A mixture of incumbents, former candidates and new faces have filed petitions to run for three positions on Clarkston’s city council this November.
Current council members Scott Meyland and Derek Werner are running for re-election.
Anne Clifton, who would also have been up for re-election, decided not to run again making her position available. Clifton stayed on the council to see the city’s water project through and, since it’s completion, would like to see new faces on the council. She also hopes to spend more time with enjoying her daughter’s activities.
‘I wanted to spend my time there,’Clifton said.
Steven Wylie and Steve Coventry have run for council positions in previous elections and are attempting to be elected again this year. Kristy Ottman makes the fifth candidate. She has never run for the position before.
Meyland is pleased with the work of the current council and hopes to continue their endeavors if re-elected.
‘I think the current council has done a good job prioritizing,? Meyland said. ‘Hopefully this election will give people a chance to focus on day-to-day activities.?
A member of the council since 1999, Meyland believes the city’s budget is an important issue.
‘Each year we’re expected to do more with less,? Meyland said. ‘That’s always a challenge.?
Meyland looks forward to this year’s election and is pleased to see five people running for the three positions.
‘I’d like to continue to be involved and be an integral part of the city’s run,? Meyland said.
Fellow council member Werner is also pleased with the council’s current operation. Werner has served on the council for three years.
‘I’ve enjoyed my three years on the council. I think we’ve done a good job,? Werner said.
Werner also believes the city’s budget is a top priority now that major renovation projects are complete.
‘We have to make sure whatever is spent is spent wisely,? Werner said.
Werner hopes the upcoming council will strive to be available for residents and helping whenever needed.
‘I bring an enthusiasm to the council,? Werner said.
Returning to the race are Wylie and Coventry.
‘I want to be involved,? Wylie said. ‘The same motivations that drove me before drive me again this time. I want to make a difference.?
Just like Meyland and Werner, budget is a top priority for Wylie.
‘I’m very concerned about the city’s financial status,? Wylie said. ‘The budget is balanced, but just barely.?
Wylie would like to see the city’s ‘rainy day? fund restored to a higher amount and believes his background in finance could help achieve that.
‘Of the five, I have the most extensive financial background,? Wylie said.
Coventry was not available for comment at the time of press.
New to this year’s race is Ottman. A stay-at-home mom and a Clarkston resident since 1998, Ottman believes she can bring a new perspective to the council that many of the current members don’t experience while at work during the daytime.
‘I get to experience the community every day,? Ottman said. ‘What I have is a unique perspective for the city council. I bring day-to-day issues that are happening on the street that other city council people don’t experience.?
Ottman wants to make sure Clarkston maintains its historical charm and small-community appeal. She believes keeping the business district small is key to that success.
‘One of the important things about our community is that it’s stayed small,? Ottman said. ‘I strongly believe in community. I want to maintain what our long-time residents have preserved.?
Also up for re-election this year is Sharron Catallo, the city’s mayor, and is running unopposed.
Election day is Tuesday, Nov. 2.