The Sky Shines Brightly Down On Oak Park – Marian Meisner McClellan Talks To Carol Jackson
Story by Carol Jackson
Photos by Bernie Lamframboise
Marian McClennan, Mayor of Oak Park, wants to be the most accessible, inclusive and best customer-service mayor to residents and businesses alike. And I do believe she is succeeding on all levels. She has the ability to bring people together, even with opposing views. I have known McClellan since she first ran for the office.
She was elected in 2011, 2013 and again in 2015. These last few years she has concentrated on working on savings for the City, budgets, and making sure that Oak Park will again be the shining star it once was. While we walked from lunch at Sahara to Plant Fitness, she was approached numerous times with great smiles and handshakes from residents. That’s what it’s all about, folks.
CJ: What is your background that lead you to politics?
MMM: Actually, I was a retired teacher and didn’t think that politics held any interest for me. Then I met and married the love of my life, Keith. He educated me with his knowledge and passion for politics. He taught me that you can’t make changes without getting involved. Keith ran the Robert Kennedy campaign in Indiana and, with that type of commitment, how could I not get interested in helping make change? I had looked at statistics about the lack of growth in Oak Park, my own community, and thought I could help. Frankly, I didn’t have a clue as to where to start, but – because of Keith – I had met many community leaders. My claim to fame was turning the Democratic Club into a finely-oiled machine (she laughs). I had a built-in audience, so when the topic of conversation was the decline of interest by businesses and real estate in my own Oak Park I took a big interest. They all encouraged me to run. “Are you nuts,” I said. “I have no experience in running a city.” They responded, “You’ll learn on the job just like all of those before you.”
At this time my son, Andy Meisner, was already involved in the political scene as a three-time state representative. He’s presently Oakland County Treasurer. So how could I go wrong? There would be haters and that is hard, but I was sure I could embrace them all and show them how fabulous our city could and would be again. During my time as Mayor of our now-vibrant city, I have been successful at surrounding myself with the professionals who have the passion and talent to work as a team and make it happen. Even in times that we don’t agree, we put aside our personal views and get it done for the good of the city we represent. Oak Park had many challenges when I was elected; so many hard decisions, police layoffs and a budget that was screaming “not balanced.” What a mess to walk into. But we got it done. We saved over $2 million dollars in health care costs by changing to a municipal plan. Our fabulous new building complex was completed early, saving enough money to replace our old DOS computers to new, upgraded computers that enhance our ability to serve our residents and businesses. We were also able to save $1 million taxpayer dollars by refinancing our street bonds. And that’s just to name a few accomplishments.
In the 1950s, Oak Park was the fastest-growing city in the country. Somehow we lost that momentum, but we are back! We developed an Economic Development Division, with an experienced Director, to get our business growth back on track. FedEx has taken over the old Armory building, all 300 thousand square feet, and will employ, to begin with, 200 employees. Projections are to get to 400 quickly. This brings tax revenues, jobs and other businesses and restaurants into town. And, speaking of restaurants, since we were able to vote-in first the tavern license and now the full liquor licenses, we are getting more interest in opening up great new eateries. A lot of the thanks for getting this voted-in should be given to Zeana Attisha from Sahara Restaurant. She worked against all odds but, with the support of the residents and City Council, got it done.
One new eatery will be on Eight Mile and Meyers (the site of the old WWJ radio station), a jewel of a building by architect Albert Kahn. It has just been waiting for the right situation and it has come in the body of Curt Catallo who owns Vinsetta Grill and other very successful restaurants in Clarkston. He has chosen to revitalize this great venue and make it a showplace. It will employ over 100 staff. He considers it a preservation project. And to add another great story, Planet Fitness will be opening their doors August 1st in the Parkwoods Plaza. The presence of Planet Fitness will increase traffic in the plaza and ultimately helps all the great retailers. It’s a win-win.
There are so many stories to tell. This will be the last one. We won a grant from a company in Portland Oregon that did a lot of research of our town. They traveled to Oak Park, and we won the study grant to see how we can enhance W Nine Mile. We call it the ‘Signs of Life’ project. Once our research is done on costs, etc., we will apply for the grant to start the project in earnest. Should you have a chance, drive down Oak Park Blvd. The residents, school children and staff planted 12,000 sunflowers up and down the street. Sunflowers represent HOPE – hope for the future of our fine city. So you can see why I am so proud to be the Mayor at such an exciting growth time in Oak Park. Come by and visit us at City Hall, enjoy our shops and eat in our restaurants, you won’t be disappointed I promise.
Mayor Marian McClellan, 14000 Oak Park Blvd Oak Park, MI 48237, Cell Phone 248-217-1883
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