5th Ward race for Ann Arbor City Council is a matchup of political opposites
Two new faces are running in the 5th Ward to replace an outgoing member of the Ann Arbor City Council, and while they're both Democrats, they're somewhat opposites.
Chuck Warpehoski is running with the support of Mayor John Hieftje and his political allies, including outgoing 5th Ward incumbent Carsten Hohnke.
Vivienne Armentrout, a former Washtenaw County commissioner and one-time opponent of Hohnke, is running on an outsider platform at odds with the ruling party's agenda.
They'll face off in the Aug. 7 primary. The winner goes on to compete against Republican Stuart Berry in the November general election.
Vivienne Armentrout is running against Chuck Warpehoski, who has backing from Mayor John Hieftje and outgoing 5th Ward incumbent Carsten Hohnke.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
Armentrout acknowledged she has been opposed to a number of the policy directions of what she called "the ruling political coalition" led by Hieftje.
"For example, I opposed the decision to build the city hall, the construction of the underground parking garage, and the placement of a conference center on the Library Lot," she said. "My reasoning on each of those was partly economic. I believe that the first priority for city government is to serve the residents and local businesses of the city."
While the mayor and council majority approved the nearly $50 million addition to city hall and a $50 million underground parking garage, they voted down the hotel and conference center. Armentrout maintains she and other activists helped ensure the conference center's defeat.
Warpehoski and Armentrout differ on the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority's plans to expand public transit services in Washtenaw County, a major decision facing the city.
"As a Democrat, as a progressive, I'm a strong supporter of transit," Warpehoski said. "I support it because of the environmental values and benefits it brings, but mostly because of what it brings in terms of accessibility in transportation to people who can't drive."
Armentrout is skeptical of AATA's plans, which she has written about extensively on her local issues blog, Local in Ann Arbor.
Vivienne Armentrout
Chuck Warpehoski
"I have been vigorously opposing this, mostly through asking a lot of questions and doing a lot of data collection," Armentrout said. "The reason is I'm afraid we will lose our ability to determine the destiny of our very successful, very important city bus system."
Armentrout stressed that she strongly supports the AATA and mass transit, but she said the countywide plan is designed "primarily for commuters in, not for Ann Arbor citizens out."
"If you look at the schedules, if you look at the plans, you will see that it is primarily bus services that are express-in in the morning and out in the evening," she said.
Warpehoski said he's interested in making sure every municipality that buys into the countywide transit system gets value for its money, and he thinks there's value in it for Ann Arbor.
"I've looked at the countywide plan. I see definite improvements," he said. "I see my local routes that go past my house increasing significantly."
Warpehoski said Ann Arbor deserves a regional transit system, because the lives of city residents don't stop at the city limits.
"When I first moved to Ann Arbor, I didn't have a car," he said. "When I needed to go to a medical appointment at Domino's Farms, it was extremely difficult because of the city boundary limit of the transit system. We need a transit system that goes to where our lives go."
Warpehoski is a member of the AATA's district advisory committee for the Ann Arbor area along with Armentrout. He also has been director of the local Interfaith Council for Peace and Justice for nine years.
"The way I lead and the way I serve is by listening, by engaging people, hearing what their concerns are, finding out where that common ground is to move forward," he said. "This is the skill, this is the value, that I hope to bring to City Council."
Armentrout served as a Washtenaw County commissioner representing northwest Ann Arbor from 1997 to 2004. She retired undefeated but returned to politics to run for City Council in 2008, the year she lost to Hohnke, and then lost a race for the library board in 2010.
"I have been involved in the civic life of Ann Arbor since I arrived here 26 years ago," she said, noting she volunteered with the Ecology Center, Project Grow and the League of Women Voters, and served as chair of the now-defunct Solid Waste Commission. She also noted she spent more than a year on the city budget review committee.
"All of that adds up to experience," she said. "I hope that it also shows my real concern for this community. I hope I can apply that experience on the City Council."
Both candidates described themselves as strong supporters of public parks. Armentrout said she supports protecting parkland from any repurposing.
"I'm on record as opposing a train station in Fuller Park for a variety of reasons, but partly because of the precedent of repurposing parkland," she said.
Warpehoski said if a surface parking lot along Fuller Road becomes the preferred location for a new Amtrak station, he thinks the decision should go to voters.
"And I hope that other environmental leaders would join me in saying, yes, let's bring it to the ballot," he said, saying the concept is strong but there are issues to work out.
She said she's concerned the process the Downtown Development Authority is using to identify potential development opportunities for the site leaves out the possibility of a park.
Warpehoski said whatever happens, the site needs some kind of open space component. He hopes park proponents and park skeptics can come together to talk through the issues, including how the site would function.
Both candidates said they want to work to keep Ann Arbor a great place to live. Armentrout said she supports the findings of a citizen advisory committee that recommends zoning changes to protect near-downtown neighborhoods from large developments.
Warpehoski said his people skills will be an asset. Armentrout said her understanding of budgets and how government works make her ready to hit the ground running.
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
mixmaster
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 5:19 p.m.
@LiberalNimby. Your comparison of Ms Armentrout to the Mayor of Troy is is a disingenuous attack on Ms Armentrout's character. I challenge you or anyone to find any inkling of her politics that are similar to those of the Tea Party. This "swift boating" has no place in local politics. She's no Tea Partier and attempts on your part or anyone else who supports the status quo Council Party to paint her as such is an affront to her record and voters who know the difference between lies, smears and innuendo. I know that the Mayor will disavow this kind of attempted character assassination, mostly by saying nothing or and conveniently forgetting to rebuke his supporters for their outbursts, but it seems he has plenty of low life supporters who will happily do it for him. Your screen name is a great reflection on the Mayors politics. I'm sure he's proud to call you a supporter.
demistify
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 3:22 p.m.
I quote from the Comment by Roadman, a consistent advocate for extremism on this blog: "Chuck Warpehoski led 175 demonstrators in Ann Arbor to protest the Israeli invasion of Gaza in 2008-2009. He also had a Latin American task force to study human rights violations in that region. He is a credit to the activists seeking peace in those regions." If you think that such antics are what the Council should spend its time on, vote for Chuck. He got one such resolution through Council without being a member of it, and undoubtedly will escalate such efforts if elected. On the other hand, vote for Vivienne if you agree with her " I have stated on several occasions, including in a comment on AnnArbor.com, that I do not believe Council should occupy itself with extraneous matters over which it has no jurisdiction. There is so much business to be attended to that time should not be spent on ceremonial declarations, especially not ones on controversial or divisive subjects."
No.War
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 6:21 p.m.
It might be useful to post the first ICPJ resolution that was proposed. What happened to it before it reached City Council?
bedrog
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 5:07 p.m.
no war...2points: 1- i may owe you an apology since your questions in all your posts allow folks like me a chance to amplify in the interests of public service...and thus you may NOT be one of the Israel demonizing crew as i first assumed ( and still sort of do...but if im wrong and your are simply using a rhetorical ploy to get the truth out, i apologize. 2...what's wrong with warpehoskis anti islamophobia resolution? on the face of it nothing.. but behind that face Warpehoski was well aware that the only real case of religious defamation in town was against jews, not muslims...and behind the scenes efforts to get the ICPJ resolution to reflect that fact ( i.e. an effort to promote multifaith tolerance in a resolution) were rebuffed and maybe even lied about, based on the testimony of those privy to them. that the council itself did not qualify and demur on the 1-issue focus of the resolution speaks ill of them...or at least suggests a level of cluelessness. Thanks for chance to clarify ( for the umpteenth time!)
mixmaster
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 5:04 p.m.
And of what relevance to important local issues such as the city budget, police and fire layoffs, transportation, schools, taxes, was Mr Warpehoski's resolution? Of did it just take up many hours of council time and effort to vote on something about which the vast majority of Ann Arbor's residents and voters do not care one whit?
No.War
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 3:31 p.m.
What was objectionable about the resolution that Mr. Warpehoski got approved by the City Council? Wasn't it approved unanimously?
LiberalNIMBY
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 2:31 p.m.
Want to be the next Troy? Easy. Just stay at home August 7. I know lots of people who'll vote for you.
mixmaster
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 5 p.m.
It seems that a few people need a boogie man to scare voters. You found yours in Troy.
LiberalNIMBY
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 2:28 p.m.
Dear City Residents: If you're confused by what you see in aa.com stories vs. what you see in the comments, well, I'm sorry. As with many municipalities, we too have a very vocal minority who spent a lot of their time and venom cruising these boards. Sadly, they also make up a disproportionate share of the less than 10% of registered voters who *actually vote* on August 7. (And because 99% of the time, the people who show up to the polls in the general election pull the "D" lever, the meaningful election is on August 7.) Ironically, since things have been "relatively good" in Ann Arbor vs. the rest of Michigan, regular people (maybe you?) have been staying away from the polls in increasing numbers. "They're doing a good job, so I don't need to get involved." This has gotten to the point where some of these fringe candidates actually have a chance to derail the city's progress in these phony primaries. Why do I say "phony"? What we see in Ward 5, as we do in the other contested "Democratic" primaries, is a stark choice between a Democrat and a Tea Party candidate. "But wait, it's a Democratic primary!" Ha! You don't even have to read between the lines. Okay, perhaps all of the "D"s are pro-choice, anti-gun, pro-human services and whatever on the national level. Fine, call yourself a "D". But when we look at local or regional issues (which is what matters in this election, right?), you begin to see the impending horror story. -More people living in the city and more tax revenue [Chuck] vs. stopping growth [Viv]. -Better train and bus options [Chuck] vs. turning down Federal money and crippling AATA [Viv]. -Smart allocation of the budget based on current needs and future benefit obligations [Chuck] vs. "more boots on the ground at all costs" [Viv]. -A mission to engage the full spectrum of city residents [Chuck] vs. whipping the crazy bloggers into more of a fervor [Viv]. Want to be
mixmaster
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 4:56 p.m.
Fringe candidates? Please let everyone know who, by name, you're talking about and how you come to the conclusion that Ms Armentrout's views are "fringe". An honest look at Ms Armentrout's record as an elected official and her writing reveal a thoughtful middle of the road public servant who's willing to calmly say that the emperor has no clothes. On the other hand, Mr Warpehoski does not have a record as an elected official but does have a long history of often bloated and self serving blog posts and political activism unrelated to important local issues. Neither one could be considered a fringe candidate, but to smear Ms Armentrout as fringe is simply character assassination. The Troy comparison is even more silly as well as a personal attack on Ms Armentrout's character. This "swift boating" has no place on local politics. She's no Tea Partier and attempts on your part or anyone else who supports the status quo Council Party to paint her as such is an affront to her record and voters who know the difference between lies, smears and innuendo. I know that the Mayor will disavow this kind of attempted character assassination, mostly by saying nothing or neglecting to rebuke his supporters for their outbursts, but it seems he has plenty of low life supporters who will happily do it for him.
No.War
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 1 p.m.
Is it true that Chuck Warpehoski led 175 demonstrators in Ann Arbor to protest the Israeli invasion of Gaza in 2008-2009? Will he continue to take such stands if elected?
bedrog
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 1:33 p.m.
no war ...if you're trying to help warpehoski , you're clearly no...on this thread at least.. based on the dominance of either anti incumbant sentiment or impatience with frivolous extra -local posturing... and if you're trying to harm him ( since you seem to be one of those in the extremist faction that he has repudiated per my link to their hateblog earlier in response to you) that's o.k too since his opponant is on record on this site as unequivocally rejecting , as a potential councilperson, such meaningless tantrums on extra-local matters. either way...good job.
Sam
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 6:27 a.m.
As long as Ms.Armentrout does not cowtow to the mayor, then she gets my vote.The mayor and city attorney should both be banished from the city.They both lack ethics and straightforwardness.I remember calling the city attorney and he promptly informed me that his job is not to talk to citizens but only to city council members.So thats why he gave the city council members bad advice in the text messaging fiasco, costing the city an undisclosed dollar settlement. For this man to be the highest paid city attorney as well as collect overtime pay is obscene.Ask any salaried restaurant manager how much overtime pay they collect and youll get funny looks.It is unethical the way some people abuse their power.. lets get change and root out these high price gluttons out of here.
Old Salt
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 2:45 a.m.
I will vote for Stuart Berry..Thnk You
Roadman
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 2:39 a.m.
Chuck has dozens of high-powered endorsements from leaders in government - including John Hieftje, Conan Smith, Rebekah Warren, John Dingell et cetera. Why hasn't Vivienne listed any endorsements on her website other than Mike Anglin?
CynicA2
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 1:15 p.m.
That clown-show is your idea of "high powered endorsements"?! Are you a loser, too?
Roadman
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 12:39 a.m.
Chuck Warpehoski led 175 demonstrators in Ann Arbor to protest the Israeli invasion of Gaza in 2008-2009. He also had a Latin American task force to study human rights violations in that region. He is a credit to the activists seeking peace in those regions. Vivienne Armentrout's background is as a botany professor and authored a book on plants. She sat on the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners and was affiliated with Ask Voters First movement to limit the power of City Council to issue bonds without voter authorization. She was a highly respected commissioner whose command of those issues affecting public policy was unparalleled. It is sad one party has to lose; both are zealous advocates of the public interest.
bedrog
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 10:21 a.m.
Roadman: here are the "civil rights' activists ' you touted earlier ( and there's always new material on this site): http://www.hvcn.org/info/feh/ your penchant for trying to spin sow's ears into silk purses should be used in another profession; say the tobacco lobby ala that stairical movie "thank you for smoking". p.s the dry cleaning bill for the coffeee that shot out of my nose onto my bathrobe at the 'civil rights activists' reference is being sent to you. pps..warpehoski, for all his/ iCPJ's misplaced earnestness and utterly wrong blame-gaming on alot of international matters is nowhere near the level of malice of your "civil rights activists" and they are officially personae non grata in warpehoski-land ( not that i'm remotely endorsing him understand!)
northside
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 11:18 p.m.
It's too bad these two strong candidates aren't running in different wards, so that both could be elected. Both are very worthy of being on the city council.
LiberalNIMBY
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 2:34 p.m.
Advocate for a mixed ward and at-large council system. I agree there are too few interested candidates in certain wards (perhaps you're in one of them...). Seriously. You might also want to check out some articles on the Ann Arbor Chronicle having to do with a push to eliminate the nonsensical partisan system we have here.
demistify
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 9:16 p.m.
The Council has on occasion taken a break from the unpleasantness of working on the problems of Ann Arbor by passing gratuitous resolutions about national and international issues well outside its jurisdiction. One of these was written by Warpehoski and submitted by Hohnke. One Commenter has prodded Warpehoski to have the Council ratify his ICPJ foreign policy agenda. I ask both candidates: Where do you stand on the Council sticking to its knitting? Do you think it should legislate on matters of national and foreign policy?
bedrog
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 6:41 p.m.
@roadman..the chance to meet you in person might indeed get me out to such a party, even though neither you nor i vote in ann arbor, let alone the 5th ward..
Roadman
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 6:05 p.m.
@Vivienne Armentrout: And if you are elected, bedrog, demistify and Roadman will be at your victory party congratulating you on your upcoming term on City Council!
demistify
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 1:08 a.m.
Thank you, Vivienne. It will be refreshing to have someone on Council who concentrates on solving the city's problems. It is harder than displaying the arrogance of trying to dictate to Congress and the President and the governments of other countries how they should do their jobs while failing to do your own.
bedrog
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 10:03 p.m.
thanks vivienne.....that's as clear , and correct, an answer as one could wish.
Vivienne Armentrout
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 9:44 p.m.
In answer to your question, I have stated on several occasions, including in a comment on AnnArbor.com, that I do not believe Council should occupy itself with extraneous matters over which it has no jurisdiction. There is so much business to be attended to that time should not be spent on ceremonial declarations, especially not ones on controversial or divisive subjects. An exception would be on a matter that affects Council's own function. For example, I don't know that anyone has proposed a resolution asking the state legislature not to repeal the personal property tax (a tax on business equipment), but it would be reasonable, given that abolition of this tax would be a severe blow to our taxing capability and would require some revisiting of our budget.
bedrog
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 9:36 p.m.
Quite right demistify...lest my earlier ( non deleted) comment to 'no war' be taken as an endorsement of warpehoski, it wasn't . I simply wanted to put on record that the usual strident Israel bashers are not fans of his because he's not strident enough for them ( but few outside of jihadist training camps are) . But does he have a closet , slightly more nuanced Middle east agenda for a local city council?? I certainly hope not , and will be among the most vocal opponants of it if i'm wrong..
CynicA2
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 8:42 p.m.
Just what we in the 5th Ward don't need! Another of the Mayor's weaselly shills - a veritable agenda with legs! If we spend it they will come! Hold onto your wallets around this one neighbors - he's got YOUR dollar signs in his eyes! At least this character should help galvanize voter turnout! This one is scary!
CynicA2
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 6:42 p.m.
"The political differences between the two of them are rather small"... (a lie) "The difference is one supports the status quo, the other questions it"... (a subterfuge) "Your hyperbole is not only unnecessary it's silly"... (a half-truth)
mixmaster
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 4:33 p.m.
Please tell us where the lies, subterfuge and half truths are in my comments. Or do you just like to toss around big words just to stir the pot?
CynicA2
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 1:24 p.m.
Ahhhh... Spoken like a true Hieftjeite - lies, subterfuge, and half-truths.
mixmaster
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 1:13 p.m.
CynicA2. Maybe you wouldn't think that comments are condescending towards you if your comments weren't doubly condescending and unnecessarily snarky towards those with whom you disagree politically. You and the dozen commenters here might not like Hieftje, and neither am I a fan, but c'mon, the man does not have horns and has proven his political worth by winning several elections, (albeit against weak opposition).
mixmaster
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 3:22 a.m.
and some folks believe in the boogie man too.
CynicA2
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 2:39 a.m.
Ooooooohh!.... and soooo condescending, too! I think the Hieftjeites scare plenty of folks around here - just read the comments.
mixmaster
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 9:14 p.m.
Scary? Neither candidate scares me, nor should they scare anyone else. Both of them are good people. The political differences between the two of them are rather small. The difference is one supports the status quo, the other questions it. Your hyperbole is not only unnecessary it's silly.
antikvetch
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 7:30 p.m.
Hopefully, the election of Mr. Warpehoski will break the deadlocked Mayor/Council stalemate and allow this great city to move forward. Yeah, that's it....
antikvetch
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 8:20 p.m.
Veracity, I acknowledge your earnestness....
Veracity
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 8:09 p.m.
antikvetch, What stalemate? The Mayor and a majority of City Council have successfully built the Municipal Building and the over-structured library parking lot which cost up to $10 million annually to service the bonds that financed the constructions. The Mayor and City Council have approved the Herbert Dreiseitl dysfunctional "water sculpture" outside of the Municipal Building costing Ann Arbor tax payers more than $770,000 from the Mayor's 1%-for-art fund. Furthermore, our Mayor and City Council approved a number of large construction projects include Zaragon West, Varsity, Georgetown Mall, Village Green Ann Arbor City apartments, and City Place. Many of these developments are being built speculatively with chance that more than one will not survive economically (particularly City Place). Ashley Terrace is a recent example of a downtown residential building that became bankrupt.
Alan Goldsmith
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 6:44 p.m.
If anyone wants a reminder of the sarcastic style Mr. Warpehoski will no doubt bring to City Council as someone supported 100% by the Mayor, look no further than his own words: http://www.annarbor.com/news/opinion/three-ways-to-kill-improvements-in-public-transit/ Open, inclusive and supporting public input my foot.
bedrog
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 10:40 p.m.
a.g: I often disagree with you but on this i do agree. His effort to push an anti-islamophobia resolution to city council ( while stonewalling/ignoring a far more real case of religious harassment in town...that involving longtime protestors a t synagogue-- prompted some pretty sarcastic responses from him to those of us who critically weighed in on the matter ... ( although to be fair we're not too shabby at sarcasm either!...but we're also not running for office!!.
Rita Mitchell
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 6:32 p.m.
Vivienne has been active both in elected office and as an involved member of the community for years. She thinks deeply, and looks at the details before coming to conclusions and decisions. As an example, she attended as much of the public meeting on the Jackson Road 4/3 conversion proposal as she could, prior to leaving to participate in the LWV debate last night. I want a council member who will participate, not just show up and read an agenda during a meeting, and go with the flow. Vivienne consistently demonstrates preparation and thought in her actions. I am happy that she has taken on the challenge of candidacy and feel that she is ready to be a great council member for the 5th ward and the city.
mixmaster
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 7:16 p.m.
Additionally, I have never met anyone who has a better grasp of the issues and a plain spoken way of relating them to people as does Ms Armentrout. One the more intelligent candidates to come along in a while.
Tom Whitaker
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 6:07 p.m.
"The way I lead and the way I serve is by listening, by engaging people, hearing what their concerns are, finding out where that common ground is to move forward," he said. "This is the skill, this is the value, that I hope to bring to City Council." That sounds lovely, but Mr. Warpehoski's sarcastic and dismissive March 1 guest column in annarbor.com is exactly the opposite of "engaging" and demonstrates no "people skills" whatsover. In that piece he snarkily gives those concerned with the costs and potential negative outcomes of county-wide transit a list of instructions on how to kill it. He makes no effort to seek common ground, but rather scoffs at those who think we should proceed more carefully, or improve intra-city transportation first, or seek more control for the City of Ann Arbor, whose taxpayers have supported AATA with tens of millions of dollars since the early seventies, and will continue to pay the lion's share of any plan moving forward. This is in marked contrast to Vivienne, who has attended dozens of meetings, read all the reports, and written extensively on the transit issue on her blog, where she carefully and fairly lays out the facts along with her own detailed analysis. She always seems to give proponents the benefit of the doubt in their beliefs and motivation, but tactfully points to problems in their positions that need further research and discussion. We need Vivienne's independence, experience, tact, and inquisitiveness on City Council, and that's why she has my vote.
Joe Dohm
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 7:39 p.m.
I think that piece reflects extremely negatively on Mr. Warpehoski, and I do think that it may be new to many potential voters. His opinion piece shows that he is not interested in listening to anyone, except those whom already agree with him.
mixmaster
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 7:18 p.m.
The link is only useful in promoting Mr Warpehoski. The problem is that it's nothing new. His opinion piece mirrors the same talking points put forth by the ruling council party.
Joe Dohm
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 7 p.m.
Tom, I think a link would be useful: http://www.annarbor.com/news/opinion/three-ways-to-kill-improvements-in-public-transit/ -Joe
Peter Eckstein
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 5:53 p.m.
I think it is strange to be advocating something just on the basis of who you are, as when Warpehoski says he supports mass transit because he is a Democrat and a progressive. It would have the "environmental values" he mentions only if it were designed sensibly rather than ideologically. Sending a lot of huge, empty buses between Ann Arbor and Manchester will waste money, waste fuel, and within Ann Arbor, at least, wil do more to create traffic congestion than to relieve it. Yet this seems to be the AATA way. AATA has also said it will spend up to $750,000 of taxpayer dollars without further board review on subsidizing giant buses shuttling between town and the airport--providing the greatest benefits to wealthy jet-setters and wealthy out-of-state students. There is a difference between the two candidates. Vivienne Armentrout is the one who has the skills and the commitment to see that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely, not just because they seem to fit into an ideological box.
SonnyDog09
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 3:45 p.m.
"As a Democrat, as a progressive, I'm a strong supporter of transit" Of course Democrats support transit. Here is how it goes. Politicians get to award contracts to build the "transit infrastructure" to companies that make political contributions to them. The contracts are awarded to Union companies. Those unions make political contributions to the politicians that voted for "transit." Once the infrastructure is built, it will be worked by members of "service" unions. Those unions will also make contributions to the politicians that voted for transit. And the best part is that this is all paid for with other people's money (aka taxpayers). What is there not to like about "transit" if you are a politician?
Brad
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 8:06 p.m.
I see no reason why I should be subsidizing trips to the airport. It's insane. We don't need another one of these on council. No thanks.
Janet Neary
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 7:54 p.m.
I strongly agree with all of the points in this comment. I also want to reply to Mr. Warpehoski's reply by saying that of course the people he names would be glad to have the airport shuttle -- anyone would be glad to have such a heavily-subsidized cheap service. But the point is that the rest of us are all paying for it.
Chuck Warpehoski
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 7:01 p.m.
As I've gone door-to-door throughout the fifth ward, I've heard mostly positive reviews of the airport shuttle. The service was almost at capacity last week, and since the students are gone, we can assume that represents townie traffic. It's also good for businesses. I spoke to Sarah at the Burnt Toast Inn, a small business in the fifth ward, and she told me the service has been good for her business and appreciated by her customers. Initially I was skeptical about prioritizing the AirRide service, but feedback I've received so far has been very positive.
No.War
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 5:49 p.m.
I had a question for Mr. Warpehoski. As a City Council member, I wonder if Mr. Warpehoski will promote ICPJ's resolution for "Arms Divestment against Israel", which can be found at http://tinyurl.com/yjcf7gd As I recall, the resolution was approved by a super-majority during his tenure as the Director of ICPJ. And his directorship of ICPJ figures most prominently in his campaign.
bedrog
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 9:23 a.m.
how Roadmanianly predictable; "civil rights activists" for "rabid hatemongers", per the web link i cited . Yeah they probably have not yet crossed the line of illegality ( although individuals sure come close) ...but decent others in the community could be pushing back alot harder than they have been.
Roadman
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 12:47 a.m.
I wonder what the candidates' positions are on the new law signed by Governor Snyder on June 27, 2012 that criminalizes the "disruption" of religious services and authorizes 93 days in jail for a first offense. Some local civil rights activists have been known to demonstate their opposition to Israeli policies at a local synagogue. Would either candidate advocate AAPD enforcement if the demonstrators were perceived to have violated the new statute? Or would they take the position the First Amendment protected their acts?
demistify
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 9:44 p.m.
Unless War has inside knowledge that the Ann Arbor Police Department is planning to buy Uzis, the question is obviously off-topic. I do hope that Warpehoski will reassure us that he does not intend to use the City Council as a forum for his ICPJ foreign policy initiatives.
bedrog
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 8:52 p.m.
http://blog.deiryassin.org/ moderator : there was no reason whatsoever to delete my response to "no war". If one has a strong stomach and scrolls down the above hate blog by a local synagogue stalker their hatred of Warpehoski is evident... and he has personally assured me of his distance from "no war's ' obvious agenda. Let local pols deal with local matters and not wade into inappropriate international waters. The Huron River should suffice.
No.War
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 8:28 p.m.
I thank Mr. Gaynor for his answer.I really would like for the candidate to answer. Vivienne seems to be answering questions that are put to her. Because Mr. Warphehoski's ICPJ leadership is so central to his candidacy, it makes sense to ask about that leadership, especially on issues that have been hotly contended in this city.
Jeff Gaynor
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 8:06 p.m.
And your point is what? While Warpehoski is running on a socially progressive platform, I feel confident he can separate issues affecting the city of Ann Arbor from international issues that the membership of ICPJ felt were important.
No.War
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 6 p.m.
Correction: The full name of the ICPJ resolution is "Arms Divestment and Cessation of U.S. Military Aid to Israel: A resolution of the Interfaith Council for Peace and Justice and its Middle East Task Force", and it is in the ICPJ newsletter on page 5, at http://www.icpj.net/newsletters/03JulyAugNewsletter.pdf
xmo
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 5:30 p.m.
I wish I could see the difference? Two Tax and spend LIBERALS (Progressives)? One is to the left of the other a little but both our on the left Fringe!
northside
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : midnight
xmo seems far to the right of the Republican Party, even to the right of the tea party wing. A few weeks ago he posting a comment ripping a high school honors student for volunteering to help those in need. The post was so rude that annarbor.com removed it. I don't know of many Republicans who would write, much less think, such a thing.
Veracity
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 7:50 p.m.
XMO, our resident Republican, apparently is unaware of the amount of money that would have been saved had Vivienne Armentrout been successful in preventing the construction of the new Municipal Building and the subterranean library parking lot. Since she was not successful city taxes must be used to service the $50 million bond issues for each construction. If these buildings were not constructed then the City would have almost $10 million of additional funds ANNUALLY which could extend City services and could help fund city pensions and retiree medical costs. The "tax and spend" label that XMO seems to throw around so freely does not apply to Vivienne Armentrout who has positioned herself as fiscally responsible. Furthermore, XMO sees both candidates as being on the "left fringe" only because he has positioned himself so extremely in the other direction.
mixmaster
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 7:12 p.m.
Only in Sarah Palin's backwards universe could either one be considered "fringe". Get real.
Vivienne Armentrout
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 5 p.m.
Just to clarify, I am also a member of the AATA's District Advisory Committee for Ann Arbor. I have not stressed that in my literature because it is a very new committee and has only met twice.
Ryan J. Stanton
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 5:07 p.m.
Thanks! I can definitely note that in the story.