Kristy Ottman grabbed a Kleenex and tried to keep pace with the tears streaking down her face, but heartfelt accolades from fellow council members obviously made the task difficult.
After five years serving on Clarkston City Council, Ottman resigned Monday.
A letter to the council explained: ‘As each of you know, our home has been for sale for (two-and-a-half-years),? Ottman wrote in a letter dated April 23. ‘We now have an offer’and will be moving before July 1.?
Ottman and her husband, Pete, along with their four young sons, will move to Independence Township, where they recently signed a lease agreement. Their home in the village is in foreclosure.
‘My heart is broken,? Ottman wrote. ‘I hate to leave but the circumstances require us to do so.?
The Ottmans had been in negotiations since October with the children of a deceased resident regarding purchase of their father’s estate by land contract.
Less than a month ago, however, the heirs reportedly decided to sell the property by conventional mortgage only.
A new state law prohibits people who have sold their house on a ‘short? to get a conventional mortgage for 24 to 48 months, Ottman said.
‘This economy escapes no one,? she said. ‘We need to go and get our bearings and start over. We made a made a gallant effort to do that here in the city, but it just didn’t work.?
Ottman, who said she hopes to return to the city within five years, was first elected to the council in November 2004. She was re-elected in 2006, appointed Mayor Pro-Tem and was re-elected again in 2008. Although she and her family may remain in the city for several months, depending on when the bank sets a closing, Ottman said she felt leaving the council now is the ‘right thing to do.?
‘If I stay I become a microcosm of what’s happening in Washington,? she said. ‘Our little city is up against some big challenges, and it wouldn’t be right for me to be participating in discussions and voting on issues, knowing I’m leaving soon. I’m not happy about it at all, but doing what’s right doesn’t necessarily make you happy.?
Ottman said she felt a deep debt of gratitude to many residents in the city who’ve been kind to her family and children over the years.
While she had no idea who would replace her, Ottman said she felt the person who is ultimately appointed ‘needs to get their feet wet as soon as possible? in order to get an understanding of the challenges facing the city.
As Ottman prepared to leave before regular business got underway, the council wasn’t short on praise and good wishes.
‘You’ve always put your whole heart into everything you did,? said councilman Jim Brueck. ‘Thank you for everything you’ve done for the city.?
‘The reason I’ll accept this resignation is because I know Kristy is going to do great things somewhere else,? said Councilman Cory Johnston. ‘She’ll still be involved with her kids, her family, the schools and the community, as she always has been.?
Mayor Steve Arkwright and the council members signed a proclamation expressing ‘deep regret and sadness? accepting Ottman’s resignation, but also to thank her for countless hours of service.
During her time on council, Ottman served on a number of committees, including Physical Plant and Assets, Finance, Departments, Operations, Parks, Youth Assistance and the annual Depot Park Picnic.
Ottman also served on Clarkston’s Police Chief Selection Committee and spearheaded city participation in join the Main Street Oakland County program. In addition, Ottman was a proponent of offering assistance to elderly residents of the community and initiated snow removal and yard clean-up services for senior citizens.
‘She’s always done a great job,? said Arkwright. ‘In many ways, she’s the voice of the city and I’m sorry to see her go.?
Councilman Charles Inabnit said he would miss Ottman, both as a fellow member of council, and as a friend.
‘This is a great loss for the city,? he said after Monday’s meeting. ‘She’s one of the hardest working members of this council; she’s dedicated, she’s selfless. It just goes to show that no one is immune to these times.?
Arkwright asked council members to send nominations for Ottman’s replacement. Any city residents interested in filling the position can also contact the mayor via email at Sarkwright@yahoo.com.