1st Ward candidate for Ann Arbor City Council: 'I have been attacked throughout this campaign'
The 1st Ward race for the Ann Arbor City Council is one of the most hotly contested local election battles this year, and it's perhaps the ugliest.
With incumbent Sandi Smith stepping down, Democrats Eric Sturgis and Sumi Kailasapathy are competing in the Aug. 7 primary for an open seat.
Sturgis' frustrations with personal attacks on his character bubbled to the surface Tuesday night at a debate hosted by the League of Women Voters in Ann Arbor.
Referencing blog posts and other statements made by supporters of Kailasapathy, Sturgis said he's been slandered and libeled in recent weeks.
Sumi Kailasapathy and Eric Sturgis went head to head during a debate Tuesday night at CTN studios. It was aired live and will replay leading up to the Aug. 7 primary.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
Lesko, a former mayoral candidate who ran alongside Kailasapathy as part of an unsuccessful City Council slate in 2010, has been claiming he committed election fraud in 2010 by appearing on ballots in two different counties at the same time. Sturgis maintains he did nothing illegal.
Lesko also called out Sturgis for saying he has an associate's degree from Oakland Community College and that he's finishing a bachelor's degree at Eastern Michigan University. In a June 25 blog post, Lesko said she checked with EMU and there's no record of Sturgis being enrolled, and she speculated he might also be misleading voters about his associate's degree.
Sturgis provided AnnArbor.com a copy of his transcript from OCC on July 6, showing he was awarded an associate's degree in liberal arts in May 2011.
As for continuing his education at EMU, Sturgis told AnnArbor.com in June he was awaiting a final transcript from Marietta College in Ohio, where he went for one semester this past spring, and that he still planned to enroll for the fall semester at EMU.
Sturgis showed up to Tuesday's debate with his OCC transcript in hand and a letter of acceptance from EMU, showing he's now admitted. He gave copies of the letter to Kailasapathy and Lesko, who was at the debate, and asked for a retraction of her blog posts.
"I've done nothing illegal and that's been confirmed," Sturgis said. "I said I planned on attending Eastern and my plan has come true. I wish the attacks were more about the issues."
Kailasapathy denied having any involvement with Lesko or the attacks on Sturgis. She said she thought it was unfair for Sturgis to accuse her of attacking him.
Kailasapathy shakes hands with Zoe Behnke of the League of Women Voters after the debate.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
Asked to comment on the blog posts accusing Sturgis of fraud and lying about his academic credentials, Kailasapathy defended Lesko's right to free speech.
"I believe in the First Amendment. People have a right to write what they want," she said. "And I think Ann Arbor people are intelligent, smart people. They know what to believe."
Kailasapathy said she found it curious that Sturgis appeared on ballots in two different counties, but she said she never personally looked into it.
Sturgis explained he was registered to vote at his mother's home in Scio Township and filed to run as a precinct delegate there in January 2010.
Later that year while attending OCC, Sturgis said, he began living in an apartment in Oakland County. He said he became active in the local Democratic club and was encouraged to run for precinct delegate, so in May 2010 he changed his voter registration to his Auburn Hills address and filed to run as a precinct delegate there.
But in July 2010, shortly after his appendix burst, Sturgis said, he decided to return home and then changed his voter registration to the city of Ann Arbor.
He maintains his actions were entirely legal and that the two affidavits of identity he filed were in good faith and accurate at the time each was filed.
Washtenaw County Clerk Larry Kestenbaum said if it had been a public office Sturgis was seeking, he would have been removed from the ballots in both jurisdictions at the points when he changed his voter registration, but Sturgis wasn't obligated to withdraw his name.
"Since it's a political party office, and because there are just so many of them, I don't think there is even an option to remove candidates from the ballot," Kestenbaum said, adding that any questions of eligibility for precinct delegate positions are under the party's authority.
"Because it is a party office, the party has total authority over who is elected or not," Kestenbaum said. "As election officials, we can only follow the rules set up in state statute, but the party is not bound by those rules or by any decision we make."
Sturgis, who is backed by political allies of Mayor John Hieftje and the council majority, characterized his opponent as a naysayer and an obstructionist at Tuesday's debate.
"I'm running a positive campaign on the issues and trying to talk about the issues that are important to 1st Ward residents," he said. "I feel my experience working with kids and being a tennis coach, basketball coach, sports official and volunteer tutor at Clague Middle School, and my interactions throughout the community, make me the better candidate because I can work with anybody on any side of the aisle on the issues that are important."
Kailasapathy, a local certified public accountant, said she's running so she can bring financial expertise to the City Council and help set new budget priorities.
"Let us make sure that the uniqueness and the beauty of our neighborhoods and parks are protected and we do not exchange that for a promise of progress in the form of a mini-Southfield," she said. "Progress is not measured in terms of how high we can build."
Kailasapathy called it ironic that the city built a $50 million police-courts complex, but doesn't have enough money to hire more police officers.
"We have plans to build tall buildings but don't have a functioning tower truck for the fire department," she added, calling for more sensible priorities. "We need to make sure we do what a municipal government is supposed to do: Take care of core services."
Sturgis said he believe this election is about whether 1st Ward residents want to see progress and have somebody who's positive and focused on important issues or someone who's "anti-this" and "anti-that" and offers very few solutions.
"I think it's disingenuous to talk about personal issues, about stuff that really doesn't matter to the residents," he said. "The residents want to hear about how we're going to better maintain our city parks, how we're going to support our police and fire, how we're going to work to continue to push transit. That's why I'm running and why I feel I'm the better candidate."
Kailasapathy expressed concerns about the path the city is headed down and suggested city officials shouldn't be so focused on development.
"Quality of life is not always measured by how many new buildings we build," she said, "but also by how we preserve our historical and environmental resources."
Kailasapathy said the city also must make affordable housing and human services funding a priority instead of an afterthought.
Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529. You also can follow him on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's email newsletters.
Comments
Dave DeVarti
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 3:24 p.m.
I'm happy to be supporting Sumi in this race. I've met with her on several occasions and had very positive discussions about the need for more housing in or near the downtown that is affordable for people with very low incomes. We have yet to replace the 100 units of single room occupancy housing we lost when the City tore down the former YMCA. Still the City has found the economic resources for a 50 million dollar addition to City Hall and a more than 50 million dollar new parking garage at the Library Lot. We really need to find the political will to allocate a small percentage of that amount of money for low-income housing. Additionally Sumi brings a sound understanding of financial and budget issues that will serve the Council well as it continues to face the challenges presented by a tight City budget struggling under the twin forces of reduced state and federal revenue sharing and lower property tax revenues due to the fallout of the housing bubble collapse. Sumi brings a fresh perspective and I believe she will add another independent voice to the Council.
BHarding
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 2:09 p.m.
Very strange that Sturgis had said that he's just finishing up his degree at Eastern when he's trying to paint himself as more electable. I want to vote for someone who has an actual grip on reality. This IS an issue for me: "I've done nothing illegal and that's been confirmed," Sturgis said. "I said I planned on attending Eastern and my plan has come true." Never mind all that. I've talked with Sumi and she seems centered and very reasonable. She's smart, and very open to different points of view while fully capable of sifting through it all and prioritizing. I'm sure she will be a welcome addition to our City Council.
Roadman
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 2:03 a.m.
It seems that the precinct delegate fiasco and the EMU enrollment controversy have called into question his ability to represent and lead First Ward residents in a competent and intelligent capacity. He appears inartculate and his campaign has been prone to immature and embarrassing behavior - e.g. his mother uprooting his opponent's campaign signs. He is only 26 years old; I could see him working in City Council as an intern or clerical assistant - not as a councilman. It was an obvious mistake for Jan Bobrin and other Democratic Party leaders to endorse Eric. Perhaps another time in the future Eric could run for office and be a qualified and respectable candidate, but now Sumi Kailasapathy wins by practical default - Eric simply does not belong in the race.
Peter Eckstein
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 9:48 p.m.
Sturgis: "I feel my experience working with kids and being a tennis coach, basketball coach, sports official and volunteer tutor at Clague Middle School, and my interactions throughout the community, make me the better candidate because I can work with anybody on any side of the aisle on the issues that are important." "Kailasapathy, a local certified public accountant, said she's running so she can bring financial expertise to the City Council and help set new budget priorities." If the Council every plays basketball against Saline (or Boulder), he's the man. If the Council needs more careful scrutiny of expensive new projects, she's the woman.
DNB
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 10:34 p.m.
I agree with you, Peter. From his website (Hyperlink above): "Eric has a an Associates Degree in Liberal Arts from Oakland Community College and is work to finish his Secondary Education degree with a Social Studies major, and English minor at Eastern Michigan University. Eric hopes to teach grades 7-12. He also was a para-professional sub, and will look to do that in the fall as well." *a an Associates Degree *and is work to finish As a parent, with several kids still in A2 schools, I'm not sure that someone who can't put a simple sentence together, for his own political website, should be teaching children. He is declaring an English minor at EMU, too? I think Mr. Sturgis needs to continue his education. Disclaimer: I'm not the spelling or grammar police, and I'm really not trying to be snarky. Mr. Sturgis is the one running for a council seat, and he is expressing that working with children makes him the better candidate.
Youwhine
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 7:19 p.m.
This race sounds like a battle of the losers. One candidate has the stink of the mayor and the other has the stink of Lesko.
Sam
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 4:18 p.m.
Well1 well,,lets support the true blue american.Eric Sturgis. So what if he brole the law..filing papers in two different counties at the same time , and was not truthful about being a student at EMU. its the good old boys way of doing business...Ask Mr deresinki and the city attorney and youll get a whopping yes..
Roadman
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 10:18 p.m.
@Sam: Eric Sturgis - born and bred in the good ole U.S. of A. LOL How many will vote for Eric because Sumi is Indian-born? Will it make the difference in an election?
Patti Smith
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 3:24 p.m.
I live in the 1st Ward :thumps chest, represents: and while I'm sure Eric is a nice person, I am voting for Sumi. I *want* someone on Council who will question things and take a deeper look at things. I don't think it's being anti or negative at all. Sometimes I agree with the mayor, sometimes I don't, but it's always helpful to have good questions being asked. I have found some of the best students are the ones who question things and help me look at things in a different way. (Cough, admittedly, I can be a little one track minded sometimes, cough, blush). As an aside, thanks to Sandi Smith who is not only awesome but spells her name the coolest way (with an I) and has a rockin' last name!!!
Braxton Blake
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 3:19 p.m.
Eric "slandered and libeled"? No, not really and certainly not from Sumi. Actually, the reverse is true: it is clear that Eric's campaign strategy is to smear Sumi by suggesting that Sumi is responsible for what Lesko publishes. In doing so, Eric reveals that he has not much of a platform himself, other than to support Hieftje and the "Council Party." Eric faces a highly qualified and ethical candidate who seems to be committed to represent the constituents and not the mayor's power base. Eric should focus on the issues and tend to his own questions of veracity. Despite what Eric tells some voters, Sumi is wholly independent from other people, including Lesko. I think Ann Arbor voters see through Eric' tactics. If elected, the fallout from Eric's political path so far looks to be problematic, to say the least.
CynicA2
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 2:26 p.m.
It is time for all the Hieftjeites, and their fellow travelers, to take a long walk, off a short pier. They have done almost irreparable harm to this city over their 10+ year tenure, and are completely out of touch with both the community, and the tenor of the times. The day of reckoning is coming for the Hieftje himself, should he elect to hang around for another cycle, or two. The sooner he's gone, the better.
walker101
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 2:05 p.m.
Typical liberal ideology, attach ones character verses the real issues, go figure.
Lovaduck
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 4 p.m.
Oh, c'mon, BOTH sides in almost any election use ad hominem (against the person) attacks. They would stop except for the fact that such attacks are so psychologically persuasive and take our minds off (as you say) the real issues!
Brad
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 3:01 p.m.
And typical Tea Party spelling.
Rod Johnson
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 2:58 p.m.
*attack *one's *versus
snark12
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 1:28 p.m.
I'm not a huge fan of Kailasapathy's but Sturgis seems like a mess.
a2grateful
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 1:02 p.m.
One candidate keeps mentioning the "Tea Party." That candidate is endorsed by an incumbent "P party." P is for Pack: as in packing a jury, or city council, or committee with "yes' ers" Painter: of any opponent as a tea partier or Pat Lesko clone Paltry: feeble and weak in thoughtful, citizen-serving ideas Palpable: the extent of promotion of self-serving status quo mindset Parlor tricking: plays shell (bucket) games with taxpayer money Pat Lesko admiring: speaks of her often, appreciating her power Patronizing: "I have been attacked. . ." Aggressor portrays a victim Paternal (rhymes with huronal): with mayor as ruling father Puller: of opponent's political signs Pugnacious Good luck August 5, neighboring 1st Ward residents. If the "P party" candidate wins, you (we) will need it.
a2grateful
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 1:34 p.m.
Oops. . . Good luck August 7, as well. . .
Barzoom
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 12:58 p.m.
Sturgis: Just another rubber stamp for heiftje. That's all that needs to be said.
Brad
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 12:31 p.m.
"Sturgis, who is backed by political allies of Mayor John Hieftje and the council majority [...]." Any other questions?
Patricia Lesko
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 12:28 p.m.
Eric Sturgis made claims during his campaign that were untrue. When caught, he changed his website to hide his deception. In May he told AA.com he was "finishing up his degree at Eastern." In June, EMU Registrar's office officials confirmed that he NEVER took classes the school and wasn't currently enrolled. A2Politico covered the story. In July Sturgis showed up with a letter of acceptance dated after he claimed he was taking classes at EMU. Here you'll find a screenshot of Sturgis's website in June claiming he is currently a student at EMU. http://www.a2politico.com/2012/06/ward-1-council-candidate-making-false-claims-about-his-college-record/ when he wasn't. A2Politico got a copy of a letter of complaint filed by an Ann Arbor voter with the Ann Arbor City Clerk (Kestenbaum, who replied via letter that the complaint should be filed with the state), the Oakland County Clerk and the State of Michigan against Sturgis for running for Precinct Delegate in two different counties at the same time. Oakland County AND Washtenaw County officials described Sturgis's move as a very serious infraction of the election laws, with Oakland County officials calling it election fraud (http://www.a2politico.com/2012/06/evidence-surfaces-that-ward-1-council-candidate-committed-election-fraud-in-2010/). A2Politico wrote it up. It's news when a candidate lies about being enrolled/attending a university, and when he runs for the same office in two counties. AnnArbor.com chose not to cover the stories when they broke. That, alas, is not news to our community and why A2Politico.com exists and has tens of thousands of readers.
David Cahill
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 12:10 p.m.
I agree with northside on the melodrama. Unfortunately, with Sturgis' campaign taking down Sumi's signs at last month's Arrowwood debate, and with this latest heap of irrelevant stuff deposited by Sturgis last night, you can hardly blame AnnArbor.com for covering the melodrama.
northside
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 12:42 p.m.
David I'm not saying they shouldn't report on the conflicts, just that the bulk of the coverage should remain focused on the issues. It has been a race with some strange (and humorous) occurrences, with most of the melodrama being generated by Sturgis.
walker101
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 12:06 p.m.
Eric, I guess you haven't listened to Randy Rose lately or at all, making comparisons with the Ann Arbor Tea Party making attacks was hilarious, being thin skinned you may want rethink your political aspirations.
David Cahill
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 11:50 a.m.
"I've done nothing illegal" is a claim that should not fill the hearts of First Ward Dems with joy. It's amusing that Sturgis spends so much effort attacking Sumi while claiming that she is the candidate of negativity. I've just checked Sumi's website, and Lesko is not listed among her supporters.
Youwhine
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 7:12 p.m.
Why in the world would she list Lesko as a supporter after the train wreck of a campaign against Hieftje? Just because she doesn't list her doesn'tmean they aren't tightly connected.you know better.
Patricia Lesko
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 1:39 p.m.
@1stWardDem I most certainly did NOT walk in the parade with anyone. I sat in front of the Cloverleaf, where we sit every year, waved to the folks we know, wrote a letter and took some photos for my son at camp, who was sad about missing the Ann Arbor parade.
1stWardDem
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 12:15 p.m.
She walked in the parade with Sumi and Jack Eaton supporting both of them. You are smarter than that David.
Alan Goldsmith
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 12:13 p.m.
I am not a crook. Lol.
Carole
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 11:47 a.m.
RE: campaigning, just look around at all of the ads, etc. It is negative, negative, negative. And, many times they are just down right untruthful. It is a sad state of affairs, and after listening to them for a year or better, it is getting quite tiring. Very unfortunate.
Stephen Lange Ranzini
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 11:45 a.m.
I think Sumi will make a wonderful city council member and as a Ward 1 resident she has our votes. Who cares who supports her? Everyone ought to when her opponent is so unqualified...
northside
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 11:45 a.m.
Could the articles on this race focus more on the issues, less on the melodrama? The conflict makes for exciting reading, but there's very little here about the each candidate's beliefs and positions.
Alan Goldsmith
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 11:07 a.m.
Not sure what Mr. Sturgis means with him complaints. Ms. Kailasapathy is her own person, with her own experience and qualifications, and would be such a great choice for this Council seat. Even AnnArbor.com endorsed her when she ran in 2010--and obviously, this news outlet is no fan or friend of Ms. Lesko. His statements ring hollow.
Alan Goldsmith
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 10:50 a.m.
If I were Sturgis, I'd be SURE to make this debate a platform for Ms. Lesko's Blog and not about my own lack of qualifications and experience. I'd make it about someone not in the race and try to bury the fact my election was supported by the usual suspects (The Mayor, Leah Gunn, Joan Lowenstein et. al.) and that I'd be a quiet little mouse of a rubber stamp for everything that the majority (for now) party wants. With such a lack of fresh ideas, I'm guessing Sturgis had very few other options vis a vis a campaign strategy other than this one. Which is clearly why he would be over his head if selected for this office.