Candidates for Clarkston City Council will run unopposed in the November election unless one or more write-in hopefuls join the race in coming months.
Nominating petitions for three seats were due at city offices’signed by at least 20 registered voters’Tues., Aug 7.
Only three petitions arrived by the cutoff time, said Clarkston City Manager Art Pappas.
Incumbents Cory Johnston and Jim Brueck, both first-term councilmen, filed petitions and hope to return to in November, while Councilman Dan Colombo has decided to step down after 10 years with the city council.
Peggy Roth, a part-time membership coordinator at Deer Lake Athletic Club, hopes to fill Colombo’s seat after an unsuccessful bid as a write-in candidate in 2006.
‘I was surprised only three of us filed petitions,? said Roth, who was first in line when the city called for write-in candidates during the 2006 election season. ‘I really thought everyone who ran last time would be back again.?
Roth said with her three children nearly grown’the youngest will graduate from Clarkston High School in 2008’the timing is right for another council run.
‘Clarkston is a fabulous place to live, so this is an idea I’ve been toying with for a long time,? she said, noting roots in a family that placed a high priority on community involvement.
Roth volunteered at all grade levels while her three children attended Clarkston schools.
City voters elect or reelect three council members to two-year terms each November. Even numbered years also include a mayoral candidate.
Members of the Clarkston City Council, who meet on second and fourth Mondays of each month, are paid a stipend of $25 for each regular meeting attended.
Independence Township trustees, by contrast, meet on first and third Tuesdays and receive $150 per meeting, while Springfield Township Trustees meet on second Thursdays and earn $100 per meeting.
Neither Independence Township nor Springfield Township will elect new trustees this November.
Polls open to registered voters in the city of the Village of Clarkston voters at 8 a.m. Tues., Nov. 6.
Write in candidates can still vie for available seats, and must file a declaration of intent, available from the city clerk, by 4 p.m. Fri., Nov. 2.
The Clarkston City Office is located at 375 Depot Road, and can be reached at 248-625-1559.

Questions for candidates
In an email questionnaire, candidates were asked a number of questions related to their knowledge and prioritization of city issues, and what personal experience and characteristics qualified them to sit on the Clarkston City Council. We will continue to share this information with Clarkston News readers as Election Day approaches.

Briefly explain why you are running . . .

‘To continue to promote environmental stewardship of our watershed.
‘To promote downtown for business and recreation (Depot Park).
‘To promote service and cost sharing opportunities between the village and township.
-Jim Brueck

‘Planting and environmental efforts have begun in the park and beyond, and I would like to see these efforts continued, expanded and integrated into our city policies and plans.
‘The budget still needs to be addressed.
‘Ordinances and policies are outdated, confusing and ignored.
‘Eventually we will need to think about a new city manager and overall city administration.
‘We have applied for the cooperation study with Independence Township, and I would like the opportunity for input.
-Cory Johnston

‘Because I think this is a fabulous place to live. Not only does my family live in the community but my husband’s family has been in business in this area for many years.
-Peggy Roth