By KRISTI MAYFIELD
With the line of citizens eager for an update on all things Oakdale curled around the plaza at the Gene Bianchi Community Center, Mayor Cher Bairos took time to greet everyone and say hello to the crowd. Bairos, who has served the community of Oakdale for more than 10 years, first as a City Council member and now as Mayor for the last few years, greeted the sold-out crowd as they waited for entry into the annual State of the City luncheon and address. The event was hosted by the Oakdale Chamber of Commerce.
At the podium inside the Bianchi Center for the Jan. 22 program, the mayor displayed both humor and humility and shared her gratitude for all of those that work with her. She also wished City Manager Bryan Whitemyer a fond farewell as he has accepted a new position in Folsom and will serve as city manager there beginning in March.
Bairos indicated that she built her platform on the fundamentals of “leadership that listens” and service.
“My job is to serve you, not govern you,” reiterated Bairos as she spoke about her role as mayor. She continued on stating that her love for the people and the community is what keeps her motivated.
With many new projects enhancing the city such as the Downtown Revitalization Project, Greger Sports Park, Capital Improvement Projects and new housing developments, among many others, the Cowboy Capital of the World has a lot to look forward to, noted Bairos. The Greger Sports Park is one of the many things that Oakdale residents have been looking forward to and with the first phase nearing completion, is set to open in February.
Housing is one of the many things that is on the horizon as well with five new subdivisions going in bringing more than 300 new homes to Oakdale. Though some might worry about excessive growth, Bairos assured the crowd that, “We grow in a way that is manageable and enhances our community.” From housing to street safety and improvements, the mayor announced some projects that are designed to greatly increase the safety of area streets including the improvements slated for the streets located south of G Street and east of First Avenue in town as well as new slurry seal for areas of Crane Road near the Vineyard subdivision.
Although there was a large focus on what is to come, Bairos also took time to reflect on some of the highlights of the past year including Oakdale being named number one in the state in its population category for the National Night Out for the fourth consecutive year, along with celebrating businesses including Steves Chevrolet which has been in business for more than 50 years and Gilton Solid Waste Management, which has called Oakdale home for more than 60 years.
Mayor Bairos also highlighted the smaller businesses that recently opened their doors, including but not limited to: Waffle Bros, The Shoppe, Brow Plus and Refuge Coffee. With an emphasis on shopping in Oakdale to keep investing in the community, she pointed out that it should be a little easier to do with the variety of new businesses launching.
More than anything, Bairos reiterated that it truly is the people that make Oakdale what it is. She also reminded everyone that through working together via the City Council, the Oakdale Chamber of Commerce and community partnerships, the city can continue to grow while also keeping “the connection and spirit of Oakdale” alive and thriving for many years to come.
