Clarkston voters head to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 3, to select two City Council members.
Incumbent James Brueck, and challengers Craig Frasa, Stephen F. Hagis, and Thomas E. Hunter are running for three two-year terms.
Candidates for a one-year term include incumbent Peggy Roth, and Virgina Shultz, who is not campaigning. There is also a write-in candidate, Carol Eberhardt.

Candidates for two-year term.
Jim Brueck: resident of the Clarkston area for 38 years and village/city for 25 years.’We raised our 8 children here and 3 of our married children and 8 grandchildren live in the immediate Clarkston area.?
I was an engineering executive at General Motors and retired in 2008.’This year I have just launched a new business initiative called ‘Native Lakescapes’LLC, ‘which focuses on waterfront restoration and preservation of water quality, specializing in Michigan native plants. I am also co-chair of the Clarkston Watershed Group,’and a member of Wild Ones, and Wild Flower Association of Michigan.
Why are you running?
I have been on the council for two terms, or four years. I enjoyed serving on the council and the citizens of Clarkston. I think we are facing many issues where my experience will help provide the necessary leadership.
What do you think is the most important issue in the city right now and why?
Balancing the budget in the face of falling property values and reduced revenue sharing from the state is probably the most critical issue we will have to deal with shortly.
As a council member what are some of your plans or things you would like to see done in the city?
I would like to see the consistent enforcement of our ordinances in a timely manner. I would like to see a plan to improve the walkability/bikeability in our City and its connections to our neighbors. I would like the city to encourage our residents to practice clean water activities and promote a ‘green image? for Clarkston.
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Craig Frasa: I’m 40, married to Dawn Diederich for 14 years, have two kids in Clarkston Schools, lived in the city for six years, and the township for 27 years before that. We are both CHS grads, are active parents in the schools, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, and Clarkston United Methodist Church. I hold a Bachelors degree from Walsh College and have 15 years experience with GM in Technology management.
Why are you running?
I’m running to make sure that the residents have a choice instead of just enough candidates for seats and because I believe I have the skills necessary to help navigate the city through the changing times we face. I’ve also attended nearly every council meeting since June to make sure I am up to date on the current issues before the council.
What do you think is the most important issue in the city right now and why?
There are actually two key issues. First, is managing city services to meet residents? expectations in a time of sharply declining revenue. This is the most important issue facing the council at each meeting. Second is the future use of the old Township Hall on Main Street. The future use of this property could have significant, long term effects on the essence of what makes Clarkston a desirable place to live and visit.
As a council member what are some of your plans or things you would like to see done in the city?
As a council member I plan to push for expanded use of technology to get info about the city and what’s happening into the hands of residents and visitors in a fast, cost-effective way. I think there are many opportunities to improve our community through increased’communication.
I would also work to strengthen the ties between the businesses and the city. Much has been done in this area and we need to build upon that to keep the downtown vibrant and attractive.
Lastly, it’s important that we manage the funding we have to maximize the benefits to the residents. Understanding what is important to them is critical to me to do this job well. I hope to hear from many residents, my email address is cwfrasa@gmail.com.
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Stephen Hargis: My wife, Char, and I have lived on Main Street for 16 years. Before that, we lived near the intersection of Maybee Rd. and Sashabaw for 10 years. I am retired from General Motors where I worked for 37 years in Powertrain and Vehicle Engineering and Manufacturing.
Our eldest son, Jeff, his wife, Susan, our grandsons, Luke, 11, and Zach, 8, live in White Lake. Our second son, Jeremy, his wife, Tammy, and grandson, Jackson, 2, live in Farmington. Favorite activities include flying small airplanes, restoring our old house on Main St., and visiting with the family.
Why are you running?
I feel a need and a responsibility to get involved in the planning of our city’s future.
What do you think is the most important issue in the city right now and why?
We need to find ways to reduce taxes and live within our means. High tax rates are hurting our ability to attract people to buy homes and live in Clarkston. We are in competition with surrounding neighborhoods for scarce home buyers.
As a council member what are some of your plans or things you would like to see done in the city?
Lower tax rates.
Stop the commercial use of the old Independence Township Hall at 90 N. Main St. and find a use more compatible with the Historic District.
Identify and promote the positive aspects of our city to attract home buyers.
Support the Downtown Business Committee in their efforts to attract and retain appropriate business ventures in our downtown business district.
Reduce traffic noise especially un-muffled motorcycle exhaust.

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Thomas Hunter: I am a retired attorney and a graduate of the University of Michigan and U. of M. Law School. I have been a village resident for about 38 years. I served in the City Attorney’s office in Pontiac for over 33 years as Deputy City Attorney and City Attorney. I was also in private law practice in Clarkston for many years. I was a member of the Clarkston Charter Commission and also a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals for over 20 years. I am 74 years old and have been married to Jerry for 47 years. We have three adult children who attended Clarkston Schools, three grandchildren, and at present one dog.
Why are you running?
I agreed to be appointed to the council in May of this year to fill a vacancy. I was willing to serve because I have adequate time to serve because I am retired, and because I felt my education and experience in local government would make me well qualified for the position. I am running for election for the same reasons.
What do you think is the most important issue in the city right now and why?
Property (assessed) values are predicted to continue to decline for another couple of years. If this is correct, it will result in reduced property tax revenue to the city. This will make it difficult to maintain the level of services to which city residents are accustomed without a tax increase. I would no support a tax increase, but very careful and imaginative budgeting will probably be required.
As a council member what are some of your plans or things you would like to see done in the city?
Every effort should be made, within reason, to enforce the codes and ordinaces of the city in regard to property maintenance, with particular concern as to properties that may be vacant because of foreclosures. Also, it would be beneficial to the city if funds could be found for a building project to enable the city to unify all its functions at one location and update the condition of the city hall. However, this does not appear to be financially feasible unless a large grant is obtained.
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Candidates for one year term.
Peggy Roth: I am 54 years old. Bob and I have been married 32 years we have had the pleasure of living here in the city since ?98. We have 3 children. Tara, 22 yrs., college graduate and employed by Dow Chemical; Chelsey, 20 yrs., attending Baker College studying pharmacy tech and employed by Kirby Coney; Jordan, 19 yrs., attending MSU studying business. My interests are family, fitness, food, and fashion.
Why are you running?
I’m just finishing up two years on the council. I am re-running because I believe it is important to have a partnership between the council and our downtown businesses. I am also currently involved with the Clarkston retailer’s group and the Clarkston chamber of commerce.
What do you think is the most important issue in the city right now and why?
I think the survival of our downtown businesses because without them there is no downtown. We need to promote the ‘my Clarkston/buy Clarkston? idea. Promoting our current businesses will also help bring new businesses downtown.
As a council member what are some of your plans or things you would like to see done in the city?
To maintain the lifestyle that we enjoy as residents here in the city but also to be addressing our expenses and ways to curb spending.
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Write in Candidate for two year term
Carol Eberhardt: My husband Larry, and I have lived in the village for 27 years. We did a complete restoration on our home on Washington Street. Our three children graduated from Clarkston schools. I owned a business in the village for 15 years and was extremely involved in the business district.
I re-founded the Village Business Associate in the 80’s. Over the years I have volunteered for numerous committees and causes in the community. I was founding Chairman of the Board for Habitat for Humanity, for North Oakland County, which started here in Clarkston. Currently I am the Director of Education for Construction Education & Training, a non profit Construction training school. My resume includes years of management and training. My strengths are in finance, management and marketing.
Why are you running?
I served on the council in the mid 80’s and was Village President for one term. I had not considered running again, however, given current economic times and possible zoning issues, I decided I had an obligation to step forward and lend my expertise. I believe that having a deep history of the Village, adds a dimension to council decisions that is needed at this time.
What do you think is the most important issue in the city right now and why?
Certainly economics, getting the most bang for our buck.
As a council member what are some of your plans or things you would like to see done in the city?
Clear, unbiased analysis of the city finances and services. Strategic planning to ensure sound financial planning for the future. Support and development of the downtown business district and preservation and protection through sound zoning practices.
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Virginia Shultz is no longer seeking election.