While the Boys from Carolina played bluegrass music in the background, nearly 15 supporters gathered at the Heather Hills clubhouse Sept. 24 to help Arnie Osborn kick off his campaign for Garner’s Town Council.

Osborn said he knows what it means to have commitment.

Osborn was a Fire Patrol Missile Technician in the Navy from 1973 to 77. While he was stationed on the “Shooting Richard,” the USS Richard E. Byrd, he studied to be a corpsman on his hours off duty. He even had the opportunity to administer shots and give stitches during his time aboard the ship.

Since then, Osborn said his greatest testament of commitment is his marriage. His wife of _ years, Susan, has been with him through many ups and downs.

Osborn wants to bring that dedication to a seat on the Town Council. He believes Garner needs more service from its Council members. It will take more than attending ribbon-cutting events, he said.

“I’m not seeing service,” Osborn said. “You need to have your hands in all the pies.”

Conservative values

More than anything, Osborn believes Garner residents need a Town Council with members who are in-touch with the current financial status of the country. Although a recent pay raise for the Town Manager is nice, it isn’t needed at this time.

“I do care about the money – every nickel, every dime,” he said. “I do care because I care about the families.”

As the recent lawsuit filed by Shaw Sanitation has become known, Osborn would have handled the situation differently. He would have given the bid to Shaw Sanitation because it was the lowest bidder. However, there would be a clause in the contract describing a penalty for dissatisfaction among customers.

“I don’t tolerate bad service,” he said. “This contract wasn’t difficult to figure out.”

Osborn, who grew up in Maryland, said his conservative views come from the Bible and common sense. Although his family was full of staunch Democrats, Osborn believes his views are rooted in the values his parents instilled in him. His family often brought in people off the street to help them get back on their feet.

Osborn said while he is happy to help people, he doesn’t believe in handouts.

“I think you empower people; you don’t take care of them,” he said.

That is what Osborn did as a youth pastor for inner city teens in Baltimore for more than 10 years.

Even if he does not win the Council member race, Osborn said he hopes Garner will feel more like a community.