Candidate Profile: Clarence Cook

Clarence Cook is running for the position of trusteee on the Shelby Township Board of Trustees. Cook campaigned in 2008, but lost.

He is 73, and has lived in Shelby Township for 25 years with his wife Charlotte, their daughter Laura, son Alan and four grandchildren. 

Cook, an insurance agent and small business owner has never held public office.  During his spare time, he likes to enjoy nature by fishing and hunting.

1. What led you to try for the post of trustee initially?

This board balanced the budget fine. The state compels them to do just that. There is more to governing then just balancing the budget. Now, what else they didn’t focus on. The concerns of our residents, like listening to the people they serve.  The board made our township a laughing circus for the township, county and national news with a clown at our meeting. But again, not communicating with our residents, this board shows poor judgment in decision-making, plus hastily voting on any changes in land use of future development without input from our residents. This board has lost the integrity and respect of the voters in our township. Money power won’t win this election –people power will.

2. What do you plan to change if elected?

I will not cater to any special interest groups when I vote. The only people I will consider are the residents of our community. I have been a consumer advocate for most of my adult life. You will not see an open laptop in front of me (only you in front of me). I also want to change the attitude of our residents to be positive, happy and smiling when we talk about Shelby Township. Now people are saying “You live in Shelby Township? What a mess.” Let’s start saying, “Together we can accomplish miracles.” We can start by changing this Boar of Trustees.

3. If elected, what township issues would you like to focus on?

Top 10 priorities for four years on the supervisor’s list, first, the 41A District Court. This is a complex issue. There are many ways to approach the court issue and make it a feasible working revenue source in the future.  Also, I believe our DDA needs to move forward at a more aggressive pace. No privatizing of the police and fire departments. They are the first line of safety and defense for our residents. I would like t look at our small business to develop and strengthen their businesses. We need to hold on to our existing businesses while expanding future business for additional revenue to our township. I will continue to look out for our seniors and our programs with the Parks and Recreation Department. We must continue moving forward and to perpetuate a better quality of life for all ages of our residents.

4. If elected, what township issues would you like to focus on?

Top 10 priorities for four years on the supervisor’s list, first, the 41A District Court. This is a complex issue. There are many ways to approach the court issue and make it a feasible working revenue source in the future.  Also, I believe our DDA needs to move forward at a more aggressive pace. No privatizing of the police and fire departments. They are the first line of safety and defense for our residents. I would like t look at our small business to develop and strengthen their businesses. We need to hold on to our existing businesses while expanding future business for additional revenue to our township. I will continue to look out for our seniors and our programs with the Parks and Recreation Department. We must continue moving forward and to perpetuate a better quality of life for all ages of our residents.

5. What personal and professional accomplishments are you most proud of?

Leadership qualifications:

President of Shelby Forest Homeowners Association, President of Tri-County Officials Association, Board Member of Shelby Township Optimist Club, Committee Member for Shelby Township Relay of Life and Eagle Scout, Honorary Member of the Sub Vets WWII, Outstanding Volunteer Award – Macomb County Board of Commissioners and Knights of Columbus –Life Member; St. Therese of Lisieux Parish.

Past Positions:

President of Michigan High School Official Association, President of the Manufactured Homeowners Association of America, HUD Consensus Committee- Washington D.C. and Vice Chair of the Shelby Township Veterans Committee (as a civilian).

Education:

Great Lakes College; LUTC Graduate

6. Is there one person who has been the most influential in your life?

In my lifetime many people have influenced my life. Thus moving me on to be the person that will make me a better individual. Hopefully, this will help people that I will associate and work with in the future, like our Shelby Township Board of Trustees.

7. What are key ways you would have residents make a difference local?

Residents volunteer locally and get involved. I lost an election in 2008, and I promised I would be back at this podium win or lost to help our township, and I kept my promise. I actually started as a volunteer in our township in the year 2000 as a member of the Veterans Committee. Since then, I have tried to bring awareness to our residents to resolve our problems in Shelby without being an elected trustee. Residents might not be on a township committee but may attend meetings and gain knowledge of what is going on in Shelby politics. People ask me how do you know so much about or township? I am suggesting to all residents to get involved. Stop venting your neighbor. Vent at board meetings and township work sessions. Knowledge is power and it will give you confidence. I also encourage you to get involved with our local in-service organizations today. Vote Aug. 7 – 95 percent of our township board o will be elected with your vote that day.

8. What do you like most about Shelby Township?

The parks are well maintained and are well visited. The in-service committees in Shelby Township, the Municipal Committees that keep us looking and living a better quality of life, and finally, my favorite spot in Shelby Township is our Veterans Memorial Grounds.