Although Arnie Osborn’s political resume isn’t long, he has some big ideas for the Garner Town Council.

A Maryland native, Osborn moved to North Carolina five years ago with his family because his youngest sons has special needs and doctors suggested the Osborns try seeking help from Duke Hospital.

For nearly four years, Osborn has devoted his time to taking care of his wife and four children. Osborn’s reason for running for a seat on the Garner Town Council is much the same as his decision to move to the area in 2004.

His two youngest children attend Wake County Public Schools and he originally eyed a spot on the School Board for District 2. However, he felt he could also be of service to the community as a member of the Garner Town Council, weeding out governmental controls for more commonsense.

“I felt that the people of Garner need a little more fiscally conservative people,” Osborn said.

While Osborn has never worked in a governmental role before, he said he has always been civicly minded. He worked as a youth pastor and mentor for nearly ten years and interacted with teens to help the Baltimore police department in its attempt to crack down on gangs.

Also, Osborn said he truly cares about his neighbors’ concerns.

“Most of us don’t realize someone still cares,” he said. “I will care for them whether I get elected or not.”

Because of the high level of apathy for government, Osborn said it is important for people to know they can raise issues to the Town Council.

Government spending has to be cut

Osborn said the recent decision to award Garner’s solid waste contract to All-Star Waste Services instead of a lower bidder showed the Council’s lack of control on spending.

The difference between the two contractors was $1.50 per household each week. Osborn said while it may not seem like a lot, it amounts to $72 each year. He would rather spend that money to take his family to dinner and to many other families it’s the difference between being able to make ends meet or not.

“It not just $1.50,” he said. “If we give away enough $1.50s, we could hurt someone.”

Osborn hopes to make a difference on the council by constantly reminding members that it isn’t their money to give away.

Great resources available

Osborn said the Council has resources like Councilman Jackie Johns and Mayor Ronnie Williams that have a wealth of knowledge. He said the Council doesn’t utilize those resources to learn enough.

In the solid waste contract conflict, Osborn said some Council members seemed more entrenched in their position than their constituency – something he hopes to change if elected.

He said he isn’t looking to climb the political ladder. He just wants the chance to be part of the community and help others.

“I’m here to be a help to my neighbors,” he said.

Learn about more candidates in next week’s issue of the Garner News.