FeedsClark vows to bring accountability
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Susan ClarkA certified public accountant with more than 30 years experience as a business owner in western Wayne County said it is time for voters to elect an accountant to the body responsible for oversight of the Wayne County budget.
Susan Clark, a former director of the Plymouth Arts Council and president of the Plymouth Fall Festival, is the Democratic nominee for the open 10th District seat in the Wayne County Commission during the Nov 4 General Election.
Clark, who said she had no ambition to be a politician, became interested in the position after discovering no accountants serve on the elected body that oversees more than $2.2 billion of county budget and operations. Clark said her experience as an accountant and business acumen is needed on the board.
“The commissioners’ job is to be a liaison for the community and to provide oversight. I have 40 years of experience with audits and budgets. I don’t understand how you can oversee a budget without that experience.”
Clark, who has a degree in accounting from the University of Southern California as well as Master in taxation from Lawrence Technological University said she is also interested in changing the ways county funds are appropriated.
Clark claims that 40 percent of the money paid out by Plymouth, Northville and Livonia taxpayers returns to the district. She said more money is needed to improve roads and county infrastructure within the district. And she will work hard to get it.
“We can’t be naive. We have to take our tax dollars and allocate them efficiently. Money needs to come back to Plymouth, Livonia and Northville—that’s not too much to ask for.”
Clark said more could have done more to help out business owners impacted by the $16 million-plus Sheldon Road Underpass Project. Clark said businesses impacted by the nearly two- year road closure “are dying” and the county done little more than “put up detour signs in Plymouth and Plymouth Township.”
“It’s a real problem…it’s strictly planning and carrying through,” she said.
If elected, Clark said she will focus on issues that will encourage young people to stay in the region through retaining business and diversifying industries. Clark said she would also work plans to connect Detroit, Metro, Willow Run and Ann Arbor Airports to form an Airport City.
“If we want our children to stay we have to give them a reason.”
While Democrats are making some inroads in the traditionally Republican Plymouth and Northville areas, Clark isn’t concerned that her party standing will impact the number of votes she receives this November.
“I do my polling based on my walking. People are very positive about the situation. There are a lot of independents not afraid to cross the line.”
Clark lives in Plymouth and has four children. She will face incumbent Republican Laura Cox for the commission seat.
