By C.J. Carnacchio
Leader Editor
Voters seeking diverse opinions, new faces and real choices in the upcoming Oxford Twp. election will not be disappointed.
Fifteen Republican candidates ? six incumbents, eight challengers and one incumbent looking to change jobs ? filed nominating petitions to compete in the Aug. 5 primary election. As usual, no Democratic candidates filed.
All seven township board seats ? which includes four trustee slots plus the full-time positions of supervisor, clerk and treasurer ? are up for election.
Two candidates each filed nominating petitions for two seats. Melvin Cryderman filed for supervisor and trustee while Helen Barwig filed for clerk and trustee.
Both candidates have until 4 p.m. Friday, May 16 to withdraw ? in writing ? one of their petitions.
State law does not permit one candidate to simultaneously run for two township offices.
Cryderman indicated he’s going to run for trustee rather than engage in a three-way race for supervisor. Barwig has also decided to run for trustee as opposed to facing three opponents for clerk.
Treasurer Joe Ferrari, who’s held office since 1992, will face no opposition in the primary.
Supervisor
In the supervisor’s race, incumbent William Dunn, who’s held office since June 1999, will face a challenge from the 44-year-old Kucemba. ‘I think the township needs a fresh perspective on some of the issues that have kind of been plaguing the township for the last several years,? he said. ‘I want to be part of the solution.?
A township resident for more than 10 years, Kucemba’s served on the planning commission for about three years and has earned his certification as a master citizen planner.
‘I want to make the community a better place,? he said. ‘It has so much going for it already. I see so much potential here, so much that could happen with the community.?
For the last 20 years, Kucemba has owned and operated Gemini Amusements, a business that derives its revenue from the pool tables, juke boxes, etc. it places in various venues.
Kucemba, who holds a bachelor of science in administration from the University of Michigan, is also a part-time dealer at the MGM Grand Casino in Detroit.
‘As township supervisor, I will be accessible to the residents. I’ll listen to what they have to say,? he said. ‘I’ll listen to their opinions. I’ll do the research and do what’s in the best interest of the township as a whole.?
Clerk
Incumbent Clara Sanderson’s decision not to seek reelection means that for the first time in 36 years, the township will have a new clerk.
Curtis Wright, 48, lifelong Oxford resident and former township supervisor from 1994-98, tossed his hat in the ring.
Wright, a 1977 Oxford High School graduate, believes his previous experience as supervisor qualifies him for the clerk’s position because he’s familiar with the inner workings of township government, how board meetings work and how to deal with the public.
‘I think I would fare pretty well in that aspect,? he said.
Combine that prior experience with his ‘commitment? and ‘ability to serve the residents,? and Wright is ready to govern again.
Litigation, water bond debt, rising sewer rates, completion of safety paths, township-village relations, the village’s potential cityhood and its impact on the township ? these are all issues that concern Wright.
Wright currently does contracting work (cable auditing) with Comcast Cable.
A 1993 Brandon High graduate, Courtney Grove is ready to make her contribution to the community through public office.
Grove, 32, reflected on all the services and amenities ‘throughout the community? that have benefited her children over the years and decided running for clerk ‘was a really good opportunity to give back to the community.?
‘Our family’s been here for many years, so I just thought it would be a great thing to do,? she said.
If elected, Grove believes she can offer a ‘fresh perspective? on the issues and challenges affecting the township and its people.
When she’s not busy being a wife and mother, Grove works a few days a week at her husband Nathan’s village business ? Grove’s True Value Hardware.
Doleen Behnke, 57, who’s served as a township trustee since 2004.
‘I was looking at my background and looking at the job duties of a clerk and felt that a lot of my background would be more than sufficient to run for that position,? she said.
Behnke, who’s lived here 10 years, has previous experience in project management first with EDS, then later as a consultant for Blue Cross Blue Shield. Not only does she know how to operate within a budget, Behnke said she also has grant writing experience.
She’s furthered her education by becoming certified as a master citizen planner and attending clerk courses (at her own expense) in the hopes of becoming a Certified Municipal Clerk should she be elected.
Just as she’s done as a trustee, Behnke said her judgments will be based on ‘the good of the community, not something personal.?
‘I hope my past performance for the community has shown that I’m a trustworthy person ? that I try to be as honest as possible,? she noted. ‘I’m looking out for the betterment of our community.?
The main issues that concern Behnke are making sure the township can cover its $10.7 million water bond debt and ordinances are enforced fairly and uniformly.
In the community, Behnke is a member of the Oxford/Orion Kiwanis Club and Great Oaks Civitan. She’s also vice chair of Oxford-Addison Youth Assistance.
Trustees
The race for the township board’s four seats should be a hotly contested one considering there are nine candidates.
Incumbents Charles Kniffen, Sue Bellairs and Pat Fitchena will face challengers Helen Barwig, Joe Bunting, George Black, Donald Silvester, Melvin Cryderman and Michael Spisz.
Longtime township political activist and public watchdog Helen Barwig, 68, is hoping voters will place her on the board. ‘I chose to run this year to make sure that the government works for the people of Oxford,? she said.
A resident for 43 years, Barwig is well-known for her frequent attendance at government meetings and her even more frequent trips to the podium during public comment.
Barwig ran for trustee in 1992 and clerk in 1996, but lost both elections. ‘I have always cared about Oxford and the people,? she said.
In 1999, Barwig was honored with the Detroit News? Michiganian of the Year for her major role in exposing corruption in the Oxford Police Department and its governing body, the Oxford Emergency Safety Authority.
‘Anybody who reads The Oxford Leader knows that I have always put my heart into the community,? she said.
Barwig believes she’s ‘qualified? to help govern the township given her previous private sector experience in accounting and office management. She’s also ‘studied? the Open Meetings Act and is quite familiar with the Freedom of Information Act.
Joe Bunting ? no relation to longtime village attorney Robert Bunting ? has lived in Waterstone since January 2002 with his wife, Jennifer, and two small children.
A Birmingham police officer for 10 years, Bunting’s observed the workings of local government firsthand and feels he’s now ready to use his knowledge and experience to help his community. An elected member of the Hometown Village Homeowners Association Board, Bunting, 31 is interested in working with everyone from fellow township officials to residents.
‘It’s good to hear what the community has to say,? he said. ‘If we don’t know what problems are going on, we can’t do anything about them.?
He’s also interested in fostering cooperation between the township and village, and the township board and planning commission.
If elected, some of Bunting’s priorities include bringing businesses and jobs to the township, maintaining high quality police and fire services, making sure emergency and disaster plans are up-to-date and building a community center to benefit people of all ages.
‘In today’s job market, any job that pays is a good job in my eyes,? he said. ‘I’m definitely for some future development in the township.?
After living in the township for 39 years and serving on the planning commission since the mid-1970s, George Black, 67, said he’s ready to ‘make a difference? in his community.
‘I think it’s time to make a change,? he said. ‘I need decisions to be made versus tabling everything. Being on the planning commission, I think I can make decisions.?
When he’s not selling real estate, as he’s done for about 27 years, Black’s busy growing cash crops like oats, wheat, hay, corn and soy beans on his 136-acre farm on Gardner Rd.
As a trustee, Black believes he would bring ‘knowledge of the past? to the table. ‘How the town developed and why things got done the way they got done,? he explained.
When asked why he chose to run, Silvester, 41, replied, ‘I think I could do a better job.?
‘I’m not going to be political,? he said. ‘I’m going to make my decisions based upon what I believe is the correct thing for the township.?
Don Silvester’s lived here for 11 years and spent nine years on the planning commission.
A manufacturing engineer for the Auburn Hills-based Air International, Silvester believes he can bring ‘common sense? and ‘fairness? to the township board.
‘I will always be accessible,? he said. ‘I’m going to listen to what (residents) have to say. I’m going to use that when I make my decision on what’s best for the township.?
If elected, Silvester would like to get ‘rid of the silly lawsuits between the township and village? and ‘actually having the two communities working together.?
Silvester also wants to figure out how to pay the $10.7 million water bond debt. ‘Nobody has any idea how to fund it after 2009,? he said.
Silvester is a member of American Legion Post 108. He served six years active duty in the Navy and three years in the Michigan National Guard.
Melvin Cryderman, 65, said he’s running for office because he ‘wasn’t happy with what I saw? after he started attending meetings in 2005 to voice his opposition to the proposed 2,500-unit residential development on the Koenig Sand & Gravel property, which has since been scrapped.
‘I thought there was a lot of leadership problems there,? said the 23-year resident, who lives on Ray Rd. ‘Nobody was taking control and making things happen.?
Inside the township office, Cryderman said the personnel are ‘fighting and not getting along with each other at all.?
Cryderman’s also unhappy about the lack of follow-through when it comes to ordinances.
‘I think the township doesn’t enforce ordinances at all,? he said. ‘Builders can come into this township and pretty much get their own way.?
A retired skilled tradesman and foreman from General Motors, where he spent 34 years, Cryderman wants to restore order in township government. ‘My big passion is somebody needs to be in charge there and control what’s going on,? he said.
Cryderman’s served on the Zoning Board of Appeals for about 1? years.
Michael Spisz, 37, filed petitions for both trustee and Oxford Twp. Parks and Rec. Commissioner. He’s ‘leaning towards? running for trustee and pulling the other petition by Friday.
‘I’ve been interested in politics for a while,? he said. ‘I wanted to see if I could step in, not necessarily make a change, but see if I could make a difference.?
An Oxford resident for seven years, Spisz is concerned about the parks and rec. department, specifically the splash park addition planned for Seymour Lake Park.
‘I want to find out more details about it,? he said. ‘I’m not necessarily a supporter of that.?
Spisz is concerned about whether the township’s infrastructure is prepared to meet the growing community’s demands.
‘I have a lot of management experience in the automotive industry which is a fast-paced, high pressure arena,? said Spisz, who works as an engineering manager with the Auburn Hills-based Takata, which makes safety restraints for automotive industry.
Spisz said he typically manages millions of dollars in accounts and budgets and he feels this ‘gives me more than enough experience to work in the public arena.?

By C.J. Carnacchio
Leader Editor
Voters seeking diverse opinions, new faces and real choices in the upcoming Oxford Twp. election will not be disappointed.
Fifteen Republican candidates ? six incumbents, eight challengers and one incumbent looking to change jobs ? filed nominating petitions to compete in the Aug. 5 primary election. As usual, no Democratic candidates filed.
All seven township board seats ? which includes four trustee slots plus the full-time positions of supervisor, clerk and treasurer ? are up for election.
Two candidates each filed nominating petitions for two seats. Melvin Cryderman filed for supervisor and trustee while Helen Barwig filed for clerk and trustee.
Both candidates have until 4 p.m. Friday, May 16 to withdraw ? in writing ? one of their petitions.
State law does not permit one candidate to simultaneously run for two township offices.
Cryderman indicated he’s going to run for trustee rather than engage in a three-way race for supervisor. Barwig has also decided to run for trustee as opposed to facing three opponents for clerk.
Treasurer Joe Ferrari, who’s held office since 1992, will face no opposition in the primary.
Supervisor
In the supervisor’s race, incumbent William Dunn, who’s held office since June 1999, will face a challenge from the 44-year-old Kucemba. ‘I think the township needs a fresh perspective on some of the issues that have kind of been plaguing the township for the last several years,? he said. ‘I want to be part of the solution.?
A township resident for more than 10 years, Kucemba’s served on the planning commission for about three years and has earned his certification as a master citizen planner.
‘I want to make the community a better place,? he said. ‘It has so much going for it already. I see so much potential here, so much that could happen with the community.?
For the last 20 years, Kucemba has owned and operated Gemini Amusements, a business that derives its revenue from the pool tables, juke boxes, etc. it places in various venues.
Kucemba, who holds a bachelor of science in administration from the University of Michigan, is also a part-time dealer at the MGM Grand Casino in Detroit.
‘As township supervisor, I will be accessible to the residents. I’ll listen to what they have to say,? he said. ‘I’ll listen to their opinions. I’ll do the research and do what’s in the best interest of the township as a whole.?
Clerk
Incumbent Clara Sanderson’s decision not to seek reelection means that for the first time in 36 years, the township will have a new clerk.
Curtis Wright, 48, lifelong Oxford resident and former township supervisor from 1994-98, tossed his hat in the ring.
Wright, a 1977 Oxford High School graduate, believes his previous experience as supervisor qualifies him for the clerk’s position because he’s familiar with the inner workings of township government, how board meetings work and how to deal with the public.
‘I think I would fare pretty well in that aspect,? he said.
Combine that prior experience with his ‘commitment? and ‘ability to serve the residents,? and Wright is ready to govern again.
Litigation, water bond debt, rising sewer rates, completion of safety paths, township-village relations, the village’s potential cityhood and its impact on the township ? these are all issues that concern Wright.
Wright currently does contracting work (cable auditing) with Comcast Cable.
A 1993 Brandon High graduate, Courtney Grove is ready to make her contribution to the community through public office.
Grove, 32, reflected on all the services and amenities ‘throughout the community? that have benefited her children over the years and decided running for clerk ‘was a really good opportunity to give back to the community.?
‘Our family’s been here for many years, so I just thought it would be a great thing to do,? she said.
If elected, Grove believes she can offer a ‘fresh perspective? on the issues and challenges affecting the township and its people.
When she’s not busy being a wife and mother, Grove works a few days a week at her husband Nathan’s village business ? Grove’s True Value Hardware.
Doleen Behnke, 57, who’s served as a township trustee since 2004.
‘I was looking at my background and looking at the job duties of a clerk and felt that a lot of my background would be more than sufficient to run for that position,? she said.
Behnke, who’s lived here 10 years, has previous experience in project management first with EDS, then later as a consultant for Blue Cross Blue Shield. Not only does she know how to operate within a budget, Behnke said she also has grant writing experience.
She’s furthered her education by becoming certified as a master citizen planner and attending clerk courses (at her own expense) in the hopes of becoming a Certified Municipal Clerk should she be elected.
Just as she’s done as a trustee, Behnke said her judgments will be based on ‘the good of the community, not something personal.?
‘I hope my past performance for the community has shown that I’m a trustworthy person ? that I try to be as honest as possible,? she noted. ‘I’m looking out for the betterment of our community.?
The main issues that concern Behnke are making sure the township can cover its $10.7 million water bond debt and ordinances are enforced fairly and uniformly.
In the community, Behnke is a member of the Oxford/Orion Kiwanis Club and Great Oaks Civitan. She’s also vice chair of Oxford-Addison Youth Assistance.
Trustees
The race for the township board’s four seats should be a hotly contested one considering there are nine candidates.
Incumbents Charles Kniffen, Sue Bellairs and Pat Fitchena will face challengers Helen Barwig, Joe Bunting, George Black, Donald Silvester, Melvin Cryderman and Michael Spisz.
Longtime township political activist and public watchdog Helen Barwig, 68, is hoping voters will place her on the board. ‘I chose to run this year to make sure that the government works for the people of Oxford,? she said.
A resident for 43 years, Barwig is well-known for her frequent attendance at government meetings and her even more frequent trips to the podium during public comment.
Barwig ran for trustee in 1992 and clerk in 1996, but lost both elections. ‘I have always cared about Oxford and the people,? she said.
In 1999, Barwig was honored with the Detroit News? Michiganian of the Year for her major role in exposing corruption in the Oxford Police Department and its governing body, the Oxford Emergency Safety Authority.
‘Anybody who reads The Oxford Leader knows that I have always put my heart into the community,? she said.
Barwig believes she’s ‘qualified? to help govern the township given her previous private sector experience in accounting and office management. She’s also ‘studied? the Open Meetings Act and is quite familiar with the Freedom of Information Act.
Joe Bunting ? no relation to longtime village attorney Robert Bunting ? has lived in Waterstone since January 2002 with his wife, Jennifer, and two small children.
A Birmingham police officer for 10 years, Bunting’s observed the workings of local government firsthand and feels he’s now ready to use his knowledge and experience to help his community. An elected member of the Hometown Village Homeowners Association Board, Bunting, 31 is interested in working with everyone from fellow township officials to residents.
‘It’s good to hear what the community has to say,? he said. ‘If we don’t know what problems are going on, we can’t do anything about them.?
He’s also interested in fostering cooperation between the township and village, and the township board and planning commission.
If elected, some of Bunting’s priorities include bringing businesses and jobs to the township, maintaining high quality police and fire services, making sure emergency and disaster plans are up-to-date and building a community center to benefit people of all ages.
‘In today’s job market, any job that pays is a good job in my eyes,? he said. ‘I’m definitely for some future development in the township.?
After living in the township for 39 years and serving on the planning commission since the mid-1970s, George Black, 67, said he’s ready to ‘make a difference? in his community.
‘I think it’s time to make a change,? he said. ‘I need decisions to be made versus tabling everything. Being on the planning commission, I think I can make decisions.?
When he’s not selling real estate, as he’s done for about 27 years, Black’s busy growing cash crops like oats, wheat, hay, corn and soy beans on his 136-acre farm on Gardner Rd.
As a trustee, Black believes he would bring ‘knowledge of the past? to the table. ‘How the town developed and why things got done the way they got done,? he explained.
When asked why he chose to run, Silvester, 41, replied, ‘I think I could do a better job.?
‘I’m not going to be political,? he said. ‘I’m going to make my decisions based upon what I believe is the correct thing for the township.?
Don Silvester’s lived here for 11 years and spent nine years on the planning commission.
A manufacturing engineer for the Auburn Hills-based Air International, Silvester believes he can bring ‘common sense? and ‘fairness? to the township board.
‘I will always be accessible,? he said. ‘I’m going to listen to what (residents) have to say. I’m going to use that when I make my decision on what’s best for the township.?
If elected, Silvester would like to get ‘rid of the silly lawsuits between the township and village? and ‘actually having the two communities working together.?
Silvester also wants to figure out how to pay the $10.7 million water bond debt. ‘Nobody has any idea how to fund it after 2009,? he said.
Silvester is a member of American Legion Post 108. He served six years active duty in the Navy and three years in the Michigan National Guard.
Melvin Cryderman, 65, said he’s running for office because he ‘wasn’t happy with what I saw? after he started attending meetings in 2005 to voice his opposition to the proposed 2,500-unit residential development on the Koenig Sand & Gravel property, which has since been scrapped.
‘I thought there was a lot of leadership problems there,? said the 23-year resident, who lives on Ray Rd. ‘Nobody was taking control and making things happen.?
Inside the township office, Cryderman said the personnel are ‘fighting and not getting along with each other at all.?
Cryderman’s also unhappy about the lack of follow-through when it comes to ordinances.
‘I think the township doesn’t enforce ordinances at all,? he said. ‘Builders can come into this township and pretty much get their own way.?
A retired skilled tradesman and foreman from General Motors, where he spent 34 years, Cryderman wants to restore order in township government. ‘My big passion is somebody needs to be in charge there and control what’s going on,? he said.
Cryderman’s served on the Zoning Board of Appeals for about 1? years.
Michael Spisz, 37, filed petitions for both trustee and Oxford Twp. Parks and Rec. Commissioner. He’s ‘leaning towards? running for trustee and pulling the other petition by Friday.
‘I’ve been interested in politics for a while,? he said. ‘I wanted to see if I could step in, not necessarily make a change, but see if I could make a difference.?
An Oxford resident for seven years, Spisz is concerned about the parks and rec. department, specifically the splash park addition planned for Seymour Lake Park.
‘I want to find out more details about it,? he said. ‘I’m not necessarily a supporter of that.?
Spisz is concerned about whether the township’s infrastructure is prepared to meet the growing community’s demands.
‘I have a lot of management experience in the automotive industry which is a fast-paced, high pressure arena,? said Spisz, who works as an engineering manager with the Auburn Hills-based Takata, which makes safety restraints for automotive industry.
Spisz said he typically manages millions of dollars in accounts and budgets and he feels this ‘gives me more than enough experience to work in the public arena.?