Ola Martin Brings ‘Socials Service’ to Politics

Ola Martin said she’s not a politician and hopes she will never be, despite her current campaign for Ward 1 alderman.

She calls herself a “citizen’s advocate” and has proven herself in that area.

Martin, a retired social services supervisor, volunteers with the Wentzville Historical Society, an organization that works to preserve Wentzville history; serves as vice president of Wentzville Area Senior Services, Inc. (WASSI), an organization that helps direct seniors to needed services; is Music Chairman of the Tri-County Women’s Christian Association; is a member of the Choral Arts Community Choir, a group that entertains at nursing homes and other charitable events; and serves as president of the United Methodist Women in Wentzville.

“It started as one issue--the proposed ordinance that would outlaw the retail sale of dogs and cats in the city,” Martin said. “But as I continued to attend city meetings, I became more interested in government. I am not the type of person who will sit back.”

Martin believes in bringing big business to Wentzville, but also believes in leveling the playing field for small businesses. She would like to see some incentive given to small businesses, especially those in the historic downtown district. Whether it is loosening the signage ordinance to help small businesses become more visible or offering a tax break to help the businesses improve their ability to compete, Martin wants to see small business owners get the same perks cities often offer corporations.

“Bringing in big business is good, but it is hard on small business,” Martin said. “People who have their whole life poured into a business shouldn’t have to fear what their city will bring in as far as competition. They should have enough incentive to stay. I think we should help family businesses and don’t bring in big businesses that would take away their livelihoods.”

She says the city board of aldermen addresses numerous issues and votes throughout the year on important changes that affect city residents, and residents should be aware of these issues before the board votes.

“There should be a better way of notifying citizens when alderman are voting on something that really affects them, and it should be in traditional wording, not legal jargon,” Martin said. “If something will be voted upon that will affect residents and the value of their property, they really need a way of letting them know. Most people don’t go online to check the agenda, and few even know about important changes proposed unless it’s picked up by the local news.”

If elected to the Ward 1 seat, she will be ardent supporter of better open meeting law postings, Martin said. Now, the city posts its meeting agendas online or at City Hall. If notices were posted in more locations, residents would be better informed, Martin said. She said even if she is not elected, she will continue to work for clearer meeting agenda postings.

Martin also believes in the renovation of the city’s historical downtown area, and is currently working with the Wentzville Historical Society to pull together information on the days when Wentzville was a hot stop for the Northern Missouri Railroad.

 “Wentzville has such a rich railroad history, and if we don’t build up downtown we won’t have an identity in this town,” Martin said. “Eventually, everyone will have Sam’s Club or , but they don’t have Wentzville’s history. This is what sets us apart. It’s not having the biggest Walmart, it’s saving our history.”

Overall, while Martin lacks in political finesse, she is a strong advocate for the rights of citizens, protection of animals, beneficial improvements to the city and last, but not least, she believes in working for what one believes in, she said.

“There are political chameleons that adapt, answering favorably to whatever the issue, then vote otherwise,” Martin said. “I fight for what I believe in, and I believe in adequate street repairs and ordinances to protect residents, not hold them back. With my social services background and a degree in human services, I am behind the rights of citizens and believe in safe, strong communities. Even if I don’t get elected, I’m already involved in our city and will continue to work for its betterment.”

Martin is facing incumbent Cheryl Kross in the Ward 1 race.