MEET THE CANDIDATES: Anne Fulton, Oakland Town Commission District 4

Age: 47

Family: Husband, Shaun Fulton; four children; one granddaughter

Education: Associate’s degree from Valencia College

Employment: Office manager at an independent insurance adjusting firm. Licensed insurance adjuster in Florida and Texas

Experience: Thirty years of accounting experience across several industries, including environmental engineering, wholesale distribution, architecture and engineering, and insurance adjusting. At an environmental engineering firm, Fulton handled project billing and report preparation while learning about environmental remediation. In her current role, she manages all accounting, HR, administrative work and industry trend analysis. 

Residency: Fifteen years in Oakland

Why are you running for Seat 4? 

I’m running because I believe Oakland deserves a commissioner who listens, unites and serves. Our town is beautifully diverse, including longtime residents and newcomers, young families and retirees, people of many backgrounds, beliefs and experiences. That diversity is what I love most about Oakland.

I’m not a politician and don’t aspire to be one. I’m running to be an advocate for our community and to help build a future that includes all of us.

Why are you the best candidate for the Oakland Town Commission District 4 seat?

I believe I’m the best candidate because I don’t just say I care about our community — I show it through action. I stay connected to what’s happening in town and I’m not afraid to speak up when something feels inequitable or out of step with what residents want.

When Seat 1 was filled in 2024 despite 11 qualified applicants, the commission unanimously voted to reseat the previous commissioner. Many residents felt unheard. I took a stand by organizing a recall effort, spending my free time at a park bench listening to neighbors and collecting signatures. I did it because 70% of voters had asked for change and I felt their voices mattered.

I’ve spoken up at commission meetings, even when it was uncomfortable. I’ve been yelled at, criticized and confronted, and none of it deterred me. When I advocate for my community, I do my research, gather facts and stand firmly on truth and principle.

Beyond policy, I’ve shown up for residents in need: organizing meal trains, helping build a wheelchair ramp with Scout Pack 978, fixing safety hazards, assisting neighbors with home repairs and rallying volunteers to support elderly residents. I don’t do these things for recognition, I do them because this is what community looks like.

I’m also a strong advocate for families experiencing homelessness. When a family at West Orange High School needed help, our community raised $750 for food. My family and two others founded My Backyard Initiative Inc., a nonprofit connecting builders, municipalities and service providers to create shelters, transitional housing and dignified affordable housing.

The town of Oakland has two people on staff who write grants. The town also pays two different lobbyists to advocate for us. I understand how to work with legislators. I don’t need taxpayer‑funded travel to get face time; I already call, email, video chat or drive to their offices when needed.

What does this position mean to you? 

To me, this position is about service. Yes, it involves reading, evaluating and voting on issues, but it also means being present for people. Sometimes, that looks like listening. Sometimes, it’s a meal, a cup of coffee or a hug. Sometimes, it’s rolling up my sleeves and doing the work. And sometimes, it’s causing good trouble when our community needs a voice.

If elected, what would be your top three issues to address for the town of Oakland?

1. Protecting affordability and preventing displacement as property values rise, taxes rise and that impacts seniors, young families and longtime residents. I want to pursue affordable-housing options for individual lots and ensure development decisions consider the ripple effects on middle‑ and low‑income households.

2. Bringing resident ideas forward. Over the past few years, residents have shared dozens of thoughtful ideas with me. I currently have a two‑page list. I will bring those ideas to the town and work collaboratively to see what we can accomplish.

3. Transparent, informed decision‑making. I will read every line of every document, ask questions, research thoroughly and listen to residents. My only agenda is creating the best possible community for all of us. I will represent every resident, whether your family has been here for generations or just moved in. My personal credo is: “We do not have to look, pray, love or vote the same to be neighbors and friends.”

Oakland is a small town and mostly residential. How do you think the town should handle new developments? 

Most remaining development opportunities are commercial along Highway 50 and Tubb Street. I believe the town should take a proactive approach: come together as a community, identify what we want and then reach out to businesses, doctors and local shops that align with our vision.

For empty or rehab lots within town, I will strongly advocate for affordable housing options for seniors and young families.

How will you ensure you’re listening to/addressing residents concerns? 

I’ll continue doing what I’ve already been doing: keeping my phone number and email public, making time to sit on a park bench and listen, showing up at town hall or county offices when needed and using my network to help residents, including veterans and those with social service needs.

I’m not afraid to get my hands dirty or to get into good trouble when necessary. This is our hometown and our shared future, and I’m proud to serve regardless of the election outcome.