EPHRATA – As the residents in Ephrata begin to submit their votes for the Ephrata mayoral election, Steve Oliver, a long-time local business owner and community advocate, said he is poised to bring change to the city he has called home for 25 years. He has operated his tattoo studio, Tarot Tattoo, for over two decades. Oliver said his campaign has been a journey of personal discovery, learning and engagement with the community, each influencing his vision for the future of Ephrata. 

Since announcing his candidacy, Oliver has gained insights into the community’s sentiments, particularly their feelings of stagnation and the need for revitalization.  

"Unfortunately, in small towns, if nothing changes, then nothing changes," Oliver said. "We’ve been sitting in the same rut for many years, and I don’t want to let it get any worse. I want to make sure there are improvements for the next generation."  

Oliver said one of his top priorities is to bring more businesses and attractions to the city. He said he plans to work on getting Ephrata out of the flood zone, which he said deters business owners from coming to the city. He also plans on collaborating with both the Port of Ephrata and the Ephrata Chamber of Commerce to bring in more businesses.  

"Places that have no natural amenities have to invent something to make them attractive," he said. “We might have to get creative, but we need more businesses, more things to do, we need to give people a reason to stop in Ephrata, besides getting gas.”  

Citing nearby Quincy’s success with data centers and recreational investments, he insisted Ephrata must take similar strides.  

“If we did that here, we could finance all sorts of new projects and recreational activities, which would create jobs and a lot of tourist revenue,” he said.  

As his campaign unfolded, Oliver recognized that the challenges he plans to address are deeply intertwined with community collaboration. He envisioned transforming Ephrata’s port to suit commercial needs, potentially serving as a hub for major shipping companies like DHL or UPS.  

"We could actually handle anything if we find a way to repurpose our airport," he said.  

Throughout his campaign, Oliver said he has been attentively listening to open dialogue from constituents, which he considers essential for building trust in local governance.  

"People feel there’s a lack of transparency and trust in our city government," Oliver said. "We need to listen to what they’re saying and act accordingly."  

If he’s elected, Oliver said he plans to foster better communication through regular updates and community engagement, encouraging voters to reach out to him directly at his business or during public meetings. 

Beyond infrastructure and entertainment, Oliver noted community safety as a significant concern.  

"While we have relatively low crime rates, we cannot afford to be complacent," he said.  

He emphasized the need to work alongside local law enforcement to enhance safety and visibility in the city.  

"People see petty crime that doesn't get investigated. They see a lot of graffiti that just seems to be pushed aside," he said.  

As the campaigning process unfolds, Oliver has found personal growth amid the challenges and lessons in navigating local politics.  

“I have made myself proud that I ran a campaign that was honest and fair,” he said.  

He has dedicated himself to transparency and integrity, refusing to partake in “the dirty business” often associated with political campaigns.  

"Being honest is what I knew would make my family proud," he said. 

A father of three, Oliver said his commitment to Ephrata is deeply personal.  

"After a heart transplant in 2007, my life changed for the better, and I want to give back to a community that has given me so much," he said.