The Ann Arbor Independent Editorial Team 2253 posts 224 comments

The Great Lakes and our scenic natural lands are keystones to who we are as Michiganders. We need politicians who will strive to protect these unique resources. Governor Snyder’s campaign led us to believe that he was this leader, but…

by Jason Mark Canadian author Naomi Klein is so well known for her blade-sharp commentary that it’s easy to forget that she is, above all, a first-rate reporter. I got a glimpse into her priorities as I was working on this interview.…

Dear Mayor and Council, The Mayor, with the help of a couple city councilors and Mary Jo Callan, assured us at their January 6 meeting that Ann Arbor city government is functioning just as it should. However, Ms. Callan was nodding…

by Diane Nilan WITHIN 3 MINUTES of sitting down for a haircut at one of those places that asks for everything but your social security number to cut your mop, I heard about two more homeless families, known to my hairdresser-du-jour.…

by Steve Rosenfeld IN COMING DECADES, America will face an economic crisis of epic proportions as tens of millions of citizens lean toward poverty as they reach their senior years. What is done about it will define what kind of country…

by Richard Eskow “OVERCOMING POVERTY is not a task of charity,” said Nelson Mandela, “it is an act of justice.” When the War on Poverty began a half-century ago, it was widely seen as the moral obligation of a wealthy nation.…

The rapidly improving technology, declining costs, and increasing accessibility of clean energy is the true bright spot in the march toward a zero-carbon future.  by Kiley Kroh & Jeff Spross While the news about climate change…

Please note: Kathy Griswold is the Chair of The Ann Arbor Independent's Editorial Board. JOAN LOWENSTEIN, A long-time member of the Downtown Development Authority Board of Directors launched a website titled A2BetterCity.com.  On her…

In 2011 AATA employed 8 managers who earned above 90K. In 2014, 9 top-level managers earn six-figure salaries.  IN SEPTEMBER 2011, former Ann Arbor News government reporter Tom Gantert reported in the Michigan Capitol Confidential that,…

CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS are preparing themselves for the Battle of the Budget. There is a $450,000 “surplus,” over which Council members are expected to compete. This petty cash, as it were, distracts from the reality that Council members must…