BY DON RUSH
Assistant Publisher
One thing you won’t ask after meeting Independence Township’s Mark Petterson: Mark, where’s your passion?
It’s evident the 44 year old has set his sites on contributing to the Clarkston area. ‘It’s time people my age step up and do something besides complain,? Petterson said, with enthusiasm and sincere energy.
Last week, Petterson announced he will run for the township’s board of trustees. All seven board seats are up for grabs this election season. The deadline to file a candidate’s petition is May 13. According to Independence’s Elections Administrator Sandy Miller, to be valid, each petition must have between 50 and 100 signatures from township residents. As of this past Monday the township had received two petitions for township treasurer, one for trustee and two for precinct delegate.
Petterson, his wife Karen and their 6-year-old son Andrew, live on Peach Drive — a few streets over from where Petterson grew up.
‘My mom (Mary Karaba) still lives on Almond Lane,? Petterson, a 1982 Clarkston High School graduate, said.
Petterson started to pay attention to township affairs in 2000, after the new high school was built on Flemings Lake Road.
‘The land changed, the wildlife changed and along Almond Lane, people’s basements were flooding. Something needed to be done,? he said.
Petterson, an operating engineer for Allied Construction, spearheaded a citizens group to publicize the hardships caused and helped the school district and township hammer remedies. He’s been involved since, attending most meetings.
A member of the 10,000-acre Lost Lake Woods Club in Alcona County, Petterson said he is a strong conservationist — however, he added, pro-growth.
‘I build roads, I believe growth equals jobs and not just minimum wage jobs. You can’t live your life crying, ‘not in my backyard.? Growth is going to happen — but it has to be planned and positive growth. What is wrong with a single business — like a restaurant — in a single building and not in a strip mall??
Before new buildings are built, he believes existing buildings need to be filled — and township officials can do more to aggressively seek out tenants for vacancies.
Petterson said his high energy, plain-spokeness and historic perspective on the community are all good qualities for a township trustee.
‘I have nothing personal to gain by running. I am not building a resume. This is my home, it really is and even when I was gone it was always my home. I am not in any one group’s pocket. I can’t be bought — I’ve been in the community, too long. Township trustees are the final vote — their decisions will be either loved or hated. That is why you’re there, to make the hard decisions. As a board member you’ve got to want to listen to public, they are the ones who put you there. I am happy to roll up my sleeves, go knock on everybody’s door. I have no problems with talking to anybody or everybody in the township.?
One concern Petterson has are attitudes between board members and differing community boards.
‘There is a growing animosity between the township and the city (Clarkston). And, there seems to be pettiness between board members. It seems when somebody doesn’t vote a certain way people hold grudges. Why?
‘I believe I offer a fresh perspective on how our community is run. I want to work with other board members to better this community, and if someone votes against me, move on — it doesn’t mean they don’t like me or I them. I want to tear down the fences that have gone up between the city and the township,? he said. ‘I beleive you stay the course, impervise, adapt and overcome — but don’t just complain.?
Concerning finances, he said the township is in sound shape, ‘but obviously the people’s money needs to be spent wisely.?
Petterson believes the community needs an assisted living facility for the aging population and he believes the township should continue to help maintain neighborhoods and existing infrastructure.
His time as a high school athlete, in the military and 22 years in the construction businesss has taught him the benefits of discipline, tenancity and hardwork, ‘And that’s what I want to bring to the table. I am not afraid to roll up my sleeves and get dirty. It is time to give back to the community that has given so much to me. I have been fortunate and I am grateful this community has given me the opportunity to have a wonderful life.?
The primary election is in August. Read the Clarkston News each week in print and on-line for the latest news on issues and candidates.