‘Face-to-face’ with Oakridge’s newest city councilor

By JUDITH JEANOTTE/For The Herald — Kelly Brewer was sworn in on September 7 for the interim Oakridge City Council position vacated by Jan Hooker.

Brewer has been a resident of Oakridge for 19 years. During that time, she has been very integrated in the community. Along with her husband Damion Brewer, she has partnered in his construction business for the past seven years — this on top of being an entrepreneur with her own business.

She’s also held many volunteer positions: Cub Scout den leader, Kidsport baseball coach, and Oakridge Elementary School assistant to name a few.

When I asked the new councilor her top three issues for the town and how she felt they should be addressed her response was:

1. She “feels there is a lack of trust for local politics within our community members.” Her hope is to be a leader that will bring residents and the city together in a united direction. Past and current involvement in the community and her experience in business, sales and accounting will help facilitate this goal.
2. Financial Management. She said she’s looking forward to doing the investigative work that would potentially save the city management funds without taking money from residents.
3. She said she feels the council has been divisive, unable to meet in the middle on important issues. “I look forward to bringing a fresh set of eyes and ears to the council. I am not afraid to ask the tough questions.”

 

Brewer also plans on being in person at council meetings, as opposed to attending via Zoom. “I plan on being a face-to-face councilor,” she said.

The new councilor said she plans on running to keep her seat in November. If she doesn’t win her term will expire on January 2, 2024.