By Matt Mackinder
Clarkston News Editor

With the state primary election coming up August 2, Jose Aliaga, Paul Brown, Gerald Fisher, and Mark Petterson have announced their candidacy for Independence Township supervisor.
Ahead of that election, the Clarkston News sent each candidate the same questions as part of our election guide, and all responded.
This week, in alphabetical order, we will feature Fisher’s and Petterson’s answers, with Aliaga’s and Brown’s previously running in our July 13 edition.

GERALD FISHER
— What is your background in the township?
I have been associated with Independence Township for 50 years, and have had the fortunate opportunity to be here in capacities which gave me a voice that made a difference during the time in which the population has doubled, and when it was critical to insist on controlled development.
I was introduced to this great community as the assistant township attorney in 1972. After exploring the history of the village, with the mills and mill pond, Henry Ford’s imprint on the community, the history of the Deer Lake area, and the fabulous natural environment throughout the township, and after meeting many unique and public-spirited people, I knew that this was the place I wanted to call home.
In the early 1970s, before I came to the township, a developer sued the township to establish a K-Mart store in the area of Dixie Highway and Maybee Road. This development represented a major assault on the township’s zoning as well as its fundamental character.
After a trial, the judge ruled in favor of the developer, ordering the township to allow the K-Mart. When I became the township’s assistant attorney, I was given the assignment to write a brief in the court of appeals in an effort to overturn the circuit court determination. After my brief was filed, the developer dismissed its case and constructed a K-Mart store in a different community – thus preserving the township’s planning and zoning. I ultimately became the township attorney, and held that position for periods totaling about 25 years.
During the township’s major growth period, I had many opportunities over the years to help guide the process of township development, both in affirmatively creating planning, zoning and other regulations, and in defending the township in court to avoid unwanted development proposing to place intense land uses in the wrong place at the wrong time. I am confident that my affirmative and defensive actions allowed the township to maintain the citizen-led vision established in our long-term master land use plans. I wrote the township’s basic zoning ordinance, including the planned development ordinances, paving the way for projects such as Oakhurst with a dedicated golf course and open space. I helped arrange the government financing and purchase of Bay Court Park, and arranged the purchase and expansion of Clintonwood Park. I also worked closely with our visionary land conservancy to preserve important natural resources and open space, such as the Kimball Preserve at M-15 and I-75.
I also served as attorney for a number of other communities, including Bloomfield Township, West Bloomfield Township and the city of Novi, but Independence was the place I wanted to call home. I have a great love for the township, and for the out-of-doors and natural environment.
My residency in the township started approximately 40 years ago when my wife, Julie, and I moved into a home in the Deerwood subdivision. There we developed friendships with many excellent people, played volleyball every month with a fun group, played racquetball in a league at the Deer Lake Athletic Club, and spent many hours outdoors in the yard and in the township and county parks. I also performed pro bono (no charge) legal services for the Deerwood homeowners association.
We then had the opportunity to buy a home closer to the village on Parke Lake, which has been our home for about 32 years. Julie and I raised two children here in Independence. We very much enjoyed the experience in both Deerwood and Parke Lake. During our 40 years in these two homes, our family spent a great deal of time hiking at Independence Oaks County Park on Sashabaw Road. My love of that park and the out-of-doors led me in two directions.
First, during my time in Deerwood, I became active in what was then the Independence Land Conservancy (recently becoming the Blue Heron Headwaters Conservancy), serving as a board member and pro bono legal counsel for several years. In 2012, I was given the Environmental Trailblazer Award by the conservancy. The second direction was to become a commission member on the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission, where I served as chairperson of the commission for about 10 years.
After decades of working, parenting, hiking, conservation and parks stewardship — all in this unique and excellent township — I am as invested in this place as I possibly could be. As supervisor, I have been working hard to protect and promote the quality of life here — something we should never take for granted.
— Why do you feel you should be supervisor? Why should residents vote for you?
I successfully litigated many important legal cases for the township. But in the end, my legacy as a municipal attorney can be traced to being a “creative peacemaker.” This was a skill and character that I learned while working with outstanding individuals, including township supervisors, judges, law firm partners, and athletic coaches. They taught me that best outcomes arise from listening to people and seeking win-win results whenever possible.
In my first month as supervisor, I stated publicly that, “My job will be to help bring out the best in others, learn from all of them, and continue the path of excellence for the township and its people.” I can confidently report that I have been following this game plan, promoting peace and productivity at the township. The township has a number of excellent administrative leaders. I have been able to hire some additional great people. I would match our administrative leadership with any comparable community in the state of Michigan.
In addition, I have achieved several tangible successes that will benefit the township both now and well into future. Most recently, after negotiations between the township and the township’s professional firefighters had dragged out for more than a year, I worked closely with our new fire chief to build a solid strategic bridge to a final resolution. This strategy led to an historic agreement. For the first time, both the Firefighters and the Township Board gave their unanimous approvals to a contract that includes a positive new direction for pensions as well as provisions that will make our department more competitive in recruiting new firefighters and retaining those who join the department. This means better fire and EMS service for the people of this Township for years to come.
All candidates for office will express what they stand for. I would like to provide a short list of facts and accomplishments on my part that I believe are relevant for voters to consider when they go to the polls. My apologies for the bullet list, but this seemed to be the most efficient way to provide this information:
• Served as chairperson of the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission, where I established the reputation of being a good steward for the taxpayers and for working on behalf senior citizens and the disabled.
• Long-term membership and support for the Clarkston Historical Society and Michigan Supreme Court Historical Society.
• Former board member and 2012 Recipient of Environmental Trailblazer Award from Blue Heron Headwaters Land Conservancy.
• Recipient of the Award for Exceptional Contributions for 2007 by the Michigan Association of Planning.
• Member and past president of the Oakland County Bar Foundation, an entity that seeks to improve access to the courts by all persons.
• Author of book entitled Local Government Law, A Practical Guidebook for Public Officials on City Councils, Community Boards, and Planning Commissions, published in May, 2021 by Routledge.
• Co-author of book entitled Michigan Zoning, Planning, and Land Use, released in 2008 by the Michigan Institute of Continuing Legal Education.
• Contributing co-editor of book entitled Michigan Municipal Law, released in 2012 by the Michigan Institute of Continuing Legal Education.
• Current board member of Scenic Michigan, a non-profit dedicated to enhancing the scenic beauty of Michigan’s rural and urban landscapes.
There are several initiatives that I have begun to put in motion as township supervisor, and I very much desire the opportunity to provide another two years of service in office to carry out these and other projects.
Overall, I hope the voters see me as the best qualified and well-suited candidate for election to the office of Independence Township supervisor.
— What issues in the township would you address if elected?
I believe our township runs smoothly. This is a result of having a good clerk and treasurer, good department heads and managers, and township employees who come to work each day to give the township their best efforts. Is there room for improvement? Of course. Now is the time to take township to the next level of excellence.
In terms of programs, we must turn our attention to the unacceptable condition of our residential neighborhood roads. I will take a leadership role in working with the Township Board to develop township programs, and to seek funding from county, state, and federal sources to contribute to the improvement of our neighborhood roads.
I also believe the Township Senior Center, while very well run, is physically inadequate in size and capability.
I will make this a priority for enhancement.
For seniors and the rest of our community, parks and recreation is a hallmark of quality of life and citizen health. We have excellent parks, and excellent recreation programs, but I believe we can do more in this department.
I was the chairperson of the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission for 10 years and have a solid background in this area.
Continuing as supervisor will allow me to work on enhancing the township’s quality of life and health.
An upgrade of the Dixie Highway corridor has been badly needed for some time.
Past efforts have lost steam due in part to funding issues. Based on my long experience with township funding and economic development, I have already had success in uncovering a methodology for funding Dixie Highway corridor improvements.
We are now looking at a number of enhancements, including the establishment of walkable sidewalks/safety paths throughout the corridor, aesthetic upgrades to commercial areas — breaking up the paved surfaces with some greenery, improved communication with our local business community, and a reinvigoration of residential areas in order to ensure that the township continues to offer a wide variety of quality living opportunities.
I believe there is good reason to promote improved relations and collaboration with both the Clarkston Community Schools and the City of the Village of Clarkston. I have initiated steps in these directions, and would continue this pursuit if given the opportunity.
One final point.
Although this has not been a high priority to date, I believe it is important for us to demonstrate that we are proud of our community by establishing township-identification signs on the major roads coming into the township.
If allowed to continue serving as supervisor, it will be my mission to work on this project and establish attractive signage that attempts to capture the essence of who and what this township has become.

MARK PETTERSON
— What is your background in the township?
I grew up in Clarkston and have lived here most of my life.
Growing up here, I have watched it grow from a small town to what it is today. I’ve seen what works for the community versus what works just for a group in the community. I’ve agreed with some and shook my head at others. My wife Karen and I graduated from Clarkston High School, and so did my son Andrew. I have worked for F Allied Construction for 37 years as supervisor and operating engineer and helped build the company from the ground up to what it is today.
I was vice president of operations and president of the Clarkston Chiefs Football and Cheer and vice president of the entire Northern Youth Football League.
I am a former trustee of this township, serving from 2008 to 2012.
— Why do you feel you should be supervisor? Why should residents vote for you?
I have a keen understanding of the statutory duties and responsibilities of the supervisor’s office.
I have exceptional knowledge of various committees, boards, and commissions serving the township, including their roles and responsibilities. I also have full knowledge of how ordinances are lawfully adopted and legally enforced.
I have several unique qualities. As a former board member, I can communicate effectively and listen attentively. I can manage adversity and hostility and understand what constitutes ethical behavior. I have learned to work effectively with individuals, departments, and committees to achieve the desired outcome that is in the best interest of the township and the community.
In my job with F. Allied Construction, I have gained knowledge of all aspects of budgeting, asset management and disposal, purchasing, and all aspects of HR, including but not limited to employee relations, health care, and retirement. I supervise six crews of 76 employees and $27 million in equipment in my daily regime. I communicate regularly with other townships to ensure we follow state and local ordinances.
— What issues would you address in the township if elected?
School safety is a top priority.
I want to form a committee of three board members, three school board members, and three residents working in coordination with the Oakland County Sheriff Department to resolve any possible safety issues.
One garbage hauler. In the interest of free enterprise, I do not believe it is in the best interest of our township and community. The residents should have a choice with whom they do business. Residents’ choices should never be taken away by the government.
Our neighborhood roads are an issue.
In my 37 years of paving experience, finding a solution for our neighborhood roads belongs to the Oakland County Road Commission and neighborhood residents, not the township. As a township board, we have no control over our neighborhood roads under the jurisdiction of RCOC.
To pave a road in your neighborhood, you must have a SAD (Special Assessment District) and 51 percent of linear footage ownership. It also requires the assessment to be paid off BEFORE you can sell your home. It is better to rely on RCOC experience rather than officials elected every four years without hands-on knowledge of our road system.
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Eligible Michigan citizens can register to vote online only until July 18 (this past Monday), or at their local clerk’s office through 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Already registered voters can vote from home by requesting to have an absentee ballot mailed to them. They can make the request in person at their local clerk’s office or online at Michigan.gov/Vote.
To ensure their ballot arrives in time, voters should have requested an absentee ballot by July 18 to avoid mailing delays.
The polls open at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, August 2, and will remain open until 8 p.m.
Check back for election results.

PHOTO: The Independence Township Board of Trustees during a December 2021 meeting. File photo: Matt Mackinder