For the second time this month, the Oxford Village Council has selected someone to fill the remainder of a resigning member’s term of office.
Last night, Christopher Bishop, a 1990 graduate of Oxford High School, was named council’s ‘designate? to replace village President Renee Donovan when her resignation becomes effective May 10.
Donovan announced her pending resignation March 13 stating she and her family are moving to a new home in Lapeer County to pursue their hobby of drag racing.
Bishop originally applied for the seat vacated by Steve Allen in late January, but lost out to Councilperson Teri Stiles appointed March 13. He kept his hat in the ring when Donovan announced she too would be leaving council.
Until Donovan’s resignation takes effect, Bishop will spend the next two months attending meetings, budget workshops and learning the ropes in general. After that, he will fill the remainder of her term which expires in September 2007.
‘Congratulations. Welcome to the headaches,? quipped Councilman Tom Benner following the 4-0 vote in favor of Bishop. Donovan abstained per the village attorney’s advice.
Born and raised in Oxford Township ? his parents still live on Spezia ? Bishop has lived in the village since 1995.
Bishop prides himself on being ‘very familiar? with Oxford’s history and various governing bodies ? both township and village ? and keeping ‘abreast of the issues facing the village on a regular basis.?
He currently resides on Moyer Street with his wife of five years Janine and two-year-old daughter Adeline. The couple is expecting their second child in October.
‘We … love the village and the services it provides its residents,? wrote Bishop
Bishop is the Grove family’s general manager, overseeing their five True Value Hardware stores and Dollar King, a dollar store located in the village. He believes his business background and retail experience would be an ‘asset? to council.
‘I do have some insight as to what small business/retail goes through,? Bishop said.
Improving relations with the township is a ‘serious challenge? in Bishop’s opinion and one he wishes to tackle.
‘We have so much in common,? he said.
Lacking ‘any first-hand knowledge? of exactly what can be done to improve that relationship, Bishop said, ‘Being open-minded, I think, would be a good place to start.?
‘I’ve always considered myself to be a resident of Oxford ? never too specific on whether it was the village or the township,? he said.
Cityhood and growth are the other big issues facing the village in Bishop’s view.
‘I think cityhood can be a good thing,? he said. ‘I just think we have to be careful in forming the charter to make sure it is something that will suit the residents now and into the future.?
Growth is another ‘serious challenge? facing the village, but Bishop believes it’s a ‘positive? to ‘live in a growing community rather than a shrinking one.?
Prior to appointing Bishop as ‘designate? last night, a council vote to appoint village resident Kristena Sands failed in a 2-2 vote. She too had applied for Allen’s seat and kept her name in the running for Donovan’s spot.
Councilperson Stiles explained her ‘no? vote to Sands saying ‘I think you would be a really good person on our planning commission . . . I really think you would be a strong person on that (board).?