An historic era in Oxford Township government is drawing to a close as Clerk Clara J. Sanderson indicated she will not seek reelection this year.
‘It’s just been a marvelous experience for me, but it’s time for me to go,? she said.
First elected in November 1972 ? the election that saw President Richard Nixon defeat Democratic challenger George McGovern ? Sanderson has helped steer the township through some major changes politically, demographically, financially and socially.
‘I’ve always done my homework,? she said. ‘I always made the decision I thought was best for the community.?
When Sanderson was first elected, the township had a general law form of government with a five-member board of trustees that served two-year terms and represented population of about 7,175 in a predominantly rural atmosphere.
Back then, the township contracted for fire service from the village-owned department, provided no municipal water, had no zoning ordinance, provided four voter precincts for elections and operated on a budget of $231,055.
Today, the township operates under a charter form of government with a seven-member board that serves four-year terms and represents an estimated 19,627 residents spread across numerous subdivisions.
The township now owns and operates the fire department, provides treated water, has a lengthy zoning ordinance, provides seven polling sites on election day and approved $10.12 million in budgets for the current fiscal year.
During her tenure, Sanderson played a role in purchasing three township parks (Seymour Lake, Powell and Oakwood) and okayed the construction of two new fire stations, two water towers, two water treatment plants and a new township hall.
Sanderson’s involvement in township government actually began in 1966 when she went to work for the treasurer, who was her late husband, Bruce. She served as his deputy.
When her husband left office in 1970, Sanderson went to work as assistant to the township clerk, who was Wayne Converse at the time.
A local homeowner’s association convinced Sanderson to run for the clerk’s position in 1972 and the rest is history.
Looking back, Sanderson is pleased with her accomplishments and the way she conducted herself.
‘I’m proud of the fact people knew I was accountable,? she said. ‘I was always dependable and available to the people of this community.?
Being township clerk means wearing many hats.
‘There’s a lot of responsibility and a lot of facets to the clerk’s office,? Sanderson said. ‘You deal with every aspect (of township government). Anything that comes to the township office comes through the clerk’s department and is directed from there.?
The clerk is responsible for conducting elections, issuing checks, doing all the book keeping and financial reporting, posting meetings and public notices and creating meeting agendas. The office is also in charge of payroll, employee benefits, record-keeping, resolutions, burials and the selling of plots in the township’s cemeteries, and Freedom of Information Act requests.
‘You name it, it’s there,? said Sanderson, who is a Certified Municipal Clerk. ‘It’s a very time consuming job, but it taught me so much.?
To learn more about the what the clerk’s job entails, Sanderson suggested potential candidates obtain a copy of the ‘Little Red Book: Authorities & Responsibilities of Michigan Township Officials, Board and Commissions? written by John H. Bauckham and published by the Michigan Townships Association.
Sanderson admitted she ‘could not have done it without? all her department’s various staff members over the years, particularly former Deputy Clerk Bev Johnson, who retired in December after 34 years.
According to Sanderson, her employees ‘pride, dedication, accuracy, honesty and hard work? are ‘the main reason I have been able to serve these many years.?
Of all her duties, Sanderson said the most important was always her role on the township board as a policy-maker, shaping the present and future of the community.
‘You have to look at the merits of each situation and make your decision,? she said.
Whenever the board made a decision she didn’t agree with, Sanderson said she always set aside her own personal feelings and went forward with what the majority wanted.
‘You can’t take things personally because it will eat you alive,? she said.
Although she admitted she’s always been ‘a bit on the quiet side,? Sanderson said she consistently put her heart into whatever was going on in the community and never failed to work well with the public.
‘I’ve really enjoyed dealing with the people,? she said. ‘They could depend on me.?
Sanderson plans to spend her much-deserved retirement with her three children and 10 grandchildren.
She would also like to do some traveling.
‘I always wanted to go to Italy,? Sanderson said. ‘Hopefully, I might get there.?
But don’t look for her to completely fade from the township political scene.
Sanderson said she’ll still follow what’s going on in the newspaper and probably attend some township meetings to offer her input should any major issues arise. ‘I’ll still keep my finger on things,? she said.
Those wishing to run for clerk in the August primary can obtain an information packet at the township offices (300 Dunlap Rd., just north of Seymour Lake Rd.).
Potential candidates must circulate nominating petitions and obtain a minimum of 20, but no more than 50 signatures from registered Oxford Township voters. The deadline to file petitions is 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 13.
‘Nobody has filed yet,? Sanderson said.
For more information about running for clerk or any twp. office call (248) 628-9787.