In the Oxford Township treasurer race, we were pleased to see a wide field of candidates ? six for one seat ? representing a variety of backgrounds and experience levels.
We feel it’s time for a change in the treasurer’s office and the man to make it happen is independent candidate LAWRENCE BANACHOWSKI.
Banachowski’s many years doing quality control and troubleshooting for Chrysler coupled with his strong ties to the community make him a wise choice. He even has 10 years experience as the treasurer for his homeowner’s association.
As a retiree, he’s not looking to turn this elected office into a lifelong career, so Banachowski’s not going to be shy about making the tough decisions.
He doesn’t need the job, he wants it. We feel he’ll be committed to Oxford first and the paycheck second.
Right now, we need someone who’s more willing to speak his mind instead of sticking his finger in the air to see which way the wind’s blowing. As economic circumstances require the township to do more with less, we need tough leadership and Banachowski seems to help fill that order.
Remember that in order to vote for Banachowski ? or any ot the independent candidates on the ballot ? you cannot vote a straight Republican or Democratic ticket.
In the Oxford Township trustee race, we’re sticking with two of our August endorsements ? JOE BUNTING and MIKE SPISZ. We feel these two will represent new blood, new voices and new ideas. Fresh perspectives are desperately needed on a board that’s been very dysfunctional and divided over the years. We also wish to note, once again, that Bunting is absolutely no relation to village attorney Robert Bunting.
For the other two trustee spots, we’re endorsing MELVIN ‘BUCK? CRYDERMAN and RUDY REYES, the only independent trustee candidate.
Cryderman brings the experience of a 24-year resident who understands the wants and needs of the township’s more rural areas in the northern part. Nobody understands dirt roads better than someone who lives on one.
Adding Reyes would give the village a second representative and a greater voice on the township board. The way to avoid future legal battles and political power-plays (i.e. cityhood) between the two municipalities is for the township to make village residents feel included, not excluded, in the decision-making process.
As a longtime employee of the village Department of Public Works, Reyes would bring both municipal experience and the working man’s viewpoint to the township board.
In Addison Township, we support BRUCE PEARSON for the supervisor’s position. He’s served the township quite well over the years as an Oakland County Sheriff’s deputy.
Pearson has a reputation for honesty and integrity, and is well-liked in the community. He knows the people, he knows the problems, he knows the issues. Pearson gets our vote and he should get yours, too.
In the race for Leonard’s village president, we urge voters to elect challenger MIKE MCDONALD and make their small government more open and accessible to everyone.
Given his previous experience on both council and as Addison Township supervisor from 1988-92, we feel McDonald can offer a broader perspective as the village seeks to improve its downtown and prosper economically, yet maintain its Norman Rockwell-like atmosphere.
McDonald’s a very blunt person and his to-the-point honesty can sometimes rub people the wrong way, but we’d rather have someone who tells it like it is as opposed to telling people whatever they want to hear.
The race for Leonard’s treasurer is perhaps the most low-key of all. Maybe that’s because although elected, the position-holder is not a voting member of council.
For treasurer, we endorse JUDITH VERSE. For 12 years, she’s faithfully served the community, doing her job and trying her best to stay out of small town politics. We see no valid reason to replace this seasoned, hard-working veteran committed to low taxes and keeping her town in the black.
For the Oakland County commission seat representing District #1 (which includes Oxford and Addison townships), we once again proudly endorse BRADFORD JACOBSEN.
A hometown boy, small business owner and former township trustee for 16 years, Jacobsen’s done a good job representing this area in Pontiac since taking office in 2006 after his father-in-law Bill Patterson passed away suddenly.
Jacobsen’s committed to low taxes and prudent spending which is important since the county board of commissioner’s main function is to establish the millage rate and adopt the annual budget. We can think of no one better to continue filling Patterson’s shoes for another two years.
Remember to get out and vote Tuesday, Nov. 4 between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. ? The Oxford Leader