Dear Editor,

In reply to the letter submitted recently by Cory Johnston (Clarkston News, October 6, 2021, “The Village needs a major change, and it starts with new council voice”), it’s amazing that the City of the Village of Clarkston is still standing.
With claims like his, you’d expect Armageddon. As usual, Mr. Johnston offers hyperbole.
You can always tell its election time when he and his band of naysayers come out with the same generic complaints, year after year.
Please offer evidence of inappropriately altered meeting minutes. Please offer evidence of ever-increasing costs to defend the city. Provide evidence that city leaders ignored a council vacancy. Please provide evidence that the city attorney watches and is paid to say nothing. You can’t provide evidence because emails and minutes and invoices will show your claims are untrue.
Yes, Cory, Chet Pardee, Tom Stone and Peg Roth are endorsing a slate of candidates focused on complaining about the ordinances we all live by. I question why Dr. Steven McLean, who is running for office, is suing the city over an ordinance. I question Dr. Chris Moore’s run for city council while he shows a lack of commitment to our ordinances. Rules for thee but not for me?
Lastly, I question a city council candidate who is not a taxpayer, as is the case with Paul Angelini.
In comparison, many in the village are supporting candidates who are rooted in the Common Good. They exemplify volunteerism and service and are committed to maintaining the beautiful, family friendly community we call home.
The difference is obvious. The positivity endorsed by Gary Casey, Bruce Fuller (write-in) and Laura Rodgers (write-in) vs. the negativity promoted by McLean, Angelini and Moore is obvious.
I choose the positive, and so should you.

Your neighbor,
Steve Hargis
Clarkston