Cory Johnston says he’s become what he hates about government.
First elected in 2005, Johnston served two two-year terms on the Clarkston City Council, but announced last week he won’t seek reelection for his term ending in November.
‘What’s the use?? he said ‘I attended a lot of meetings, both in the city and the township before I ran for council, and I hated the attitude many of the elected officials had. I take this job very seriously, but it’s gotten to the point where I just don’t feel I can accomplish anything.?
As one of the council’s most outspoken members, Johnston spent much of the last four years arguing for issues pertaining, for example, to transparency of city operations. He’s also advocated for a long-term approach to planning and problem solving.
But Johnston said he’s found the entire process difficult. And frustrating.
‘We need people on the council who are better at dealing with others and getting members of the council to agree,? he said. ‘I don’t believe I can be effective; I put in too much time and too much effort. If no one wants to listen, what’s the point??
Johnston pointed to a great deal of time he spent researching sidewalk standards, noting he strongly recommended five-foot sidewalks be installed as the city began replacing and repairing problem spots last year.
Five-foot walks, he said, are the new standard, and could be required in order to meet standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Johnston also said he’s repeatedly asked for information he can’t get, especially pertaining to the city’s DPW operation.
After numerous requests, the council was provided with partial DPW logs, which arrived, for a few months, in council information packets. The records have since ceased, and on Monday the council passed a resolution to revoke departmental log requirements.
According to city administrators, council members will no longer receive departmental logs in, but the information will still be available at the city office though a ‘reasonable, effective, responsible request to the city manager to review such documents.?
The resolution passed 5-2, with Johnston and Councilmen Chuck Inabnit voting against it.
Mayor Steve Arkwright, along with Councilwoman Peg Roth and Councilmen Jim Brueck, Mike Gawronski, and Tom Hunter agreed they didn’t need the information provided, and after the meeting each said he or she didn’t plan to regularly review departmental logs.
‘Not even irregularly,? said Hunter.
Johnston told the council it was ‘votes like this? that prompted his decision to not seek reelection.
‘If someone’s going to all that trouble to not give me the information, I have to believe there’s something they don’t want me to know,? he said. ‘A council member should have whatever information they need to make an informed decision. I don’t know how we’re supposed to operate otherwise.?
Although Johnston won’t run again, he said he doesn’t consider the past four years a waste of time, and cited an update of the city’s park ordinance, as well as getting many dangerous areas of broken and buckled sidewalks ‘partially addressed.?
‘Regardless of my frustration, I want to encourage people to run,? he said. ‘It’s worthwhile. You can make a difference.?
Johnston also cited work he and Clarkston Watershed Group co-chair Jim Brueck collaborated on as an accomplishment.
‘It’s been very rewarding,? he said. ‘We’ve had $2,000 in grants, another $2,000 in donations, and we’ve attracted 50 volunteers to come out and get involved.?
So, while he wants to remove himself from the politics of city operation, Johnston said he plans to stay involved through continued participation with the Clarkston Watershed Group, as well as projects such as the Main Street Oakland County program.
Jim Brueck, who was seated on council the same time as Johnston, said he plans to run for reelection, and cites fiscal responsibility and environmental issues as continuing priorities.
Brueck said he was ‘disappointed for the city? after learning Johnston wouldn’t seek reelection.
‘It’ll be the loss of a critical voice,? Brueck said. ‘Cory brought a lot of good ideas and tough questioning to the council, and whether you agreed with his position or not, there was no question he was motivated by what was in the best interest of the city in his opinion.
Councilwoman Peg Roth said she hadn’t yet decided whether she’ll seek reelection to a second term.
‘I’ve enjoyed being on the council; I’ve learned a lot and met some of the nicest people,? she said. ‘I’m just sure yet if I’m going to run again.?
Roth said she was ‘really surprised? to hear Johnston wasn’t planning to seek reelection.
‘He’s always full of questions and always very interested in what’s going on,? she said. ‘He gets emotional about the issues and the way things play out; sitting next to him at that table, I see the notes and how much time he puts into the council.?
Roth said she felt it would take a ‘certain kind of person? to replace Johnston’s thoroughness.
Tom Hunter, who was appointed to replace departing Councilwoman Kristy Ottman, said he wasn’t sure whether he’d seek reelection, but was ‘leaning in that direction.?
The city charter requires any council member appointed to fill a vacancy midterm to seek voter approval at the next election.

Mayor Steve Arkwright said the city, like other municipalities, is facing serious issues and needs people who are ‘objective, clear minded, and can examine the facts.?
The ability to make decisions that may not be popular among residents, he said, is also important, and the job requires people who are dedicated and willing to put forth the time and effort necessary.
Arkwright was elected in November 2008 after long-time Mayor Sharron Catallo stepped down.
‘It’s been way more time consuming than I anticipated, and more challenging,? Arkwright said. ‘But I’m optimistic about the outlook.?
After Monday’s meeting, Arkwright explained his reasons behind the resolution to revoke departmental log requirements. Please see next week’s Clarkston News for a follow-up story.