Oxford resident Bill Patterson wants those in District #1 to know he’s not finished serving them yet.
Patterson filed for re-election for his seat on the Oakland County Board of Commissioners because there are projects, for instance the proposed senior center, he wants to see completed.
‘I still enjoy going to the local meetings to find out what the resident’s needs and wants are,? he said.
Elected in 1998, the Republican represents Oxford, Addison, Brandon and Groveland townships, the northeast corner of Independence Township and the villages of Oxford, Leonard and Ortonville.
Being one of the 25 county commissioners, Patterson is responsible for establishing and formulating county policies, adopting the county development plan and administering the county budget.
A budget that has been concerning him as of late.
‘I think you’ll find (other counties) are all in the same boat and the darn thing is sinking,? he said. ‘That’s one of the things we have to look into. I think (my) experience of having been through the budget process helps the representation of the people of District #1.?
When he’s not busy helping run the county and representing the best interest of his district, Patterson enjoys spending time with his wife of 54 years (this June), Ruth, and their five children and soon to be 14 grandchildren.
Patterson was a member of the Oxford Board of Education for eight years; past president and member of the Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce; member of the Ortonville Chamber of Commerce; past president and member of the Rotary Club of Oxford; past master of the local Oxford Masonic Lodge; member of the Free and Accepted Mason’s and owned and operated Patterson Pharmacy in downtown Oxford for more than 30 years prior to his retirement in 1994.
Patterson loves to hear from his constituents, so feel free to call him at 248-628-2077 (home) or 248-858-0100 (county) fax him at (248) 628-2415 (home) or (248) 858-1572 or e-mail him at pattersonw@co.oakland.mi.us.
Running against Patterson for the District #1 seat is Brandon resident and Democrat Madalyn Miller.
The 19-year-old Oakland University student took the initiative to run because she wanted to ‘offer choices? and another ‘option? to voters.
‘I definitely wanted to offer a different perspective,? she said. ‘Getting youth involved in government is very important.?
Miller said she is interested in politics and is involved with many organizations on OU’s campus, like being student body vice president; clerk for the Association of Michigan Universities; vice president for the National Organization for Women’s Chapter on campus; she volunteers for the Oakland County Democratic Party and is a member of the Phi Sigma Sigma sorority.
Miller said her platform rests on ‘responsible growth? and ‘fiscal responsibility? in the district.
‘Growth in any form is important, but (we need) to do it with a plan to make sure that we kind of protect the ambience that the communities have, because this is a unique area and it has a very dynamic flavor about it,? she said.
Fiscally, Miller said money the county spends should be put toward ‘new and innovative? ideas and have ‘an affect on more people in the community.?
Miller knows there will be critics saying she’s too young to run for any sort of office, but she believes that everybody, no matter what age, can bring different ideas to the table.
‘I would probably have things to say that no one would’ve even thought of,? she said. ‘I don’t think I’m too young for anything.?
In her spare time Miller continues to pursue a degree in political science with a double minor in communications and women’s studies. She plans on graduating in May 2008.