No additional candidates filed to run for Oxford Township Board.
The eight candidates reported in the Leader last week are the only ones seeking office in the Aug. 7 primary election.
Supervisor Bill Dunn, Treasurer Joe Ferrari and Clerk Curtis Wright are all running unopposed. Incumbent trustees Sue Bellairs and Melvin (Buck) Cryderman will square off against challengers Jack Curtis, Patti Durr and Charles Kniffen for the four trustee seats.
All are running as Republicans.
To read what the trustee challengers had to say visit www.oxfordleader.com and search for the May 9 article entitled ‘Eight file for twp. board.?
Incumbent trustees Mike Spisz and Joe Bunting did not file for re-election. Spisz is running for county commissioner instead.
When asked why she decided to seek re-election, Bellairs quipped, ‘I figured I was doing an okay job ? nobody bit my head off or anything.?
But seriously, Bellairs, who’s served as a trustee since 2004, wishes to continue helping guide the township’s finances.
‘Everybody (on the board) has been very conservative (when it comes to spending) and I think that right now, Oxford’s in a good place whereas a lot of these communities aren’t,? she said. ‘I am proud of that.?
Bellairs believes the township must continue to engage in the delicate balancing act between maintaining enough savings to deal with future uncertainties ? such as the economy, fixing the road and drainage problems in the Elk View Estates subdivision and figuring out how to pay off the $14 million water bond debt ? and prudently spending some of its reserves on needed projects ? such as adding more safety paths and perhaps, finishing off the lower level of the township hall in order to make it usable.
‘I’m not (in favor) of spend, spend, spend because we have it ? I think we’re going to see worse times,? she noted.
Prior to her current stint on the board, Bellairs was a trustee from 1996-2000.
Cryderman, who’s served on the township board since 2008, could not be reached for comment.