Candidates for Clarkston City Council Michael E. Cascone, Eric Haven, Jason Kneisc, David Marsh, Alfred Avery and Peggy Roth were asked what they thought were the critical functions of city government, as well as what they would change and preserve about the city.
Michael E. Cascone said the most important service to residents on a daily basis is the Department of Public Works.
“Others provide water, sewer and fire/emergency response ? our DPW supervisor and staff do about everything else including sidewalk maintenance, repair, replacement; roads (patch); park grounds and equipment; vehicle preventative maintenance and repair; snow removal; tree care, cutting; building grounds maintenance; lights; vehicle and pedestrian traffic control (events); and more,” Cascone said. “In the end the most critical service supplied is, or should be, communicating with the ultimate boss ? the residents who elected us and pay for the services provided.”
The Clarkston News opinion page on Oct. 14 included a letter from the recently formed ‘Friends of the City of the Village of Clarkston.”
” I read this well written letter with interest and in mostly complete agreement ? except of course the last paragraph when the names of the candidates the group is supporting for election did not include mine,” he said. “The League of Women Voters asked all candidates to respond in writing to questions regarding qualifications and our approach to issues, which are published on their website. They also sponsored a Candidate Forum with responses to audience questions which can be seen on our local TV station. I participated in both, not all candidates did.”
His written and verbal responses are in concert with the Friends of the City of the Village of Clarkston’s, he said.
“Especially the ‘Objectives? which will surface throughout these responses always including Principal, Objectivity, Needs, Cooperation, and Smiling, which will foster an environment of decision making to protect residential with a consistent, objective approach to any proposal that may threaten that delicate balance. We are on the same page,” he said.
Eric Haven said critical functions city government provides to residents include oversight of public works, master plan and ordinances, zoning, contracted services, road maintenance, police, fire, parking, Depot Park and many special events.
“Improvements can always be made but I think of change in Clarkston more qualitatively than quantitatively,” Haven said. “I love Clarkston’s historical character maintained by its businesses, residents, the HDC and promoted by the Historical Society. I love our schools our library, our civic groups and our churches which make up the institutional fabric of our community. I want to see Clarkston preserved and enhanced by each of these elements.”
Alfred Avery said the city’s critical functions are road and sidewalk maintenance, code enforcement, park maintenance, communication, historic preservation.
Changes include slowing traffic down as they drive through town. Making sure the city government is accessible to the residents and business owners. Making the city government as efficient and cost-effective as possible without compromising service.
“I want to preserve the historic, small-town feel of our city,” he said. “I think people live in the city because they enjoy the ability to walk around town and enjoy Depot Park and the great shops and restaurants that are within walking distance. We enjoy the parades and concerts in the park. But most of all I think people like the fact that their neighbors take pride in their homes and are respectful of their neighbors. We get the opportunity to know our neighbors.”
The residents have great pride in their town and are willing to do what it takes to keep improving it, he said.
“I want to preserve the historic nature of our city and I want to make sure that our tax dollars are being spent in a prudent manner. Being a member of the Clarkston Rotary Club I’ve been fortunate to be able to contribute to the improvement of our City through our club and would like the opportunity to continue to improve the city through my work on the City Council,” he said.
Jason Kneisc said the charter states the Council will ?’make appropriations for the operation of the city government and provide for the public peace, health, safety and welfare of persons and property.?
“At this point in time the overwhelming majority of citizens feel upbeat about the current environment in the CVC,” he said/ “All the data points to this, businesses are doing well, new businesses are moving in, homes are not remaining vacant as everyone tries to move here, attendance at events is high, non-residents from all over visit frequently to eat and enjoy Main Street, the Mill Pond and Depot Park. One thing I would work to change is to help some of the areas in the CVC realize their full potential. It is amazing to think that we have done great things, but could easily do so much more. The historic charm and small town feel should absolutely’be preserved.”
Peg Roth said the most important part is deciding how money is being spent.
“We want to preserve our historic area within reason,” Roth said.
“We need more restaurants and more retail, but what we also need some kind of control over what is opening and where employees are going to park.”
David Marsh did not provide a response.