How does that old saying go?
‘You can take the ‘county? out of the commissioner, but you can’t take the commissioner out of the county.?
Maybe that’s not quite it, but for former County Commissioner Eric Wilson, it rings true.
Three months into his new duty as a road commissioner, Wilson is liking the change.
‘It’s a very enjoyable job,? he said. ‘You get a chance to get involved with our citizens, see a problem and get it solved.?
Wilson, one of three members of the RCOC Board of Road Commissioners, was appointed in January. Road commissioners are appointed by the Oakland County Board of Commissioners and serve for six-year terms.
He said the biggest obstacle he faces in his new duty is acquiring the funds to do needed work.
For example, Wilson said the road commission has about $1 million a year with which to work on gravel roads, but it costs about $1.5 million to pave just one mile.
‘Our budget is down, just like everyone elses,? he said.
He noted that a lower gas tax income has crippled funding even more, as the Michigan Transportation Fund is hurt and so, in turn, is the road commission.
Still, this time of year, Wilson said the road commission is doing all they can to address any problem that they face, especially the 800 miles of gravel roads in the county.
‘They’re on a regular maintenance schedule,? he said. ‘Obviously, there are special situations where they need to be dealt with immediately.?
Though the road commission has the same amount of staff that they had in the county some 30 years ago, Wilson said they pride themselves on service.
‘I’ve always taken the policy of responding to, and helping, people,? he said. ‘Everyone knows that I’m accessible.?