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 Why are you running for township office? What experience, skills, talents or qualities do you have to offer the public?
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 What are the top three issues/priorities facing the township and how would you go about addressing them?
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 What would you do to increase public involvement/input in township decision-making?
I will work on implementing community watch groups. In basic almost the same as a neighborhood watch. In the community watch group, I would hope to see people step forward and volunteer to help. The group would work together and address problems amongst their own neighborhoods, also addressing problems within the community close to their neighborhoods. This way information could flow quickly to a representative of the group and they could contact the township for assistance. Fostering communication with the people will allow the township to provide better assistance, knowing the township cannot be everywhere at one time. Having these groups also helps in times of crisis management. The ability to have an organized effective response to a situation with your community will only ensure a better outcome. This can only be done through an effort by everyone.