Politics & Government

P&Z Chairman O'Hara Seeks Another Term

Name: Patrick O'Hara

Age: 49

Occupation: Nursery owner

Political party: Republican

Running for: Planning & Zoning Commission

Why are you running?

I am running to give back to Monroe and help our community move forward. In 2007 I helped lead a large group of residents who opposed proposed zoning regulations which many felt were harmful to our community character.

On October 1, 2013 new zoning regulations took effect and were unanimously adopted by the Monroe Planning and Zoning Commission on which I currently serve as Chairman. The Commission worked together as elected officials. We produced new regulations which enhance Monroe’s character and support business development in the business zones which will expand our tax base.

I am running again and ask for your vote to continue the good work of the Monroe Planning and Zoning Commission.

What are the three biggest issues facing Monroe?

  1. Continuing the process of revising Monroe’s Zoning Regulations
  2. Improving the quality of commercial development
  3. Planning Monroe’s future.

What can the Planning & Zoning Commission do to keep the town in the right direction.

The Planning and Zoning Commission needs to continue working together as a nonpartisan group with the goal of protecting our community character while developing our business zones.

What skills and attributes make you a good fit for the Planning & Zoning Commission?

I am a lifelong Monroe resident, product of Monroe’s schools, my wife and I have raised our family in Monroe and sent our children to Monroe schools and we run our family farm here in Monroe.

I have been an elected Official since 2001 and served on Board of Education, Town Council and currently serve on Planning and Zoning as Chairman. I have experience in writing policy, budgets, contract negotiations, public advocacy, writing town ordinances and writing zoning regulations.

While on Town Council I fought for our right to vote on the budget and Chaired the Committee which rewrote the tax abatement ordinance. I helped write and then advocate for Town Council to adopt Monroe’s Right to Farm ordinance.

While I have been Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission we have replaced old zoning regulations which were largely unchanged for over 30 years.


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