MEET THE CANDIDATES: Joseph McMullen, Oakland Town Commission District 4

Age: 58

Family: Father of a 22-year-old college student, a pharmacy major at Florida A&M University

Education: Bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from Florida A&M University and a master’s degree in health administration from Florida International University.

Employment: Thirty-plus-year licensed Florida pharmacist. Currently works as a senior clinical account manager with Centene HMO

Experience: Served as a town commissioner for the town of Oakland since 2006. McMullen has served on the boards of the Tri-County League of Cities and the Florida League of Cities and worked on legislative, growth management and economic development issues. He is a U.S. Air Force Reserves veteran and founder of the HAPCO Music Foundation, which provides youth with access to arts and educational opportunities.

Residency: Longtime Oakland resident

Why are you running for Seat 4?

I’m running to continue providing steady, experienced leadership for Oakland. This town has a unique character, and my goal is to protect what makes Oakland special while planning responsibly for the future.

As an elected official, others and I have been working hard for the town of Oakland’s successful growth — that growth is now happening.

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

My nearly two decades of service give me a strong understanding of Oakland’s history, finances and growth pressures. I bring experience, institutional knowledge and a collaborative approach that helps turn resident concerns into practical solutions. I always have and will have an open-door policy.

What does this position mean to you?

Serving as a town commissioner is a responsibility I take seriously. It means being accessible, listening carefully and making thoughtful decisions that balance today’s needs with long-term impacts. Everyone has a voice, and I have always given my all to ensure the town of Oakland’s successful growth.

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

My top priorities are managing smart growth, maintaining infrastructure and public safety, and continuing responsible fiscal management to keep taxes low while delivering quality services.

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

Development should be intentional and well-planned. I support smart growth that fits Oakland’s scale, protects neighborhoods, preserves natural resources and ensures roads, utilities and public services keep pace. Developers must understand our culture and create synergy with town government and our citizens as we grow.

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

I stay engaged through public meetings, community events and direct communication. Listening to residents is essential, and I make it a priority to ensure their feedback informs decisions at town hall. All my communication and business cards have my personal email address and cell number.

Oakland’s strength has always been its sense of community. My focus is on thoughtful growth, fiscal responsibility and making sure residents continue to have a strong voice in the town they call home.

Our arts scene, eco-tourism, parks, along with maintaining small-town feel is at the forefront of our current and future.