BY MATT MACKINDER
Clarkston News Editor

Back in November, Laura Rodgers and Bruce Fuller were elected as new members to the Clarkston City Council.
After a close vote for the open seats had to be certified by Oakland County due to a large number of write-in votes, the three open seats officially went to Gary Casey, who has been on council since the summer of 2020, and Rodgers and Fuller.
Just after gaining election, Rodgers and Fuller discussed challenges in their new council roles.
“I have felt for a while now that the world we live in has become a bit polarized in its view,” Rodgers said. “Ideas are either good or bad. People are either right, or they are wrong. The idea of opening one’s mind to what may be different from your own, to compromise, is becoming less and less the norm.
“When this thinking happens, if it invades our town, we all lose. We lose the ability to discuss issues at hand, we lose the ability for progress in the best direction, and we lose perspective on those issues that we hold dear.”
Rodgers went on to say serving her community means continuing to be an attentive neighbor.
“I believe one of the challenges that I now face as a Clarkston councilmember is preventing the potential for division of neighbors in our community,” said Rodgers. “I firmly believe we need to not only talk with our neighbors but listen to them as well. This is something we must do regardless of whether we are on council or not. Through neighborly discussions, sound decisions for the common good will be made. I moved to Main Street for the sense of neighborhood that it presented. It is my duty to not just preserve what is there but encourage growth according to the wishes and wants of my neighbors. My challenge will be to keep my mind open while changes are made and to help others do the same.
“Keeping our sweet town united in purpose is a challenge I plan on being a part of.”
Fuller is on the same page as Rodgers, saying he knows he was elected to serve the people of Clarkston.
“The greatest challenge of being a councilmember is being well informed before voting on issues,” said Fuller. “For the council to be effective, its members must be receptive to the opinions and ideas of residents within a diverse community. Whenever I have discussed the concerns of this city with a friend or neighbor, my knowledge base has grown. I often experience a shift in my perspective.”
Fuller noted that knowing many people who have served the city in various capacities can only benefit him in his new role.
“They provide me with a wealth of historical insights,” said Fuller. “Many people I know have lived and raised their children here. Some of these children are adults that still call Clarkston home. All of these great people, and the neighbors which I continue to meet, provide a tremendous opportunity to learn about what people envision for our city. In all cases, I have found people are willing to share their thoughts if someone is willing to listen. I don’t imagine that every vote I cast will be applauded by every resident, but I certainly will welcome and honor each individual perspective. The desire to listen and learn, is the goal I have set for myself.
“Throughout my tenure on the council, I will remind myself that I was elected to represent every resident.”