Christopher Taylor announces campaign for Ann Arbor City Council
Incumbent Christopher Taylor, D-3rd Ward, announced this week he will seek re-election to the Ann Arbor City Council, vowing to continue to work to maintain Ann Arbor's vitality in uncertain times.
"We have lost millions of dollars in revenue due to state cuts, the university’s purchase of the Pfizer facility, and massive local property devaluations," he said. "As a result, the city must reduce services. We must make these choices in a way that is fiscally wise and sustains the city’s long term assets, but which nevertheless preserves the unique character of our home."
Christopher Taylor
Taylor is the first candidate to officially file to run for city office this year. He turned in nominating petitions to appear on the Aug. 3 Democratic primary ballot.
"Serving on City Council during these past 18 months has been a tremendous pleasure and honor," Taylor wrote to constituents. "There remains, however, much work to be done, and so I write today to announce formally that I will seek re-election to represent the 3rd Ward on Ann Arbor City Council."
No challengers have pulled petitions to run against Taylor, though several other candidates are lining up in other wards and at least three people are running for mayor.
Taylor, an attorney who was first elected in 2008, said he promised two years ago to work to do the following:
- Keep spending within the city's means.
- Align development with Ann Arbor’s character and values.
- Invest in infrastructure.
- Safeguard Ann Arbor’s parks and recreation programs.
- Support the neediest.
- Listen actively and respond to taxpayers' concerns.
Taylor says he has served on a budget committee dedicated to reconciling the city's immediate and long-term needs with "efficient, structural spending reductions," and led the effort to maintain downtown height limits and balanced zoning boundaries on South University.
He also points out he supported commercial and expanded residential recycling, has worked to save the Ann Arbor Senior Center and Mack Pool, and fought to protect and promote the 3rd Ward’s least affluent neighborhoods in the face of dwindling resources.
"I have striven to communicate openly with you, the voters, in a manner that does justice to the complexities of the issues before us and which gives you the background necessary to make informed decisions," he wrote in his letter sent to constituents this week. "If entrusted with your vote in August 2010, I will again apply these principles to the issues facing our city."
Taylor's campaign website is http://votetaylora2.com. Taylor can be reached at ctaylor@a2gov.org or 734-604-8770.
Ryan J. Stanton covers government for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529.
Comments
C6
Thu, Mar 25, 2010 : 4:48 p.m.
Like in other wards, someone needs to file the petitions, run against, and defeat Chris in the primary. The "old" hasn't been working for us on city council or in the mayor's office lately, so it's high time for "out with the old and in with the new" wherever we have the chance. Like here in the Third Ward. Buh bye Chris.
CynicA2
Thu, Mar 25, 2010 : 4:40 p.m.
Part of the problem, not the solution - one of Hizzoner's buddies. Somebody get the hook...!
LiberalNIMBY
Thu, Mar 25, 2010 : 12:50 p.m.
"..led the effort to maintain downtown height limits and balanced zoning boundaries on South University." Taylor is clearly well meaning and brings intelligent discussion to the table, but this platform, like so many others, is code for "no growth." His being submissive to the vocal minority (erroneously defined as "the community") when it comes to development is inexcusable. It's time for all councilmembers to stop this. Stop the political grandstanding to gain cred with these NIMBY screamers, particularly when it's against our professional staff's advice. (You know, those folks to whom we give salaries and benefits in exchange for expert, non-political recommendations?) This may not seem like a big deal to many folks, but it's abundantly clear that this one area where NIMBY pandering is costing us all dearly. I would love someone to tally up all the services that wouldn't need to be cut if we hadn't harassed developers so badly over the years and instead gotten the gobs of extra property taxes. It's so sad that the city is not looking at where they're failing on the revenue side of the budget equation; it's all about where to cut. While I'm at it, the misunderstandings as to what is "green" when it comes to the location of development is astounding. Go and speak to the HRWC if you want real environmental advice on whether we should be encouraging redevelopment in the city limits. NIMBYs who live near commercial areas have got to get over it--these places change, and they should know that. It takes courageous councilmembers to do what is right for the community as a whole.
Lokalisierung
Thu, Mar 25, 2010 : 11:49 a.m.
vitor = Victor
Lokalisierung
Thu, Mar 25, 2010 : 11:29 a.m.
"Eh, Mr. Taylor, there is an ELECTION in November too you know...or aren't you interest in ALL the voters of your Ward and just the Democrats who vote in the August Primary?" Arguing just to argue today are we? What do you want him to do? Declare himself the vitor of the primary and ask for your vote in november? Seriously?
Jamie Weeder
Thu, Mar 25, 2010 : 9:39 a.m.
Such good news! Christopher Taylor is an amazing asset to the community.
xmo
Thu, Mar 25, 2010 : 8:29 a.m.
We need diversity on the city council! This guy is the same old Democrat mantra "tax and spend". How about some real "Hope and Change".
thurber
Thu, Mar 25, 2010 : 8:04 a.m.
Enough is enough. You had your chance. Leaving the taxpayer out of the process, pet projects, putting the city on the hook for millions, secret conference centers. No rewards for out of touch politicians who don't represent us.
a2grateful
Thu, Mar 25, 2010 : 6:46 a.m.
Yawn... same old bankrupting, folly-fountain, slushy silo, chrony-clad, deficit spending... different day...
townie
Wed, Mar 24, 2010 : 9:43 p.m.
Christopher: Time to update your website, unless there's another police/courts building I don't know about yet. (Not that far-fetched considering recent events, but still...)
BrianR
Wed, Mar 24, 2010 : 9:18 p.m.
Chris has been a truly outstanding City Council representative.
hattrix
Wed, Mar 24, 2010 : 7:47 p.m.
Great news! Good luck to Christopher Taylor.