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Audit Statements Raise Questions: Is Ann Arbor SPARK A Private Venture Capital Firm or A Public Nonprofit Organization?
Please note: Kai Petainen sits on The Ann Arbor Independent’s Editorial Board.
SINCE 2009 ANN Arbor’s elected officials have given Ann Arbor SPARK over $5.1 million dollars in public money. In addition, a Washtenaw County tax has…
Interview: Rick Dekeon—Don’t say “I can’t do it.” Say “I can’t do it right now.”
by Betsy McMillin
I truly don't know how to do justice to long-time Ann Arbor Public Schools teacher Rick Dekeon. Anyone who knew him knows exactly what I am talking about. He was by far one of the most amazing teachers you will ever…
Citizen Complains To Michigan Attorney General to Get Ann Arbor SPARK’s Audited Statements
Editor’s Note: Kai Petainen serves on the Editorial Board of The Ann Arbor Independent.
THESE ARE THE facts:
1. Between June 2009 and November 2013, the City of Ann Arbor gave Ann Arbor SPARK $5.1 million dollars from its General…
City Attorney Faces Council Scrutiny Of His Advice Memos Which Critics Claim Are Legal Opinions Delivered in “Secret”
ANN ARBOR CITY Attorney Stephen K. Postema has represented the City Council as its legal eagle since 2003. He advises the Mayor, City Council, City Administrator and oversees the City Attorney’s Office, with a staff of 10 attorneys and a…
AAATA Community Relations Staff & Managerial Pay Up Significantly Since 2010
IN SEPTEMBER 2011 former Ann Arbor News government reporter Tom Gantert filed a Freedom of Information Act request for information concerning the compensation of then AATA managers. The FOIA revealed that while AATA was running a deficit of…
Ann Arbor Area State Legislators Get Resolutions Passed (But Few Bills)
Editor’s Note: Representative Jeff Irwin contributes to the newspaper’s “House Calls” column.
52nd District State Representative Gretchen Driskell is planning to run for re-election in 2014. Over the past year, Representative Driskell…
Interview: Malik Yakini Is Changing the Face of the Food Landscape in Detroit
by Hannah Wallace
When he was seven-years-old, Malik Yakini, inspired by his grandfather, planted his own backyard garden in Detroit, seeding it with carrots and other vegetables. Should it come as any surprise that today, Yakini has…
Council Members Discover Pedestrian Crosswalk Ordinance Passed Without A Professional Engineering (PE) Report
Editor’s Note: Katherine Griswold is the Chair of The Ann Arbor Independent’s Editorial Board.
WARD 1 COUNCIL member Sumi Kailasapathy conducted an email exchange this Fall with city staff, including the city’s transportation project…
Interview: Ward 2 Incumbent Discusses the Pedestrian Crosswalk Ordinance, City Employee Pensions, Parks & Transit
A2Indy: What are the two most pressing issues facing Ward 2 in your opinion?
Many of the most pressing issues in the 2ndWard are city-wide issues – enhancing public safety, adequately funding core infrastructure needs, and carefully…
Interview: Ward 2 Challenger Kirk Westphal On Prosperity, Downtown Ann Arbor & The DDA
What in your education and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this position?
My degrees in economics and urban planning serve me well in understanding both: 1) the current fiscal demands, and 2) the future promise of…