Joan McCrary has never considered herself a cheerleader, but there’s lots of enthusiasm in the way she talks about living in Independence Township.
Appointed to the vacant township clerk’s position 15 years ago, she earned reelection three times. She preceded that service with five years on the zoning board of appeals, having received her first taste of active involvement with a supervisor’s election campaign.
A Detroit native, McCrary lived in Indiana for a time, and credits her interest in local politics to an uncle who served on the Fort Wayne City Council.
The clerk’s function is the oldest government position historically, she said, and there’s so much to it that McCrary can’t imagine holding a different position. The clerk’s office serves as a record keeper, coordinator of elections, payer of township bills and source of information on almost all township functions and activities.
“This is the center of the universe,” she said, chuckling. “Every piece of paper goes through here at one time or another. You’re a legislator and an administrator. We’re involved in everything. Every day is a different day.”
Part of the challenge locally, of course, is attempting to keep a balance between modern services and old-time community character. She believes land use and planning are the most important functions of the township government.
“You’re trying to have managed growth, but you’re trying to stay aesthetically the same. People always say ‘That’s why I moved here.’ But people want city services.”
In addition to being a 25-year clerk, McCrary is a 31-year township resident. She believes she would still live here even if she did not hold office here.
“I love living here,” she said, again noting the balance of open space, shopping, services and recreation. “It’s one of the best places around the Detroit area to live.”
While the township government tends to be conservative in many ways, McCrary emphasized their efforts to take advantage of creative development and modern technology.
The township board is moving toward a “paperless agenda” with use of laptop computers, and work continues to keep elections efficient with computerized scanning machines.
“We are trying to keep up to date as much as we can,” she said.
The people, however, seem to be the biggest asset to the community, and McCrary is among those working to maintain a healthy sense of community.
Her outside involvement includes work with the Clarkston Junior Optimists (involving middle school students), the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Clarkston Coalition for Youth and First Baptist Church of Clarkston.
“When you put all these people together, and you have something for everyone, then you have a wholesome community,” she said.
Professionally, she is also active in the Women Officials Network of Oakland County.
“I’ve been on so many things down through the years I can’t even think of them all.”
McCrary feels a sense of obligation to the community and to community organizations.
“I think it’s part of my job,” she said, not only to help but just to be available to residents. “People expect you to be there, and they want to talk to you. No matter where you are, people want to ask questions about the community.”
There’s a positive give and take when government officials are involved in community activities, she said, summing it up with a simple thought: “We all need each other.”
Married to Delbert, a retired builder, McCrary proudly speaks of three grown children (all Clarkston High School graduates) and six grandchildren. They’re a bit spread out, with one son in Michigan, a daughter in Florida and a son who is a missionary in Taiwan.
When the family (which includes her parents, ages 92 and 85) are available, they have helped with McCrary’s campaigns, helping with mailers and door-to-door visits.
“It’s exhilarating,” she said. “They love it.”
She tells of one granddaughter on the campaign trail who, after witnessing numerous people greeting McCrary by name, asked her, “Are you famous?”
“I said, ‘No,’” but she smiles at the reality of having lots of personal contact in the community (something lacking with most state and federal officials).
When spare time is available, she enjoys gardening at home, and recently has been putting down mulch and planting bulbs in preparation for spring.
“It feels good to get sore from physical work sometimes. I forget about what’s on the agenda and what people are going to be upset about. It’s just my flowers.”
When on vacation, she enjoys reading and needle work, but she always enjoys coming home.
“I love my home,” she said. “It’s so special.”