I support fiscal responsibility and greater citizen involvement in decision-making.
A Record of Results
Fiscal Responsibility
Clark has consistently supported Plymouth's long-term approach to fiscal planning — taking a careful, multi-year view of capital improvements so residents aren't hit with budget surprises. That approach has helped Plymouth maintain the lowest tax rate among peer cities, even as the city continues to grow and invest in new infrastructure and services.
Clark also supported a revised special assessment policy that caps the cost of street improvement assessments — previously, some residents faced assessments as high as $15,000 for a single street project, with no cap in place. The new policy puts a ceiling on those costs. The policy revision also led to a new interactive map showing residents upcoming capital improvement projects in their area — including location, timing, and scope — so residents can plan ahead instead of being surprised by a notice in the mail.
Giving Committees and Commissions a Stronger Voice
Plymouth's committees and commissions — Planning, the Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA), Parks and Recreation, the Environmental Quality Committee, and others — are where many residents get their first real connection to city government. Clark has long believed these groups deserve a bigger role and a louder voice in council decision-making.
Clark encouraged joint meetings between the council, Planning Commission, and HRA — creating direct conversations between these bodies instead of decisions happening in separate silos. He also proposed having commission chairs present their annual reports and work plans directly to the council, opening a dialogue between the council and the residents who serve on these commissions. And he championed adding a student member to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission, bringing a younger generation's perspective directly into city decision-making.
What's Next
As mayor, Clark will continue building on this foundation:
Deepen collaboration between the council and its commissions through more joint meetings and shared conversations
Continue Plymouth's disciplined, long-term approach to fiscal planning, building on the new assessment cap and CIP map to keep residents informed early and often
Improve how the city communicates with residents, making public information more accessible without adding burden to city staff
Expand opportunities for students to serve on city committees and commissions, following the model established with Parks and Recreation