Andy LaBarre makes bid for county board official, will face former commissioner Christina Montague

Posted on Tue, Apr 24, 2012 : 8:30 a.m.

Andy LaBarre makes bid for county board official, will face former commissioner Christina Montague

By Ryan J. Stanton

Democrat Andy LaBarre is officially on the August primary ballot in the 7th District race for the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners.

LaBarre, the former district administrator for U.S. Rep. John Dingell, is running in the new 7th District, which includes large portions of northern and eastern Ann Arbor.

Andy LaBarre

Only 50 signatures are required to appear on the ballot, but candidates may submit up to 100 on a petition. In a broad showing of support, LaBarre this past week turned in 100 signatures from voters in all 16 Ann Arbor precincts in the district.

Along with filing, LaBarre released a list of more than 100 supporters, including Dingell, state Sen. Rebekah Warren, State Rep. Jeff Irwin and Sheriff Jerry Clayton, as well as all Ann Arbor members of the county board and all Democrats on the Ann Arbor City Council. (Download LaBarre's list of supporters)

"I am thrilled to have garnered such strong support from a wide array of community members," LaBarre said in a statement. "I’m already getting out and talking to voters about why I am running and how I will work to advance the solutions needed to keep Washtenaw County a prosperous, welcoming, and innovative community."

Every seat on the county board is up for grabs this year. LaBarre will face off in the August primary against former county commissioner Christina Montague, who filed last fall.

Montague has not returned phone calls or emails from AnnArbor.com.

Commissioner Barbara Levin Bergman, D-Ann Arbor, isn't running for re-election, leaving open the seat LaBarre and Montague are seeking.

Christina Montague

Montague has been distributing campaign literature saying she wants to enhance county fiscal stability, provide support for families and children, be an ear and voice for senior citizens, seek federal project dollars and focus on jobs for county residents.

"My experience, leadership and knowledge of the inner workings of county government as former chair of the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners have prepared me for this job," her flier states. "I promise to work vigorously to represent the citizens of District 7."

LaBarre serves as vice president of government relations for the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Born in Ann Arbor and a product of the Ann Arbor Public Schools, LaBarre is a lifelong resident of Washtenaw County. He lives in Ann Arbor with his wife, Megan, who works as a special education teacher at Dexter High School, and their two dogs.

He is a graduate of Wittenberg University with a degree in religion and political science and is finishing his master's in public administration this semester at Eastern Michigan University.

For a list of candidates who've filed for county and state races in the 2012 election cycle, go to the county's website. For city and township candidates, go here.

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

Birdie

Tue, Aug 7, 2012 : 6:05 p.m.

Christine is also distributing bigoted literature that indicates that anyone who isn't for her must be a "klan" member. Lots of name calling.

Nosmo King

Wed, Apr 25, 2012 : 11:33 p.m.

Perhaps we have a "teachable moment" here. According to easily researched public records, O. Herbert Ellis, an African American, was appointed to the Washtenaw County Board of Supervisors (the precursor to the Board of Commissioners) in 1960. When Michigan established County Boards of Commissioners in 1968, Herb was elected Washtenaw County Commissioner for District 12 (Ann Arbor). Herb was reelected for several successive terms. Herb was a biology teacher at Ann Arbor Pioneer High School for many years and, in 1969, was honored with the George O. Ross Memorial Award as the district's most outstanding teacher. In 1970, Herb was elected Chair of the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners, becoming the first African American to hold that honor. Washtenaw County has been blessed with many dedicated and honorable public servants through the years, and Herb Ellis is in the top tier. Oh, by the way, Herb Ellis was a Republican.

Alan Goldsmith

Wed, Apr 25, 2012 : 10:35 a.m.

Leah--you are right about one thing--John Dingell. He's always been a a hero of mind and a strong, TRUE Democrat, unlike lots of locals you've supported in the past who are either ex-Republicans or feel more comfortable with Union bashing and Rick Snyder than standing up for the ideals of the Democratic Party. I'm sure I don't have to make a list for you. And Ann Arbor got the bridge money because Dingell was covering himself last November with his reelection (nothing wrong with that) and not because your buddy the Mayor had any magical political influence. It was all John Dingell and it makes me take a serious look at Mr. LaBarre's campaign, in spite of your support. Lol.

Taurus78

Wed, Apr 25, 2012 : 1:53 a.m.

I've had the opportunity to work with Andy on several projects over the years. He is hard-working, dedicated, and a man of integrity. I have no doubt he will parlay these traits to the work he will do on the Board of Commissioners and will be a tremendous asset to the constituents he will serve. Reading Lawrence's comment above, I would be remiss not to point out that among the list of Andy's supporters is Derrick Jackson, founder of Michiganders for Obama in 2008. Go Andy!

Jessica 'Decky' Alexander

Tue, Apr 24, 2012 : 9:28 p.m.

Andy's work with Congressman Dingell, the A2Y Chamber and multiple non-profits has made him an ideal candidate for the County Board of Commissioners. Who better to represent the 7th district than someone who has engaged in policy at the federal and local levels; worked, volunteered and collaborated with non-profits and other municipalities, and has a strong understanding of the policy needs of the business community? We need someone on the County board who both is our future and focuses on the future in ways that reflect the diverse and often divergent needs of our community. Equally important, is Andy's character. One of the reasons people from various political persuasions, regions and allegiances support Andy is because he is thoughtful, patient, personable, collaborative, diligent, and honest. Politics regardless of the platform need people that have integrity, meaning those who don't simply run (for an office) to pontificate and aggravate but to create and shape relevant policy. Those who have worked with Andy from the classroom to the boardroom know that Andy is the 'civil' in civil servant. He will work to create community in every way. I look forward to Andy bringing his ideas, energy and knowledge to our County government.

Lawrence

Tue, Apr 24, 2012 : 8:21 p.m.

Well I am not sure what city you all are from but I remember Christina Montague TOTALLY different. I remember she served for 12 years on the board of commissioner but due to re-districting with her and another democrat she did lose, but with 75% of the new district that was "creatively created" already being a HUGE part of the other commissioner/her opponnets "former district"..she lost the race before it started... by the way she was historically elected the FIRST and ONLY African American who was elected to the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners. She did that twice and Vice Chaired the Board several times. This politics thing is AMAZING!!!! The real issues never come to the forefront and people are COWARDS these days. Christina is known to stand up for what is right, and sometimes...other don't like it. She isn't afraid to speak out against when she feels it necessary to do so. She is for the PEOPLE, she is experienced, she is a proven LEADER, with proven results. I am a former A2 Public Schools student of hers, I have followed her career for years. She is dedicated and knows how to get the job done. She doesn't need an entourage of political supporters (Good Ole' Boys and Girls) to "Convince us" she is the right person for the job, her experience speaks for itself. Lastly, those who are truly unsure of how qualified she is REALLY is..you'd better check her resume'...she is a Former Commissioner for nearly a decade and a half....Former DNC member , Michiganders for Obama Statewide Coordinator, "Uncommitted Vote" creator here in Michigan on ballot (you all remember) , Social Worker, Mother, Grandmother, Mentor...the list goes on and on. I will vote for Christina, and I will be working hard and talking to everyone I know about why I feel she is the most experienced and qualified person for the job!

Nosmo King

Wed, Apr 25, 2012 : 9:52 p.m.

KeepingItReal

Wed, Apr 25, 2012 : 3:13 p.m.

Lawrence: It's cats like you that amazes me. I don't know how long you have been in Washtenaw County, but Christina was not the "first and only" African American elected to the BOC. Your ignorance alone will cause me not to vote for her because you simply do not know her abysmal tract record especially as it relates to producing positive results for the African American community. I live in the district that she represented and proposes to represent and I can tell you, she does not have my or my family's support.

SalineTeacher

Wed, Apr 25, 2012 : 1:28 p.m.

You must be forgetting about Commissioners Peterson and Conan Smith (and Brabec, although not yet "elected").

Ryan Werder

Tue, Apr 24, 2012 : 7:24 p.m.

The relationships, knowledge, and passion that Andy has always brought to Washtenaw - both at the Congressman's office and at the Chamber - make this decision to run for Commission a great opportunity for the County to bring on a great new public servant. Hard to imagine better qualifications and cause for a Commissioner. No wonder so many citizens and respected elected officials have already lined up behind him.

bedrog

Tue, Apr 24, 2012 : 6:53 p.m.

he was great in "good will hunting".

Leah Gunn

Tue, Apr 24, 2012 : 5:30 p.m.

And thanks to the "old dinosaur" Dingell, Ann Arbor received $23 million in federal funds to fix the Stadium bridges, thus freeing up millions in local road millage money for street repairs. Thank you Mr. Dingell!

Sparty

Wed, Apr 25, 2012 : 3:50 a.m.

Amen, among hundreds of other things Dingell has done for his District over a long career, which is likely why we have voted for him over and over again.

shutthefrtdoor

Tue, Apr 24, 2012 : 4:52 p.m.

Andy is a great candidate! I have worked with him and he truly has the interests of the people as priority #1. Good news for Washtenaw County!

Lifelong A2

Tue, Apr 24, 2012 : 2:48 p.m.

Andy LaBarre has more support in his bid for office than any candidate for local office has had in memory, and there's a reason: those who have worked with him know firsthand that he works his bu*tt off helping people. He's also kind, bright, and has a pleasant demeanor. Sadly, Christina Montague is remembered by those inside County government as abrasive and too often disengaged with policy-making. Tellingly, she lost election in this district twice -- I believe it was 2002 and again in 2006.

Lawrence

Tue, Apr 24, 2012 : 8:27 p.m.

Actually you are mistaken. She lost in 2002 and 2006 because of the same thing.."Re-districting"..I believe her former district was 12 or 13 before the switch it (I meant redistricted) to her opponents district. I do remember this... Christina will definitely let you know when she feels strongly about something by her UNWAVERING support on an issue...There were alot of folks who would flip flop on issues and were scared to stand for what was right! May the best candidate win...Good luck Christina!!!! And as far as policy making...You REALLY have NOT done your homework....please study and come back and tell the class what you have learned...

KeepingItReal

Tue, Apr 24, 2012 : 3:18 p.m.

I don't know much about Andy LaBarre but I do know about Christina Montague, enough to know that she will not be getting my vote.

Lou Perry

Tue, Apr 24, 2012 : 1:46 p.m.

Andy LaBarre has exceptional experience and visceral sense for Washtenaw county making him the best choice for the Board.

towny

Tue, Apr 24, 2012 : 1:12 p.m.

If Andy LaBarre thinks being associated with John Dingell is a plus he is wrong. All I had to see is the name Dingell and he turned my vote away. Sorry. Old Dinosaur's like Dingell are a huge part of what is wrong with this country.

Sparty

Tue, Apr 24, 2012 : 7:39 p.m.

We will never know, keeping it real, since the partisan conservative "Supreme" Court stopped the election before it was over and gave the election to GW Bush. I guess the votes didn't matter to the Justices.

shutthefrtdoor

Tue, Apr 24, 2012 : 4:53 p.m.

I vigorously disagree towny.

KeepingItReal

Tue, Apr 24, 2012 : 3:17 p.m.

Sparty. Ask the people in the State of Florida if they felt their vote was constitutionally protected under the second Bush administration.

Sparty

Tue, Apr 24, 2012 : 2:05 p.m.

Yes, that decades of service for our area, with huge electoral wins every two years is clearly his fault and what is wrong with this country. Please elaborate on how the majority of citizens of this area who voted for Dingell every two years were so clearly wrong in the way they exercised their constitutionally protected vote.