On the wall behind L. Brooks Patterson’s desk hangs a small trinket that looks like a stone with a stick figure band painted on it. The inscription reads something like ‘The only difference between this place and the Titanic is they had a band.?
This small message goes a long way to exemplify the sense of humor Patterson is known for. At face value, the inscription belies a county executive whose worked as Oakland County Prosecutor, argued a case before the United States Supreme Court and thinks he has the vision to make his part of Michigan recession proof.
‘My sense of humor gets me in trouble all the time,? said Patterson.
Patterson recalled one meeting with Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick that reflects his personality.
‘Two years ago in Mackinac Island, I walked in with my bodyguards and an earring that lit up. I was putting him on. He laughed,? said Patterson.
While many of Patterson’s sound bites dot the front pages of area newspapers, he makes his home in Independence Township, where he’s lived from the early 70’s.
‘I was looking for a more comfortable rural environment and Clarkston was appealing in that sense, and about 30 years later it still is,? said Patterson.
‘There’s been growth there’s no question about that. And that’s not a bad thing, but it’s still a lot more rural than a Troy or Novi; which are both fine communities don’t get me wrong, but there’s a little bit of a small town atmosphere still in the Clarkston area,? said Patterson.
Patterson did take a 13-year stint in Lake Oakland with his family, but returned to the township in 2001.
‘The same appeal (brought me back). I lived most of my adult life here and had a lot of friends in the area,? said Patterson.
‘We always enjoy the parades. For a small town, Clarkston generates more parades than Macy’s, when there’s not a parade there’s a concert in the park or an art fair,? said Patterson.
Patterson originally moved to the area after growing up in Detroit and graduating from the University of Detroit and the University of Detroit law school.
He and his ex-wife Kathy owned the Dairy Queen on M-15 in Indepenence Township from about 1975 until 1982. Patterson said he contributed to the business by cleaning the parking lot on weekends.
‘I put 20 pounds on in the first year, so it was a high risk business for me,? laughed Patterson. ‘My job was to be the official food tester to make sure everything was up to expectations.?
In his free time, Patterson enjoys spending time with his four kids (two-step children) and five grandkids who live in the area, working out at Deer Lake Athletic Club and watching the TV program ‘Boston Legal.?
‘I’m not sure it’s the heaviest workout you’ve ever seen, but mentally it makes me feel good,? said Patterson.
When not enjoying what Clarkston has to offer, Patterson occupies his work day as County Executive, a position he was first elected to in 1992. His duties include overseeing a large staff and managing an annual $734 million budget.
‘It’s challenging. I’m running a big business in hard times. We’ve got tough budget issues to deal with and the public expects the services to be delivered and we’re being forced to do that on less and less revenue,? said Patterson. ‘I enjoy the challenges.
‘My whole life I’ve thrived on the challenges of trying to take on issues and trying to right the wrong and make something better,? he added.
Current examples of that attitude include the ‘Count Your Steps? pedometer walking contest in the schools where roughly 24,000 kids walked 600 million steps in the first week. The program aims to get kids off the couch and lead active lives while fighting childhood obesity.
‘They think it’s a contest, but what they don’t know is it’s my devious plan to get those kids off the couch, away from their Gameboy and their computer and get them some long overdue exercise,? said Patterson.
The emerging sectors initiative is another one of Patterson’s plans meant to solve a problem ? the tough economic conditions facing Michigan.
‘We’ve gone out and found the 10 sectors for the future of this county for the next 50 years and tried to recruit businesses from within those sectors to began to diversify Oakland County’s economic base, and that’s a real challenge and a long-term program. I won’t be around to see it once it’s rolled out in its entirety’once it’s done Oakland County will be recession resistant. I don’t think I’m good enough to make the county recession proof, but I think we can actually make it recession resistant.?
When asked about the economic situation of Independence Township and the development debate surrounding such issues as a possible new hospital, Patterson believes growth is coming and needs to be managed.
‘Growth is inevitable, so I think my job as county executive or Wagner’s as township supervisor, if it’s inevitable, is to make sure you get quality growth and quality development. I think the hospital is a spectacular investment in the community on so many levels,? said Patterson.
He believes the hospital brings good jobs, increases values of surrounding lands and provides a long-term solution outside the automotive industry.
Patterson highlighted medical support and financial services as two sectors Independence Township has a chance to continue to develop with the hospital falling in that category.
‘Some people (in Independence) want to close the door’I’m not one of those people. I think you’re going to have development and if you’re going to have it you might as well try and recruit high-paying jobs,? said Patterson.
Looking back over his career, Patterson highlights successfully arguing the case Michigan v. Tucker before the United States Supreme Court in 1974 as one of his favorite accomplishments.
According to Patterson, the case involved a man who had raped a spinster in Pontiac Township and got a new trial on a technicality. Patterson was able to get the ruling overturned and made him finish serving his 20 years.
‘It was a thrill for any lawyer? In Oakland County there’s probably 14-15,000 lawyers today in this county and I’d suggest there is probably less than 50 who’ve argued before the United State Supreme Court. It was a thrill and a professional accomplishment,? said Patterson.
Prior to trial, Patterson journeyed to Washington to acclimate himself with the surroundings, court and justices ? a strategy that paid off as he won the case 8-1.
‘I went in and sort of scoped it out for a full day and it paid dividends. I found out what office I was to check into at what time and where I was seated in the courtroom? I was glad I went through all that. On the day of the actual hearing, the last thing you want to do is to be nervous about sitting at the right table. I also memorized the justices by their names because you wanted to call them Mr. Justice Stewart and Burger,? said Patterson.
Despite what he considers many successes over his career, Patterson did have a regret.
‘When I was prosector, my kids were babies growing up and I spent way too many hours giving speeches when I should have been home having dinner with my kids. I’ll never get that time back and I hope they understand,? said Patterson.
Looking to the future, Patterson said his current term ends in 2008 and he may run for one more term. As far as reaching any higher office, Patterson is content where he is.
‘There’s no question I think I could handle the job of governor. I have that much confidence in myself and my ability to put a good team together. But I honestly don’t have the fire in the belly. I don’t have the energy to get up in the morning to go out and raise $35 million to run,? said Patterson.