2nd Ward candidates for Ann Arbor City Council to appear at Wednesday night forum
Residents in Ann Arbor's 2nd Ward will get a chance Wednesday night to hear from two candidates competing for the Ann Arbor City Council.
The forum is being hosted by the Orchard Hills-Maplewood Homeowners Association, which bills the event as a chance to meet the candidates and learn more about where they stand on various issues.
With the Nov. 8 general election now two weeks away, the 2nd Ward race is being closely watched as Rapundalo, a former Republican, goes up against a formidable opponent in Lumm, a former Republican council member from the '90s.
AnnArbor.com offered a look earlier this week at just how close the race might be. Rapundalo has never won a general election with more than 52 percent of the vote.
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 e-mail newsletters.
Comments
Meral
Wed, Oct 26, 2011 : 10:13 p.m.
Today as my husband and I walking to distribute Jane Lumm's brochure we came upon a comment said "Ann Arbor Art Alliances are recommending that you do not vote for Jane Lumm, because she will cut all the art projects if she get elected. That is a huge surprise to us knowing Jane as we do, she supports the ARTS at many levels more the 100 percent. for GOD'S sake she is and had been on a board for Ann Arbor Original Art fair for many years. This is an absurd comment. Jane loves art more then anyone. Stop playing dirty Mr. Rapundalo.
A2Susie
Wed, Oct 26, 2011 : 6:28 p.m.
Will this forum be televised on Community Cable? We can't go tonight, but would like to see it before the election.
JFJ
Wed, Oct 26, 2011 : 12:49 p.m.
I look forward to hearing two sides to the issues. Actually, I look forward to any exchange of views between the community and the Council. Jane: let Rapundalo know that the 2nd ward "constituents" feel their views are a critical part of responsive government. His ears are open for once now that someone is challenging his views and votes.
demistify
Wed, Oct 26, 2011 : 3:25 p.m.
I am impressed with your open mind. In your view, only one of the candidates needs to listen. The other one has already absorbed your wisdom.
Goober
Wed, Oct 26, 2011 : 12:01 p.m.
If they are new, they have my vote. I will not re-elect any incumbent. Our current group of the mayor and all of city council have failed all Ann Arbor citizens and they, as a team lack true visionary leadership. All they know is wasteful spending and art. Too many unanimous votes for a true democracy. We need a positive change. I encourage all voters to vote for fresh faces.
demistify
Wed, Oct 26, 2011 : 3:21 p.m.
In Ward 2 (which is the topic here), there are no "fresh faces" to pick. The choice is between a current incumbent and a former incumbent trying for a comeback. Thus your slogan is irrelevant.
Alan Goldsmith
Wed, Oct 26, 2011 : 10:43 a.m.
Will Rapundalo be answering questions about accepting political contributions from AT&T and DTE political PACs?
Sparty
Wed, Oct 26, 2011 : 3:14 a.m.
Is Rapundalo getting his talking points he requested so that he "appears to be knowledgeable and engaged"? It wouldn't do to actually be engaged and knowledgeable on the issues like his opponent Jane Lumm is, right? Vote him and the other incumbents out - be engaged for Ann Arbor. Remember, we get what we allow and boy did we get stuck with alot with the current city council!
Roadman
Tue, Oct 25, 2011 : 11:11 p.m.
I believe Jane Lumm, as evidenced by her longtime successfulrecord of unselfish community volunteer service, is clearly the superior candidate and one who also knows the ins and outs of City Council since she was previously a member of that body. She is friendly and outgoing in stark contrast to the taciturn Rapundalo. A number of prominent Democrats have told me she could possibly beat John Hieftje in a mayoral race due to the respect and popularity she commands with the Ann Arbor public. My primary concern is her lack of political affiliation in this race. Hatim Elhady only got 36% of the vote in 2009 against Marcia Higgins running as an independent. A number of prominent political insiders told me that running as an independent gutted any chances of victory since many voters who were not knowledgeable of the campaign simply voted Democrat and many of the people who did vote were there primarily due to other matters on the ballot unrelated to the City Council race.
xmo
Tue, Oct 25, 2011 : 8:36 p.m.
Great Time to Remember All of the wonderful things that one party rule in Ann Arbor has provided! I am voting for CHANGE! I will skip the hope.