Name: Ed Hunwick
Age: 51
Occupation: Business Consultant
Governmental Experience: None
Family (i.e. spouse, kids): Wife Josie (CPA), Daughter Andrea Oxford Graduate 2000 (Attorney) & Daughter Christina Oxford Graduate 2002 (MBA Student)
Number of years you’ve lived in Oxford: 18
Please answer the following questions in 150 words or less. This will be strictly enforced. Once an answer passes the 150-word mark, it will end, even if it’s in mid-sentence, and be followed by (…) indicating there was more. Count your words carefully.
1. Why are you running for township office? What experience, skills, talents or qualities do you have to offer the public? (This counts as one question, so the answer must be 150 words or less.)

I am seeking public office in Oxford as an opportunity to become more involved in the community and to make a difference towards overall community improvement. I have over twenty years experience as a business manager and national accounts manager. I have managed businesses that have employed approx 105 people and had revenues exceeding eighteen million annually. I have established operation budgets and effectively managed within these budgets. I have effectively controlled costs during good times and bad and constantly reviewed opportunities to improve efficiencies. I have always viewed myself as a fair and objective manager of people. I have always listened to other individuals for input regardless of their position. My ego never interfered with my willingness to listen and learn.. In my efforts to be an effective business and account manager, I have always lived by the rule? If you don’t ask you don’t get?!

2. What are the top three issues/priorities facing the township and how would you go about addressing them?
Cooperation & Communication!
Financial Stability!
Business Support!
I sense a lack of cohesive cooperation between the Village and the Township. Recent examples are the safety path issue put forth to the voters and the hiring of the new fire chief. Discussions between the Township Board and The Village council prior could have averted public criticism.
Having met with certain leaders in the community recently I was very surprised to learn that no regular meetings exist between the leaders of the various entities that are vital to Oxford.
Monthly meetings (Strategic Leadership) should be convened between Board members, School Superintendant, Village Manager, Parks and Recreation Director, Fire Chief, Sheriff Deputy, and DDA Director.
Stronger effort to secure State and Federal grant money for various community projects!
Continuously seeking out opportunities to control costs and improve operations within the Township
Greater efforts need to be made to improve business relations and to attract new business.

3. What would you do to increase public involvement/input in township decision-making?

I am a staunch believer in listening to people and to what ideas they may offer. Regular town hall meetings to let the tax payers discuss issues and offer suggestions to assist in the improvement in certain areas pertaining to the township.
Town hall meetings would need to be established at the convenience of the tax payers. I would advocate that each of the full time board members set up separate meetings at different locations (if feasible) to provide a more personable atmosphere.
I would also advocate that the board face the public twice a year (School Auditorium) for feedback on decisions made prior by the board and future issues being discussed and reviewed. This meeting should include all members of the Strategic Leadership Group. Strong effort would be required to promote this event to ensure significant resident attendance.