As a Springfield Township trustee, chair of the planning commission and president of his homeowner’s association, Roger Lamont invests a great deal of time and energy into his community.
For him, it’s time well spent.
As he seeks reelection the township board, Lamont said he truly enjoys his role alongside other Springfield Township leaders, and believes his experience will continue to be an asset as the board undergoes significant transition in coming months.
Long time Supervisor Collin Walls, along with four-term Clerk Nancy Strole both recently announced plans to retire in November.
‘I feel it’s particularly important for me to run again,? said Lamont, 57. ‘I feel I can help whoever takes those seats make the transition. Even for quick learners, it takes a while to learn about the issues, board procedure, agenda items. There’s always something new and unique coming up.?
Six years on the planning commission, as well as tenure on the Zoning Board of Appeals and membership in the Michigan Society of Planning, he said, make him qualified to continue on as trustee. Lamont was first elected to the board in 2004.
‘When I came in I wanted to preserve the rural character of Springfield Township and encourage and allow new development,? he said. ‘I believe I brought in new ideas and have made a significant impact in both those areas.?
He cites planning for Harrington Funeral Home as an example, explaining that his experience on the planning commission helped him understand how the project could fit into the requirements of the Dixie Highway overlay district.
An overlay district does not rezone the property, but adds special standards to existing zoning regulations and may affect how the property can be used or developed.
‘It’s a unique piece of property with a commercial portion on Dixie Highway and a residential home all on one parcel,? he explained. ‘The result is the existing home on Softwater Lake preserves environmental quality on the lake’the lake shore doesn’t get disturbed’and the site on Dixie Highway has commercial use.?
And, although economic conditions have brought growth and to near standstill conditions, Lamont said he believes the township will be prepared when developmental pressure returns.
‘My vision is that Springfield Township will grow in an orderly and responsible fashion that follows planned growth outlined in the Master Plan,? he said, noting the planning commission was nearing completion of the Master Plan update required by law to take place every five years.
‘The Master Plan outlines that the township expects growth and should be prepared to handle growth in a responsible manner.?
The lack of water and sewer infrastructure in the township, he said, poses special problems that require significant planning in regard to storm water drainage, sanity sewer and water supply.
And, while Lamont said he’s an advocate for responsible, orderly growth, he’d like to focus on and limit development to the Dixie Highway Corridor.
‘We moved to Springfield Township for that wide open feel,? he said. ‘In Springfield Township, you live five miles from I-75 but you feel like you live up north. I think we can maintain development and still maintain that feel.?
Other priorities, he said, include a pedestrian pathway along Dixie Highway, creating a ‘sense of place? in the township, and continuing the township’s record of fiscal responsibility.
During recent months, Lamont served on a subcommittee with fellow trustees Denny Vallad and Marc Cooper to examine the possibility of hiring a full-time township manager for day-to-day operations, while reducing the township’s three elected officials’supervisor, clerk and treasurer’to part-time status.
Lamont contacted several other municipalities who recently made a similar transition. None, he said, had achieved a savings and ultimately ended up paying more than expected.
‘We found the elected officials had less presence,? he said, noting he was told that residents with questions and problems were usually directed to the township manager in those communities.
‘The residents elected the supervisor, clerk and treasurer, and those are the people they should talk to when they have a problem.?
The issue could emerge in Springfield Township again as campaign season heats up. Lamont said he’s not completely opposed to the idea of part-time officials’but he does believe such a decision requires a significant amount of additional research.
Issues concerning the Davisburg Hamlet have also surfaced recently, with business owners expressing an interest in revitalizing the area and enforcing ordinances some say are often ignored.
‘Maintaining it is a good thing, and making it more appealing for businesses and customers is a good thing,? Lamont said, noting the biggest questions circle around funding. ‘But how is it paid for??
Lamont has worked in operations management for more than 30 years, and currently serves as store director of the Meijer store in Rochester Hills.
He and his wife Carol moved to Springfield Township about 22 years ago. The couple has been married 31 years and have two grown children.