Groton Candidate Profile: Eric Ossmann for Town Council

GROTON, CT — Groton’s election season is heating up.

Groton Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Eric Ossmann, 40, is a Republican running for election to the Town Council.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? This includes any relatives who work in the government you'd be representing.

No

Education:

BS in Criminal Justice

Occupation:

IT Coordinator

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office:

N/A

The single most pressing issue facing our town/district is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

There is no transparency with the current Groton Government and Council leaders. It leans only one way.
What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
Our team of Republican and Independent candidates have some fresh, bold, and new ideas for Groton. We have a vision to keep our taxes low, to be fair and balance, and to put the people of this great town over politics. Most importantly, being fiscally conservative. We understand the struggle what is like to live pay check to pay check. We understand that the State of Connecticut is a very high taxed state. We don’t agree with Tolls, taxes being raised on food, seeing the financial status of this state being ripped apart. It comes down to wasteful spending, and the town of Groton shall not follow down this path

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

Simple, to offer transparency, and not have the current council be just one sided.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I have an expertise in information technology with over 15 years of experience. I know what it cost to upgrade systems, and IT infrastructures, depending the infrastructure itself. With my fiscal conservative view points, I know how to spend money wisely, and still receive quality over quantity, and seek the same level of service. As an IT coordinator for a bank, it is part of my job to do price comparisons when shopping for new equipment or levels of service from vendors. Correct due diligences also play a role in my job. These strengths I can bring to the council if I were to be elected.

The best advice ever shared with me was …

Who hangs on your shoulder, will determine your future.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I am common man, with common sense ideas. I believe in the Constitution, and the right to pursue dreams, and happiness. I consider myself to be a good listener, observer, and try to find the best solutions to problems that present themselves. Every resident in Groton, should have a voice. What really drove me to do this, was what the City of Groton did with the sewer tax a few years ago. It is to this day, an unjust tax to the residents who live in the City. I don’t ever want to see this kind of thing happen again. The opposition may think that money grows on trees, however in reality it doesn’t. With the common trend of barrowing money, and bonding, eventually the wishing well will dry up. We as tax payers keep on giving and giving, and are receiving little in return. It seems that the more that is expected out of us (the tax payers), services keep on getting cut. We see that trend right here in Groton. This trend needs to stop. We need to start focusing on the economy of Groton and how we can grow it. With a strong economic development, it moves the town forward and becomes financially sound. That is my vision for the town of Groton.

Are you running for office in Groton? Contact Ellyn Santiago at ellyn.santiago@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Groton Patch.