Edward Pierz of Clarkston has always been interested in public service.
He’s a member of Knights of Columbus and volunteers with community groups such as SCAMP, soup kitchens, and Key Club.
When he turned 18, he wanted to continue serving the public as an elected official, and considering his qualifications, the Clarkston Board of Education seems perfect.
‘I am young and have a lot to learn, but I offer a new perspective on things,? Pierz said.
‘I think I can make a difference in the community.?
Pierz, 18, is a senior at Orchard Lake St. Mary’s, and attended Everest Academy in Clarkston. He has heard only good things about the Clarkston public school system.
‘I’m impressed with how the Board of Education has been trying to keep basic services even with the budget concerns,? he said. ‘Education is extremely important.?
If elected to the board, goals would include expansion and reform of school technology.
‘Computers are often used for entertainment purposes instead of education ? that’s not their intent,? he said.
Consolidation of school services and programs, called for by Gov. Jennifer Granholm in her Feb. 6 State of the State Address, also needs serious consideration, he said.
‘A lot of things can be consolidated,? he said. ‘A unified Oakland County school bus system could save Clarkston a lot of money.?
Students should be the priority, he said.
‘It’s a tough decision ? people need to make a living, but this is about students and their welfare,? he said.
Residents should vote for him because of his view on education, he said.
‘I’m closer to the school system ? I understand the mindset of students,? he said. ‘I know what works and what doesn’t work.?
He has served as class vice president last year and class representative the year before.
‘I know the best way to utilize funds and how schools are run,? he said.
Plans after graduation include classes at Michigan State University, perhaps in chemical engineering.
‘Alternate energy ? I’ve always been interested in that,? he said.
He is also looking into the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.
‘It’s a great service ? I’d love to help the country by doing drug interdictions and counter-terrorism,? he said.
If successful in his campaign, he would commute from Michigan State in Lansing to perform his school board duties, he said.
His long-term goal is to settle in Clarkston, he said.
‘It’s a great town ? it has a great small-town feel,? he said.

Pierz joins challengers Joseph Wauldron and Cheryl McGinnis, and incumbent Barry Bomier in the campaign for two open seats on the Clarkston Board of Education. The election is set for May 8.
See upcoming issues of The Clarkston News and www.ClarkstonNews.com for profiles of candidates for Clarkston Board of Education, and the May 2 edition for election wrapup