Oxford Township Treasurer Joe Ferrari went from facing zero challengers in his bid for re-election to five opponents.
Last week, Larry Banachowski, Edward Hunwick, Gerald Mouch, William Bishop and C.J. Carnacchio (see My Way column for an explanation) all filed valid qualifying petitions to run for the treasurer’s position in the November election.
All five men’s names will appear on the Nov. 4 ballot, but with no political party affiliation. None of them are candidates in the Aug. 5 primary election.
Ferrari, who was first elected in 1992, is running as a Republican and seeking his fifth consecutive term in office.
Clerk Clara Sanderson said this is the first time in her 36 years as township clerk that anyone has ever filed the necessary petitions to appear on the November ballot with no party affiliation.
Adding to this historic moment is village resident Rudy Reyes, who also filed a valid petition to appear on the Nov. 5 ballot as a candidate for township trustee. He too will have no party affiliation.
Let’s meet the candidates:
Larry Banachowski
‘No one was running against Joe, so I figured it would be a good thing to do to keep him honest,? said the 55-year-old retired quality control specialist and troubleshooter for Chrysler. ‘I feel can do a better job than he has.?
Banachowski’s lived in the township for 17 years and was treasurer for the Davis Lake Highland Homeowners Association for 10 years.
As association treasurer, Banachowski said he found ways to cut costs, yet still keep the subdivision looking good.
‘I think I can do the same for the township,? he said.
Banachowski said one of his main issues is improving the township from a ‘livability standpoint? such as installing safety paths. ‘Fifteen years ago, they did a survey and everyone wanted safety paths,? he said.
Banachowski would also like to help get more school students involved in community service projects.
Volunteering helps young people ‘learn a sense of community and a sense of pride? by helping to make their town a ‘better place,? he explained.
Banachowski and his wife of 29 years, Dianne, have three grown children ? Michael, Elizabeth and Peter.
Edward Hunwick
‘I would bring a business sense (to the treasurer’s position),? said Hunwick, 51, who spent 23 years in management in the commercial baking industry with the Koepplinger Baking Company and then Awrey’s Bakeries.
The 17-year township resident is currently doing some freelance consulting work.
Developing a ‘workable relationship? between the township and village is one of Hunwick’s main issues.
‘There seems to be a lot of animosity between the two,? he said. ‘My biggest concern would be more cooperation between the village and the township.?
Hunwick’s also not pleased with the way the township’s handled its new development and would like to help deal with future growth in a more controlled manner.
‘I think they just let these developers get way out of hand,? he said. ‘Waterstone was too many homes in that small of an area.?
Hunwick and his wife of almost 28 years, Josie, have two grown daughters ? Andrea and Christina.
Gerald Mouch
‘I can’t say that I’m real active in politics,? said the 53-year-old self-employed truck driver. ‘But being in business for myself, I think I’m qualified for the job.?
After driving trucks for 35 years, Mouch said, ‘I think I’m ready for a change and it looks like Oxford needs somebody to step up here.?
Mouch, who’s lived in Oxford for 24 years, isn’t sure how much he can really change things in government.
‘I personally don’t think government can be changed,? he said. ‘Government is too big. It’s like a snowball going downhill. It’s not going to change.?
But he does promise to work hard at his job if elected.
‘I’d just like to do a good job for the township,? he said. ‘Do my job without causing any problems.?
Mouch and his wife of 27 years, Judy, have three grown children ? Laura, Holly and Peter.
William Bishop
‘I think it’s time for a change. Things need to be looked at differently,? said Bishop, 61, a retired engineer who spent 30 years with General Motors.
As treasurer, Bishop said one of his main priorities will be to find out exactly how all the tax money is spent and that people are getting the most bang for their buck.
‘I want to make sure it’s being well spent,? he said.
Bishop also wants to make sure the township follows through on the things it’s supposed to.
‘There’s a lot of things not being done that could be done,? he said.
As an example, he cited the berm along the north side of Ray Road, which is supposed to shield the view of American Aggregates? gravel pit.
Bishop said the berm was supposed to be landscaped by the gravel company and ‘the township’s not pushing for them to do it.?
As a retired lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army, Bishop has previous government experience. He served in the military from 1969-93, spending the first eight years on active duty and the remainder in the reserve.
He’s a member of the American Legion, Eagles and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He lived in Orion for 10 years.
Bishop and his wife of 25 years, Susan, have five grown sons ? William, Shawn, Tyson, Larry and Doug.
Rudy Reyes
‘I’d like to make a positive contribution to the community,? said the 37-year-old village resident. ‘I’d like to bring a fresh point of view to the township.
Reyes has lived in Oxford for about 30 years and is a 1989 graduate of Oxford Christian Academy, which used to be part of First Baptist Church of Oxford.
For the past 12 years, Reyes has worked for the village’s Department of Public Works.
‘I’ve been involved with the village side of things for a while and I’d like to contribute more than I’m able to on the village side, so I think the township would be a good avenue for me to do that,? he said. ‘I know there’s important issues on the township side like the ($10.7 million) water bond and the economy. I’d just like to be a part of the solution.?
Other than Supervisor Bill Dunn, who lives on Dennison Street, Reyes pointed out the village doesn’t ‘really have strong representation? on the township board.
‘I think it’s important they have some representation for their needs and what they want to see,? Reyes said.
Reyes favors planned growth in the township and having a plan in place to update and replace existing infrastructure. He wants people to have a positive image of Oxford when the name comes up.
‘I would like Oxford to be a place where people want to have a business and be successful in their lives,? he said.
Reyes and his wife of almost four years, Nikki, are busy raising two kids ? Sophia, 2, and Rudy, 10 months.