Melvin F. Cryderman, 65, has lived in Oxford for 24 years and is retired from General Motors. He currently serves on the ZBA and is an active volunteer with Oxford/Orion FISH. Cryderman is married with two children and two grandchildren.
Question #1
One of our founding fathers said something to the effect: ?’the people will get the government they deserve?. Like most of us, I’ve been dissatisfied with government for quite a while and like most of us I complained and simmered and tried to forget about it. Because of my unwillingness to put any effort into getting involved in the government, I was getting ‘the government I deserved?. Three years ago I decided to change that. I started attending the Township Board & Planning Commission meetings and I am now ready to run for office. As a supervisor for General Motors for ten years, I’ve completed many problem-solving classes. I’ve worked with large groups of skilled tradesmen to accomplished tasks on million dollar projects. These tasks required all parties to work together and communicate with each other. These are skills I’ve learned well and will use as a township official.
Question #2
a. The Township Board does not settle issues on proposals that come before the board. The board will vote on the proposals, the issues aren’t settled, and they keep coming back before the board. I will work with the board to pass a resolution requiring these issues be resolved before a proposal is passed.
b. The Township Board does not communicate its plans to other governing bodies (Oxford Village) or to other entities within Oxford Township. The upcoming safety path millage proposal is a prime example. The board didn’t communicate its millage plans to the village counsel and the counsel was upset. I will work with the board to instill the importance of communication.
c. Developers are not required to follow the ‘Site Plan? the developer and the Township agreed to. I would set up a system of checks and balances that would insure the township’s plans are adhered to.
Question #3
In order to encourage public involvement in township decision-making, the public needs to feel his or her input is valued. The township needs to clearly advertise and communicate its plans in the Oxford Leader in a manor that encourages citizen input. They need to reach out to community groups and neighborhood associations. The input the township receives needs to be summarized and published in the leader so other citizens can see how their fellow residents feel on the issues. Residents wishing to express ideas and input regarding our township should be treated with respect and their input should be encouraged. Our government needs to address citizens concerns and comments and clearly explain the decision making process.
Question #4
I will vote yes for the safety path millage. As the safety paths are extended, it will allow our children to stay off the road. Paths connecting to parks, shopping, the movie theater and other sites will make it easier to leave the car at home and enjoy family fitness. All township residents will benefit by providing safe pedestrian access into the Village and the countryside. A thriving village center benefits everyone. Further, not all safety paths need to be paved. Creation of safety paths into our beautiful outlying parks and unique countryside along gravel roads will provide residents safe access for walking and biking into Oxford’s spectacular countryside where horses, carriages, and stunning natural beauty roads can be enjoyed. Investment into a community wide plan of trails and safety paths will be rewarded with increased property values and a thriving and unique community. .

Melvin F. Cryderman, 65, has lived in Oxford for 24 years and is retired from General Motors. He currently serves on the ZBA and is an active volunteer with Oxford/Orion FISH. Cryderman is married with two children and two grandchildren.
Question #1
One of our founding fathers said something to the effect: ?’the people will get the government they deserve?. Like most of us, I’ve been dissatisfied with government for quite a while and like most of us I complained and simmered and tried to forget about it. Because of my unwillingness to put any effort into getting involved in the government, I was getting ‘the government I deserved?. Three years ago I decided to change that. I started attending the Township Board & Planning Commission meetings and I am now ready to run for office. As a supervisor for General Motors for ten years, I’ve completed many problem-solving classes. I’ve worked with large groups of skilled tradesmen to accomplished tasks on million dollar projects. These tasks required all parties to work together and communicate with each other. These are skills I’ve learned well and will use as a township official.
Question #2
a. The Township Board does not settle issues on proposals that come before the board. The board will vote on the proposals, the issues aren’t settled, and they keep coming back before the board. I will work with the board to pass a resolution requiring these issues be resolved before a proposal is passed.
b. The Township Board does not communicate its plans to other governing bodies (Oxford Village) or to other entities within Oxford Township. The upcoming safety path millage proposal is a prime example. The board didn’t communicate its millage plans to the village counsel and the counsel was upset. I will work with the board to instill the importance of communication.
c. Developers are not required to follow the ‘Site Plan? the developer and the Township agreed to. I would set up a system of checks and balances that would insure the township’s plans are adhered to.
Question #3
In order to encourage public involvement in township decision-making, the public needs to feel his or her input is valued. The township needs to clearly advertise and communicate its plans in the Oxford Leader in a manor that encourages citizen input. They need to reach out to community groups and neighborhood associations. The input the township receives needs to be summarized and published in the leader so other citizens can see how their fellow residents feel on the issues. Residents wishing to express ideas and input regarding our township should be treated with respect and their input should be encouraged. Our government needs to address citizens concerns and comments and clearly explain the decision making process.
Question #4
I will vote yes for the safety path millage. As the safety paths are extended, it will allow our children to stay off the road. Paths connecting to parks, shopping, the movie theater and other sites will make it easier to leave the car at home and enjoy family fitness. All township residents will benefit by providing safe pedestrian access into the Village and the countryside. A thriving village center benefits everyone. Further, not all safety paths need to be paved. Creation of safety paths into our beautiful outlying parks and unique countryside along gravel roads will provide residents safe access for walking and biking into Oxford’s spectacular countryside where horses, carriages, and stunning natural beauty roads can be enjoyed. Investment into a community wide plan of trails and safety paths will be rewarded with increased property values and a thriving and unique community. .