Interest was high, but in the end only one person could be appointed to fill the Oxford Village Council seat vacated by Steve Allen Jan. 24.
Beating out four other applicants, Teri Stiles, 49, was appointed to council Monday to fill the remainder of Allen’s term, which expires in September 2007.
The 20-year village resident was sworn into office and served at her first meeting Tuesday night.
‘It’s about time I stepped up to the plate and helped,? she told this reporter.
Among the five applicants for the vacant seat, Stiles received the highest numerical ranking from council
Using a secret ballot amongst themselves, each of the four council members ranked each of the five applicants on a scale of 1-5. Each applicant’s rankings were then added up.
Stiles ‘ranked as the most qualified candidate? with an 18. Chris Bishop and Kristina Sands tied with 14 each. Lynette Johson received a 9 while Richard DeLong was given a 5.
A motion by Councilman George Del Vigna to appoint Bishop failed in a 2-2 tie vote. Council then approved Stiles by 3-1.
Stiles worked in administrative support for 25 years before becoming a newspaper reporter for Sherman Publications, Inc. from 2001 to 2005. She covered both the Ortonville and Oxford areas.
Stiles is currently employed at Oxford Community Television Channel 19 where she does the news broadcast and produces shows. She’s worked there ‘on and off? since 1998.
With her three sons ? Logan, 25; Cameron, 22; and Tommy Turnbell, 28 ? all grown and out of the house, Stiles said, ‘I have the time now to dedicate to learning what I need to do to make some informed and intelligent decisions (for the village).?
‘My passion and compassion is with village residents regardless of where they’re at,? she said.
Stiles said she’s ‘going to appoach? her new job on council ‘with caution until I learn the ropes,? but is ready now to serve ‘wherever they need me.?
Growth and communication are the two biggest issues facing the village, according to Stiles, who lives on N. Glaspie Street with her husband of 31 years, Don Stiles.
‘Growth is really the biggest concern,? she said. ‘The traffic issues that come with that. The water issues that come with that. Sewage issues. It definitely concerns all of us.?
‘Not that I can cure all that, but I can’t complain about it if I don’t take part in trying to help it,? noted Stiles, who has served on the village planning commission since November 2005.
In light of these growth issues, Stiles would like to help improve communication between the township and village to help deal with them.
‘I think it’s essential right now. We’re on such a precarious edge,? she said. ‘Communication is my business. I hope I can help. I really feel like with cohesive communication in this entire community we can move forward.?
‘Growth is a certainly a concern for everybody.?