A Job(s)…. Well Done
Novi's Hugh Crawford

Shortly after joining the Marines in 1960, lifetime Novi resident Hugh Crawford was stationed in Hawaii from 1961-1963. “My job was to keep the commies off of Waikiki Beach!” Crawford quipped.

Having been to Waikiki Beach, I can safely say that Hugh Crawford did a great job! Perhaps that is his legacy. If you want a job done, send Hugh Crawford. And, as the Oakland County Commissioner, and Vice Chairman for the Board of Commissioners for Oakland County, his job always offers new challenges.

Born in Detroit, Hugh Crawford has basically lived his entire life in Novi, Michigan. He attended kindergarten through 9th grade in Novi, and then attended High School in Northville. Upon graduation, he pursued his dream of becoming a US Marine and served his country honorably until 1964.

As a toolmaker apprentice, he went to work for Novi schools in the evenings and was active in the Jaycees. His electronics training in the Marine Corp proved to be very propitious, and when Xerox came calling, he embarked on a very satisfying career that extended up until 1992.

Always the busy entrepreneur, Hugh had also spent the last 17 years as part of the Parks and Recreation commission, and was also elected to the City Council in 1985.

Interestingly enough, one day he picked up an article that featured “The 10 Most Stressful Jobs.” Believe it or not… Politician and copier machine repairman both made the Top 10! And, Hugh Crawford was doing both!

After retiring from Xerox in 1992, he became Mayor Pro-Tem for the City of Novi, and served with current City Manager Rick Helwig. By November of 2000, Hugh Crawford jumped with both feet into the world of partisan politics. He ran for County Commissioner against a 10-year incumbent, and won!

He was officially sworn into office in January of 2001, and in January of 2005, he started his 3rd 2-year term. Ever the busy man, he also serves on, and is a member of several committees. The Finance Committee, General Government Committee, The Oakland County Parks and Rec. Commission, the Airport committee, and the Emergency 911, just to name a few.

As Vice Chairman of the Board of Commissioners for Oakland County, Crawford oversees a $600 million dollar budget. He is also active in setting policy, adopting resolutions, approving grants, participating in personnel decisions, and keeping an eagle eye on what’s best for the citizens.

His expertise has positive impact on multiple departments, including the Sheriff, Planning and Building, Finance, General Government, Public Services, Superior Court, Animal Control, and the Medical Examiner, just to name a few.

When asked about City Development, Hugh Crawford candidly states, “We are on the right track.” As Novi residents, we’ve enjoyed the benefits of a growing, burgeoning city, and a well-run, well-planned city.

“I get to work with great people,” Crawford noted.

From Waikiki to Novi, Hugh Crawford has made his presence felt, for the last 45 years.

It’s been said that if you want a job done right, ask a busy man to do it.

That would be Novi’s own, Hugh Crawford.