Unless someone files as a write-in candidate, the Oxford Village Council election promises to be very uneventful.
Two candidates, Tony Albensi and Kevin Stephison, filed nominating petitions Tuesday for two, four-year council seats, which are up for grabs in the Sept. 13 village election.
Albensi’s served on council since his election in September 2007.
‘I’ve enjoyed serving up until now and I’m looking forward to serving again,? he said. ‘I’ve met a lot of great people.?
Albensi’s lived in the village since September 2005 and is employed with RGIS in Auburn Hills.
When asked what he wants to accomplish in his next term, Albensi replied, ‘I’m hoping to keep that budget under control. That’s going to be the main focus.?
Stephison, who is employed as the business manager for Huntoon Funeral Home, is the chairman of the Oxford Downtown Development Authority board. He was appointed to the DDA in July 2006, resigned in December 2007 and was reappointed last year.
This reporter was unable to reach Stephison for comment on his candidacy.
Village President Teri Stiles, who’s served on council since March 2006, decided not to seek re-election as she’s moving out of the community. Reflecting on her time on council, Stiles said, ‘I actually loved it. I loved being that much of a part of the community. I feel like it gave to me and I gave back.?
‘I feel like I did my job,? she continued. ‘I don’t know if I did it well or not, but it was a commitment that I really felt like I had to make because I’ve lived here and raised my kids here. Why complain about something if you’re not going to get involved??
Stiles ‘totally enjoyed every minute? of being on council and is proud of herself and her fellow officials for ‘opening that path of communication with the township.?
‘I didn’t do that alone, but I was part of that,? she said. ‘I really wanted to see that happen and it happened.?
Stiles is also extremely proud of her role in helping to finally settle the lawsuit between the township and village over the fire department and the now-defunct Oxford Public Fire & EMS Commission.
‘While it was a bitter pill for everybody (to swallow), I think that it did a lot in bridging that gap of communication with the township. We can move forward now,? she said.
Stiles wished to thank the community for all its support over the years.
‘It’s been overwhelming and humbling,? she said. ‘I just want to thank everybody who approached me with their problems, concerns and issues. I feel proud that I was approachable and able to do some good.?
If someone wishes to run as a write-in candidate for the upcoming council election, they must fill out and file a declaration form with the village clerk by 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 2.
The last day to register to vote in the village election is Monday, Aug. 15.