As the only incumbent running for a city council with three empty seats, Kristy Ottman says she’s thrilled that so many residents have stepped up and added their names to the list of write-ins eligible for election Nov. 7.
Elected to her first term on council two years ago, Ottman characterizes the past 24 months as a valuable learning experience.
‘It takes a long time to get anything accomplished when you have seven different personalities working on an issue,? she said. ‘There’s a lot to learn and it takes a lot of patience and time.?
As always, the budget is the biggest issue facing the city, she said, and it’s an issue that requires long term thought and careful planning by the council.
‘We have a very small budget to run this city,? she said. ‘We need to look at every dime and plan 10 or 15 years down the road to anticipate the needs of the community. We have to look at the future much more intensely.?
For now, Ottman won’t divulge any personal opinion on replacing the current police department with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department. It’s a complicated matter, she said, and she wants to see an objective, detailed proposal before drawing any conclusions about what is best for Clarkston and its residents.
Along with husband Pete, Ottman is parent to four boys ages 7, 5, 2 and 5 months and has lived in Clarkston since 1998. Most people decide to call the city home, she said, for many of the same reasons she and her family do; Clarkston embodies a sense of community not usually found in larger, more populated areas.
With a desire to foster that small-town feeling, Ottman recently initiated several programs meant to enrich the quality of life for Clarkston residents, including a plan to help local seniors with various household tasks.
‘We all have neighbors who require a little extra care,? she said. ‘Especially the elderly. They carried the burden for so many years ? it’s just the right thing to do.?
Also in her sights is a plan to assemble a welcome committee to greet new residents.
‘We pay a lot in taxes, so it makes sense to do what we can to help people who have chosen to move here,? she said. ‘They can glean so much just from a friendly hello and a basket of goods.?
It’s also a great way, Ottman said, to help local businesses by introducing them to those new to the area.
Ottman has a background in retail management, but made the choice to stay home with her four young sons these days. As the mother of such a young, large brood, she said, sleeping is something of a sport.
Still, she makes time to be involved in her neighborhood and her community.
‘Life isn’t always easy,? she said, ? and we don’t always get what we want.? But as long as I do what I think is right, then I know I’ve done my best.?