It appears Matt Weber is the only member of the Oxford Village Council who won’t see his original term in office extended by the new election consolidation laws.
Council last night voted 4-0 to accept ‘with great regret? Weber’s resignation effective March 31.
Council President Renee Donovan said Weber ‘has been a tremendous asset and a very levelling influence.?
‘My biggest reason for leaving has mostly to do with the increased time demands of being on council,? Weber told this reporter. ‘Along with normal council duties, being on the OPFEC board, the OPFEC personnel committee, the NOTA board, and the village parks and rec. board, it became overwhelming at times. Coupled with the fact my work commitments have increased, it forced my decision to vacate my council seat.?
Add to all that, the fact Weber is getting married July 30 to his fiancee Errica Shanahan at Independence Oaks in Clarkston. The couple has been together nearly nine years.
‘Planning the wedding will take up a lot of time since we’re mostly doing it on our own,? he said.
In his letter of resignation, Weber stated his ‘other main reason for leaving has to do with a principal I firmly believe in.?
‘A majority, not a minority, should represent a government structured for the People,? he wrote. ‘Our community is sorely lacking in people willing to get involved in their government. Among the reasons are lack of time, unwillingness to deal with the negativity between the township and village, or fear of what might be written in the paper about themselves.?
‘This council must have fresh faces to reflect ALL the people it represents. I believe you should serve your time, get involved, stay involved, and ultimately move on . . . This forces the community to rise up and be accountable to itself,? Weber wrote.
Weber said he chose March 31 as his resignation date because ‘it purposely coincides with my original intention of serving a two-year term, no more, no less.?
He was elected in March 2003 to a two-year term, which was the remainder of former Councilwoman Lynda Brown’s elected term. Brown resigned in September 2002.
Technically, Weber’s term was supposed to expire with the March 2005 village election, but because new state election laws forced the village to move its elections to September, the councilman was facing a six-month extension of his term.
However, he said this factor played only a small part in his overall decision.
‘I felt somewhat reluctant to abide by the new election laws which extended all of our terms, although I wouldn’t consider it a major factor,? Weber said.
In his letter, he noted that he feels he’s ‘lived up to my obligation to the community in its entirety? by serving the original two-year term.
Weber said most of his memories on council are ‘positive.?
‘Although we all have different backgrounds, and came to Oxford at different times, I always sensed a cohesive feeling with the other members of council,? he said.
But Weber said he ‘always felt my most productive moments on council were away from the meetings.?
‘Talking with neighbors, business owners, and their respective concerns is what it’s all about,? he said. ‘They’re the reason you’re in office.
Weber said he’s proud of his involvement in the construction of Kids? Kingdom, the Scripter Park playground build project and Concerts in Centennial Park.
The councilman is also proud of his ‘unwavering support of the Polly Ann Trail bridge project.?
‘It’s nice to see the attitude in the community become more accepting towards its realization,? he said. ‘I think it all comes down to a lack of communication on both sides of the issue. Once the bridge we want is in place, it will unquestionably be a tremendous asset to the community. My opinion may be skewed because I’m an avid fitness enthusiast, I will admit that. I’m one of those who utilizes the trail, especially in the summer. It’s really a hidden treasure if you like the outdoors.?
Longer-than-necessary meetings and butting heads with the township are the only criticisms Weber offered of his time on council.
‘I think we could plan our time more wisely, especially at the meetings,? he said. ‘The meetings could be shortened, without sacrificing their effectiveness. It’s easier said than done, especially with our protected rights to free speech. Sometimes, we get caught up trying to explain our point of view, without listening carefully to the demands of the people in the community.?
‘The township versus village charade was getting old, too,? Weber explained. ‘We need to get rid of the ‘my Mom can beat up your Mom? attitude that exists sometimes. At the end of the day, we all want our community to prosper, and become a better place to call home. We make our share of mistakes; they make their share of mistakes. Nobody lives a perfect life.?
Under state law, council has 30 days after March 31 to fill Weber’s vacated seat.
In order to serve on the village council, you must for a village resident for at least six months, U.S. Citizen, age 18 or older and a registered voter.
Council made March 1 the deadline for those wishing to submit applications or letters of interest for the seat.
Those interested in applying should contact the village offices at (248) 628-2543.