As a Springfield Township Trustee over the last 24 years I have focused on expanding and ensuring needed fire and police services with fiscal responsibility. Through my positions on the Township Board and Planning Commission, I will continue to support the use of design techniques for commercial and residential developments that are aesthetically pleasing, protect natural resources, link green space, include safety paths and manage surface and groundwater.  

 

Safety

The Springfield Township Fire Department responds to dangerous situations at a moment's notice.  This team of skilled and caring personnel provide emergency medical services, fire suppression, fire prevention, and public education to the residents and businesses of the Township.  I’ve supported their efforts by approving funds and promoting millages for equipment, training and achieving ALS services in a fiscally responsible manner.  The Township Board recently hired a new Fire Chief who is also a certified Fire Marshall with 33 years experience and who has already served as Fire Chief for one of the largest fire departments in Oakland County. The Oakland County Sheriff's Office substation was moved to the lower level area of the Springfield Township Civic Center to improve access and safety for residents.  We have a dedicated Sheriff’s department team who conducts regular patrols to promote the security of our community, performs house checks, and responds to emergency situations. 

 

Main corridors 

The Dixie Highway Design Guidelines establish a vision for future development of the corridor that is both consistent with the planning goals and character of Springfield,  As the gateway to our community, maximizing the aesthetics of future and existing businesses reflects our goal for a visually appealing high quality community.  Downtown Davisburg offers a quaint destination for residents and visitors, and continued collaboration with downtown business owners will enhance access, walkability and business prosperity.   Supporting the downtown businesses infrastructure in a variety of ways, such as, the Township Board approval to construct the Davisburg Community Septic System (DCSS) in downtown Davisburg using American Recovery Plan Act funds to reimburse the developer for costs, leveraged tri-party funds to improve paving, pathway and landscaping for the corner of Eaton and Broadway. The Township funded the paved pathway to/from Hart Community Center and downtown Davisburg in areas approved by  business owners.  

 

National Award Winning Township Master Plan

As a member of the Planning Commission, I am proud to have been involved in the creation of the National Award Winning Township Master Plan.  These principles and measurable goals will help guide the planning and coordinating of natural resources, roads and infrastructure, pathways, economic development, and housing. The Springfield Township Master Plan is unique and includes concepts that manage development designed to be unlike other communities. I have been instrumental in recommending changes to numerous developments along Dixie Highway including the original design for the General RV store, the first development approved subject to the Design Guidelines. Through collaboration with the business owners and planners, the final building site design is an excellent example of how the corridor is planned to grow and redevelop.  Ensuring traffic safety through appropriate use of traffic signals and consolidating entrances is also a key consideration as Dixie Highway expansion continues. 

I support the continued protection, expansion and maintenance of Springfield Township parks and preserves, and utilizing available grants to support our goals. Our children learned to swim at Mill Pond and while those memories are respected, the failure of the dam required analysis. After an extensive feasibility study and input from various stakeholders, the most long term cost efficient recommendation was to remove the dam and restore the river corridor to the natural flow of the river as it currently exists through the Shiawassee watershed, and update the park into new recreational opportunities such as river trails, pickleball courts, and a safe walkable path to support Downtown Davisburg businesses and events.  I will continue to collaborate on expanding preservation efforts such as the recent addition of the Hartman Meadows that connects 55 acres within the Shiawassee Basin Preserve. 

For residential properties, I encourage open space planning and clustered development to provide residents with a community that provides a natural rural feel, often with open space, pathways and/or other neighborhood features.  Housing options that include acreage and neighborhoods are often mentioned as a reason why families moved to Springfield Township.  The Master Plan includes the analysis of the need for housing for stay in place residents.