It was really close.
Just 31 of the 465 votes cast in Clarkston’s mayoral race nudged incumbent Sharron Catallo to a narrow victory over challenger Steve Wylie.
Wylie was the first candidate to oppose Catallo since 1992.
‘This election was very good for me,? said Catallo. ‘I had to reconsider a number of old ideas and look at things from a different perspective.?
In the last few weeks before the election, both candidates began knocking on doors and making phone calls in a final push to secure votes.
Although the ballot contained no police-related proposals, the race at times seemed driven by polar opinions on whether Clarkston should retain the current police, or disband the department in an effort to reduce the city’s property taxes.
But Catallo, who supports keeping the Clarkston Police Department in tact, said the issue must still be addressed.
‘We’re going to get the citizens police committee underway,? she said. ‘There’s not much point talking about it anymore, we need to just get moving on it.?
The committee will consist of five volunteer residents who will research the issue and make recommendations to the city council.
Maintenance of the police department costs the city nearly a third of its budget, a central campaign issue for Steve Wylie.
‘I’m disappointed in the results of the election,? he said, ‘but I did work hard to communicate that property taxes in Clarkston are too high and I’m confident my message got out to the voters.?
Wylie, who gave up his city council seat in a run for the mayor’s chair, said he would like to remain active in the community in some capacity, but isn’t ready jump back in just yet.
Incumbent Councilwoman Kristy Ottman received 288 votes on election day and will begin a second term when the Clarkston City Council reconvenes Nov. 13.
‘A great big thank you to all the voters,? Ottman said Wednesday. ‘It renews my energy to know that the residents are happy with my performance, and I’m going to push for another strong two years.?
Ottman is currently collaborating with longtime Clarkston resident Tom Stone to iron out details of a senior chore program. She’d like to start a committee to welcome new residents to the city, as well.
Bill Rousch grabbed the most write-in votes among the five registered candidates, with 74.
One of the key reasons for deciding to run in the election, he said, was to lend a voice in support of the local police department.
A retired General Motors Maintenance Supervisor, Rausch served as an Independence Township volunteer firefighter for 29 years.
Rausch characterizes himself as an honest and straightforward individual, and said he has the ability to keep an open mind and take in the facts as they are presented.
‘You can’t go in with a single issue or an ax to grind,? he said just before the election. ‘When you get elected, you get elected to do a job. That means you take care of everyone, not just a few.?
Mike Gawronski garnered 65 write-in nods, while Walt Gamble, a former 10-year council member unseated by Councilman Cory Johnston last year, came in at 64.
Although Gawronski appears to have won the last of three vacant spots by one vote, City Manager Art Pappas said the third council seat won’t be officially awarded until the write-in ballots are certified by the Oakland County Board of Canvassers.
‘Gawronski’s name was written 12 or 13 different ways on the ballot,? he said. ‘We have to list them all separately.?
The board will make the final determination on the validity of those votes, Papas said, noting that he expects a decision within the next several days.