Dear Editor,

This is a letter I have been meaning to write since the purported “innocuous” and so-called secret documents were finally released to the public by the city attorney, Tom Ryan, under the unanimous direction of the city council.
Upon hearing of the availability of these documents, I obtained my own copy. After reading them, I found, in my opinion, nothing but communication, texts and letters, some with cc’s to others, that did not appear to be of a restricted nature and apparently the Michigan Supreme Court agreed.
I am not sure how many residents in this community are aware of what has transpired within our local government in the last five years. The city council, at the lead of the city attorney, has been pursuing, again in my opinion, a frivolous and costly lawsuit based on their not wanting to provide, after requests by individuals in this community, documents as they relate to village happenings because of “principle.” This case has gone as far as the Michigan Supreme Court and has incurred, on behalf of the city, legal fees ranging from a reported $300,000 up to $600,000 as reported in a letter to The Clarkston News dated November 18, 2020.
The mayor, Eric Haven, stated that these documents were “never viewed by any city official before their recent release.” If so, what did the council base their decision on to pursue this matter at the length and expense they did?  Was this merely done on advice from the city attorney without question as to the basis for this action not even having read the supposed “secret” documents to understand why they should be withheld from the public?
I would hope that the council would need a considerable amount of reasoning to forward a case to the Supreme Court of this state.
These are the actions of the people that are supposedly protecting our community and the stewards of how our taxes and monies are being spent in this village? This is what the mayor views as keeping watch over the “jewel” being Clarkston. “Home and harmony in Clarkston?”
I think not.
When I think of the amount of money that was involved in this endeavor of “our” local government, it behooves me to think of the ways that this money and the efforts of all involved could have been directed in so many positive things for our community.
I have had the opportunity to work with so many programs and committees in this area, including a few years on the Clarkston City Council, and have been privy to the needs of many programs over the years and think of what could have been done with this amount of money.
It was suggested to me, when I was inquiring about the costs involved in this, that much of this could be covered by the insurance the village carries. Does that matter? Is it okay to just spend regardless of where the money comes from? I don’t agree with that.
I hope, if this letter doesn’t do anything else, that it makes people aware of what has transpired and to question what is being done in the City of the Village of Clarkston, making our government work for us and be accountable to us in the way they are supposed to be.
Thank you for your time and consideration in reading this.

Sincerely,
Peg Roth
Clarkston