New Councilman Ollis plans to support economic, workforce development

Newly selected Springfield City Council member Richard Ollis is heading into his first meeting with the intent to improve the Queen City’s economic landscape.

Chosen by council members May 9, Ollis is scheduled to be sworn in at the beginning of the Springfield governing body’s May 15 meeting.

“I am very pro-economic development and very pro-workforce development and jobs,” said Ollis, CEO of insurance firm Ollis/Akers/Arney and a former U.S. Navy petty officer. “Anything related to that, I am likely to support.”

His stances include initiatives to help those in poverty join the workforce and the use of tax incentives to encourage development in Springfield. Council’s business development tools include authorizing the redevelopment of properties via the blight designation, as well as community improvement districts and other incentive programs.

“In general, I am for the use of smart, effective incentives to encourage the growth of business,” Ollis said. “However, I think it’s important to look at each individual project and each individual situation to make sure that it is appropriate for the use of those incentives.”

Ollis will fill the General Seat D spot left vacant by Ken McClure’s appointment to mayor. He was chosen from 19 applicants and six finalists. Other finalists were:
    •    Scott Bailes, manager of market development for the Springfield Cardinals;
    •    Diana Day, People Centric Consulting Group LLC’s chief business officer;
    •    Kent Hyde, a senior law partner at Hyde, Love & Overby LLP;
    •    Jane Sellars, a retired gifted education teacher at Springfield Public Schools; and
    •    Isabelle Jimenez Walker, a real estate agent who owns Eagle Management & Realty 1 LLC.