A familiar face rejoined the Oxford Village Council Feb. 12 as Susan Bossardet was unanimously appointed to a vacant seat.
Bossardet, who was sworn-in that night, will serve the remainder of former village President Tom Benner’s term, which expires in November 2014. She was the only applicant for the vacancy.
Benner passed away Jan. 15 after a long battle with cancer. He was 73 years old.
‘My main concern is having somebody on this council that understands ledgers and so forth, and accounting methods,? said Councilman Elgin Nichols. ‘Susan has demonstrated that she’s well aware of those procedures.
‘I don’t think we could ask for a better person to be on the council. She’s been on it before. Her judgment, I think, is impeccable in many ways.?
Bossardet, who’s lived in the village for 68 years, previously served on council from 1994 to 2001. She served as council president from 1997 to 2000.
In her application to council, Bossardet wrote, ‘I am an ardent supporter of Oxford . . . and tend to ‘wear my heart on my sleeve? for Oxford. (I) have certain ‘proprietary? feelings about it when I say Oxford is my hometown and want people to love it as I do, warts and all!?
‘I’m honest, caring, responsible, dedicated and want what is best for the citizens and community,? she continued. ‘I do my homework and am prepared to tackle the many challenges the village faces. At times, I can be strong-willed and tend to argue my points passionately, but I believed that is because of my passion and convictions, not my personal feelings.
‘Numerous people have approached me to apply for this position which has made me feel people trust me to take on this responsibility.?
Bossardet noted that council discussions must always be open in order to reach a decision that ensures Oxford continues to be ‘a place we all want to live in.?
‘I have always operated on the theory (that) we don’t all have to always agree, but we can agree to disagree, and still respect each other’s opinions,? she wrote.
In addition to her new position on council, Bossardet also serves on the village’s planning commission, the Oxford Area Cable Communications Commission and the Downtown Development Authority’s (DDA) Design Committee.
Outside of those government positions, Bossardet is the currently the treasurer for the Northeast Oakland Historical Society’s Board of Directors.
A few audience members spoke in support of Bossardet’s appointment.
‘I’ve known Sue for so many years ? I probably don’t want to say how many,? said Oxford Township Supervisor Bill Dunn, who lives in the village and chairs the DDA. ‘She’s a fine lady and a great representative of Oxford. (She) and Helen Smith could be co-Miss Oxfords.?
‘I wouldn’t run against Helen,? Bossardet interjected.
‘I feel very fortunate to have her volunteer to be part of the village council,? Dunn continued. ‘She thinks (things out). I don’t always agree with her . . . but if you guys choose to have her on (council), it would be a great thing.?
‘She’s represented this village in just about every position and (on) any board it had or has,? said village resident Bob Scott.
‘I would highly concur with her being back on the (council). I think she’ll certainly be an asset. She always has been and I know she’ll continue to be.?