Letter to the Editor: City should be resolving financials

Dear Editor,

Mayor Eric Haven’s recent communications emphasize what is important in Clarkston: authenticity, charm, our brand and things historical.
Unfortunately, these are the very things at risk due to council not acting to resolve the critical issue of city finances. I hear no one, I emphasize, no one, expressing feelings antagonistic to authenticity, charm, our brand, and things historical.
If it’s true the mayor’s communications only serve as a vehicle to endorse his favored candidates, he does not explain how his favored candidates will protect the critical attributes of the village. Not resolving the city’s financial challenges puts these descriptions and the City of the Village of Clarkston at risk. 
Is it understood, and can it be explained, why one-third of our property taxes pay bond debt from 2000 and 2007? Is it understood, and can it be explained, why the current budget for capital expenses is one-fifth of the previous budget? 
When council conducted the city manager’s performance review, was it asked what council could do to support the city’s employees? Oh, not asked? Oh, never provided the performance review he requested. Never, in five years?
 Yes, it takes a mind and a spine to resolve the city’s financial issues. A mind which understands, a mind which considers solutions and a spine to acknowledge and provide the political will to implement solutions. 
The mind and spine have not been demonstrated by council leadership to protect the authenticity, charm, our brand and things historical.
Infrastructure repair, beyond Depot Park, is required. “Historic” does not infer “broken.” Yet, streets, sidewalks, and pavers put the safety of our residents and visitors at risk. 
The city does not need more placeholders or station keepers in council positions. Capable, committed council members with the ability to understand, consider alternatives and implement solutions to the city’s financial challenges, are required for Clarkston to continue as a City of the Village of Clarkston. 
I support ballot candidates Paul Angelini and Steven McLean and write-in candidate Christopher Moore for Clarkston City Council.  These three candidates are capable, committed, caring, courageous, courteous, compassionate and conscientious and reside in the Historic District.
They will serve One Clarkston with distinction.

Sincerely,
Chet Pardee
Clarkston

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