Name: William Bishop
Age: 61
Occupation: Retired GM Salary and U.S. Army Officer
Government Experience: 24 years as U.S. Army Staff Officer
Family: Married with 5 sons, 2 grandchildren and another on the way
Lived in Oxford for 9 years and 11 years in Lake Orion
1. Why are you running for township office? What experience, skills, talents or qualities do you have to offer the public?
I have always had an interest in the activities of Oxford Township, but my position at General Motors did not afford me sufficient time until now. I will bring a higher degree of accountability and responsibility to the position of Township Treasurer, and a very high degree of honesty and integrity in working the people. I know the position of Oxford Township Treasurer is more than collecting taxes and disbursing funds. As treasurer, I will also have a stronger voice with the township board in the decision making process. The township needs to look at the decreasing property values and how it affects the budget, village/township residential and business development, traffic management, township road maintenance, water management and many other current and future issues. I want to represent the people of Oxford in this decision-making process.
2. What are the top three issues/priorities facing the township and how would you go about addressing them?
* The township budget is my primary concern, especially in these economic times. As everyone knows, property taxes are based on the millage rates set each year by the township to fund the township budgets. I will review budget thoroughly line by line to insure the budget kept as low as possible. Very hard decisions are going to be made.
* The township ordinances are very important. I will continually review the ordinances to insure they are relevant to today standards and meet the needs and wants of the people. I will strive to insure that the township ordinances are followed.
* Responsible local business and residential development is also very important to the community. I will strive to insure the planning commission decisions and zoning ordinances are followed so residential development is controlled. I want to attain a workable compromise between the small local business ownership and new business development.
3. What would you do to increase public involvement/input in township decision-making?
Getting people involved the township decision-making process is and has always been very difficult. People are very busy these days in just trying to survive in these economic times. During my campaigning these past few weeks, several good people have discussed with me their likes and dislikes with the Oxford but did not get their thoughts to the township officials. That why I have established an email address (Bill.Bishop.Treasurer@Gmail.com) so people can express their ideas/issues/concerns to me from home or work. I can respond directly to them and get their concerns to the township board. I encourage everyone to use this email often as you would like.
I also support more township and village events and activities. I believe these events held bring the people closer together and strengthen our precious small town atmosphere. I will be at these events ready to discuss with anyone their ideas to improve Oxford.