James Rowan said his 25-year experience in governmental fund accounting would allow him, if elected, to "assist (Oxford) Twp. trustees with data that they would need to make informed decisions regarding the financial outlook for the township."

After earning a bachelor's degree in accounting from Wilmington College, Rowan said his career started in the U.S. military, where he said he spent four years gaining experience in bookkeeping and supply management before receiving his honorable discharge.

His next five years were spent auditing governmental entities, including township governments, in Ohio.

For 16 years following that position, Rowan said he was a chief financial officer in four different school districts, where he managed projects, invested public funds and dealt with compliance issues and fund accounting.

"I feel like I've got a pretty well-rounded experience," Rowan said. "I have a strong sense of understanding the internal control structure that needs to be in place to safeguard public funds."

Rowan said he has served in leadership positions related to school environments on the local, state and national level. In particular, he said he is the president of Associations of School Business Officials International this year.

"I believe those experiences and understanding issues that relate to school districts on a national basis will only help me understand ... the challenges and opportunities that may exist for Oxford Twp.," Rowan said.

Having lived and worked in the Oxford community for 14 years, Rowan said he has an understanding of what the community needs and values.

"The township right now is dealing with their comprehensive plan and, basically, the future of the township, and I think it's essential that I get on board and present the trustees with a road map," Rowan said.

"I want to be able to provide them with the financial resources and forecasting ability to be able to direct these things."

In addition to creating a "five-year forecast both in operating dollars and capital dollars," Rowan said his other goals, if elected, would be to look at grant opportunities and find alternative ways to generate revenue."