What to do about downtown Clarkston was a major topic of discussion at the League of Women Voters Oakland Area’s Candidate Forum for City Council.
“The community is going through serious changes right now,” said candidate Michael Cascone about whether he supports rezoning residential property zoning to commercial. “I would welcome rezoning if it fit the basic principles of the community ? every issue that comes to council must be addressed to who we are and what we want to be.”
Cascone joined fellow challenger Jason Kneisc plus incumbents Eric Haven and Alfred Avery at the Sept. 17 forum at Clarkston Independence District Library.
Haven said there’s a delicate balance between commercial and residential zones.
“We have a viable commercial district and it’s becoming more so,” he said. “With recent improvements, Clarkston is again becoming a destination.”
Kneisc said the issue is about how to handle the city’s progress.
“Nothing should be off the books ? everything should be up for discussion,” he said.
Avery said he does not support turning residential zones commercial.
“What makes Clarkston what it is, is its great residential areas,” he said. “If you start turning residential commercial, where does it stop?”
Cascone, Haven, Kneisc, and David Marsh are running for three two-year seats on the council.
Avery, who was appointed to the council after Council member Richard Bisio’s resignation, and Peg Roth are running to complete Bisio’s term, which ends in November 2016.
Marsh and Roth were invited to the forum but were absent.
Responding to a question about parking in downtown, the four candidates said more study is needed.
“It’s a good news, bad news story ? congestion means this is a desirable destination. The bad news is at certain times of day it can be difficult to park,” Haven said. “We do need to consider creative suggestions to improve the charm and attractiveness of Clarkston while enabling traffic flow through the city.”
Parking isn’t a problem now, but new restaurants in development could change that, Avery said.
When asked about capital improvements to Depot Park and other areas, Avery said money has been well spent there.
“Depot Park is our jewel,” he said. “It’s the face of the village ? money well invested.”
Cascone said some park improvements raise serious concerns regarding design and implementation.
“The walkway in particular ? it is not good,” he said. “It’s an injury accident waiting to happen. I want to revisit that plan.”
Haven said some things may need to be done, but the outcome is gorgeous.
“From a financial standpoint, I’m tremendously impressed with this community, the philanthropic generosity of this community,” he said.
Kneisc agreed the park is a jewel of the community, but projects should definitely be looked at in detail to do the best for the community.
Asked about lawsuits facing the city, the candidates focused on former Council member Bisio’s suit against City Council about Open Meetings Act and Freedom of Information Act violations.
“Some of these problems spring from the fact there is not enough communication between residents and city government,” Avery said. “Better communication I think is the key.”
“We live in a litigious society ? we can’t prevent that,” Haven said.
The city needs interactive dialogue with the community as a whole, not just special interests, he said.
Kneisc said the key is sitting down with people to resolve issues.
“I believe there’s a win win,” he said.
The candidates said a decision to spend $500,000 on a city hall expansion is premature at best.
“We must deal with needs, not wants,” said Cascone, who called for a needs analysis to justify any spending. “It must always be in line with budget restraints.”
Haven said the issue is under study, though the idea of buying over renting makes sense.
“This issue is yet to be determined,” he said.
Kneisc agrees more must be discovered.
“Clarkston as a community is progressing ? how does this fit into that progression,” he asked.
Avery said leasing a Clarkston school district bus garage bay relieves immediate concerns for space.
“If sufficient, there are higher priorities in the village,” he said. “Let’s spend that money saved in the lease and put it into sidewalks, roads, trees, things that need to be done first.”
The candidates were asked if there was a disconnect between city officials and administrators and citizens, and what they would do about it.
“I feel badly about that ? I have a tremendous interest in bridging that,” Haven said.
Individuals who strongly lobby for particular issues may or may not be in the interest of the whole community, he said.
“I really feel there’s a great disposition on part of elected officials and staff,” he said.
Kneisc said there’s plenty of fault to go around
“Citizens need to seek out information, and council and administration need be able meet them halfway,” he said. “It’s a question of leadership.”
Avery, who is on the city communications committee, offered to act as a liaison between city officials and citizens.
“I’d be more than happy talk to Carol (Eberhardt, city manager) and staff on your behalf,” he said.
Cascone said communications start in-house.
“Communications need to go both ways also,” he said.
Asked about their ability to serve the community without interference from employers, the candidates said they would be committed to the council.
Cascone said he makes his own schedule.
“I love being retired, I really do,” he said. “My accountability to the citizens started long before being on the council.”
“I respond to every phone call and comment I get ? there can never be too much communication,” Haven said. “That’s why I’m here.”
Kneisc works full time but will be accessible, especially to young families like his.
Avery said he is his own boss.
“I set my own schedule,” he said. “I’m more than happy to talk to any citizen about any issue at any time.”
The entire forum will be posted at www.independencetelevision.com. The election will be on Nov. 3.