Joe Bunting is Oxford Township’s first declared candidate for the August 2008 primary election.
The 30-year-old resident is planning to file his nominating petitions with the township clerk this week. He’s running as a Republican for one of four trustee seats up for grabs next year.
‘I always had an interest in politics,? said Bunting, who’s no relation to longtime village attorney Bob Bunting. ‘I figured I’d give it a shot.?
Since January 2002, Bunting has resided in Waterstone with his wife of four years, Jennifer, who coaches the junior varsity volleyball team at Oxford High School. The couple has two children ? Emma, 2?, and Jake, 5 months.
An officer with the Birmingham Police Department for nine years, Bunting has observed the workings of local government firsthand and feels he’s now ready to use his knowledge and experience to help his community.
‘I’m not perfect,? he said. ‘I know I will not make everybody happy, but I’m going to do my best for what I think is in the best interests of everyone.?
He’s currently working toward obtaining his bachelor’s degree in political science (with emphasis on public administration) from Oakland University. He received his associate’s degree in criminal justice from Schoolcraft College in 1998.
Bunting, who was recently elected to the Hometown Village Homeowners Association Board, is interested in working together with everyone, if elected trustee, from fellow township officials to residents.
‘I’m not stubborn,? he said. ‘I’m here to help no matter what.?
Just because he’s running as a Republican, Bunting doesn’t want people to get the impression he’s only willing to listen to certain points of view or work with like-minded people.
‘It doesn’t matter if I’m a Republican or Democrat, I’m here to work with you,? he said. ‘I’m a cop. When I go to a house, I’m not asked if I’m a Republican or Democrat. People just know I’m there to help.?
Bunting also wishes to see the township and village cooperate more.
‘What the township does affects the village, so I think it’s important to work with the village as well,? he said. ‘We’ve got to work together. We’re basically the same community here.?
If elected, one of Bunting’s main priorities is to get the township board and planning commission to ‘work gether? to encourage the kind of development that brings manufacturing and Information Technology (IT) jobs to the community.
‘I know people have mixed feelings about development,? he explained. ‘But traffic’s going to go on M-24 north and south through Oxford no matter what. I’d rather have the tax base here than go into another city. I think everybody would agree.?
More jobs in the township will ‘bring people here to fill up the homes, fill up people’s stores, fill up people’s restaurants,? according to Bunting.
‘I don’t want to see any more homes sitting vacant. I want to sell them,? he noted. ‘If you bring in jobs, it’s going to bring in people to fill these homes up.?
Bunting, who has owned and operated a small commercial cleaning business on the side for 5-6 years, also favors more single family home development as long as it’s ‘planned out tastefully . . . so it looks nice.?
Making sure the township maintains high quality police and fire services is another of Bunting priorities.
‘It’s the basis of your city or your township,? he said. ‘If you don’t have a good fire department or police structure implemented, you’re not going to have a good community.?
As a police officer, Bunting said he has plenty of experience working ‘hand-in-hand? with firefighters. He even serves on the police department’s hazardous materials team.
The ability to keep people and property safe is the foundation of what ‘draws people? to a community in Bunting’s opinion.
As a trustee, Bunting said he would like to make sure both the township and school district have up-to-date emergency plans in place for everything ranging from natural disasters to shootings.
‘We saw what happened with (Hurricane) Katrina,? he said. ‘Obviously, we’re not in a hurricane zone, but we definitely get tornados in Michigan every now and then. Let’s make sure we’re prepared for it. I’d rather be proactive than reactive.?
Based on his experiences dealing with problems created by some young people wandering around downtown Birmingham after their parents drop them off, Bunting is a big proponent of building a community center in Oxford to help alleviate similar problems here.
Having a community center would give kids a ‘place to go? and ‘something to do? instead of ‘hanging around? the downtown area ‘where they have the potential to get into trouble? due to peer pressure and boredom, Bunting explained.
A community center could also be used by senior citizens to stay cool in the summer and active all year long.
‘I think a community center would benefit all ages and families,? Bunting said.
Bunting welcomes residents? questions, comments, concerns and opinions.
He can be reached via e-mail 3jab@sbcglobal.net.

tolike to make sure both the township and school district have up-to-date emergency plans in place for everything ranging from natural disasters to shootings.
‘We saw what happened with (Hurricane) Katrina,? he said. ‘Obviously, we’re not in a hurricane zone, but we definitely get tornados in Michigan every now and then. Let’s make sure we’re prepared for it. I’d rather be proactive than reactive.?
Based on his experiences dealing with problems created by some young people wandering around downtown Birmingham after their parents drop them off, Bunting is a big proponent of building a community center in Oxford to help alleviate similar problems here.
Having community center would give kids a ‘place to go? and ‘something to do? instead of ‘hanging around? the downtown area ‘where they do have the potential to get into trouble? due to peer pressure and boredom, Bunting explained.
A community center could also be used by senior citizens to stay cool in the summer and active all year long.
‘I think a community center would benefit all ages and families,? Bunting said.