Thanks for the opportunity to share information on my run for township trustee.

I have lived in Michigan for 34 years and for 19 years I have lived in Oakland Township.  My wife and I love living in Oakland Township and the way of life that it offers.  For 17 years I was the President of the KingsRidge at Oaklands Homeowners Association.

I retired after a 35 year career working in progressively more responsible jobs in Finance and General Management.  The last 8 years I was President of an international auto parts supplier making suspension components and systems for the automotive industry.  I have extensive domestic and international experience in planning and budgeting operating expenses and capital expenditures.  Experience I believe will be invaluable in carrying out the responsibilities of an Oakland Township Trustee.

I am seeking the Trustee position for two reasons.  First, I was approached by several Oakland Township residents who encouraged me to run.  Many of these residents had worked with me on Homeowner Association issues common to many subdivisions in the southwest corner of the Township.  Second, several Township Trustees and Office holders have indicated their desire to exit the BOT or to seek other positions in the Township.  This has created the opportunity for residents who possess leadership abilities to and the necessary experience to offer to serve on the BOT.  I am confident I have those qualities.

I have several goals when I am elected.

• To always vote in a manner that acts in the best interest of the community.
• Be a calm, thoughtful voice that represents the whole township.
• Change the narrative so that all outcomes are identified and discussed.  There should not be a culture that identifies winners and losers.  There is always a third option which is to attempt to craft a compromise that answers everyone’s concerns.

Priorities as I see them.

• Closely review the financial condition of the Township in light of possible revenue reductions caused by the current pandemic.  State revenue will be severely impacted by the virus pandemic and what effect may that have on revenue earmarked for the Township.
• Continue strong support for the park and open spaces in the Township.
• Police and Fire Protection. I have long supported efforts to locate a Fire Substation on the Adams Road corridor that would be closer to major developments in the South West corner of the Township.  Senior and assisted living and memory care options now available would seem to demand a closer presence and faster response times.  Fire Department changes may also be required after the completion of the 2020 census.
• Develop a consistent strategy on the maintenance of gravel roads.  The condition of many of those roads has to be improved.
• Water and Sewage.  There are new requirements for water storage and there is a general need to improve the quality and taste of the water.
• Determination of the long term financial responsibility for repair and maintenance of already installed safety paths. The current situation of multiple responsibilities for sections of the system and the financial burdens imposed on some individual subdivisions in the long term is not workable and a reasonable compromise needs to be developed.

Richard, thanks again for the chance to share information. Let’s all work to end up with the best BOT we can for Oakland Township.

Regards,

Bob Patrician