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Ann Arbor Government
Ward 4 Council Member Claim “Residents Don’t Shop Downtown” Draws Sharp Criticism
AT THE NOVEMBER 7th City Council meeting, Ward 4 City Council member Margie Teall made an observation: She said that Ann Arbor locals shop at big box stores and that downtown is supported by “tourists.” It should be noted that Teall did not…
High Overhead & Debt Load Push DDA Parking Space Revenues Well Below National Average
MAYOR JOHN HIEFTJE’S propensity to populate the city’s boards and commissions with what City Council members allege are his political cronies has long irked political insiders.
This, among other reasons, is why there is a quiet movement…
Crosswalk Ordinance Groups Take To Change.org To Try To Exert Influence
Editor’s Note: Kathy Griswold is the Chair of The Ann Arbor Independent’s Editorial Board.
THE WASHTENAW BIKING and Walking Coalition, a small local alternative transportation advocacy group, recently launched an online petition drive to…
EDITORIAL: Ethics Policy for City Council Members
WARD 2 COUNCIL member Sally Hart Petersen has shown promise as a leader who is scrupulous in conducting the people’s business openly and honestly. While we don’t always agree with Petersen’s positions on the issues, one issue Council member…
Op-Ed: Why I Support Ward 2 Independent Candidate Jane Lumm
by Jack Eaton
MY NAME IS Jack Eaton. I am the Democratic Party candidate for City Council in the Fourth Ward. I am unchallenged on the November 5 ballot. Like many local Democrats, I support Ward 2 Council member Jane Lumm’s re-election.…
Ward 2 Challenger’s Fundraising Letter Misleads Voters About Incumbent’s Record
KIRK WESTPHAL'S FUNDRAISING letter, has raised a ruckus among Ward 2 residents who found claims made about incumbent Ward 2 Independent Jane Lumm misleading. The letter is on Westphal's campaign stationary and signed by Downtown Development…
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…
Local Political Appointees In Electronic Hot Water For Denigrating Women, Voters & Council Members Online
SHORTLY AFTER BEING nominated to serve on the Ann Arbor Planning Commission by Mayor John Hieftje, Jeremy Peters’s credentials were closely questioned by residents and Council members.
Peters (left), Director, Creative Licensing,…
Interview: Ward 1 Independent Jeff Hayner Discusses Proactive Policing, Recycling and Lower Town
Editor’s Note: Ward 1 incumbent Sabra Briere was given the opportunity to participate in this interview and provide answers to these questions. She chose not to do so.
A2Indy: What are the two most pressing issues facing Ward 1 in your…