Three citizens – Michael Ward, Carolyn Wheeler, and J.R. McCarty – have submitted applications to step up and assume the remaining five-month term for the Oakdale City Treasurer position left vacant when former Treasurer Mike Murray resigned in April.
Retired State Unemployment Insurance Judge Michael Ward is a 13-year Oakdale resident and active in several local service organizations including the Oakdale Lions Club and Oakdale Community Garden Club. Ward, still an active State Bar member, was also appointed by the city council to the panel to report on possible Brown Act violations by the Travel and Business Improvement District last year.
On his application, Ward stated his background and experience can make a positive contribution for the city to recover from its recent bond downgrade.
Carolyn Wheeler lists that she has 20 years accounting and bookkeeping experience including working for local government for the City of Modesto and San Mateo County. She’s lived in Oakdale for over nine years and has been a volunteer for Relay For Life and at Oakdale Charter School.
Wheeler stated she believes her financial records experience will be of value in keeping records current and reconciled.
J.R. McCarty is an Oakdale High School graduate and has lived in the city for over 39 years. He works for Cost Less Foods in Oakdale and has been in the grocery-retail business for over 25 years.
McCarty, who has volunteered for the Oakdale Basketball Association and other youth groups, stated he’s interested in the position to be involved with the city and to continue to contribute to the welfare of the city.
If the council picks from the interested parties, that person will serve the remaining time left in Murray’s term. The Oakdale Treasurer position will be on the November 2012 ballot for selection by voters.
Murray abruptly resigned as treasurer in April amid his concerns of city financial mismanagement and a dispute in the process in which he was asked to sign 17 overdue statements. With the vacancy, the council has had to accept treasurer reports by minute orders at their meetings.
