Richard Oster seeking reelection in Cypress County
Coun. Richard Oster will be running for re-election in Ward 7 (Seven Persons North/ Desert Blume) in Cypress County this fall. Oster is the former owner of Art’s Excavating and served as reeve of Cypress County in 2014-15. Oster is known as a forceful advocate for the causes and individuals he champions. Oster admits it was likely this tendency which got him voted out as reeve in 2015.
“As my dad used to say, when you are talking more than you are listening there will be some consequences, and that’s what happened with me,” he says with a chuckle. “I pushed too hard ... But now I think I do a good job as a councillor because I do like to push debate and have those (public) conversations.”
Oster says a major contribution he has made the past four years has been in encouraging council to fund more community projects like playgrounds.
“I think it’s important because people need each other, and they need to be able to walk down the street and say hi to their neighbours. And have their kids playing together. This shows we are looking out for each other to help build up a sense of community. For example, I fought hard to make sure we provided the money to assist in building playgrounds in hamlets. Those playgrounds are used by both hamlet and rural kids, so that’s a good investment.”
He said he also worked hard to get farmers the support they needed on things like undeveloped road allowances, and pushed for greater co-operation with the City of Medicine Hat on issues of mutual concern like South Boundary Road. Oster says his door is always open to any Cypress County resident with a concern.
“When I pick up the phone I don’t care if the guy is a farmer or rancher or he lives in the hamlet. If it’s an issue I think we need to look at, I put some time into it.”
Oster is also a strong advocate for greater business development in the county.
“Our ratepayers expect us to make things happen,” he states. “I think we have to look at everything that comes across the board.”
Oster looks forward to the challenges and debates ahead if he is re-elected this fall.
“I am a good listener,” he says. “I keep my feet on the ground. And I talk directly with residents to know what their issues are, and to see where we can do better. That’s what I bring to the table.”