BY LAURA COLVIN
Clarkston News Staff Writer
With three candidates running for three open seats on the Clarkston City Council, some members say they hope others will step up to make the race interesting.
‘I always want to encourage people to run for office,? said Kristy Ottman, who was reelected to her second term in 2006.
‘It’s always better to have a choice. More candidates result in more conversation, debate and discussion leading up to the election.?
While it can be ‘unnerving? for aspiring council members to run against other qualified candidates, she said, the resulting public dialogue is beneficial to the city.
‘I always want people to question what the city board is doing,? said Ottman, who is currently serving as chair of the city’s Police Chief Selection Committee.
‘It’s important to have those checks and balances so people know what decisions are being made, and who’s making them.?
Residents wishing to register as a write-in candidate can submit forms at the city office by Nov. 2.
The paperwork, explains City Manager Art Pappas, reduces hassle for election workers when voters write prank names on the ballot.
With the new system, only the names of candidates registered with the city will be counted.
‘If someone does run as a write-in, they really need to get out there and campaign,? said Pappas, who also serves at the city’s clerk and treasurer.
‘Don’t even bother if you’re not going to knock on doors and say, ‘I’m so-and-so and I’ll really do a great job on city council.??
A lot of campaigning, he said, was the reason newcomers were able to unseat incumbents in recent years.
In 2005, Councilman Cory Johnston was elected to his first term after defeating long-time incumbent Walter Gamble.
‘I wish more people would run,? said Johnston, one of two incumbents up for reelection.
‘I think the campaign will be very quiet because there’s no reason for the issues to be raised or discussed.?
During his first term, Johnston has been an outspoken advocate for reform of city budget practices and issues relating to enforcement of the city charter.
‘It’s better when there’s open discussion,? he said. ‘It’s better for the community and better for council.?
Mayor Sharron Catallo said she had mixed feelings on whether the city should encourage additional candidates to step forward.
‘I like it more when there’s a selection of candidates, even when I’m running,? said Catallo, who’s been challenged only twice since she was elected as the city’s first mayor in 1992.
‘So on the one hand, I’d like to see more people running, but on the other hand, if they’re happy with the way things are, then they don’t see the need to change anything. People must be satisfied or they’d be running for council.?
Residents who have served on the city’s planning commission or zoning board of appeals, she said, bring detailed knowledge of city issues to the table and usually make good council members.
The only qualification to run for council, however, is at least one year of city residency.
For more information, call the Clarkston City Office at 248-625-1559.

Who represents you?

Candidates were asked about their knowledge and prioritization of local issues, as well as their qualifications to serve on the Clarkston City Council. We will share this information with Clarkston News readers as Election Day approaches.

What local politician(s) do you
admire, and why?

‘Kristy Ottman (Clarkston City Councilwoman)’She speaks her mind without being offensive, and is open to input from others.
‘Cory Johnston (Clarkston City Councilman)’He is willing to take on unpopular issues that need to be addressed, and is very hardworking and dedicated.
– Jim Brueck

‘Collin Walls (Springfield Township Supervisor) ? He has stuck to his plan for Springfield Township and personally makes sure that the plan is carried out.
‘Vicki Barnett (Farmington Hills Mayor and president of the Michigan Municipal League) ? For her understanding of the problems cities in Michigan currently face, and her efforts to make a change.
– Cory Johnston

‘Brooks Patterson (Oakland County Executive)’I believe he really works hard to do what is best for Oakland County.
– Peggy Roth