Editor’s Note: Last week, the Leader emailed questions to the 14 candidates running for Oxford Township offices. Twelve of the 14 responded. Clerk Candidate Courtney Grove and Trustee Candidate George Black did not respond. Here are the questions:
1. Why are you running for township office? What experience, skills, talents or qualities do you have to offer the public?
2. What are the top three issues/priorities facing the township and how would you go about addressing them?
3. What is your position on the upcoming safety path millage (i.e. how do you plan vote and why)?

Supervisor
William Dunn, 61, has served as Oxford Township supervisor since 1999. He’s lived in Oxford for nine years. He’s been married to his wife, Betty, for 36 years and together they have a grown daughter, Erin.
Question #1
I spent most of my life in Lake Orion. After serving in Vietnam, I spent 12 years working as a civil engineer and 25 years as the owner/operator of my own business.
As supervisor, I’ve helped guide the township through difficult times, fast-paced growth and improved both our infrastructure and public safety services..
Whenever there’s a problem, I’m busy looking for solutions, talking to people and making things happen. I believe all residents should be treated fairly, equally and politely. When I weigh possible solutions, my first question is always, ‘Is this fair and beneficial to everyone involved??
I don’t believe in grand-standing or tooting my own horn. I like to get things done quickly, quietly and efficiently because that’s what I believe the public wants.
Question #2
Taxes should always be an elected official’s first priority. I will oppose new taxes and increases. I will do my very best to maintain rates and whenever possible lower them. People need their money to take care of themselves and families, not government.
Attracting new businesses and jobs is another major priority. To accomplish this, I want to make the township more user-friendly when it comes to services we provide. Businesses need to see us as helpful, available, approachable and informative.
The third top issue facing the township is continuing to improve relations with the village.
I’m a village resident so I understand this. Relations have dramatically improved thanks to cooperation from council and my attendance at village meetings to answer questions, provide input and just listen. I don’t see Oxford as township versus village. I see it as one community. I intend to help keep it that way.
Question #3
While I support the concept of safety paths, I can’t in good conscience support levying a new tax for them while so many people and families are hurting because of this state’s terrible economy.
People are losing their homes and their jobs. Incomes aren’t going up, in most cases they’re going down. Gas prices, grocercies and everything else keep going up. How can we possibly ask people to raise their taxes for something like safety paths?
God bless the people who can afford to raise their taxes, but we also need to consider all those people who will be hurt by this, all those people struggling to afford basic necessities. We can’t ignore their suffering just so we can have places to walk and ride bikes.
I will be voting NO on the safety path millage and I encourage others to do so, too.

Lawrence Kucemba, 44, owns his own business and is a part-time dealer at the MGM Grand Casino in Detroit. He’s served on the planning commission for three years and is also a member of the ordinance review, acreage/lot split and the engineering design standards subcommittees. He is divorced with two daughters, Megan, 15 and Miranda, 12. He’s lived in Oxford for over 10 years.
Question #1
My name is Lawrence Kucemba, I have a Bachelor of Science in Administration from the University of Michigan and have been serving on the Oxford Township Planning Commission for three years. This experience has given me an insight into the operation of the Township. I am a certified master citizen planner and have also been a business owner for over 20 years. Therefore, I understand the needs of customers which would translate into taking care of the needs of the township residents. I want to make Oxford township a better place to live and work in.
Question #2
1. Enforcement of Ordinances ? the township needs to make sure that its own ordinances are enforced correctly and fairly. I would work to enforce our ordinances and to set up a system similar to Orion Township in which offenders pay for fines that fund the Department.
2. Financial Responsibility and Accountability ? We need to determine how to pay the $10.7 million water bond debt. I would work to address this issue by adjusting water rates, tap fees and cutting the township budget without raising taxes.
3. Communication and Cooperation with Surrounding Communities ? Learn what is working in surrounding communities so we can apply these techniques to better our township.
Question #3
I am for the Safety Path millage. In a time of $4-plus dollar gas we need a more walkable community. I realize that economic times are difficult but also acknowledge that the benefits in the Safety Path are long term in providing more economic benefits to the community as a whole.

Clerk
Curtis W. Wright, 48, is a lifelong resident of Oxford and cable audit contractor for Comcast Cable. He served as township supervisor from 1994-98. Wright also served on Polly Ann Trail Committee (Chairman), Oxford Emergency Safety Authority, Water and Sewer Committee Member, the Oxford Community Development Authority (Liaison) and various other committees. He has a wife, Cheryl, and three children, Courtney, Matthew and Hannah.
Question #1
An opportunity to once again serve the Oxford community, and continue the excellent clerical service that Oxford Township and Oxford Village residents and businesses have enjoyed for the past 36 years.
Experience, skills, and qualities to offer the public include:
a. former Oxford Township Supervisor serving as Chairperson for Board meetings. I also served as a member of several Boards and Committees on behalf of Oxford Township;
b. several years of Human Resource Administration experience that will assist in department staffing, payroll processing, health and fringe benefit administration, and personnel issues.
c. several years of Land Surveying and Civil Engineering experience that will assist in the decision making process for future development in Oxford Township;
d. Accounting Degree, Walsh College. My accounting education will assist Oxford Township in the bookkeeping duties, collections and billings, and financial statement preparation.
Question #2
1. A Balanced Budget. Michigan’s economy has affected many communities including Oxford Township. As a Township Official, I will analyze the budget and recommend budget adjustments, based upon limited revenue sources, to the Township Board of Trustees with the goal of enhancing the quality of life for the Oxford community.
2. Infrastructure. There is an increased burden on our water and sewer service, and road surfaces. Using existing information compiled from our Planning Commission and Oakland County Officials, etc., I will analyze this information for possibilities of improving our infrastructure services for current Oxford residents and businesses.
3. The Village of Oxford becoming a City. Considering that Oxford Village becomes The City of Oxford I need to research and focus on the impact (legally, financially, community relations, etc.) of Oxford Township’s current responsibilities to the Village of Oxford. This includes but not limited to, assessing, elections, property ownership, and tax collections.
Question #3
I will be voting NO on the safety path millage. My reasoning is the timing of an additional tax burden given the current sluggish economy. Also, the Village of Oxford’s opposition to this millage and Oxford Township’s decision to refund the Village of Oxford their portion of millage revenue (if voter approved) indicates that this millage proposal needed additional research before being approved as a ballot proposal.
I believe that Oxford Township desperately needs safety paths in certain areas (e.g. Drahner Road and Seymour Lake Road). Funding alternatives need to be considered including the current balance in the Safety Paths Fund, and Grants and necessary required matching Funds.
After exploring these and other alternatives any need for future safety path construction millage revenue could be successful for approval in a future election.
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Doleen Behnke, 57, is an eight-year Oxford resident. She’s a consultant with areas of expertise in; Project Management, Facilitation, Instructional Design, and Grant application. She’s served as an Oxford Township Trustee since 2004 and is 3rd Vice-President of the Michigan Township Association ? Oakland County Chapter. She has a husband, Jon, and two sons, Mark and Michael.
Question #1
I want to be the township clerk because I feel with my qualifications and skills, I am the most qualified to fill the shoes of the current clerk of over 32 years. One must be completely dedicated to that office and the responsibilities of that office for the residents of our township. I have spent years educating myself in the areas and responsibilities of a township clerk as outlined in the ‘Authorities and Responsibilities of Michigan Township Officials, Board and Commissions? book. I have attended Michigan Township Association seminars regarding Clerk responsibilities and positions, along with attending (at my own expense) the Quad County Clerk’s Association ‘Clerk’s Educational Workshop?. Other qualifications are that I have been in Project Management for over 20 years that carry responsibility for record keeping, budgets, personnel management, customer relations, and grant writing.
Question #2
Water Bond Repayment ? We need to find creative ways to address the bond issues by researching federal and state grants. In addition, to do everything I can to ensure there is no new mill age attached.
Ordinances ? To offer residents opportunities to better understand the existing ordinances through informal meetings.
Budget ? Due to the current economic times, situation in the State of Michigan, and with the understanding that the Federal and State funding are decreasing, we as a township will need to face some hard decisions. Even though it may not be the most popular option, we will need to grow the revenue of the township by; vigorously attracting businesses; streamlining our township budget; and keeping our tax dollars in Oxford (shopping, eating, and playing).
Question #3
Since this item will be on the ballot, it is not the township government to direct the citizens. It should be the residents directing their elected officials on how or what to do with Safety Paths. Safety Paths (sidewalks) are necessary to allow our residents? a way to travel without always using a vehicle.
It is not my responsibility as a current elected trustee to apply undue influence on how the residents should vote. My vote as a ‘private? citizen will be on Tuesday, August 5, 2008.

Trustees (Pick 4)

Joe Bunting, 31, is a police officer with 10 years experience and has lived in Oxford for 6? years. He’s married with two children.
Question #1
I have been involved with local government for 10 years. I feel I am ready to step forward and contribute my experience to Oxford. It seems that Oxford is in the back of the line. I would like to bring Oxford closer to the front of the line, representing the county and the state. I have already taken the initiative talking to some developers and sharing ideas of doing things for Oxford. I have spoken to business owners and neighbors to understand their problems and to let them know, I don’t make promises, but I sure will try to help; a direction that some have never been lead in. I know I will not be perfect in this position. I am willing to step forward and do my best; but I can only do this with the support and the vote of the people.
Question #2
Everyone I have spoken with has different issues/concerns. Some concerns have been the traffic on M-24, the lack of development, unable to maximize business do to lack of liquor licenses, water quality, unable to sale homes, unable to find a quality building department, and lack of relationship with the village as some their concerns. I feel these will be among many other issues I will look into, for the people.
Question #3
I understand that this idea was presented by Mr. Kucemba a few years back. I believe Mr. Kucemba should be acknowledged for his efforts. I also understand there was a lack of communication (none at all) between the township and the village, regarding an operation that involved both governments. I believe to have an operation at any magnitude it should be done through some sort of committee involving both the township and the village. There still seems to be questions regarding entities and their positions on disbursement of funds. I strongly believe in development of the local communities and building a better and healthier bond with our family and friends through activities. I would like to see the township and village discuss this project and many other projects; and possibly finding different angles if possible to finance projects through developer assistance and grant money. I will have a NO vote.
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Donald T. Silvester, 41, has lived in Oxford for 11 years and is a manufacturing engineer. He’s served on the planning commission for nine years (five as chairman and three as vice-chair). Silvester spent six years active duty in the Navy and three years in the Michigan National Guard. He’s divorced with two sons, Alex and Ben.
Question #1
I am running for Oxford Township Trustee because I believe in government service and I want to make the community I have chosen to live in a better place to reside. In the 11 years I have lived in Oxford, I have seen it change and think it has changed for the better. I want to continue making Oxford better in the future.. I bring with me 9 years of planning commission experience, so I’m familiar with public meetings and organized and responsible public debate. I am an engineer in the automotive supplier industry so I am very familiar with cost cutting and budgeting. I am very fair and honest and will listen to all sides of an issue prior to making a decision based on what is best for the Township as a whole.
Question #2
I believe that the number one issue facing Oxford Township is the retirement of the $10.7 million water bond debt. If elected I would work tirelessly to retire this debt without raising taxes to pay it off. This would be accomplished by balancing water rates and eliminating waste in the general budget. The second issue facing the Township is the enforcement of the township ordinances. I would review all the township ordinances and eliminate outdated and unneeded ordinances and update the ordinances in current use. I would also work to enforce all the Township ordinances and ensure compliance to them. The third issue facing Oxford Township is lack of cooperation with surrounding governments. I would promote working together with surrounding governments when it makes sense in order to save money for both units of government.
Question #3
I do not believe that 0.25 mill is too much to ask for a community benefit, such as safety paths. Oxford is a growing community and is attracting many young families with kids. I think that safety paths are an important part of keeping the kids safe when they are using the local businesses and excellent parks that Oxford has to offer. Also with gas over $4 a gallon and the obesity problem in this country, having better safety paths would not only help people to save money but also become healthier in the process by promoting non-motorize activities. I understand the Village’s frustration with being included in this millage but it will benefit everyone in Oxford not just the Township residents. I am a village resident and I am willing to pay this millage for the benefits I will receive, therefore I will be voting yes.
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Michael Spisz, 37, is an engineering manager who’s lived in Oxford for seven years. He’s served as a Republican Precinct Delegate for the past two years. He’s married with two children.
Question #1
My interest for politics has grown over the years, driving me to become a precinct delegate in 2006. I recently deciding it was time for me to begin to make a difference and run for Trustee. With over 20 years experience in the auto industry, I have built the basic tools to gather relative information, listen to input, and make decisions. During that time frame, I obtained the fiscal responsibility to work within a budget while always looking for ways to cut cost and bring in additional revenue. In general, I believe in working hard, doing the right thing, and making the tough decisions. My current day to day responsibilities provide me with the necessary experience to impart the Township of Oxford residence with the proper leadership for the future.
Question #2
A. Relationship with the Village of Oxford. We, as a community, need to work together to solve issues and not continue to quarrel over them. With the relationship steadily improving over the past few years, I will continue to push for a closer working rapport with the Village. Continually working to enhance communication helps advance a relationship.
B. Fiscal Responsibility. With the current economical situation of our township, county, and state, decisions must be made related to needs, not wants. Too many times decisions are made thinking of only the short term while not truly understanding the long term effects. We must always plan for the future, including finding a way to pay for the water bond.
C. Economics. As community leaders we need to continue to find ways to increase foot traffic for our current local businesses while also logically looking to expand.
Question #3
While I support the concept of a safety path, this is not the economic time to be asking the citizens of Oxford Township and Village to dig into their pockets. I will be voting against this on the Aug 5th ballot.
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Patricia Fitchena, 64, has lived in Oxford for 34 years. She’s currently the director of the North Oakland Transportation Authority and has seved as a township trusteee since 1988. Fitchena’s also served on the planning commission since 1981. She and her husband Nick have three children, Michele, Scott and Nicole.
Question #1
I’m running for office because I have been encouraged to do so by many to bring common sense to the board,and to represent All the people in Oxford. I bring 20 years of experience with many years of planning and zoning experience,and the training . My biggest talent is to listen, there is always two sides to every story,I get along well with the public.
Question #2
Planned Controlled growth that would bring jobs to our residents, and also help with the Building Department in the Township. Encourage the positives of Oxford and promote them to the County and businesses looking to relocate.
Infrastructure needs to be completed,and roads have to be improved .Set up funds to apply to these issues.
Question #3
Vote Yes.
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Helen Barwig, 68, has lived in Oxford for 43 years and is now retired. She’s been married to Jack for 46 years and the couple has 4 children and 13 grandchildren.
Question #1
A community advocate and volunteer, I am running for office to see if I can make a difference for the people of Oxford. I have attended meetings for about 18 years and want our people to be heard and have always wanted government to work for the people.
I want to do just that and work for ‘we the people.?
In 1999 I was honored with the Detroit News MICHIGAN IAN of the YEAR. To the job I would bring my experience of numerous accounting classes, Comcast Cable TV classes, and personal business knowledge. As manager of an office I work well with people and also taught classes for adult education in Oxford and Lake Orion.
Question #2
Communities and boards working together ? A better relationship with the village takes understanding and listing to each other. We need to talk with each other and not thru attorneys. Money saved
on attorneys could be used to improve the village, township resources or to lower taxes.
Water ? We have a very high water bond debt at 11.5 million total. I will be looking for a fair way to fund paying this bond. We have enough money to pay this bond until 2009. The township has borrowed money from the repair and maintenances fund already. This will not be easy. But we do have to find a way to pay this bond back.
Attorneys Bills ? Sometimes all we have to do is use common sense. One way would be to stop calling the attorney for everything and start using historical resources and apply common sense to solve the issue.
Question #3
I have always said and will always say. NO NEW TAXES. NO.
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Charles Kniffen, 71, has lived in Oxford for 33 years and is retired from electrical construction. He’s served as a township trustee since 2000. Kniffen and his wife, Barbara, have five children and 12 grandchildren. All the children graduated from Oxford High School.
Question#1
I have accomplished a great deal while in office but there is still a lot to do.. I was able to bring my skills in construction and business into play when we built the township hall and the 2 fire stations. I was able to act as project manager saving the township the added expense of having to hire someone.The projects came in on budget. The township hall came in under budget. I was appointed to the Cable Commission. I was able to get a current contract after being without one for many years. We have worked hard to bring the quality of the programs and number of programs up to a much higher standard.
Question #2
I would try to work with the Village of Oxford more closely and try to find a way to work out our problems with mutual respect and consideration while keeping in mind, that we are all part of the same community.
Although we have come a long way with the water and sewer department, there is still a lot of work to do. We need to explore ways of serving our community in a more cost effective manner.
We have been amiss in not taking a more active role in the planning of our infrastructure. I plan on personally taking a larger role in trying to make Oxford a more viable community in which to shop, entertain and live. We have a beautiful friendly place to live here and I just want to make it better for the citizens as we do grow.
Question #3
Personally I don’t think we can ask the people to put any more of their money out for more taxes of any kind. I will vote NO. There are too many people just trying to hang on to what they can and many others who have lost it all. We have to be more aware and considerate.
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Susan M. Bellairs, 60, has lived in Oxford 38 years and works as a caregiver. She’s served as a township trustee for eight years and the ZBA for 11 years. Bellairs also serves on the Polly Ann Trail Management Council, North Oakland Transportation Authority and other township committees. She’s attended numerous Michigan Townships Association classes and seminars. Bellairs is married to Bill and together they have two grown daughters, one son-in-law and five grandchildren.
Question #1
I have been married 40 years to husband Bill, lived in Oxford 38 of those years, and have 2 grown daughters and 5 grandchildren all living in the township. I believe if you sit and do nothing, you get nothing, or worse, get something you don’t want and only have yourself to blame. Always two sides to every issue, I love to research and read between the lines and have experience and current education regarding township operations and law. My philosophy is to listen to all sides, investigate the ‘facts,? and always keep in mind the relationship of the issue to the long term good of the whole. I have served on the ZBA, Polly Ann Trail, numerous township committees, community projects, youth programs including my current involvement as support staff in the Young Marines and was instrumental in expanding our Township Clean-Up Day event resulting in cleaner township roadsides.
Question #2
1) Water is the main problem facing the township today including the need for strong plans to pay off our water bond debt keeping in mind the importance of improving water quality. The Water/Sewer committee should be directed to strategize option plans for meeting payment obligations while keeping current with State mandated upgrades.
2) Communication between all local entities needs to be improved. I would like to see the use of citizen task forces brought back because they proved to be a valuable tool in the past in bringing the pulse of the community to the table.
3) Although I strongly support our rural atmosphere, historical beauty roads and excellent parklands, I also see the need in bringing in businesses and services to the community to keep pace with ever-changing economic times and to enhance the quality of life for our current and future residents.
Question #3
I voted NO years ago when this ballot issue failed, voted NO when the current plan initiated, voted NO to put it on the ballot again, and will be voting NO on Aug. 5th. My NO vote is not because I don’t believe in the value of safety paths, but because there are proven means of funding them other than additional taxes to homeowners and businesses. All these little bitty taxes add up to a big bill and the words ‘need? and ‘want? become intertwined. We already have a $$$$ Polly Ann Trail for walking, biking, and riding pleasure. We have more safety paths now then we did before the last ballot request and they are growing at a pace that our budget provides for without extra taxes. This is the age of instant gratification but if we just show a little patience our wallets will be a little fatter.
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Melvin F. Cryderman, 65, has lived in Oxford for 24 years and is retired from General Motors. He currently serves on the ZBA and is an active volunteer with Oxford/Orion FISH. Cryderman is married with two children and two grandchildren.
Question #1
One of our founding fathers said something to the effect: ?’the people will get the government they deserve?. Like most of us, I’ve been dissatisfied with government for quite a while and like most of us I complained and simmered and tried to forget about it. Because of my unwillingness to put any effort into getting involved in the government, I was getting ‘the government I deserved?. Three years ago I decided to change that. I started attending the Township Board & Planning Commission meetings and I am now ready to run for office. As a supervisor for General Motors for ten years, I’ve completed many problem-solving classes. I’ve worked with large groups of skilled tradesmen to accomplished tasks on million dollar projects. These tasks required all parties to work together and communicate with each other. These are skills I’ve learned well and will use as a township official.
Question #2
a. The Township Board does not settle controversial issues that come before the board. The board will act and vote on the issues, but because the issues aren’t settled, the issues keep coming back causing problems for the township.
b. The Township Board does not communicate its plans or decisions to other governing bodies (Oxford Village) or to other entities within Oxford Township. The upcoming safety path millage proposal is a prime example. The board talked about the issues the millage would cause with the village, and then, without communicating these issues to the Village Counsel, the board voted to put the safety path millage on the ballot, again causing problems for the township.
c. Developers are not following the ‘Site Plan? that has been approved by the Planning Commission. This results in improper and below standard development. The ordinances and Master Plan that the citizens created must be followed.
Question #3
I will vote yes for the safety path millage. As the safety paths are extended, it will allow our children to stay off the road. Paths connecting to parks, shopping, the movie theater and other sites will make it easier to leave the car at home and enjoy family fitness. All township residents will benefit by providing safe pedestrian access into the Village and the countryside. A thriving village center benefits everyone. Further, not all safety paths need to be paved. Creation of safety paths into our beautiful outlying parks and unique countryside along gravel roads will provide residents safe access for walking and biking into Oxford’s spectacular countryside where horses, carriages, and stunning natural beauty roads can be enjoyed. Investment into a community wide plan of trails and safety paths will be rewarded with increased property values and a thriving and unique community.