By Matt Mackinder
Clarkston News Editor

CLARKSTON — In a letter to Clarkston City Manager Jonathan Smith dated Oct. 16, Clarkston Mayor Eric Haven resigned, effective immediately.
“Because it has become apparent to me, increasingly and recently, that my vision for Clarkston differs significantly from that of several on city council,” said Haven in the letter. “For that reason and to enable harmony, I believe it is best I step aside from the mayorship. So effective immediately, after five enjoyable years as mayor and many more on village and city council, I tender my resignation.”
Mayor Pro-Tem Sue Wylie will temporarily handle duties of the mayor until a replacement is identified.
Discussion of the matter was on the Oct. 23 Clarkston City Council regular meeting agenda.
“I was very surprised to receive Eric Haven’s unexpected resignation letter,” said Wylie. “In his letter, Eric indicated that his vision differs significantly from that of several city council members, and that his resignation could result in greater harmony on council. For several years, Eric has been very open about his desire to add more structures, lighting, and sound equipment to Depot Park. For a variety of reasons, some members on the council are less enthusiastic about the project. During the last two meetings, the city council evaluated some of these additions to the park recommended by the Friends of Depot Park. One recent vote regarding lighting in the park was 5-2 against the specific plan, although discussion among council members indicated that some members were open to an altered lighting plan. At the next meeting, five members voted to table another project regarding plans for the park. In this instance, some council members were concerned about procedures and the lack of transparency.

“Eric is a good man who works very hard to make the City of the Village of Clarkston a better place to live. Although he and I do not always agree on a vision, I did appreciate his efforts to maintain Clarkston’s historic charm, and to improve the city’s revenues. I thought Eric and I could overlook our recent differences and continue to work together for a solution that would benefit Clarkston, as we have in the past.”
Haven also added on to what his letter stated.
“As mayor for the last five years and resident for 50, I have thought a lot about what our citizens want for their hometown,” Haven said. “I sat on city council 31 years ago as a young father when we chose to become a self-governing city. I have known the visionary people who worked to protect Clarkston’s uniqueness, the people who live here, love their village, and want to make it better. In addition to city council and being mayor, I’ve served on the planning commission and with the Friends of Depot Park. Together, we have assembled a long list of initiatives we sincerely believe will benefit Clarkston. We have formed and implemented parts of that vision to make Clarkston better without raising taxes. Others have worked with me to bring some of these initiatives to reality but of late, I’ve experienced push-back from a few, some on city council, who don’t share my vision. I’ve prayed, talked with others, and sought my best course of action. After these 50 years in public service, I finally decided on Monday, Oct. 16, to resign as Clarkston mayor.
“It is my sincere hope in resigning that new leaders will emerge and residents will become aware, by requesting from their city council and planning commission, the long list of opportunities this community has, and together seek ways to make Clarkston even better. I thank Clarkston for allowing me to serve.”

PHOTO: Then-Clarkston Mayor Eric Haven speaks at the Aug. 16 press conference announcing the plans for Rudy’s Market. Photo: Matt Mackinder