet an alternative EMS/Fire plan. As town chair, I lead the
board to a short-term solution that provides excellent service with an annual $300,000 savings.
I will continue to ensure that the investigation and remediation efforts regarding the recent Enbridge oil
spill in Oakland are proceeding properly. My environmental engineering expertise has served me well as
I regularly meet with the DNR and Enbridge. My top priority is the health and safety of our residents,
groundwater and our lake.
I am a believer in Roberts Rules of order to keep civility and decorum during formal meetings and to
allow each person to speak and be heard in an orderly fashion.
I have an open policy for residents to contact me via phone, email, or in person. I regularly listen to
residents’ questions and concerns. Whether questions are about Town business or concerns about
stormwater runoff on your property, speeding in front of your house, health of the lake or nuisance
issues, I am here to listen, respond to your concerns and questions, and to work together to problem
solve.
The most pressing social issue is to keep our protected populations safe by an attitude of inclusivity and
acceptance for all residents. As Town Chair, my decisions are made with the unwavering belief that all
residents should be treated fairly and with respect.
One of the town’s greatest assets is Lake Ripley. I believe all residents regardless of socioeconomic
status should be able to enjoy the lake. The Town maintains a free public pier for swimming and fishing
and a boat launch. I am always mindful of the impacts of development and road construction,
particularly as it pertains to stormwater runoff management. I also advocate for the health of the lake as
the town representative on the Lake Ripley Management District Board.
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