All about politics? Ann Arbor council member's motivations called into question
Ann Arbor City Council Member Stephen Kunselman, D-3rd Ward, said changes he's proposing to the Downtown Development Authority, which the City Council oversees, are intended to restore public trust and confidence in the organization.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com file photo
"It's all politics," he said this week after the City Council voted 7-3 to give initial approval to changes he's proposing to put new limits on the DDA and slow its revenue growth.
"We're politicians," added Kunselman, D-3rd Ward.
But he said it's a distraction from the real issue to say that's the motivation behind his proposal. He said it's about holding the DDA accountable and implementing sensible reforms, like term limits for DDA board members and clarifying how the DDA can capture and spend local tax dollars.
Council Member Sabra Briere, D-1st Ward, painted a different picture of Kunselman's agenda in a Feb. 10 email to DDA Director Susan Pollay, suggesting he has it in for the DDA.
"He thinks the DDA and AATA are 'soft' targets because they handle significant dollars but have unelected boards," Briere wrote. "He believes that coming out against the DDA and AATA makes him appear unafraid, able to speak truth to power, and not part of the mayor's coterie."
Council Member Sabra Briere, D-1st Ward, painted a different picture of Kunselman's agenda in a Feb. 10 email to DDA Director Susan Pollay, suggesting he has it in for the DDA.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com file photo
AnnArbor.com obtained 50 pages of emails traded between Pollay and council members, including some from Briere, in response to a recent Freedom of Information Act request.
Since the emails were released to AnnArbor.com, Briere has expressed some regret about the situation, but she hasn't taken back anything she said.
She recently gave a courtesy heads up to both Kunselman and Sumi Kailasapathy, who has joined Kunselman in co-sponsoring the DDA ordinance changes, to let them know the emails were going public.
"It honestly doesn't make me happy," Briere said of the emails going public. "I'm not a gossipy person and it sounds gossipy."
In her email describing Kunselman's agenda to Pollay, Briere alluded to the fact that Kunselman is considering running against Mayor John Hieftje next year.
"He thinks he's the best person to challenge the mayor, because he's passionate about 'sticking it to him.' In other words, making the mayor ultimately responsible for each and every problem," Briere wrote, concluding the email by saying: "I don't know what can be done to change any of this, but he loses ammunition when things are very transparent."
Kunselman said he got a chance to read Briere's email about him and she seems to be "throwing stones" with her tone.
"I think what it does is it creates a doubt or distrust of the sincerity of the person who wrote it," he said. "It's not a very flattering way to work with your colleagues, for sure."
Kunselman said Briere hasn't formally apologized to him. In an interview with AnnArbor.com, Briere stood by her remarks about Kunselman and his motivations.
"Ms. Pollay asked me what's his intent, then I went through the stuff I've heard him say to me — many times at council meetings, as well as in conversations," she said. "He told me more than three years ago that every problem, every issue he can bring up, he will make an issue for the mayor."
"It just seemed to have totally missed the economic implications and the accountability we're trying to bring to the DDA," Council Member Sumi Kailasapathy, D-1st Ward, said of Briere's email.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com file photo
"When he has criticized the money that goes to the DDA, he has pointed out that money could have been better spent in his neighborhood," she said. "When he has criticized the types of development that go on downtown, he has pointed out that no development is occurring in his neighborhood.
"He's also pointed out in more than one public venue that members of the DDA have failed to support him and have supported people who ran against him for council," she added.
Observers of Monday's council meeting noticed at least a couple of tense moments between Briere and Kailasapathy, who also isn't happy about what Briere wrote.
"It just seemed to have totally missed the economic implications and the accountability we're trying to bring to the DDA," Kailasapathy said. "It kind of made me sad. If you just see it politically, you're obviously not seeing the rest of the big picture."
Briere said she felt "called out" by Kailasapathy, who accused Briere of trying to paint a "disaster scenario" about what cuts to the DDA could mean.
Briere ultimately voted in favor of the proposal at Monday's first reading. It now goes to second reading and final approval on April 15.
Kailasapathy maintains the DDA has a "spending problem," and she has no problem limiting its ability to capture more revenue from new downtown developments.
"For me, it's really problematic when you spend 87 percent of your TIF money on bond servicing," she said, referring to the nearly $4 million a year in tax-increment financing dollars the DDA collects from downtown properties. "It has broader goals than just making debt payments on parking garages."
Briere has been a rumored potential future candidate for mayor. Kunselman said he doesn't think there's any jockeying going on between the two of them, at least not on his part.
"No, my only aspiration was to run against Hieftje," he said. "I don't want to run for mayor. But if Hieftje runs again, I think he needs a credible opponent."
At Monday's meeting, Hieftje accused Kunselman of launching a politically motivated attack on the DDA that could hurt both the city and the DDA. Hieftje said the DDA has been an excellent partner, and if there were any concerns, Kunselman should have consulted the DDA first.
Kunselman said those kinds of comments about collaboration are "a bunch of smoke," because "what we hear is the nastiness of politics."
"The DDA board was never collaborative until the mayor lost his majority on council and we saw that tonight," he said after the initial vote on his proposal.
Kunselman said he thinks the DDA has become an extension of the mayor, who serves on the DDA board and appoints all of its board members.
"He is the DDA," Kunselman said.
Before he considers running for mayor, Kunselman is seeking re-election to council this year. He's up against Julie Grand, chairwoman of the city's Park Advisory Commission.
Grand, a Democrat, said she's already met with DDA board member Joan Lowenstein and has her support, and she wouldn't be surprised if other DDA board members support her as well.
She said Kunselman makes it hard for others to objectively evaluate his ideas about the DDA because of the assumed political motivations behind them.
"He's been very open about his efforts to dismantle the organization," she said. "I think they should exist and not be vilified, but it doesn't mean we can't make improvements to the organization."
Kunselman said he believes the changes he's proposing will be good for the DDA in the long run. He said it's all about restoring public trust and confidence in the organization.
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
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sat, Apr 6, 2013 : 6:12 p.m.
Thank God Kunselman is holding them accountable. An unelected body that "captures" (a euphamism for "steals") tax dollars meant for other organizations (e.g., AAPS, WCC, AADL) and there is virtually no oversight of how the DDA spends that money and makes its decisions. Take a look at the DDA's budget and explain why parking fees downtown needed to go up. I can't. Time to disband the DDA. GN&GL
Albert Howard
Sat, Apr 6, 2013 : 11:24 a.m.
Nice, Stephen Kunselman!
Widow Wadman
Sat, Apr 6, 2013 : 6:24 a.m.
I applaud Kailasapathy's and Kunselman's efforts to make the DDA more accountable to tax payers and voters. Thank you, Council Members!
Stephen Landes
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 9:22 p.m.
I have no problem with a politician doing things that are "politically motivated" because that means the politician is listening to the people. If the objective of a politician is to represent the people and the politician does what the people like then they will vote for him/her. ISn't that what we all really want? to be listened to and have our opinions/interests matter to our elected officials? I voted "no" in the poll because I believe the question was written in a cynical manner as if being "politically motivated" should be considered a bad thing. I don't believe it is a bad thing. I wish the poll question had been better written and different answers available. How about just asking straight up if it is a good or bad thing for a politician to be "politically motivated"? How about asking what people think "politically motivated" means?
timjbd
Sat, Apr 6, 2013 : 1:02 p.m.
Ideally, you elect a leader with good judgement- who will occasionally do things that are unpopular, and then be able to convince constituents that what they did was in everyone's best interest. Leadership. We have enough politicians-as-weather-vanes. That's why, as a country, we can never raise enough taxes (from certain segments with political power) to cover our basic governmental needs. If you decide to run, do the right thing when necessary, then be ready to convince people it IS the right thing and then go prove it. That's the job.
Joslyn at the U
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 8:33 p.m.
Ryan............my main man!!!!!!!!!!!!! Great article !!! See this shoes you care about the community ..........thumbs up 100%
Joslyn at the U
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 8:34 p.m.
*Shows you care
craig stolefield
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 7:19 p.m.
In these days of people in politics never saying what they actually believe Council Member Briere should be complemented for her honesty. She sent an email saying what she believed to be true. I see no fault in that.
Ryan J. Stanton
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 6:42 p.m.
Scroll down on this page to listen to an interview of Kunselman on the Lucy Ann Lance radio show http://lucyannlance.com/?p=33456
aes
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 9:14 p.m.
I listened and learned quite a bit about the DDA and the TIF, etc. Now I feel a bit better informed about the situation in town. Thanks for including this link, Ryan!
Alan Goldsmith
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 7:16 p.m.
No one listens to AM radio Ryan. Come on.
Greg
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 6:12 p.m.
Two questions need to be address immediatly as I see it from this article. 1. Total lack of accountability. Who is watching the tax dollars being spent. The mayor and his appointed buddies only it seems. Not a healthly oversite. 2. While the DDA may have done some good, was the money spent getting anything like the best bang for the buck the public could expect of their taxdollars. (Sure doesn't sound like it from a number of articles over the years.)
Bertha Venation
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 5:09 p.m.
I'd take Kunselman and Lum any day over Hieftje and Briere.
Macabre Sunset
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 4:28 p.m.
This is what Ann Arbor deserves for being a one-party city. No accountability inevitably means weaker candidates and more corruption. It's too bad we can't just throw the mayor and all of his minions out the door and start over. Voters are sheep.
Tom Whitaker
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 7:10 p.m.
I didn't read Jack's comment as describing Republicans and Democrats, but rather the ideological divide between the two factions currently on or running for council---all but one member of council is a Democrat. Even under the umbrella label of "Democrat" there has been a clear philosophical choice to make between candidates in most recent council elections, and in fact, in several recent races, voters have chosen candidates that are not aligned with the Mayor or his like-minded DDA, AATA and planning commission appointees. Ironically, both factions to some extent are playing from the traditional Republican handbook. The Mayor's faction is pro-development, anti-regulation and supports tax incentives and other government programs for businesses. The opposition supports a return to traditional fiscal conservatism and puts an emphasis on public safety, roads, and other basic services over expensive government projects.
Jack Eaton
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 6:40 p.m.
Macabre Sunset - What you describe as a one-party system is really just the result of the dominance of the Democratic vote. That is in some part a result of a Republican Party that has abandoned all pretense of moderation and repudiates any attempt at compromise. We Democrats owe a huge debt to the radicals in the Republican Party. If you were right about party bosses controlling electoral outcomes, then we would still have Greden, Rapundalo, Derezinski and Smith on the City Council. The newer members of Council got elected because voters took the time to learn the differences between individual candidates, without reliance on party labels, and went to the polls to help change the composition of Council. If you are really interested in replacing the "mayor and all of his minions", as your original comment said, it will take a little more effort than the broad brush rejection of all members of Council. As this article notes, some members of Council are actively challenging the status quo (unrestrained financing of the DDA) in hopes of finding funds for essential services such as our police and fire departments.
Macabre Sunset
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 6:04 p.m.
Your characterizations of the Democrats and Republicans are indicative of how a one-party system is entrenched in Ann Arbor politics. You probably don't even see your characterizations as hopelessly partisan. When candidates are vetted by party bosses and not by the voters, this is what happens. Reform has to start with a real election where Hieftje has to face a real opponent. Until then, Ann Arbor deserves what it gets.
Jack Eaton
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 5:10 p.m.
Macabre Sunset - While I share some of your frustration with some of the members of City Council, I do not agree that anything is inevitable. There are clear choices within our local elections. One group favors economic development with all of its public subsidization of the rich and powerful. The other group favors providing excellent services and infrastructure to the residents who pay taxes. In recent years that second group has seen some success at the polls. In 2011, Jane Lumm, who had been shunned by her former political party, ran as an independent candidate and beat one of the Mayor's strongest supporters. In 2010, Sumi Kailasapathy came so close to beating one of the Mayor's Council allies that the incumbent did not run in 2012. In 2012, Sally Hart Petersen ran on promises to be an independent voice on Council and beat another one of the Mayor's ardent supporters. This year the August and November elections provide us the opportunity to support incumbents who support services and infrastructure over subsidies for developers. The Mayor is supporting candidates running against Lumm and Kunselman in hopes of returning the Council to former habit of supporting his vision of downtown student highrises and an expensive train station on public parkland. I hope you will add your voice to all of the residents who have been working so hard to change the City's priorities. Because of the new Council members, we will not be closing fire stations. Because of the new members, we have established meaningful spending priorities in this year's budget discussion. Because of the new Council members, we are actually considering limits on how much of our tax dollars the DDA gets to spend.
CynicA2
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 4:05 p.m.
Your poll ask's the wrong question (as usual). There are plenty of GREAT reasons to "stick-it" to both Kwame Hieftje and the DDA. I hope Kunselman runs for Mayor - I would vote for him in a heartbeat. He may not be perfect, but compared to the Clueless One from the Burns Park Bourgeoisie, he is stellar. Sabra's sounding like she's been there one too many years, herself.
Ricebrnr
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 4:02 p.m.
""No, my only aspiration was to run against Hieftje," he said. "I don't want to run for mayor. But if Hieftje runs again, I think he needs a credible opponent."" Got my vote
oyxclean
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 5:44 p.m.
Mine, too.
lou glorie
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 3:37 p.m.
First, the poll: The question is of little relevence. And of course, when trying to steer people away from the real issues, ask us to focus on a triffling one. As others have pointed out, the relations among politicians are by nature "political". Furthermore, the perpetuation of the idea that the"political" is a bad thing, only further distances citizens from engaging in politics. It discourages us from taking up our responsibilities as citizens. The political is the realm where we negotiate power. To say things should not be political is to suggest that we surrender all struggle for equality to those who already hold power. Unfortuantely many of us have studied and learned the ways of sycophancy. It distresses me to see it so close to home. The once proud, independant journalist, no longer blowing whistles is now trumpetting the latest edicts from the ruling classes. Most politicians have become cringing, pusillanimous tail-tuckers, who've learned how to hold their seats whithout ever offending or challenging any ediface of power. This is how they will crawl up the political ladder. But like a lap dog, they'll jump off the couch to yap at any of their fellows who dare untuck their tails and refuse to learn courteous comportment. This article is revealing. It says much about the writer and the main subject--Council Member Briere. I'm astounded that she thought it damning to point out that Kunselman wanted to see resources allocated to his ward. Looking out for the interests of his ward--isn't this what he was elected to do? With Julie Grand already crouching towards the DDA with her campaign alms bowl, one wonders if her posture will be seen by third ward voters as beneficial to their interests.
vivian
Sun, Apr 7, 2013 : 12:19 a.m.
Thank you, Lou Glorie.
cindy1
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 9:22 p.m.
Lou for mayor.
lou glorie
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 5:36 p.m.
Vivian, as usual, you have employed the mot juste (self-serving) and were able to hit the target with one sentence.
vivian
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 5:18 p.m.
Yes, it seems that many people use the term 'political' when what they probably mean is 'self-serving.'
pbehjatnia
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 2:54 p.m.
I don't care what his motivation is. Fact is that the DDA is a third arm of John Hieftje and it needs to be reigned in. Immediately.
PersonX
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 2:27 p.m.
All of this is very disconcerting. Aside from the fact that it is silly to debate whether a politician, professional or not, is acting "politically," it brings to light unfortunate tensions among our council members. While it is normal to have some degree of disagreement, let us hope that one of this will impede the necessary functions of council. There are too many important issues facing the city, especially concerning the nature of downtown development, and we need proper debate and decision, not squabbling. As for the DDA, many would like to see it abolished, but for all the bad it has brought, there is also some good. It would be better to think about restructuring it in more responsible fashion so that it is not appear, at least, as a body belonging to the mayor and special interests. The main problem with such committees is that they must, by definition, constantly "act" or "improve" and therefore cannot stop meddling, even when there is no need to do so. A better DDA, more responsive to voters and council, would help improve the city.
SonnyDog09
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 2:24 p.m.
I am shocked, shocked, I tell you, to discover that politicians are political. I eagerly await, with breathless anticipation, then next big scoops from a2.com that inform us that: a. water is wet b. the sun rises in the east c. the Detroit Lions are still a lousy football team
Chris Blackstone
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 2:04 p.m.
The comments on this article are a shining example of how the thoughtfulness of comments goes up as people use their real names and vice versa. It's high time for AnnArbor.com to do away with anonymous commenting.
Stephen Lange Ranzini
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 9:42 p.m.
@Chris Blackstone: In our fight against the Mayor's "little experiment" in which the fire department was gutted, it was a really good thing that anonymous comments were allowed, because the city put an illegal gag order on the fire fighters, and threatened them with immediate dismissal if they spoke to the press or made any comments in AnnArbor.com or other media. You don't have to go to China to get press censorship! Personally, I choose to use my real name and I am fully prepared to take that risk professionally and personally, but I completely understand why others would not feel that way.
G. Orwell
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 9:26 p.m.
Chris and David would make amazing politicians in China.
1bit
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 5:59 p.m.
Is anything on the Internet real?
Dirty Mouth
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 5:42 p.m.
I completely disagree. Besides, stick to the issue at hand.
RUKiddingMe
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 4:28 p.m.
This "real name" thing is getting very, very tired. Why would any sane person want their real name anywhere on the internet? Chris, in your picture you're holding a baby, which makes your naivete even worse. You think it's safe to, in a small town, put your real name on a new/political blog site? Do you know how many nutjobs have access to the internet? Even ones who normally wouldn't can make use of our awesome library system. Personally, I think you're very foolish and irresponsible to use your real name. ...assuming that IS your real name, of course.
David Cahill
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 3:55 p.m.
I've argued (futilely) for years that AnnArbor.com should do away with anonymous commenting, as other major papers have. AnnArbor.com did a poll on this a while ago; I guess most readers like to see venting without identifications attached.
Kyle Mattson
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 3:01 p.m.
Hi Chris- lou is correct. In addition, there is no guaranteed way to 'do away' with anonymous commenting as there is always a work around. To keep things on track I'll let it at there, but feel free to email me directly if you have any other feedback or want further explanation on the topic.
lou glorie
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 2:56 p.m.
Chris, I understand your point, but I also want to point out the use of pen names has been going on for millenia. And, I'm sorry to say, there is probably no nice way to point out that a politician is not representing. This usually calls into question ethics, morals etc. That said, I agree that hit and run anonymous nastiness for the sake of venting unfocused anger is disappointing.
ordmad
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 1:50 p.m.
I am so thankful that the will and sentiment of the vast majority of those that comment here do not reflect the majority opinion in this town. If they did, everyone would have a gun, we'd lock up people without a trial, we'd have no public amenities, outlaw bikers and have roads as smooth as glass but absolutely no social services.
lou glorie
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 5:01 p.m.
Dear ordmad, Teabaggery? Again, I'm really confused. From time to time I see those comments that allude to the council being "liberal" or the evils of one party rule. But the fact that commenters seem to be generally critical of politicians is evidence of growing discontent. We both know that it is difficult to dislodge incumbents. Also, the information gap (with the demise of a daily paper) has eroded into a gulch. Our most important city election is held in August when many people are away or not paying attention. I don't think one can say with certainty that the continued re-election of the mayor is a referendum of approval for the things he has wrought. What we know today is that the Democratic primary election usually determines the winner of the general election. I heard a story once about JFK watching some anti-missile demonstrators from the White House. He sent someone out with some coffee. I don't see that kind of respect for dissent on the part of most of our local politicians.
Brad
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 4:21 p.m.
It was about time for that comment. Not that it's true, but you knew it ws coming. But of course the commenter is 100% in alignment with the REAL Ann Arbor people who don't post here. Except for him.
CynicA2
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 4:11 p.m.
Hmmmm... sounds good to me!! What more could you ask for?!?
lou glorie
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 2:49 p.m.
What??? How does one derive gun nuttery, contempt for habeus corpus and the right to assembly, rabid boot-strapperism from concern for how politicians spend tax dollars. Are you suggesting that the correct posture for a citizen is supine? The correct mind set concerning governance is "get out of the way" and let the "experts" have their way with us? Interesting.
B2Pilot
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 1:42 p.m.
Briere reminds me of another infamous local politician Monica Conyers. Instead of working together she is taking sides and playing high school games. There is a lot of money trading hands with the DDA and council members and the DDA has lost sight of their original charter. They are accountable to no citizens and seem to operate in the shadows. I think this is a good dialouge for council to have. It is a hot topic around town.
B2Pilot
Sat, Apr 6, 2013 : 1:22 p.m.
shadow- no not taking bribes however... with the cozy atmosphere and amount of money who knows... no my comparison was more of the disfunction that is city council. There was a time when you could agree to disagree not any more if you disagree you are considered a problem.
shadow wilson
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 6:54 p.m.
My comment was removed because I used the word dumb? Does aa.com have a better word to describe comparing briere to a convicted felon? is b2pilot implying that briere is taking bribes?
craig stolefield
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 1:40 p.m.
The DDA has done a fine job managing their resources. Ann Arbor's downtown is one of the very best for city of this size. It is a shame to see the city council trying to take over an independent board made up for the most part of small business owners who are not paid for all their time spent making our city one of the very places to live. Ann Arbor wins award after award and the DDA plays a big role in this. The whole city is clean (difficult in a college town) and judging by the FBI crime numbers very safe.
1bit
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 4:05 p.m.
@craig: I think you are confusing correlation with causation. Just because Ann Arbor is doing well does not necessarily mean the DDA is the cause of it. They like to think they are, but the citizenry, the innovators/entrepreneurs and the University of Michigan are what make this town.
B2Pilot
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 1:44 p.m.
Ann Arbor was alive and vibrant 40 years ago the only thing that has changed is the amount of money being siphoned off for pet projects and the size of the buildings being erected
4 Real
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 1:11 p.m.
Both Kunselman and Kailasapathy are political hacks. Why don't they work to make the City better instead of attacking one of the more successful components of our local government? Because they can't.
M-Wolverine
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 4:07 p.m.
@4 Real So what job do you have at the DDA?
DJBudSonic
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 2:22 p.m.
If combing over the city budget and audit results makes one a political hack, we need more political hacks.
jcj
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 1:39 p.m.
in lock step
jcj
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 1:19 p.m.
Translation... If they are not be lock step with the mayor they can't be thinking about the city. Anything BUT 4real
Dirty Mouth
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 1:04 p.m.
Ann Arbor City Council Member Stephen Kunselman's motives are just and fair; he is the first council member to state what many of us longtime A2 residence have always felt. Also, the poll seems a bit silly given that anything surrounding City Council activities is politically motivated; that's just a no brainer! Up until today, I had no idea Council was to oversee the DDA's activities which now makes me equally suspect of Council. Some issues regarding the current operation of the DDA: No apparent oversight or ongoing published research with regard to downtown development project or concepts.
Bill Wilson
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 11:27 p.m.
Maybe ....we have to pass the bill so we can see what's in it?
mtlaurel
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 12:38 p.m.
motivations of people are always complex. Ms Briere is speaking down to people by using words like"soft target..."has it in for" . ...you can forget about your Shakespearean attempt to add more drama,Ms Briere.
Lou Perry
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 12:34 p.m.
The DDA needs to change its name to Parking Lot Authority – I know of nothing that DDA has done to advance business or residential improvement. Although I didn't live in Ann Arbor back when the Authority was formed I understand downtown was deteriorating with porn stores and more. If that is true certainly that isn't the case today. Maybe I don't understand, but what did DDA do to save the city.
timjbd
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 2:13 p.m.
Those porn stores were much loved! I used to deliver sandwiches to the Velvet Touch.
Larry Baird
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 12:33 p.m.
While I am no journalism major, this story and poll are so slanted, I wonder what the UM political science dept. and/or journalism dept. would think about the balance and objectivity of this article? If the story and poll is about political motivation, why is it singled out on only one person? Councilmember Briere voted yes for the DDA amendment, yet at the same time is questioning the basic rationale of the amendment, "He thinks the DDA and AATA are 'soft' targets because they handle significant dollars but have unelected boards," . So was Briere's vote politically motivated? After reading her e-mail, I wonder how she will be voting on the second reading? If you recall, last year Briere co-sponsored an amendment to help prohibit long-term leases on city parkland such as the proposed Fuller Rd. Parking Garage 100 year lease. Guess how she voted on her own amendment? "No" As for Grand who is now running an election campaign, I am sure nothing she says about her opponent is politically motivated either.
Rod Johnson
Sat, Apr 6, 2013 : 3:37 a.m.
I invite people to take a look at Ryan's coverage of city politics over the last couple years if you want to judge his "fairness." What I "notice" is his pro-Council Party slant, but judge for yourself.
timjbd
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 4:18 p.m.
Quite.
Larry Baird
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 1:47 p.m.
He is the subject of the e-mails, but not the author. Briere's and Grand's allegations of politics over substance seem to echo those of the mayor, which you already reported in detail on Tuesday. So rehashing one politician calling out another politician as politically motivated is not news. Many view this as "the pot calling the kettle black." If you were intent on bringing the Briere e-mails to light, then the article should have been titled, "Briere e-mails make accusations, etc....".
Ryan J. Stanton
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 1:26 p.m.
The reason Stephen Kunselman is put under the spotlight in this story is because he's the primary subject of the emails being reported on and the primary sponsor of the resolution. There's really no avoiding that. But the story also puts the spotlight on Sabra Briere and her emails. And as you're seeing in some of the other comments here, one could argue this has more negative implications for Briere than it does for Kunselman. When writing these kinds of sensitive stories, I've learned there's no way to please 100% of people, but I hope most notice my efforts to be fair to all sides.
Kai Petainen
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 12:33 p.m.
"Briere has been a rumored potential future candidate for mayor" This is not an endorsement.... but she might do a pretty good job as mayor. I agree and disagree with her at times, and I agree and disagree with the mayor at times. I remember watching Briere in council one day, and I disagreed with her vote on a particular matter -- BUT..... she was able to explain why she was voting for the topic at hand in the manner that she did. And her decision, although I disagreed with it, it made sense to me... why she was voting that way. I admire when people are able to make a decision and explain why they chose that decision. Her opinion of that situation did not appear to be political, but based on the facts that were presented to her and how she viewed them. I found myself having quite a bit of respect for her on that day -- even when I disagreed. It's good to have people like that at City Hall.
Kai Petainen
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 11:34 p.m.
jcj... i'll rephrase... quite the 'thumbs down'...
jcj
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 11:25 p.m.
Kai Please point out the anger! I think its just a demonstration of the "opposing argument".
Kai Petainen
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 9:30 p.m.
LOL... quite the angry opposition to my thoughts. that's ok. Everyday, I listen to opinions on stocks and the market. We don't all agree. But, those who can give an opposing argument and explain why they have that opposing argument... I admire. I may not agree with them, but I respect them. In some manner, in every vote, there should always be the one person who disagrees -- because it is always good to know the opposing argument. I am 'open-minded', as I should be, to listen and agree/disagree to that argument. I don't have to agree, but I can still respect their opinion.
lou glorie
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 2:39 p.m.
Dear Kai, congratulations on being one of the rare humans capable of decyphering Briere's tortured explanations for her actions. I must confess to be deficient in esoteric methods of perception like esp. From her seat on council I often here a lot of hums and ahhs followed by circuitous ramblings full of the sound of vacuity, but seldom anything intelligible or illuminating of the subject. Congratulations, I really mean it.
timjbd
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 2:11 p.m.
You're OK with this (now backfiring) junior high school character assassination attempt?
1bit
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 1:19 p.m.
@Kai: There's a difference in taking an unpopular opinion and being opinionated, a distinction that Ms. Briere appears to be lacking. Just because someone is principled in being wrong doesn't make them less wrong. That they revel or wallow in being wrong is worse.
jcj
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 1:16 p.m.
Could there be any more double talk squeezed in this comment?
Brad
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 12:32 p.m.
""When he has criticized the money that goes to the DDA, he has pointed out that money could have been better spent in his neighborhood," she said. "When he has criticized the types of development that go on downtown, he has pointed out that no development is occurring in his neighborhood." I sure wish one of my "representatives" in the 4th ward cared as much about what is happening in the ward (e.g., eyesore mall STILL standing) as in downtown. This "downtown centric" focus needs to get straightened out. It's like the city now exists simply to support the downtown retail/tourist trade. And that small proportion of the population who lives downtown.
Tom Whitaker
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 12:29 p.m.
So Julie Grand's first public endorsement is from Joan Lowenstein? Where do I send a check, Steve?
lou glorie
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 5:47 p.m.
@ Jack Eaton My favorite quote from that article "The idea that we hear over and over from the "anti" party – and that includes current Council members Steve Kunselman and Mike Anglin – is that government should only provide "basic" services." No Joan, the idea is that a government SHOULD provide basic services. Under Lowenstein's watch roads have crumbled, water rates have skyrocketed, and money has been wasted on resume-stuffing projects like the Fuller-Road-garage-might-become-a-train-station-if-all-the-planets-align. Lowenstein's disembling is the only transparent thing about her.
timjbd
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 4:15 p.m.
The faction Ms. Lowenstein has teamed up with try and try to attach the construction of high-rises (by out of town developers) to all the other more progressive and tree-hugging aspects of Ann Arbor life, when it's pretty obvious that large construction projects, and their developers, are the real constituent for them. It's certainly possible to be for vibrant, healthy, progressive city life and be against large-scale construction.
Jack Eaton
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 2:53 p.m.
For those who may have forgotten how eloquent, generous and gracious Joan Lowenstein can be when discussing those with whom she disagrees, I suggest re-reading this opinion piece she authored: http://www.theannmagazine.com/letters/2010-2011/december-2011/
timjbd
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 2:09 p.m.
Haha!
Brad
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 12:37 p.m.
The "Joan of Bark" endorsement? It doesn't get any better!
Alan Goldsmith
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 12:33 p.m.
I'm in too. Where to I mail my check Steve?
motorcycleminer
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 12:27 p.m.
Lets just do this comment " OZ " style ..." Hey hey ho ho DDA has got to go ".......
RunsWithScissors
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 12:26 p.m.
What I find interesting is that annarbor.com knew enough about this situation to request these e-mails via FOIA. And it's a little like getting your uncle's sausage-making recipe. Ugh. But now we know and now I'd like to know what other shenanigans are lurking beneath the thin veneer of politics. Perhaps we should funnel some of DDA's funds to Ryan and buy him a bigger shovel for digging up city council's dirt. He's gonna need it.
timjbd
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 2:08 p.m.
"What I find interesting is that annarbor.com knew enough about this situation to request these e-mails via FOIA." Yes, I wonder how they knew about them. Hmmmmm.......
Jack Eaton
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 12:25 p.m.
It is quite peculiar to hear Council Member Briere claim that Council Member Kunselman's motives are "political". In the recent past, she has suggested that she would run for Mayor if John Hieftje does not and has worked hard not to offend his political allies. At the bottom of every email Council Member Briere sends is a reminder that her emails are subject to disclosure under the FOIA. Yet, she sends out a series of emails that she now regrets. That does not seem to demonstrate the character or skills one would want in a Mayor. The issue of restraining the growth in DDA revenues is too important for childish gossiping. Let's hope that Council Members can put aside their personal relations with DDA Board members and vote for what is best for City taxpayers. Restricting the amount of money skimmed from City taxes will allow the City to spend more on essential services such as police and fire personnel.
Indymama
Sun, Apr 7, 2013 : 3:19 a.m.
Well said, Jack Eaton!
Dirty Mouth
Sat, Apr 6, 2013 : 10:11 p.m.
Council Member Briere needs her Geritol.
Steve Bean
Sat, Apr 6, 2013 : 1:37 p.m.
Craig, I don't think Steve's hiding his true motives. I take him at his word. And that doesn't mean that I don't think he's not totally clear about what appeals to him about the possibility of running for mayor.
Steve Bean
Sat, Apr 6, 2013 : 1:36 p.m.
Jack, if she were trying to be "political", don't you think her message would have been sent out in her newsletter or to the media directly, rather than in a (initially) private email to someone who presumably asked for her opinion? This is much ado about little, one person sharing an opinion of another person with a third person. Point to the untruth or anything more mistaken than making an assumption based on personal observations. Then, don't think of an elephant.
craig stolefield
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 8:19 p.m.
CM Briere's email was honest, I much prefer that to CM Kunsleman hiding his true motives.
Jack Eaton
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 3:38 p.m.
Steve, you are correct that the article did not say that Council Member Briere used the term "political". I may have created the impression that I was quoting her when I put quotation marks around that term. I used the quotation marks to designate the particular use of that term in this article. I don't think political is a dirty word, but in the context of her remarks about Council Member Kunselman, it has a derogatory implication. Council Member Briere is of the habit of using more words than needed to convey a simple thought. I, like the article, characterized her collective remarks as meaning that she thought Kunselman was being "political" in the negative connotation of that term. I am not faulting Briere for disagreeing with Kunselman. I am questioning her doing so in emails to others while voting in support of the Kunselman/Kailasapathy resolution in public. This is just so very reminiscent of her co-sponsoring the park land protection amendment to the Charter, only to undermine it in the end. I am not being critical of mere human behavior, I am expressing alarm at her snarky remarks and her failure to realize the possibility that her emails would be disclosed under FOIA.
Steve Bean
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 2:26 p.m.
Jack, you're misattributing the word "political" to Briere. I don't see any such quote from her. "That does not seem to demonstrate the character or skills one would want in a Mayor." The person you're looking for doesn't exist. Our mayor will always be human—like you and me and Sabra and Steve and John—whether we like it or not. People don't gain experience by magical means. It comes from acting and learning.
jcj
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 12:20 p.m.
It is refreshing to have someone on council that is not a mouthpiece for the mayor! What the H does Sabra Briere think HER comments are ?If not political. Let me answer that myself. Her comments are disgusting.
Indymama
Sun, Apr 7, 2013 : 3:17 a.m.
A second AMEN!!!
motorcycleminer
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 12:26 p.m.
A-men
glenn thompson
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 12:16 p.m.
The issue that should be considered and discussed is simply whether the Kunselman/Kailasaphy resolution is desirable or not. Focusing on the alleged or perceived motivation of Mr Kunselman is simply an ad hominem argument to divert attention from the substance of the resolution. If you can discredit the sponsors of a resolution perhaps you can convince others not to vote with them and defeat the resolution. It is a political strategy at least as old as the Roman senate. I urge those commenting here to email comments to their Counsel representatives on the merits of the resolution. Remind them that this is what they are voting on, not their personal likes or dislikes of other Council members.
cindy1
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 3:56 p.m.
@glenn thompson: Perfectly stated. A politically motivated article with a poll attempting to descredit a council member.
timjbd
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 2:04 p.m.
"Focusing on the alleged or perceived motivation of Mr Kunselman is simply an ad hominem argument to divert attention from the substance of the resolution." I believe that was the point of the article.
Alan Goldsmith
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 12:15 p.m.
Ann Arbor is lucky to have members of Council like Stephen Kunselman and Sumi Kailasapathy. What is wrong with asking questions, what is wrong with carefully spending every penny of our tax dollars, what is wrong with looking out for neighborhoods and not just the moneyed interests of developers and downtown restaurant owners? If Sabra Briere wants to be the spokesperson and representative for the Mayor and his buddies, then she should have enough courage to do it openly. Apparently she thinks she can plan both sides of the fence.
Joslyn at the U
Sat, Apr 6, 2013 : 1:39 a.m.
What is wrong is Kunselman is the kinda guy that went on a WITCH HUNT slandering many folks in the transportation industry licensed by the state as MDOT Class B limo operators because girls were being assaulted. And so far the only guy theyve caught was a city licensed taxi driver at Blue cab. He's reckless as well as thoughtless of the effects his actions and rants have on other innocent people, they're livelyhoods, as well as they're families. Kunselman isnt fit to hold office.
Carole
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 12:02 p.m.
If the council and mayor have been reading the comments from the citizens, they would know there are many who do not favor DDA. We did not elect this group, and my one experience with working with them was absolutely awful. They do not stay within their budget and the city is constantly bailing them out - no they should have many reins tightened and in my opinion shut down. Thank you Mr. Kunselman for bringing this concern to the council.
Kai Petainen
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 11:54 a.m.
Here's a political question that might help Ann Arbor City Hall get some money. SPARK invested in Alphacore. Alphacore was acquired by AstraZeneca. Presumably, those who invested in Alphacore would have gotten money from the deal -- SPARK being one of the investors. Since SPARK is a 'non-profit' and funded by state and local tax-payer money, does the extra money they made from that deal go back to local and/or state tax-payers/City Hall?
Tom Whitaker
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 2:32 p.m.
Kai makes a good point about yet another unaccountable quasi-public, quasi-private organization redistributing millions in government tax revenues out to cronies--selecting winners and losers without having to answer to the public, politically or otherwise. It really is time to reign in all these government-sponsored economic development schemes and start concentrating on funding and operating quality state and local governments that make the state and the city desirable places to live. Like providing excellent services, schools, roads and bridges, well-maintained parks and other amenities. Just think of all that could be done to improve our state and city with the millions being siphoned off through TIF schemes, economic development millages imposed without a vote (Washtenaw County), or state legislative/executive policies that give tax breaks to "job creators" while cutting schools and other essential government functions.
timjbd
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 2 p.m.
I take it that's a rhetorical question?
B2Pilot
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 1:53 p.m.
does city hall really need more money? I want them more accountable for the money they are getting (DDA) Just sayin
Alan Goldsmith
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 11:51 a.m.
Sabra Briere has been a disappointment on Council. She's never taken leadership on any major issue, she's sat quietly as the DDA looted funds from other governmental units, voted for the CIty Center water fountain, voted for no bid contracts for the 'green' supporters of the Mayor, sat on her hands for the past four years on the zoning issue that will result in the new fiasco on Division and Huron, and...the list is endless. I admire her work ethic and all the energy she puts into the various committees she's involved with and admire her efforts to available to the voters of her ward, MS. Briere, who wants to be Mayor herself, needs to decide whether she's a part of the problem or whether she' s part of the solution. With her catty emails, it appears to be the former.
Indymama
Sun, Apr 7, 2013 : 3:13 a.m.
Everyone also needs to know that Ms. Briere is a firm believer that you... the general public...is NOT SMART Enough to know what is best for yourself, therefore she is smarter than you because SHE KNOWS what is best for you!!! She has stated this numerous times and firmly believes that YOU should not be making decisions for yourself. she is the one who should be making all the rules of what you can and/or cannot do. Heaven help Ann Arbor if she is actually voted into office as the Mayor!!!
My2bits
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 4 p.m.
Are you in her ward? I am. She represents me and does so quite well.
1bit
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 11:37 a.m.
"It honestly doesn't make me happy," Briere said of the emails going public. "I'm not a gossipy person and it sounds gossipy." When someone asks you what someone else's "intent" is and you go into a hearsay litany, then you are a "gossipy" person. When you are wrong, but choose to stick to your convictions, it doesn't make you courageous but rather shows your weakness and smallness. This is City Council supposedly, not High School Council.
Patricia Lesko
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 11:35 a.m.
This is deja vu all over again. Snide, uncollegial and duplicitous emails cost former CM Leigh Greden his seat in 2009 and CM Stephen Rapundalo his seat in 2011 (http://www.a2politico.com/2011/11/two-years-after-greden-implodes-rapundalo-goes-down-in-eerily-similar-circumstances/). Like CM Briere, when caught by the media being disrespectful and duplicitous via email, former CM Greden arrogantly refused to apologize or "take back" the things he'd written about the public and his colleagues. One imagines Sabra will "sincerely apologize" for her emails before this election season is over. Maybe she'll even do it in the pages of AnnArbor.com, as did Greden, to little effect. This isn't about CM Kunselman's and CM Kailasapathy's TRANSPARENT efforts to look after the best interests of the taxpayers. It's about CM Briere's underhanded efforts to deceive the public and curry favor with the DDA "shadow government" and its unelected Board members—whom she obviously perceives as important political pals. She emailed Ms. Pollay that the Kunselman/Kailasapathy resolution was ill-conceived, and then voted in favor of it when the public and media were watching? The public is unhappy with the DDA and AATA boards, because they are jammed with John Hieftje's cronies (and campaign donors) who have repeatedly thumbed their noses at the public and wasted tax dollars. These emails show that CM Sabra Briere is busy looking after the interests of the DDA. Ward 1 voters should give her more time to do that—on her own time and on her own dime. Not ours. The city needs Council members who are strongly ethical, scrupulously honest and willing to hold the DDA Board accountable for their management of a $20M dollar budget, not to mention the DDA's recent threats to withhold funds from the city—threats that come dangerously close to insubordination.
Indymama
Sun, Apr 7, 2013 : 3:05 a.m.
AMEN!! Patricia Lesko! AMEN!
Joslyn at the U
Sat, Apr 6, 2013 : 1:26 a.m.
Pat I truly hope you run for office again :)
timjbd
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 6:43 p.m.
Let's keep the ad hominem attacks out. His wife is a public person. He is not.
Bill Wilson
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 4:47 p.m.
How about we forget about party affiliations and examine the actual issues? Briere's behavior is indeed, under-handed. One wonders what her cohort, David, has gotten off to? Off doing dirty work, no doubt.
timjbd
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 1:58 p.m.
And presenting these e-mails as the product of an FOIA request- as if Susan Pollay would not have just handed them over- ridiculous. She and the mayor know Kunselman is tapping into a growing wave and- if Kunselman's message is irrefutable- they have to soil the messenger. Looks like, based on the tone of this article (and poll), A2.com is more than happy to help.
craigjjs
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 1:46 p.m.
No apology is necessary. Opinions about the political motivation of a councilman is fair game even if expressed by another councilperson. You may not agree with the opinions, but your umbrage is a little precious. Opinions about envy by wannabes is also fair game.
craig stolefield
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 1:35 p.m.
Another mayor wanna be who managed to get 14% of the vote in an aggressive campaign. Nothing political here...
Nerak
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 11:30 a.m.
After working in Ann Arbor city government for a dozen years, I found the DDA to be the shining light of competency and responsibility. In spite of the mayor's "seeding" efforts on all boards and commissions, the DDA has remained a remarkably effective group. Councilmember Kunselman's motivations appear to be petty and small, and I hope the voters see through them.
johnnya2
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 4:19 p.m.
@ veracity, That is because the DDA gives money back to the general fund. How about the city give that back and then we can talk
Veracity
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 1:50 p.m.
Five deficit budgets in a row earns the DDA respect? Really? When the DDA becomes insolvent in the next year or two your opinion should change.
Brad
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 12:27 p.m.
How did that alleged "competency" work out on the Garage Mahal project?
1bit
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 11:44 a.m.
The DDA was a very useful entity. It is now plagued by money without a clear focus on its original mission which leads to the inevitable overreach. Rather than stewards or servants, they now carry themselves as the architects of the City.
thinker
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 11:11 a.m.
Really dumb poll. All the council people and the mayor are politically motivated. Why pick on one person?
RUKiddingMe
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 11:09 a.m.
1) "But if Hieftje runs again, I think he needs a credible opponent." Yes. Correct 2) "Kunselman said he thinks the DDA has become an extension of the mayor, who serves on the DDA board and appoints all of its board members." Yes. Correct 3) "...it's really problematic when you spend 87 percent of your TIF money on bond servicing," she said, referring to the nearly $4 million a year in tax-increment financing dollars the DDA collects from downtown properties. "It has broader goals than just making debt payments on parking garages." Yes. Correct. We need a mayor and city council members who ask "is this new project really necessary" and "is this really required to maintain the simple, critical operations of our city" and "is this money being spent wisely." Except for a few showing of Anglin and our recrnt addition of Lumm, I have not seen even the remotest hint of that approach since I started paying attention in 2008. Quite the opposite, in fact.
vivian
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 5:03 p.m.
A question for Shadow Wilson: Why do you say that? Please elaborate.
M-Wolverine
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 3:57 p.m.
@shadow You mean it can get worse?!?
shadow wilson
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 2:50 p.m.
Kunselman as mayor would be an unmitigated disaster
EcoRonE
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 11:05 a.m.
Does anyone remember downtown before the DDA? I've only seen good things happening in downtown since the DDA started to plan and invest in that area and Kunselman's been anti DDA for years. I fall back on the fact that the downtown area is carved up between the various wards and Kunselman representing Ward 3 has no skin in the game although I've never known him to provide any benefit to his own ward other than chicken coops.
Joslyn at the U
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 9:01 p.m.
@EcoRone DDA has good points and bad points............But that chicken coops comment is right on the money! lol
timjbd
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 4:32 p.m.
Lou, You hit the nail on the head.
M-Wolverine
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 3:56 p.m.
Wait, the people in Ward 3 don't pay city taxes?!?! I'm moving! But between rampant panhandling, closing of hub businesses, more chains, the construction of unnecessary high rises putting the town in shade, and construction that takes years to the point of being a giant boondoggle, yeah, I remember what it was like before all that...
lou glorie
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 3:55 p.m.
Dear EcoRonE, I think it would be interesting to ask if anyone remembers downtown Ann Arbor before the single-use zoning and urban renewal crazes in the 50's and 60's. I'm sure there were several factors that contributed to the woes of downtown in the 70's, but one factor, surely was that zoning and building regs at the time discouraged downtown living. Up until the 50's there were many families living downtown, people lived above shops. Then policy changes made getting a certificate of occupancy for these dwellings almost impossible. My friends who lived above a bar did so illegally. At the time there was no legal way for them to live there. So instead of reversing these policies, the city added another layer of inefficiency by establishing the DDA. I can't say with certainty that the DDA would never been needed, but, I do believe that if the city had just allowed more people to live downtown at that time, we would today have more diversity of businesses downtown, rather than the glut of entertainment (restaurants) and an atmosphere mostly welcoming to tourists.
B2Pilot
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 2:02 p.m.
I remember downtown from yesteryear and I remember the original charter of DDA to maintain parking. Downtown was fun years ago, it was alive and vibrant and safe. It was much easier to navigate also. DDA has drifted away from their original charter since Heijte came into office.
Janet Neary
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 11:05 a.m.
This is a very disappointing article. "Politics" is the process by which we voters get to express our views about what government should be doing for us. To attack Mr. Kunselman for being "political" is misguided, and the comments by Sabra Briere (a long-time valuable public servant like Mr. Kunselman) are not worthy of her. The DDA and its choices and its controlling body are legitimate topics for public comment. I don't know quite what to think of the discussion that's been held so far, but hope to become more enlightened (rather than more irritated) as the debate progresses.
a2chrisp
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 11 a.m.
I don't agree with everything kunselman does, but he is clearly in the right in this situation. I will say I generally trust him, which is more than I can say for the mayor, who needs to go. He does whatever he wants and isn't accountable because the media in this town is not good and he never seems to have an opponent who can counter his machine.
Joslyn at the U
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 8:59 p.m.
I agree 100% we need a new mayor but Kunselman aint it.
Steve Bean
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 2:11 p.m.
Political "machines" come into play when citizens look to others to act for them. You have the power you cede to others (which then gets wielded on their behalf, not yours). Why perpetuate the model that builds machines?
timjbd
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 1:45 p.m.
You should try the Chronicle.
YouSaidWhat?
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 10:55 a.m.
What do you get when you throw a bunch of liberals in the barrel? The Ann Arbor City Council!
Brad
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 4:34 p.m.
@johnny - and that is all due to the council, mayor and the DDA, right?
johnnya2
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 4:16 p.m.
You also get the area with the lowest unemployment in the STATE (and the second lowest in the entire midwest region). You get an economy that is growing faster than any other area in the state. Of course those that want the state to continue to languish as third tier state elected Rick Snyder because they think certain standards of living are unimportant.
Veracity
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 1:40 p.m.
City Council does not meet in barrel. And not all City Council members are liberals as if such a designation has any value in the present discussion.
Alum
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 10:39 a.m.
DDA=Money pit.
Stephen Lange Ranzini
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 10:30 a.m.
The DDA's current priorities as expressed in Tuesday's article on this topic, adding elevators and retail to the Williams Street Garage, paying for a sewer improvement to help develop the Y Lot into a tall building, and new street lights on S. Main St. don't even rate a "10" on the list of top 10 priorities I would suggest we ought to be focused on which start with providing basic public services: "#1" fire and emergency medical services that meet national standards, "#2" a police car in front of your door in two minutes to help in an emergency situation, and "#3" roads that are in good repair. The Mayor is fighting for his DDA slushy fund to refill the "buckets", not for the best interests of the citizens! Time to drain the buckets!
Stephen Lange Ranzini
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 8:39 p.m.
@craig stolefield: We may or may not need more police and we certainly don't need more police than is *actually* required to meet our objectives for public safety. However, we don't have the statistics to properly manage to our objectives. In the budget that began July 1, 2012 the city manager set various objectives of "not worse than comparable" cities. A response time however was not in the objectives, if I remember correctly. For true emergencies, I do think it ought to be measured and managed to achieve a reasonable goal. Overall, the number of police in Ann Arbor, combining both the city force and the U-M force has actually declined by *more* than the crime rate declined. The police chief has stated publicly that the force cannot investigate proactively all the crime that is occurring to lower the crime rate. I wrote a article on this topic including an analysis of those stats last year, which you can read at: www.annarbor.com/news/opinion/ann-arbor-lacks-adequate-policing-levels-to-keep-the-city-safe/ To get it to his required length the editor chopped about 500 words out of my column, including important quotes from the County Sheriff talking about how serious a problem heroin addiction is in the county, so it isn't as good as it could have been, but you'll see more of my thinking there and please pay particular attention to my responses to some of the comments. I am NOT a fan of the so called "war on drugs" or our $4 trillion endless overseas wars, both of which are an abject failure.
craig stolefield
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 8:22 p.m.
Crime was double or triple what it is now when Belcher was mayor. Since 2000 it has come down nationwide as well as in A2. We don't need more police.
Stephen Lange Ranzini
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 8:17 p.m.
Sorry the final paragraph in the last post was for @Ordmad not @DonBee.
Stephen Lange Ranzini
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 7:37 p.m.
@DonBee: In Lou Belcher's quote which I posted and agree with 100% it notes that among our top priorities should be "waste pick up every week with a sanitary disposal methodology [and] clean water." I agree with him on those topics too and would assign them #4 and #5 on the list of priorities. Probably #6 on the list ought to be waste water treatment and environmentally sound disposal and storm water management and ensuring that floods are minimized where possible at reasonable cost or where property owners are willing to step up and pay for the cost if a bit unreasonable. After those critical infrastructure needs and basic services we probably get into realm of all the things the city would *like to have* to ensure a prosperous future & etc. @DonBee: The City Manager promises more facts in July on police effectiveness and benchmarking them against similar college towns for response times, crime rates and crime solving rates, and that this information would be posted monthly going forward, as called for in the approved city budget that began July 1, 2012 (the delivery of the stats is late supposedly due to the IT department). When we have some real facts we will know a lot more what is realistic and what staffing it would take. The real problem is that supposedly NO ONE knows right now and *that* needs to change. According to former Mayor Lou Belcher we *used to have* that two minute police response to true emergencies here in Ann Arbor.
ordmad
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 5:51 p.m.
You quoted the former mayor the last go around on this. That's not the question: what other city's (if any) are able to do this? Are there national standards that suggest this? Etc..... Let's decide if it's possible and worth pursuing in anything other than a pie in the sky sense and then we can get to the "what would it cost" question where you raise some good points.
DonBee
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 4:54 p.m.
Where does a working water and sewage system rank in your priorities? LOL - we tend to forget working utilities until they don't work.
Stephen Lange Ranzini
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 3:30 p.m.
@ordmad: Your other question of how many police would actually be required to provide a decent emergency response in Ann Arbor and how would we benchmark it, is actually an excellent one that I am trying to find out the answer to. I asked the city manager the following question which I am awaiting a reply to: "The current city budget that came into force July 1st 2012 and passed last May 2012 calls for the police department to create and publish monthly key metrics of performance benchmarked against similar cities' response times, crime rates and crime solving statistics. Why hasn't this been accomplished yet (please be as specific as possible what has caused the delay) and when will the public see this data published monthly on the city's website?" "How can you or we know if the city has adequate staffing in the police department without this data?" See my question posed (unfortunately in abbreviated form) by Ryan Stanton and answered by the city manager at: www.annarbor.com/news/ask-your-questions-about-ann-arbors-city-budget-during-tuesday-live-chat-with-city-administrator/
Stephen Lange Ranzini
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 3:24 p.m.
@Ordmad: Two minutes for a police car to your location in an emergency was Mayor Lou Belcher's priority when he was Mayor of Ann Arbor. In case you missed his recent statement that mentions this, I'll repost it here: "It is time the city government started using "Management by Objective" as our City Councils practiced during my four terms as mayor. Priorities, set by importance, is the only way to operate anything. Whether it is a government, a business, a family. For any city, the government's first priority MUST be the health and safety of it's citizens. Just ask them. For example, we set the following top objectives: a police car in front of any address in two minutes, a fire truck in four minutes, waste pick up every week with a sanitary disposal methodology, clean water, etc. We built the sixth and last fire station to meet the four minute response goal and it is, in my opinion, very bad policy to dismantle the very infrastructure, that supports, what should be a number one priority. When the money runs out you stop on the last priority and, if you have money left, give it back to those who gave it to you. Look, you can help lead the effort for the arts without spending priority tax dollars. We helped create the Summer festival, the Michigan Theater, and the Hands on Museum with very little public money and the citizen volunteers took them over and saw to their funding (doing a heck of a lot better job than the city council could) and we asked the business community to help fund public art (which many did). Let's get back to the important things that government was formed to do, those things that individuals can not do alone." See: http://annarbor.com/news/ann-arbor-officials-discuss-strategies-for-improving-fire-department-without-closing-stations/?cmpid=NL_DH_topheadlines
ordmad
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 1:46 p.m.
There's that two minutes again. Please, if you don't want it to come off on pandering, can you point to some facts that support this as a worthwhile and attainable (practical and fiscal) goal? And, no, your opinion doesn't count as a fact.
aes
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 12:16 p.m.
You are 100% correct in your priorities, Mr. Ranzini---basic public services like your #1 and #2 and #3---that's what the voters want and need!!! That is essentially why we have a local government.
Arboriginal
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 10:26 a.m.
Should the DDA be abolished? Up for yes. Down for no.
Brad
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 12:25 p.m.
And that is how you run a poll.
thorj97
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 10:24 a.m.
Speaking of political motivations: The mayor, "... serves on the DDA board and appoints all of its board members." The unelected, unaccountable DDA then turns around and works against the mayor's ELECTED opponents on the City Council. ("Briere went on to claim: "He's still trying to get back at DDA members for supporting his opponents in previous elections.""; "Grand, a Democrat, said she's already met with DDA board member Joan Lowenstein and has her support..."). Seems like there's plenty of "politics" to go around ...
Stephen Lange Ranzini
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 10:24 a.m.
Fiorello LaGuardia, New York City's greatest mayor famously said, there is no Democratic or Republican way to pick up Gotham's garbage. However, there is a competent and incompetent way to run a city and right now we've got less than competent. We pay a lot of taxes and the city has $100 mm of cash lying around that but for past resolutions of city council could be used in the general fund to address critical priorities but get subpar basic services in fire, EMS, police, roads, etc. Our mayor lacks vision for anything but commuter trains and lacks the ability to lead. Time for a change! The 7 city council members pushing to reallocate the $1 million per year of extra funds that would otherwise go to the DDA's low priority items are correct and the mayor is wrong. Time for us to bag Hieftje!
Stephen Lange Ranzini
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 7:27 p.m.
@Oxyclean, @pbehjatnia, @Jack Gladney, thanks very much for your kind comments! @craig stolefield: We have a mayor and his term doesn't end until the end of 2014. No one is currently running for Mayor nor will there be another mayoral election in Ann Arbor until August 2014, which is a very, very long time away. My goal in participating in this forum is to make thoughtful comments to move public policy in a positive direction, to help make Ann Arbor as great a town for my family, friends and fellow citizens as it can be!
Stephen Lange Ranzini
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 6:39 p.m.
@DonBee: Of the $207.5mm of cash and equivalent assets shown on the city's June 30, 2012 annual audited financial statement (CAFR page 24), $19.8 mm of cash is held in the separate account (a/k/a "bucket" for "water supply system" and $25.3 mm of cash is held in the bucket for "sewage disposal system" (CAFR page 36). How much is truly restricted for those purposes is not fully disclosed in the CAFR, but footnote #23 on page 87 seems to hint that very little of the restricted funds are "water supply system" or "sewage disposal system" related. It would be really nice if the city would post on their website a list of all city council resolutions that restrict funds in separate accounts ("buckets"), the amount each resolution traps in each bucket and a link to the text of each of those resolutions. For example, I just learned that $9 mm of road millage funds is restricted and cannot be used because of a past city council resolution. In a different thread of replies to the other main post I wrote on this article I noted Mayor Lou Belcher's quote which I posted that among our top priorities should be "waste pick up every week with a sanitary disposal methodology [and] clean water." I agree with him on those topics too and would assign them #4 and #5 on the list of priorities. Probably #6 on the list ought to be storm water management and ensuring that floods are minimized where possible at reasonable cost or where property owners are willing to step up and pay for the cost if a bit unreasonable. After those critical infrastructure needs and basic services we probably get into realm of all the things the city would like to have to ensure a prosperous future & etc.
oyxclean
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 5:29 p.m.
Sadly, I think SLR is too busy running a business to run for mayor. I would vote for him in a heartbeat!
DonBee
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 4:53 p.m.
Mr. Ranzini - Are you including the water department money in this amount? If so, remember that money is collected to improve and maintain the water system, and there are Major expenses coming to meet EPA and other regulatory mandates, if you spend it for something else, water rates will have to rise significantly.
pbehjatnia
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 2:55 p.m.
please run for mayor.
Jack Gladney
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 2:48 p.m.
He should if he is not. He seems to consistently make well-reasoned proposals for addressing the city's issues in these forums. I'd vote for him as well whether he had a "D," an "Are" or an "I" after his name.
craig stolefield
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 1:25 p.m.
But wait, Mr. Ranzini is himself running for mayor.
Stephen Lange Ranzini
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 12:32 p.m.
Thanks, @Craig Lounsbury! While two people could never agree on everything, you do have valuable contributions to the debate here and I appreciate your comments. You receive a lot of up votes from me and we probably agree on many things more than you realize. That is why I appreciate this forum, to exchange ideas with a wide spectrum of citizens, get people behind the best ideas, and move towards consensus, so we can then act to make our city a better place to live for our families and friends!
Craig Lounsbury
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 11:19 a.m.
I occasionally bump heads with Mr. Ranzini in this forum but this is not one of those occasions. I am in complete agreement.
Chip Reed
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 10:17 a.m.
@Ryan Why don't you ask whether voters support or oppose Mr. Kunselman's efforts. Everything is political, to some degree. Your motivations for presenting this story in your chosen manner could be called political...
M-Wolverine
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 3:46 p.m.
@Ryan- You completely dodged his question. It in no way asked if Kunselman was popular, no more if he was popular in his own ward. It asked if his PROPOSAL was popular, with not only voters, but anyone who clicks on your polls. Which is kind of the point- the aritcle shouldn't be about what motivates the proposal, but whether or not it's a good idea, and serving the people of the city. The article is either silly or done with a slant.
cindy1
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 3:37 p.m.
@Chip Reed - "Your motivations for presenting this story in your chosen manner could be called political..." I certainly agree and am quite concerned that these types of stories will increase between now and the elections, as they have in past years. To be clear, I am not referring to the content, but, as you say, the "chosen manner" of reporting. Ann Arbor deserves objective journalism. I agree with others that the poll's wording is "silly" - and leading.
Chip Reed
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 11:05 a.m.
@Ryan-I presume that the poll is open to voters outside his ward.
Blue Dog Red
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 10:48 a.m.
Have to agree that this is a silly poll question. This is a story about politicians and politics. Everything the council members do is politically motivated.
Ryan J. Stanton
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 10:27 a.m.
I already know Stephen Kunselman is well liked by voters in his ward. After ousting one of the mayor's allies to come back to council in 2009, he pulled nearly 60% of the vote against two Democratic primary challengers in 2011, one of whom was backed by DDA board members and other allies of the mayor. That's no small feat.
thorj97
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 10:17 a.m.
Ann Arborites have not forgotten the DDA's "Fiasco on Fifth" (the 2 or 3 year shutdown of a major downtown artery and associated sinkholes). There are plenty of good reasons to have more accountability for the DDA. Who cares if there are also some political ones?
Brad
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 6:03 p.m.
"Polititian"? Where did that come from??
Brad
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 12:25 p.m.
Like the DDA isn't totally staffed with polititians.