A2Politico: The Debate Rages: Who Needs More Firefighters? Can You Feel The Heat?
by P.D. Lesko
THE ANN ARBOR OBSERVER, recently published a piece about staffing and standards within Ann Arbor’s fire department. Council members and former Council candidates have alleged that The Observer takes pains to support the…
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Gov. Snyder Must Stop Rolling Back Environmental Protections
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…
An Interview With Naomi Klein: “Big Green Groups Can Be More Damaging Than Right-Wing Climate Deniers….”
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.…
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: An Open Letter To Mayor And Council Concerning The Homeless In Ann Arbor
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…
Urban Exile: Homeless Families/Youth Numbers Defy Experts’ Undercounts
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.…
Op-Ed: Expanding Social Security Is Crucial to Addressing Inequality in America
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…
Op-Ed: The War On Poverty Is Our Moral Challenge Now
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 ENVIRONMENT: 13 Major Clean Energy Breakthroughs
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…
Member Of Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority Board Of Directors Insults Residents And Criticizes Council Members In Public Rant
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…
AAATA CEO’s Salary Cut While Pay For Other Managers Increased Between 9-11 Percent Over The Past 24 Months
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,…