Former Dingell staffer Andy LaBarre announces bid for Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners
Andy LaBarre, the former district administrator for U.S. Rep. John Dingell, has announced he's running for a seat on the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners.
LaBarre, an Ann Arbor native, will run as a Democrat in the county's newly drawn 7th District, which includes portions of northern and eastern Ann Arbor.
Andy LaBarre
In a statement announcing his campaign for 2012, LaBarre said Washtenaw County has long been a leader when it comes to providing exceptional human services, ensuring public safety, and preserving parkland and green spaces.
"Unfortunately, as Lansing continues to ask local governments to do more with ever-shrinking state funds, we are confronted with extraordinarily difficult decisions about how to deliver these vital programs just when many residents need them the most," he said. "I am running for county commission because I want to use my experience to advance the solutions that will both invest in our citizens and spur innovative economic development."
The county board is shrinking from 11 to 9 members under an approved redistricting plan. The new boundaries will be in effect for the August 2012 primary, when LaBarre will appear on the ballot.
All commissioners are up for re-election next year.
Along with his announcement, LaBarre released an initial list of nearly 60 community leaders and elected officials who have endorsed him in his bid.
The list includes state Sen. Rebekah Warren, state Rep. Jeff Irwin and County Commissioners Bergman, Leah Gunn, Yousef Rabhi, Conan Smith and Kristin Judge, along with 10 members of the Ann Arbor City Council.
LaBarre also has garnered the support of Derrick Jackson, co-founder and deputy chairman of Michiganders for Obama, County Prosecutor Brian Mackie, former state Rep. Alma Wheeler Smith, and a handful of Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority officials, including former Chairwoman Joan Lowenstein.
LaBarre serves as vice president of government relations for the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber of Commerce.
He also is a member of the Ann Arbor Housing Commission and serves on the board of SOS Community Services, 15th Congressional District Democratic Organization, Washtenaw County Democratic Party and Depot Town Community Development Corp. Advisory Board.
A product of Ann Arbor Public Schools, LaBarre is a lifelong resident of Washtenaw County. He lives in Ann Arbor with his wife, Megan, a special education teacher at Dexter High School and their two dogs. He has a degree in religion and political science from Wittenberg University and is finishing his master’s degree in public administration at Eastern Michigan University.
Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529. You also can follow him on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's e-mail newsletters.
Comments
DonBee
Sun, Sep 25, 2011 : 2:06 a.m.
The problems he seems to want to focus on are that the State, not the County level. Why is he not running for the State House or Senate? Is it because the Democratic Party has already decided who is running for those positions? If so, I am already disappointed with him.
Diagenes
Sat, Sep 24, 2011 : 11:03 p.m.
No mention of any private sector experience. We have plenty of career "public servants" we don't need another.
Peter Eckstein
Sat, Sep 24, 2011 : 4:25 p.m.
Whenever I needed help from Congressman Dingell's office, like getting Capitol tour tickets for my grandchildren, Andy was always extremely helpful. A fine young man with good organizational skills and great self-discipline (we could all learn a lot about weight loss from him).
Morris
Sat, Sep 24, 2011 : 12:21 p.m.
He was very helpful when we had a problem with the IRS. This, and his youthful vitality, lead me to recommend him highly.
David Cahill
Fri, Sep 23, 2011 : 6:13 p.m.
Andy is an excellent candidate. I support him. He is a genuinely nice guy who is probably incapable of offending anyone. The fact that he worked for Dingell, and now is working for the Republican-dominated Chamber of Commerce, is proof of his ability to play well with others.
towny
Fri, Sep 23, 2011 : 7:02 p.m.
Great post Bob C. agree 100%. Once they get in the club they never leave.
Bob Carlin
Fri, Sep 23, 2011 : 6:25 p.m.
Or, one could look at Andy's record and come away with the impression that he is an establishment politician who will serve the powerful.
H.
Fri, Sep 23, 2011 : 5:45 p.m.
Hey Andy, You better remember what Ivers taught you. He knows were you live. A former budget classmate.
towny
Fri, Sep 23, 2011 : 5:39 p.m.
Dingell and the same old politicians like him are long past due they are the ones that have completely wrecked this country. What a Shame.
towny
Fri, Sep 23, 2011 : 5:35 p.m.
If he had anything to do with dingell I will not vote for ever. Dingell should of stepped down 20 years ago. Talk about an ineffective stagnant part of a same old same old government.
Justice4all
Fri, Sep 23, 2011 : 5:12 p.m.
Glad to hear it! He will make a fine addition to the board.
David Briegel
Fri, Sep 23, 2011 : 4:42 p.m.
Well Andy, we now know where 4 TeaPublicons stand on your candidacy. Best wishes for your future success!
Buster W.
Fri, Sep 23, 2011 : 4:42 p.m.
It's a good gig if you can get it...just ask Conan Smith!
Michigan Man
Fri, Sep 23, 2011 : 4:33 p.m.
Anyone coming out of the Dingell camp would merit my active opposition!
godsbreath64
Fri, Sep 23, 2011 : 4:45 p.m.
Well Stephen, that must have them shaking in their boots ...NOT!
B2Pilot
Fri, Sep 23, 2011 : 3:55 p.m.
Another good old boy career politician endorsed by Ann Arbor politcal party which should guarantee he is elected. This town is becoming more and more like Detroit every day
KeepingItReal
Fri, Sep 23, 2011 : 3:34 p.m.
I would like to see and would support a candidate that represent the people not a political party. Party politics in this county has become so outrageous that the interest of the people are often ignored. When I look at the names of Barre's endorsers, I see the SOSDD politics and it simply not good for the people.
Buster W.
Fri, Sep 23, 2011 : 4:41 p.m.
Unfortunately, your first sentence is a pipe dream. Party politics at every level in this country has become outrageous, not just the county level.
Mr. Ed
Fri, Sep 23, 2011 : 2:46 p.m.
Just remember Conan Smith never repaid the money he owes the tax payers of Washtenaw County when you vote.