Three positions are available on the Clarkston City Council this election year. Derek Werner and Scott Meyland are running to retain their seats; Anne Clifton is stepping down from the council and her position is vacant.
Running again this year are Steven Coventry and Steve Wylie. Both residents have run for council in the past and were not elected. Kristy Ottman is running for the first time this year. Sharron Catallo’s position is also up this election cycle. She is running unopposed.
Election day is Tuesday, Nov. 2.
Name: Scott C. Meyland
Address: 122 North Main St.
Age: 37
Occupation: Product Investigation Supervisor, DaimlerChrysler Corporation.
Number of years as resident in Clarkston: Lifetime area resident; homeowner in Village since 1992.
Education: Clarkston Senior High Graduate; B.S. mechanical engineering, Michigan Technological University; M.S. mechanical engineering, University of Detroit Mercy.
‘What issues does Clarkston face: Like many small municipalities, Clarkston continues to face ongoing budget constraints in addition to facing the pressures of a continually growing surrounding area. Clarkston is very fortunate, though, to have many active residents, community groups and a thriving business district which all work well together to deal with these issues effectively.
‘Should Clarkston contract police services with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department?
Although all my experiences with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department have been very positive, I have always been, and continue to be, supportive of Clarkston’s City Police Department. Although having a city police department contributes to the ongoing budget related challenges the council faces, there is a significant benefit to our residents, businesses and visitors by having our own police department. The majority of the feedback that I have ever had from residents, business owners and visitors has always been positive regarding our city police department. We do need to continue to make sure that the department (as well as our other city services) serves the community’s needs appropriately.
‘How would you rebuild the city’s ‘Rainy Day? fund? Of what importance is this fund to the city?
The city’s reserves have always been a priority for the current and previous bodies of council. Continued responsible spending and budget management has started to, and will, continue to bring that reserve amount to an appropriate level. It is fiscally responsible, and good business sense, to have sufficient reserves on hand. While the current council is aggressively budgeting for increased reserve funds, the only direction at this point is to work within the current millage and budget constraints to build the reserves as aggressively as possible.
Name: Steven W. Coventry
Age: 48
Address: 180 N. Main St.
Occupation: Owner of Coventry Enterprises
Number of years as a resident of Clarkston: 14
‘What issues does Clarkston face?
The city has redone Main Street, resurfaced the other streets and installed water service to all the residents. These projects have depleted the city’s cash resources. We must work to rebuild our reserves while maintaining the level of services that residents have come to expect.
‘Should Clarkston contract police services with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department?
The police have been recognized by MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) for their actions. I encourage this tough stance on drunk drivers to continue as well as expanding the services the police provide. The sheriff’s department cannot provide the immediate and local services we now have and we would have no control over the cost of the service they would provide. The current city council has stated that they want our police department, and unless the citizens of Clarkston should say otherwise, I think we should keep and promote our police.
‘How would you promote businesses in downtown?
My wife and I had a business on Main Street in Clarkston for three years. We found little community support and little involvement of the businesses in the city. I think there needs to be more communication between the businesses, the government and the people to promote the benefits we offer. We must differentiate ourselves and our businesses from all the others that compete for the shopper’s attention.
‘How would you rebuild the city’s ‘Rainy Day? fund? Of what importance is the fund to the City?
I think the city needs to take a fresh look at the financing and cost of city services to see if it can be done more efficiently, and cost effectively, while still meeting the desires of the citizens. There may be opportunities to outsource some services that the city is now doing itself. We must have a ‘rainy day? fund as some expenses cannot be predicted or budgeted. For example, the city police recently had the opportunity to purchase video cameras at a substantial discount from the county and did so. They also have the opportunity to purchase Tasers that could lessen liability for our police and city. The city council is currently investigating ways to fund this non-budgeted item.
Name: Steve Wylie
Age: 52
Address: 6065 Middle Lake Rd.
Occupation: Founding Partner of Qualis Automotive, second largest supplier of aftermarket drums and rotors in the United States.
Number of years as a resident of Clarkston: We have lived in Clarkston for 10 years and for seven years in the township before that.
What issues does Clarkston face?
High taxes are a big problem, especially when cheaper tax alternatives for businesses, landlords and homeowners are right outside the city borders.
‘Should Clarkston contract police services with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department?
Yes. I think Chief Combs does an outstanding job on a ‘shoe string? budget. However, because Clarkston is so small, fiscal support of a local police department becomes very expensive for the tax payers. Contracting with Oakland County for all three shifts, through Independence Township, should reduce the city budget by a substantial amount. Oakland County currently provides protection on the midnight shift at an annual cost of $28,870, while the other two shifts cost $103,765 each. The police spending budget is $236,400. Police revenues of $37,500 provide some offset.
‘How would you promote businesses in downtown?
Government can help by procuring grant money and providing basic services. Events such as ‘Art in the Village? and ‘Taste of Clarkston? are a plus. Beyond that, it is up to the business owners. Government should welcome reasonable development and innovative ideas. Clarkston has not done this in the past. The most outstanding example is the adversarial attitude Clarkston has taken toward developing the vacant lot at Main and Waldon. This lot is a natural extension of downtown and development would create jobs and increase the tax base.
‘How would you rebuild the city’s ‘Rainy Day? fund? Of what importance is the fund to the City?
I mentioned some ideas above. Beyond that I would not approve expenditures such as the recent purchase of a lift truck for replacing light poles and tree trimming. The lift cost Clarkston tax payers $45,000, which is roughly $150 per household, and does not include storage, maintenance, insurance and operator training. These services should be outsourced or done with rental or borrowed equipment. The fund is important to protect the city from a crisis, if something unexpected should occur.
Name: Kristy Ottman
Age: 35
Address: 127 North Holcomb St.
Number of years a resident of Clarkston: 6
‘What issues does Clarkston face?
Fortunately, for all of us, Clarkston is a very comfortable, quaint place to live. However, I would like to see better control over ordinance enforcement and would explore the option of having a part-time zoning department established to help maintain local city ordinances. This would alleviate an already overburdened city managers office and require all residents to maintain their properties.
‘Should Clarkston contract police service with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department?
We should not contract with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department. While I recognize it may cost the city more to support our police department, I believe it is an advantageous service. If we were to engage in a contract with Oakland County, we would be required to pay for the basic service then pay additional monies to have our streets patrolled. Because of events that we sponsor, i.e., parades, ‘Art in the Village? and the ‘Taste of Clarkston,? we would again be required to allocate additional funds for police presence at these events. The village is 1/2 square mile; our police department is able to have concentrated patrols and having our streets patrolled and our park protected is a valuable asset to our city.
‘How would you promote businesses in downtown?
Clarkston is enjoying near 100 percent capacity in the store fronts and offices. We need to continue to work closely with the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce. They have provided a valuable service to our business district. I would also like to see a village Web site produced that residents can access. This would allow a wonderful opportunity for the local businesses to advertise privately to area residents.
‘How would you rebuild the city’s ‘Rainy Day? fund? Of what importance is this fund to the city?
The ‘Rainy Day? fund is crucial. Unforeseen emergencies occur in municipal government. We must be able to react quickly and have access to funds without having to obtain a loan from a bank. It is imperative that we have a cushion that allows our city to run smoothly and keep the residents safe. To rebuild the fund, we must allocate monies to be set aside at each budget until our coiffures are at an acceptable level.
Name: Derek Werner
Age: 34
Address: 10 Buffalo St.
Occupation: Advertising Account Executive
Number of years as a resident of Clarkston: Village resident for 4 years (Clarkston-area resident since 1972).
‘What issues does Clarkston face?
Some of the issues facing Clarkston include, but are not limited to, working to keep a balanced budget while still providing valuable city services (police department, department of public works, etc.); maintaining the historic charm of the Village as growth explodes around us; and keeping taxes and operating costs to a minimum.
‘Should Clarkston contract police service with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department?
I think it is important that Clarkston has its own police department, even though it is the city’s largest expense. I do not believe we would get the same thorough service (traffic and speed control, parking enforcement, home checks, business protection and special coverage at parades and city events) for the same cost if we outsourced to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department. I also feel it is necessary to have a department that is an integral part of, and responsive to, our community. We need to make sure that the police department and the community have a forum to communicate and opportunities to get to know each other outside of a speeding ticket. This interaction would not be achievable by contracting with the Sheriff’s Department. The charm of a small town is that you have the opportunity to know the police, the council and the mayor. I think accessibility is important.
‘How would you promote businesses in downtown?
I think many of the downtown businesses already do a great job promoting themselves. So the council’s primary role should be keeping an open door policy to address the concerns Clarkston businesses might have, and not put any unnecessary burdens on them. I think it is also important for the council to continue assisting organizations like the Clarkston Chamber of Commerce with the ‘Taste of Clarkston? and other community events that showcase our local businesses. Finally, I think it is important for all of us to shop downtown and take advantage of what’s available right here in our city.
‘How would you rebuild the city’s ‘Rainy Day? fund? Of what importance is this fund to the city?
By being fiscally responsible and keeping our costs down we should be able to rebuild the city’s ‘Rainy Day? fund. I think this is an important goal to work toward, but we cannot sacrifice needed city services to achieve it. The city manager and staff, DPW and police department all play a very important role in city operations and we need to make sure we have the funds available to support them.