We recently moved back to Clarkston from Birmingham. We had a home here in the 90s, early 2000s, our daughters are both Clarkston grads. Our experience was so wonderful we moved back last year. The parades were part of that hometown vibe; floats, cheer team, cars, clowns, dogs, Curt on his mini bike, etc. It was so community oriented and fun they seriously used to make me cry.
Well, we just attended our first Independence Day Parade back in Clarkston and it made me cry again, only for a different reason.
The parade was nothing more than a political rally. Out of 50 participants, we counted 10 non-politicians, everyone looked bored. So disappointing. We get it, it’s an election year, but really?! I vote policy not party so political affiliation isn’t an issue here. Maybe the committee should consider giving reduced rates to local business participants since the politicians campaigns pay for theirs, so your community can experience that Norman Rockwell vibe the current officials talk about.
I also believe that letters to the editor should not contain political endorsements.

Anne Ritchie
Clarkston