ONTARIO — Ontario native Josh Bradley is excited to serve his community in a new way as a member of city council.
Bradley was appointed by representatives of the Republican central committee to fill the vacant seat of Dan Zeiter, who passed away April 4.
“I’ve always been community-oriented,” said Bradley, who was sworn in at the most recent city council meeting.
Bradley graduated from Ontario High School in 2000. At 19, he began volunteering at the Springfield Township Fire Department. Today he works for the department as a fire prevention officer, managing prevention, education, inspection and investigations. A father of five, he is married to Amy Bradley, principal of Sherman Elementary School.
Josh Bradley said his primary goals are economic growth and keeping taxes as low as possible for residential and commercial property owners.
“I hope that during my time on council, we can possibly find a middle ground for those who have chosen to be property owners in our community,” he said. “I think it’s important to pursue quality development for the city of Ontario so that our families can prosper, as well as our children when they grow and have families of their own.
“I think quality development produces higher sales, increased sales tax revenue, increase property value and could possibly reduce the burden of high property taxes on our residential and commercial property owners.”
Council president James Hellinger said he hadn’t known Bradley before he was appointed to the seat, but he’s glad to have him on board.
“I think he’s a very nice young man. He presents himself well. I think he’s going to work out good,” Hellinger said. “I’m glad our council’s whole again.”
This is Bradley’s first time holding public office, though he’s pursued it before. Earlier this year, Bradley sought an appointment to the vacant at-large seat left by former councilman Larry Arnold. The committee ultimately chose to appoint David Rehfeldt.
Zeiter had been elected to a four year term last November, so Bradley will fill the seat until his term expires. He said he intends to run to retain the seat in 2023.
