Councilwoman Anne O'Connor May Be Stepping Down, But She's Not Slowing Down

Anne O’Connor, who has spent the last two years as councilwoman for University Park's Ward 6 has decided to step down from her position.

But, that doesn’t mean O’Connor is slowing down. After spending two years learning about local government and finding a new appreciation for University Park, she is keeping busy creating art and working full-time.

Patch: What was your experience like on the council?

Anne O'Connor: It was totally a new experience for me. I don’t have any experience in local politics at all. It’s such a nice community to live in I felt like I wanted to do something more for the community. I really learned a lot. I learned how things work at the local level. How much thought and effort goes into everything.

Patch: What are you most proud of during your time on the council?

AO: Besides all the little things a council member does, the main thing that really happened, and something I supported from the beginning, was the that we eventually got. A small group of citizens started it and really did all the work.

Through the Department of Energy supporting households can have an audit of their energy use at home and receive support in improving efficiency based on the report.

Patch: What are you going to do now that you have more time?

AO: I work at the Census Bureau. I’m a geographer. I’m also an artist. I knit and spin yarn to make socks and shawls. I also do collage art.

Patch: What would you like to see in the future?

AO: Like any kind of situation, people like to sit back and complain about things. I encourage people to get involved. By getting involved, I learned so much about the process. I have tremendous respect for council members and mayor, who is a very intelligent individual. Also, our police chief and how much effort and work he does.