Ouellet ends Millcreek term with gratitude, hope, no regrets | Opinion

My time as Millcreek Township Supervisor is ending, but my life as a Millcreek resident continues with great optimism. I wish our employees and Supervisors Kim Clear, Jim Bock and Kylie Morris the best in the future. I am confident they all will serve with integrity.

To anyone who knows me, it will not come as a surprise that I have been reflecting on this transition. A single theme continued to reverberate through conversations and self-reflection — life is about change. The same applies to Millcreek Township. Although change can be scary, when we all look back — I know it will be worth it. I bet my job on it.

I have worked with and met some incredible people during my time in public office, and I am grateful that I have had an opportunity to share an active exchange of ideas with them all. The politics of this job was more combative than I anticipated. As my time ends in this role, my sincere hope is that the political temperature will lower. Additionally, I hope all who love Millcreek Township, as I do, will work collaboratively for the greater good and continue to move the township forward.

There have been some historic changes based on Embrace Millcreek , including the Millcreek Township General Authority (MTGA) investment in preparing the Gateway District for development , and the purchase of a community center for our residents. In addition, we created a combination volunteer/career fire department to ensure the safety of our residents.

I stand by my decisions to vote for each of these opportunities because I believe that with the strategic plan as our guide, they will benefit the people of Millcreek for decades to come.

The creation of the Millcreek Township General Authority and preparation of the Gateway District are historic investments in our future.

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The Gateway District was conceptualized a decade ago with careful attention to planning, communication and community feedback. This world-class development will give residents and tourists even more reasons to stay and enjoy the district and what Millcreek has to offer.

The initial investment to secure the site was a necessary part of the economic development process. This was designed to increase Millcreek's ability to entice development. Currently the MTGA is in discussions with two prominent developers. The future looks promising that this will provide revenue streams for generations and help the township navigate future growth.

Another aspect of Embrace Millcreek was the development of a community center, an investment that residents have long asked for. The community center will significantly improve our parks and recreation programming, as well as the health and quality of life of our residents. An asset for all of Erie County, as it evolves, it will create community engagement, attract visitors and generate revenue.

As a lifelong emergency service provider, the one project I take the most pride in is the development of our combination fire department . I served for 13 years as fire chief and know firsthand the challenges of providing fire service effectively and safely to Millcreek residents, and it became ever more apparent during my tenure. The data was clear: The lack of volunteers created a situation which could have led to a tragedy and that is why we were active in addressing the staffing crisis. I want to acknowledge that all four volunteer departments have worked for years recruiting and retaining volunteers. This did not occur due to a lack of dedication on their part, but the fact of the matter is that volunteerism is declining, or dangerously low in many organizations.

I am proud of our existing volunteer departments and their continued efforts by working with Millcreek Fire Department Chief Michael Cliff. Change is difficult, but all who serve our community have one focus, the safety of our residents.

Each of these initiatives reflect Millcreek's commitment to improving our quality of life and expanding access of essential resources.

Another of the actions I supported was participating in the rebranding of Millcreek Township . We developed our mission, "To serve the community of Millcreek Township" and our vision, "To cultivate a growing and inspired community of neighbors" which reflects the high quality of life for residents living in Millcreek.

But no one person can lead alone. The accomplishments during my term could not have been realized if not for the expertise and experience of the professional staff at Millcreek Township. Our employees are committed and focused on their individual responsibilities and on the residents of Millcreek.

In addition, it is important to take time to acknowledge my fellow supervisor, Kim Clear. Her inspiration and energy were contagious. She challenged and encouraged me and our team to look towards the future and believe in our goals, while helping to accomplish those projects. Contrary to some narratives, we did not always agree, but we were always willing to listen to each other and come to an agreement that was best for Millcreek.

As I wind down my last days as supervisor, I would like to leave this thought from Abraham Maslow: "In any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth or step back into safety." My hope is that Supervisors Clear, Bock and Morris can continue to consider all views, listen to various ideas and accept the need to compromise for the good of our township.

Thank you, Millcreek Township residents, for the opportunity to serve you. To my steadfast supporters, your encouragement and confidence fueled my days. Finally, to my family, thank you for recognizing my dreams and supporting me always.

Outgoing Millcreek Township Supervisor Dan Ouellet was first elected in 2019.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Ouellet proud of generational investments in Millcreek | Opinion