Oakland names seven volunteers to new Industrial Development Board with staggered terms

The Oakland Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved a slate of seven nominees to a newly formed Industrial Development Board charged with recruiting businesses to Oakland, a move the mayor said is timed to allow immediate work if the budget passes.

The board confirmed nominees and the staggered terms described by the mayor: two members begin with two-year terms, two with four-year terms and three with six-year terms. The nominees and the terms listed by the mayor were: Ken Sutton and Dave Prosper (two-year terms); Blake Daigle and Paul Witt (four-year terms); Holly Holland, Aaron Polin and Vinny Blue (six-year terms). The mayor described the board's purpose as seeking businesses not currently located in the town to boost shopping options for residents and increase sales-tax revenue.

The mayor introduced brief biographical notes for each nominee during the meeting: Ken Sutton was described as a former alderman with experience in law enforcement and transportation; Dave Prosper as a local State Farm insurance agent active with the Chamber of Commerce; Blake Daigle as a manager of engineering for Chickasaw Electric with utility experience; Paul Witt as an assistant fire chief and former fire marshal; Holly Holland as a branch manager at Guaranty Bank and long-time resident; Aaron Polin as a restaurant partner with operations in the region; and Vinny Blue as a resident with experience in the bond industry.

Aldermen spoke in support of the nominees during the meeting; one alderman noted the difficulty of recruiting volunteers with relevant expertise. Following a motion to accept the list from Alderman Kates and a second, the board approved the slate by voice vote.

Board members said the Industrial Development Board will begin work quickly if budgeted funds are available to support its activities.