Paul D. Ogg for Erie Board of Trustees
Occupation:
Biology Professor, Colorado School of Mines.
Education:
BA Psychology (Albion College, Michigan)
PhD Molecular Biology (University of Iowa, Iowa).
Family:
Wife: Kristen, a small animal veterinarian
We are expecting our first child this fall.
Where were you born?
Oakland County, Michigan.
How long have you lived in Erie?
3+ years.
1. What is the biggest challenge facing the Town of Erie?
Maintaining the small town feel while expanding the commercial base in our community.
2. What is Erie’s best course of action regarding commercial development?
To recruit select commercial enterprises that complement the community-minded nature of our Erie. No city can be defined as unique if it contains the same box stores as other communities just a short drive away. A hub of distinct and respected retail outlets in near old town will provide a framework Erie will be proud to embrace. Professional offices provide rewarding job opportunities, create a positive external reputation, and present lower traffic impact than retail-based commerce. In addition, it will be important to maintain a cohesive development plan that avoids creating a patchwork community of strip malls.
3. What unique strengths would you bring to the position of Trustee?
Several of my strengths will be a valuable addition to Erie’s Board of Trustees. Based on my professional background, I’m practiced in information analysis and objectively drawing conclusions from data sets. This skill will be important in assessing long-term effects of changes proposed for our community in the near future. Education is a core value of mine. I enjoy both teaching and learning the inner workings of new challenges. Coupled with this, is an ability to see an issue from different perspectives. It’s important to bring people together to share ideas and the logistical challenge of forming a consensus.
Perhaps more important than the qualities described above, is my motivation for running. I have personally experienced small town development and its impact on the population, the internal sense of community, and the external standing. As youth, I biked eagerly to inspect any change or construction in my hometown. I had a natural curiosity for what, why, and how. In just two decades, Detroit sprawl stretch north to, and then through, the small towns in the area I grew up. Between 1970 and 1990, Rochester Hills (Michigan) transitioned from township to incorporated city, as the population exploded from 25,000 to 60,000. City leaders made many sound and very few errant decisions. Neighboring towns were not as well guided, and today, Rochester Hills is widely regarded as the model community of the area. This experience impressed upon me the impact of growth and change in a small metro community. I feel a strong need to share this knowledge and shape the community in which I will raise my children.
4. What are your election platforms?
•The Erie community calendar is abundant with family-oriented activities. We will need to maintain these traditions and create additional opportunities as our population expands. Senior activities, constructive teen activities, and veteran’s services are areas for future expansion.
Popularity: 39% [?]
