By Matt Mackinder
Clarkston News Editor

CLARKSTON — It’s almost Election Day, and locally, three candidates are running unopposed for Clarkston City Council two-year terms on Nov. 7.
Gary Casey and Laura Rodgers are current council members, while Ted Quisenberry is running for his first term. Casey has been on council since June 2020 when he was appointed to complete Scott Reynolds’ term through 2021. Casey then ran in 2021 for a normal two-year term and was re-elected. Rodgers was elected in 2021.
Bruce Fuller is not running for re-election.
The deadline has passed for candidates to officially be on the ballot, and Oct. 27 was the deadline to register as a write-in candidate.
Voting runs from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. next Tuesday. Clarkston City Clerk Karen DeLorge will open the office on Nov. 4 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. to assist residents with voter registration, absentee ballots, or to answer questions.
Casey, Quisenberry, and Rodgers were all sent the same questionnaire to answer ahead of the election. Casey did not respond to messages left by the Clarkston News.
NAME: Theodore (Ted) Quisenberry
AGE: 70
FAMILY: Wife Cheryl (deceased), daughter Tara, daughter-in-law Tarynn, and grandson Rory
HOW MANY YEARS LIVED IN VILLAGE: Since Dec. 26, 2021, previously lived in Independence Township from 1962-70
GOVERNMENT POSITIONS HELD: No other elected positions.
WHY YOU ARE RUNNING FOR ELECTION? I enjoyed a 43-year career in law enforcement and homeland security working for three different municipalities in Oakland County. As such, I learned about municipal government, budgeting, policy development, and the importance of collaboration of resources to achieve shared goals. After attending and participating in several city council meetings as well as taking part in the different city committees, I believe the experience(s) I have will afford me the ability to work with city council, our various stakeholders, and the citizens of Clarkston.
My wife and I chose to return to Clarkston, purchased a historical home in 2020, investing in renovating it back to its original Greek Revival style. Being retired, I have the time to commit to to another opportunity at public service.
WHAT ISSUES WITHIN THE VILLAGE DO YOU WANT TO ADDRESS IN YOUR TERM? Identifying the wants of the citizens and working through the municipal process to achieve them, keeping within the budgeting limitations.
NAME: Laura Rodgers
FAMILY: Husband Jim, daughter and son-in-law Brittany and Brett Nickoli, grandchildren Nora, Nash and Noel Nickoli, son Matthew Rodgers, and son and daughter-in-law Luke and Jordan Rodgers
HOW MANY YEARS LIVED IN VILLAGE: 5 years
GOVERNMENT POSITIONS HELD: 2 years on city council.
WHY YOU ARE RUNNING FOR ELECTION? I am running for re-election for city council because I am deeply committed to helping our community evolve while maintaining the values and character that define us and preserves the historic small-town charm that makes our city so special. I believe in listening to the voices of our residents and businesses and working together to address their needs and concerns. It’s my pledge to work diligently to strike this balance, ensuring our city remains a welcoming place for families and individuals, where the neighborly spirit thrives, local businesses prosper, and our heritage with small-town values endures.
WHAT ISSUES WITHIN THE VILLAGE DO YOU WANT TO ADDRESS IN YOUR NEXT TERM? I have a vision of uniting our citizens, businesses, and city government to work in harmony. To me, a thriving community means everyone is on the same page, working towards common goals and the common good.