Matt Osterberg: Pike County Commissioner Candidate
Matt Osterberg responds to four questions posed by the Tri-State Lookout.
1. What circumstance(s) prompted you to run for commissioner?
My love for community and people! Being a County Commissioner allows me to use my knowledge of business management and experience dealing with people and developing programs for people needing the most assistance.
A Commissioner’s job entails human services and improving quality of life for Pike County residents. I strive to help veterans, senior citizens, young people, the disabled, disadvantaged, and those suffering through addiction. Everyone deserves equal opportunities. During my twelve years as commissioner, I expanded senior housing, veterans services, treatment programs and employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
2. What experience, skills and/or education prepares you for the role of commissioner? Please be specific.
Prior to being county commissioner I was a Milford Borough Councilman for 25 years, serving as President for 20 years, which gave me skills to understand the relationship between county and municipality. As Commissioner I respect the role of a supervisor/council member and know how to work with them to provide services to residents.
Through partnership, the current commissioners office assisted municipalities in bolstering Emergency Service (ambulance), by fostering a matching grant program. That has saved lives. Experience matters.
3. What would you like to change if elected? Please be specific.
My goal is not about change but vision. I have plans for expanded medical services, a vocational training center for those with disabilities, expanded services for those with addictions and developing housing for workers, seniors and the disabled.
4. What would you like to accomplish as commissioner? Please be specific.
I will see that the Bennett Ave. facility is completed as a Vocational Training Center for the disabled, working with Human Resource Center (HRC) and the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR).
Another vision is expanding Medical Care Services in Pike county. We have bolstered ambulance services, created a program to train EMTs and soon two Urgent Cares will open in our community.
My greatest accomplishment will be creation of a Medical Foundation to build a 24/7 county emergency facility. If we are going to ever have a mini-hospital in Pike County it is now, led by leaders with skills for the undertaking.