Charles Inabnit said he never hesitated when Clarkston Mayor Sharron Catallo asked him to fill a city council seat vacated earlier this month.
Bill Rausch, a retired GM employee, rendered his resignation Sept. 2, claiming a busy schedule did not allow him to adequately carry out his obligations to the city.
‘I was very disappointed to hear (Rausch) resigned,? said Inabnit, a 33-year Clarkston resident. ‘He made a commitment to serve the city for two years and I think he should have stuck to it.?
Inabnit, however, one of a small handful of residents to regularly attend the twice-monthly meetings, said he feels ‘up to speed? on city issues.
Inabnit served on both the Police Services Committee and the Police Chief Selection Committee , and said he’d like to see the city’s police department continue to move forward.
‘The police department is a vital part of our city,? he said. ‘It’s important we maintain it and continue to make improvements.?
The ever-tight budget, he said, is also a concern.
‘We pay a lot of taxes in Clarkston,? he said. ‘I’d like to see what I can do to alleviate that.?
Inabnit, 38, is a land surveyor with Kieft Engineering, and has lived in Clarkston 33 years. He and his wife Carrie have three children ages 14, 10 and 7.
Serving on the council, he said, is a welcome opportunity.
‘I was honored (the mayor) asked me,? he said. ‘The city’s been good to me and I’d like to give back.?
Inabnit will be appointed to the council for a one-year term, and can seek reelection in the November 2008 election if he chooses.