Addison Johnson is another candidate running for the Town of Oakland Board of Trustees. Johnson has been a proud resident of Oakland for nearly three years and a former resident of Madill for over five.
He said he has always believed in the power of community and civic engagement. Johnson’s time as a volunteer firefighter in Madill for three years taught him the value of service, responsibility and the importance of working together for the common good.
While he had to step away from that role due to family obligations, Johnson said his passion for making a difference has never wavered. Today, Johnson continues to serve his community in different ways, one of which is through his involvement with the local high school.
Whether it's keeping the first-down marker during football games or attending school events throughout the year, he said finds immense fulfillment in supporting the youth and fostering school spirit. However, Johnson’s commitment to Oakland extends beyond the football field.
“I can see opportunities for growth and improvement, particularly in our town’s infrastructure and governance,” Johnson said. “and it’s time for action.”
OneofJohnson’sprimaryconcernsistheoutdatedsystemsandmethods used by Oakland’s Public Works Department. A town’s infrastructure is the backbone of its daily function, and when those systems fall behind the times, it affects the entire community.
He said that from road maintenance to utility management, the city needs to adopt more efficient and transparent methods that benefit both the residents and those who work to keep the town running smoothly. Fortunately, there are numerous grants available through the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality and other state agencies, Johnson said.
These grants could provide the much-needed funding to modernize the town’s public works department without placing the financial burden solely on taxpayers. By actively seeking these grants and implementing smarter, more sustainable practices, the city can improve essential services, reduce long-term costs and enhance the overall quality of life in Oakland.
Just as with public works, Johnson said he believes Oakland has not taken full advantage of the many grants that are available to small towns. Proper infrastructure is key to a thriving community, and through state and federal funding opportunities, the city can significantly improve its roads, water systems and other critical services.
Johnson noted the importance of improved infrastructure. Better roads mean safer travel for residents and businesses alike. Upgraded infrastructure attracts potential investors and homeowners who see a town that is growing and investing in its future. By actively pursuing these grant opportunities, the trustees can make Oakland a more prosperous and well-maintained place for everyone.
Johnson noted that one of the biggest concerns in any town, regardless of size, is the need for transparency and accountability in local government.
“The people of Oakland deserve to know how decisions are made, where tax dollars are spent and what plans are in place for the future”, Johnson said.
Johnson said he believes the best way to ensure honesty and transparency is simple—be open and honest. If misinformation arises, it should be addressed immediately with clear and factual communication.
Johnson said another way to ensure transparency is to attend the meetings. Residents should feel encouraged to attend trustee meetings and ask the tough questions that many may be hesitant to voice.
Additionally, accurate minutes from all trustee meetings should be kept and made readily available to the public. This would ensure that every decision is documented and that elected officials remain accountable for their actions.
Johnson also advocates for making the town’s budget and spending reports easily accessible so that every taxpayer knows exactly how their money is being utilized. Johnson said the Town of Oakland has the potential to be a town that thrives through smart investments, strong leadership and an engaged community.
By modernizing the public works department, actively seeking grant opportunities and ensuring transparency in government, Oakland can take meaningful steps toward progress. Johnson said he encourages his fellow residents to stay informed, get involved and together, build a better future for the town.
Whether it’s through attending meetings, voicing concerns or simply staying engaged with local initiatives, every effort counts. Johnson said Oakland is his home, and together with the people, he aspires to make the town the best version of itself.