Fellow citizens of Van Buren Township, it is with great humility that I am announcing my candidacy as a Democratic candidate for the office of trustee.
The need for competent leadership in Van Buren Township has never been greater. We cannot afford to carelessly elect individuals lacking the requisite skill sets needed to positively impact our community as members of the governing board.
Regrettably, some members currently serving on the board have been remiss in their responsibilities to carry out their duties in a manner that leaves no doubt as to their willingness to act in the best interest of the residents of Van Buren Township.
This is demonstrated by their misguided approach to increased taxation based on their disingenuous claim of needing money for Public Safety. The residents of Van Buren Township deserve honest and transparent leadership. It is as simple as that. When our elected public officials show us who they really are, it behooves us to believe them and act appropriately with regards to them moving forward.
Throughout my life I have been totally committed to public service. I served in the United States Navy for four years during the Viet Nam War while holding a Top Secret clearance. And, I am proud to be a Viet Nam War Veteran.
My career path in public safety spans over 35 years with a focus in law enforcement. As a police officer with the Detroit Police Department I advanced through the ranks to lieutenant and commanded several key units, some of which were: Commanding Officer of 12th and 10th Precinct Investigative Operations, Commanding Officer of the Western District Investigative Operations, Commanding Officer of the Western District Investigative Operations, Squad Leader of the Homicide Felony Murder Squad and the Use of Fatal Force Unit.
Upon retiring from the Detroit Police Department, I served as a Special Agent with the Federal Investigative Services Division for five years conducting background investigations on individuals seeking positions with the federal government involving National Security and/or Public Trust. I also served as a member of the Van Buren Township Public Safety Committee.
My educational background consists of a Bachelor Degree of Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in Technology and a minor in Business Administration from Wayne State University and a Master’s Degree of Interdisciplinary Technology with a focus in Police Management from Eastern Michigan University.
I am also a graduate of Eastern Michigan University School of Police Staff and Command. I also graduated from the Federal Investigative Services Division, Special Agent Academy.
Dedicating myself to public service has always been a choice for me, guided by Humility, Ability, and Integrity. I know who I serve and I humble myself to the task. I prepared myself to serve through education and experience, and I will not compromise my integrity at any cost. Therefore, I sincerely ask that you support me with your vote on Aug. 2, 2016.
Anthony Woodford
Van Buren Township
Nice letter Mr. Woodford, but my fear is that you are close with Brenda McClanahan and that scares me. I don’t like giving my votes to clusters of politicians. I want people who think for themselves and make decisions based on their personal gut feelings and facts. I know, I have judged you before even getting to know you, but this was the first thing that came to mind. Sorry, I just don’t want any returning board members representing this township. Fresh Start.
Denny, Brenda M voted against many Agenda items approved by other Board Officials.An example is the misrepresented Public Safety Millage asking for 6.5 Mills when only 4 Mills was necessary as in the past. My position is in agreement with your posted comment. Officials should vote with knowledge in the best interests of the residents, not in furthering their political future.
Point well taken Denny, I understand your concerns and welcome your criticism as I am sure it represents your true feelings on this matter. However, I am running independently of any other candidate rather I know them personally or not. I only ask that you afford me the consideration you would expect for yourself. That being that you would judge me by my character as opposed to judging me arbitrary by what you think of someone else.
Correction to the last sentence in my former reply, the term arbitrary should be replaced with the term arbitrarily.
Brenda M is the only elected official that had the courage to stand up against the rest of the board and insisted that this was not a time to ask the residents for additional money and she was right as the 6.5 mills failed. Trustee Miller and Trustee McClanahan both had courage to place it on the agenda to talk about placing a renewal of the current 4 mills but the were shut down by the 3 full time elected officials. I believe Brenda would serve with a spirit of integrity, decency and respect for the residents.
Mr. Woodford, you seem like a person of strong character and integrity. Your letter of introduction for your candidacy is well-written and your dedication to serving your community is impressive. You have my vote and by the way what was it like to serve on the now “inactive” public safety committee?
While I agree it is not fair to judge people for who they are friends with but it still is a valid point that we have politicians who team up when it comes to voting. That is what the Visteon 3 have been doing all along. That is why people would like them gone. Mr. Woodford, I’m giving you a chance anyway because I like the fact that you have good strong ethics from your letter.
PS – I am sick of reading that McClanahan makes her own decisions. She did NOT stand up against Budd, Wright or Hart when the township threatened to lay off police officers because they didn’t stand behind the millage.
I am Impressed with your announcement. I believe you sir is just what we need on the VBT Board of Trustee’s. We have had enough of the Incompetent, Racist, underhanded VBT three who consistently create hostile environment in our Community. We need educated Persons with skills. You certainly have what’s needed. You seem like you are passionate about what ever you do. Thanks for running, you have my vote..