GREENFIELD — Reasonable taxes, safe streets and more unity in local politics — that’s what Precinct 7 Town Council candidate Dan Viorel Oros hopes to help bring to Greenfield.
Oros, 57, immigrated to the United States from Romania 30 years ago, moving to Greenfield in 2004. He first ran for Town Council two years ago, narrowly losing to incumbent Bill Childs, who is not seeking re-election this year.
He is now running for the Precinct 7 seat against Otis Wheeler.
“I know everybody wants very good schools; it’s very important — education is probably one of the most important things people should strive for,” Oros said. “We also need very safe streets. Crime seems to be ramping up, and now with the opioid crisis, it’s even worse. So safe streets and a safe community, that’s what I’m pretty much interested in.”
Oros worked many jobs — from security guard to real estate broker — before opening his own business in 2009. His business, Save Each Life, offers professional first aid and CPR training.
“What I like to do most is teaching. I believe this is my calling,” he said.
Oros said he decided to run for election because he’s interested in learning more about the democratic process and hopes to make a difference for residents. If elected, he hopes to help members work together.
“Right now there’s two big parties and they fight — negotiation and common solution would be the best. So I would try to bring that to the council,” he said, adding he’s not sure where he falls on the political spectrum. “I try to see one point of view and then the other one’s point of view, and try to compare and make a decision for myself. So, I try to learn and be informed. I don’t think I belong in any group or in any party — I try to go based on whatever I believe is fair for everybody.”
Lowering the tax rate is also a priority for Oros, who said he looks at both the quality of services and the bottom line. He said his goal is to save in as many areas as possible while also making sure not to cut essential services just for the sake of saving money.
“As an immigrant, you kind of have the tendency to think more about money, how you spend money. You’re more careful with money because you always compare what you could buy with this money in my own country. You can’t escape it,” he said. “I think it’s something good(that) you’re a little bit more conservative with money.”
Oros said he hopes to listen to constituents and bring their ideas to the council table.“I really think I can help Greenfield. So I try to see if I can contribute, if I can bring other people’s point of view.”