Gay rights groups endorse Mayor John Hieftje over Patricia Lesko in Ann Arbor mayoral race
A group committed to fighting for gay rights has endorsed Mayor John Hieftje in the Ann Arbor mayoral race instead of his opponent, who is running on a platform touting the fact that she'd be only the second openly gay mayor in Michigan's history.
Officials from the Michigan Democratic Party’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & Allies Caucus said after a vote of their candidate committee, they are happy to announce their endorsement of Hieftje, who is straight.
Mayor John Hieftje and his opponent, Patricia Lesko.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
Hieftje's lone challenger in the Aug. 3 Democratic primary is Patricia Lesko, who is married to her partner of 19 years, Marjorie Winkelman Lesko.
Lesko has come under fire recently for sharing false information with voters and for some of the controversial posts on her blog, A2Politico.com.
A second gay rights group called Lesbians Opposing Lesko recently launched a website, calling Lesko "destructive and deceitful" and saying she’d be a "complete disaster" and "downright embarrassing" as Ann Arbor's mayor.
In a letter dated Sunday, the LGBT group's candidate committee co-chairs, Duane Breijak and Michelle Brown, lauded Hieftje for his strong positions in support of LGBT rights.
"Shortly we will let our Caucus members know of your endorsement and we will encourage them to help with your campaign in any way possible," the letter reads. "It is important to get you elected as we need strong legislators in office that will stand up for LGBT rights as well as hold strong democratic values."
The group vowed in the letter to fight hard for Hieftje's victory in the upcoming primary and November general election to make Michigan a fairer, more equal state for all citizens.
Hiefjte, who was actively involved in the statewide campaign against a gay marriage ban in 2004, has prided himself on being responsive to issues involving gay rights.
"Our campaign always welcomes support from people who feel that my work is worthy and I have been working for many years on issues the LGBT Caucus is concerned with," he said.
Under his leadership, Hieftje said, Ann Arbor remains steadfast in maintaining benefits for city employees in same-sex partnerships, despite pressure by the state attorney general's office to cease providing those benefits.
"We've resisted and continue to provide those today," Hieftje said.
Lesko offered her comments on the LGBT endorsement in an e-mail to AnnArbor.com late Monday afternoon.
She said Phil Volk, chairman of the caucus, originally informed her many months ago that the group had chosen to endorse Lesko. According to Lesko, the caucus members wanted to oust what Volk referred to as the Democratic "clique" in Ann Arbor, specifically Hieftje and 1st Ward Council Member Sandi Smith, who is openly gay.
"Those who gave the endorsement to me gave it deliberately to thumb their noses at Mayor Hieftje and Sandi Smith," Lesko said. "It's why I didn't publicize the group's endorsement to the press. Evidently, when confronted by Smith and Hieftje, the caucus members chose to back down."
Hieftje said he was dumbfounded by Lesko's allegations.
"I have no idea what she's talking about. I'm really kind of speechless," he said. "I don't know how to respond to that. I have no idea where that's coming from."
Volk said he spoke with Lesko several months ago, was excited an openly gay candidate was running for mayor, and told Lesko he was going to do his best to support her. But he said he never promised the LGBT endorsement.
"The bottom line is the caucus has to endorse people who are the best for the LGBT community, and that means they have enough skill sets to make things happen," Volk said. "And in her case, things started unraveling very quickly, and she doesn't have the skill sets to be a good mayor and be the best person looking out for LGBT interests."
Volk said Lesko has blown the situation out of proportion, which he argued is reflective of her "poor campaign style" and willingness to lay blame where it doesn't belong.
But Lesko produced a June 2 e-mail from Volk that lends some credence to her case. In the e-mail, Volk wrote the main body of the LGBT Caucus had decided to "override" his endorsement of Lesko's campaign. "Sorry," Volk wrote.
Volk told AnnArbor.com he was trying to word it nicely to "soften the blow" and probably "miscommunicated." He said he had a talk with Hieftje and changed his mind about supporting Lesko based on differences he saw between the candidates.
"The more I saw the difference, I just felt clearly we couldn't support her," Volk said.
The LGBT Caucus endorsed Smith two years ago when she ran against Lesko for the 1st Ward seat on City Council. Smith's campaign website currently lists both Volk and the Caucus as supporters of her campaign.
Volk said his caucus also is endorsing incumbent Council Member Margie Teall, who faces challenger Jack Eaton in the 4th Ward race. Eaton, who has aligned himself with Lesko, is one of four candidates running as an unofficial slate trying to oust the current council majority.
The other two members of the slate are Sumi Kailasapathy, who is running against Smith in the 1st Ward, and Lou Glorie, who is running against Carsten Hohnke in the 5th Ward.
Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529.
Comments
Rasputin
Fri, Jul 2, 2010 : 6:46 a.m.
After reading about Patricia Lesko in this month's Ann Arbor Observer and the testimony from her former colleagues and friends, we've decided to vote for Mayor John Hieftje. Hieftje is an individual that brings experience, insight, and expertise to city counsel without being a polarizing figure.
Ryan J. Stanton
Thu, Jul 1, 2010 : 10:45 a.m.
For those who asked, the Observer article is posted online at http://www.arborweb.com/
Rod Johnson
Thu, Jul 1, 2010 : 10 a.m.
It's interesting that some people feel identity trumps all other considerations. For example one commenter at the Lesbians Opposing Lesko blog linked above called them "gender traitors" for not supporting her.
Jerry Pritikin
Thu, Jul 1, 2010 : 7:32 a.m.
It's nice to know, that there are gay organizations, that make political endorsements, pick the best candidate on their qualifications... and not because a person is gay, or their race, or their religion. Back in 1977, I supported a non-gay politician over Harvey Milk... who happened to be openly gay and Jewish like me, and was a friend of mine. However,it did not go well with certain segments of the gay community. The gay newspapers... who back then made money selling adds to gays running for public office. One gay paper wrote over my letter to their editor"GAYS FOR HOMOPHOBIA", and deleted 2 main paragraphs from my letter. The same paper claimed that the candidate I was supporting was anti-gay, because as they reported his slogan UNITED WE STAND, was overtly anti-gay. Ironically, the same gay paper... in their support for Harvey's replacement after the assassination, Harry Britt, used a banner headline over their endorsement UNITED WE STAND! Then to add insult to injury... Britt put out brochures that asked "WHO NEEDS A GAY SUPERVISOR? WE DO!" It's nice to know that in Michigan, that gay organizations believe in supporting the best qualified candidate.
spm
Thu, Jul 1, 2010 : 6:43 a.m.
Here's the Observer's very interesting article on Lesko. Say what you want about AA.com being biased, from reading this other article (as well comments on this thread from other people who personally know her) I say there is something amiss with Lesko. She won't be getting my vote. arborweb.com/articles/satan_for_mayor___2.html
Speechless
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 3:50 p.m.
The Thursday candidates forum sounds like it should be interesting, and possibly entertaining. Glad to hear that all four Democrats competing on the 1st Ward primary ballot expect to be there. It will also offer an opportunity to discuss or debate the LGBT Caucus endorsement in greater detail. However, an event lasting only an hour will not provide sufficient time, given the potential for lengthy exchanges, as well as for pre-holiday fireworks, among the pols and attendees. Hopefully, the Community Center and the candidates will generously grant the forum an opportunity to extend past its scheduled finish. Either way, it could be an interesting event to moderate. If the forum does run longer, I request that Humdinger bring along a large, tasty sample of his fresh-cooked bean dish above. That'll tide over some of us who'll be having a late dinner afterward. It would be a good idea to make separately available both the chicken/lard and vegetable variations.
ShadowManager
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 3:29 p.m.
Ok, I get it. Hiejfe is definitely the better more qualifed and safe candidate...but just think of the copy A2dotcom could generate if Lesko actually won! A possibility which looks more and more remote with each passing character-attack-news-expose we read on here from R. Stanton...but still, I think you guys are shooting yourselves in the foot be destroying her candidacy. Lesko has mayor might be as mutually benefical to A2dotcom as Kwame Kilpatrick was to the Detroit Free Press.
bedrog
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 1:17 p.m.
klk...who knows? i could just as validly say "if i had wheels id be a bicycle."
A Pretty Ann Arbor
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 10:59 a.m.
bedrog - Mr. Elhady that you have referred to - would have served his term. He moved on in part because he was not elected. If he had been elected then he would have served Ann Arbor as our council person.
David Cahill
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 8:36 a.m.
There will be a candidate forum with mayoral candidates John Hieftje and Pat Lesko, plus First Ward Council candidates Sandi Smith and Sumi Kailasapathy, tomorrow (Thursday, July 1) from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Questions from the audience will be taken. The forum is sponsored by the North Central Property Owners Association. It will be held at the Ann Arbor Community Center, 625 N. Main. Access to the Community Center building will be from the lower level only. Use the door next to the parking lot.
BethJ
Tue, Jun 29, 2010 : 9:14 p.m.
Wow, I think that Ryan does show that he is biased. I still don't know how to vote August 3rd, mostly because of the lack of reporting on the others candidates. There is a good editorial piece on the opinion page that no one has brought up at: http://www.annarbor.com/community/news/opinion/bias_in_coverage_of_mayoral_race_unconscionable/ it does show that the Mayor has some of his own explaining to do.
Keith Orr
Tue, Jun 29, 2010 : 7:07 p.m.
I am also endorsing the mayor, specifically because of his strong support of LGBT Issues, both personally and politically. There are four politicians running in local races that had been important players in trying to vote down Prop 2 in 2004. Three of them are straight. I am strongly endorsing Rebekah Warren, Sandi Smith, John Hieftje, and Jeff Irwin for this reason (among others). To the person who claims that Gay rights are only addressed at the federal level, nothing could be further from the truth. State and local laws profoundly affect us, positively and negatively. The mayor has been an important advocate. I have been involved with activism, organizing, and fundraising in the local LGBT community for many years. I had never even heard the name Pat Lesko until she ran against Sandi Smith two years ago.
Heardoc
Tue, Jun 29, 2010 : 6:10 p.m.
@Barb There is objectivity at A2.com -- just got to look hard......
bedrog
Tue, Jun 29, 2010 : 5:26 p.m.
issues of 'balance' or lack thereof can often be fair criticisms of reportage... but not always, e.g. if conscientious research by a professional ( i.e. a priori unbiased) reporter leads...after the data is in...to seemingly partisan conclusions, as it seems to in this mayoral race. balance for its own sake is like saying:" i say 1 and 1 is 2; you say 1 and one is 9...let's compromise and say 1 and 1 is 5."
Rod Johnson
Tue, Jun 29, 2010 : 3:19 p.m.
To all the people wondering why there hasn't been extensive coverage of Hieftje or an H-vs-L comparison... the primary is still over a month away. The campaign has really hardly started yet. I have to think (hope) things will get in gear over the next month or so. Don't disappoint us, annarbor.com.
Lokalisierung
Tue, Jun 29, 2010 : 1:51 p.m.
okay, let me understand this whole article...it's basically a Lesko bashing and invalidation of her campaign?" No it's an article reporting certain people backing a candidate, which happens quite often, like before when they said police/FF were backing Lesko.
djm12652
Tue, Jun 29, 2010 : 1:28 p.m.
okay, let me understand this whole article...it's basically a Lesko bashing and invalidation of her campaign? I do get it that the author is a Mayoral sycophant of sorts...but it's annarbor.com where all objectivity in "reporting" is not within the site mission statement. But what I do have to say is along the lines of another poster...who gives a rat's patootie about what any current Democrat has to say? The dems have done just about as much damange to our city as they can...unfortunately...in a little mini-socialist environment...[to paraphrase Maggie Thatcher] the problem with socialism is eventually you run out of MY money...we don't need another political, reality-clueless person in office, we need a successful business person with a clue on how to spend for the future...NOT JUST SPEND! Too bad anyone like that won't run for office in this town...if you're not a liberal you don't get votes.
Bill Wilson
Tue, Jun 29, 2010 : 1:09 p.m.
I'm curious why there has never been a side by side comparison of the candidates? I think it's because older monitor's screen widths don't allow for it? j/k
bunnyabbot
Tue, Jun 29, 2010 : 11:37 a.m.
I don't like either of them and will be selecting neither at voting time.
a2miguy
Tue, Jun 29, 2010 : 10:51 a.m.
@ Mitch Well said. I'm a gay man as well, and the thought that members of the gay community would vote for Lesko just because she's gay is indeed insulting. And that Lesko would point that out in an effort to garner more votes is disgusting. I've not always agreed with Hieftje, but from all I've read, Ms. Lesko is going about this the wrong way. She won't be getting my vote.
Ben Mitchell
Tue, Jun 29, 2010 : 10:08 a.m.
I'd love to read the Ann Arbor Observer article that many of you have referenced. I live outside the city though, is the article available on-line? Could AA.com please post a link? Thanks!
gobluefnp
Tue, Jun 29, 2010 : 9:49 a.m.
I have known Pat and Marjorie for several years. They are committed to each other and their family. My hesitation with Pat as Mayor comes after watching her participation in our children's elementary school PTO. In the last 20 years, Northside Elementary has had a reputation for incredible parental participation. Parents enjoyed supporting the school, and developing friendships through this participation. Often the camaraderie spilled over into neighborhood functions and social events. When Pat started participating in the PTO all of that came to a screeching halt. The proceedings were deemed ineffective, wasteful, and inefficient. All of a sudden caustic group emails were part of the norm, and finger pointing and condemnation of meeting agendas occurred on a regular basis. As a result, several fantastic families who saw the PTO as a great way to strengthen their school, community, and social ties dropped out of the drama to avoid Pat's acerbic and caustic temperament. Eventually, Pat and Marjorie dropped out as well. I have no political agenda other than to say that, among the other obvious qualifications, civility is important when a politician represents our city. It doesn't matter to me whether she/he is gay or straight. We want our politicians to be able to solve problems, not burn bridges.
Ryan J. Stanton
Tue, Jun 29, 2010 : 9:27 a.m.
Please note the story has been updated to reflect an interview I had with Phil Volk this morning, as well as information shared by Lesko from an e-mail Volk sent her.
Barb
Tue, Jun 29, 2010 : 9:24 a.m.
@flyingsquirrel - you're missing the point. It's not that A2.com is painting an unflattering picture of Lesko. It's that that's all they're doing. There is no balance to this. If all this is true about Lesko (which some of it is and some is not; you have to really dig to know), sure it should be said. But there are several things wrong here. We getting sold a fake bill of goods. We should be able to rely on our news source for unbiased info about *all* candidates. Where are we getting that? As for Lesko's blog, if you think she doesn't get called to task there, you're not reading it.
Tom Teague
Tue, Jun 29, 2010 : 8:53 a.m.
Since a couple of commenters have "gone there" in blaming the local Democratic Party for running Ann Arbor: Why not direct your complaint to the local Republican Party heads? It's too late to qualify for the 2010 election, but another one follows in 2012. And there are two independent candidates qualified for the November general election. Before you complain that it won't do any good to run as a Republican in Ann Arbor, I would suggest that the Rs should quit grousing and develop and execute a winning strategy; others have done it and broken up blocks that had been in place for far longer than the current all-Democrat Council. But, blaming the Democrat Party for holding a lively primary that airs two different visions for Ann Arbor is really not the solution. I'm pleased to have a choice in August and then another choice in November. That sounds like democracy to me.
flyingsquirrel
Tue, Jun 29, 2010 : 8:52 a.m.
It's crazy that people accuse annarbor.com of being biased by publishing non-flattering information about Pat Lesko and her inability to get along civilly in any type of group. Quite frankly, those of us who have worked with her know how kind the criticisms on this website have been compared to the reality of dealing with her. When she first announced her candidacy, article after article on annarbor.com seemed to be giving her a free pass--and lots of free advertising for her website. It was inevitable that the truth about Pat finally came out--she is mean-spirited and will do or say anything to create a chaotic atmosphere in whatever group she participates in. There is a big difference between stating your case on a blog, where people are not free to point out your inaccuracies, and actually being an effective member of a working, governing group. Pat Lesko clearly does not have what it takes to be mayor.
bedrog
Tue, Jun 29, 2010 : 8:48 a.m.
erratum: my previous post should have credited' forever', not 'xmo'...
bedrog
Tue, Jun 29, 2010 : 8:45 a.m.
re xmo's speculation that lesko's run is largely to pad a resume against future political aspirations:....that is EXACTLY what happened with a candidate lesko unsucessfully ( and either with bad judgement or shameful disingenuousness)managed for city council. turns out the guy had already applied to out- of- state grad school, and wouldnt have been able to serve if he'd won.. this speaks to the "lack of embarrassment when caught in a whopper" syndrome multiply noted above.
DagnyJ
Tue, Jun 29, 2010 : 8:44 a.m.
Ryan, how about that campaigning article with the Mayor when you go door to door and then nail him on his inconsistencies and failings as a political leader? Or are you waiting until after the primary for that....
Barb
Tue, Jun 29, 2010 : 8:30 a.m.
HA! One more thing I feel the need to point out - Now @Mitch's comment on this story is featured on the Home page of A2.com. I really find the lack of objectivity A2.com is displaying to be laughable at this point.
Barb
Tue, Jun 29, 2010 : 8:25 a.m.
@Forever27 I have the opposite view - it appears to me that Lesko's ambitions have only to do with changing the way A2 is run while Mr. Hieftje has been considering a run for State Rep.
Barb
Tue, Jun 29, 2010 : 8:21 a.m.
@Areiswoman, there are other (non Dem) candidates running for Mayor in November. It's just that Hieftje has a fellow Dem. running in the Primary in August that makes this "news". @Zulu makes a good point although Mr. Stanton doesn't defend it very well. The whole point of this article is to say, "See, even other gay people don't support her." Which @Mitch can tell you is not significant. I am as straight as an arrow and find Ms. Lesko to be the only one challenging the way things are run around here. I don't agree with her 100% on everything but I certainly have bigger issues with the current Mayor, who is, of course, getting a total pass in each one of these articles. He should be paying Ann Arbor.com for the advertising.
tdw
Tue, Jun 29, 2010 : 8:11 a.m.
@stevex I think xmo was referring to people who don't have any particilar politcal agenda.A least thats how I took it
Forever27
Tue, Jun 29, 2010 : 7:57 a.m.
I get the feeling that Lesko is only running for this position so that she can run for something else later. It seems like her motivations are less about making Ann Arbor a better place and more about fueling her own political ambitions. Hieftje isn't perfect, but he's far from the demon Lesko has tried to make him out to be.
stevek
Tue, Jun 29, 2010 : 7:51 a.m.
xmo--can you please tell me what a "normal person" is?
81wolverine
Tue, Jun 29, 2010 : 7:45 a.m.
I echo what a2sanity says: read the latest edition of the Ann Arbor Observer that has a long article about Lesko and her background. Especially read the parts where a variety of different people who worked with her in different groups observed how difficult she often is to work with - especially if you disagree with her. I don't know Pat Lesko personally, but these are credible sounding people who share a consistent story. I'd say voters will need to decide whether they want a mayor who has difficulty working with other people or not. At least from what I've observed and read about John Hieftje, he shows a much greater ability to work WITH people and listen to all sides of an argument. I don't agree with everything he does certainly, but it doesn't seem like too hard of a choice to me.
xmo
Tue, Jun 29, 2010 : 7:45 a.m.
I just wonder who the normal people support? There are so many groups in AA representing all types of people except tax payers!
seldon
Tue, Jun 29, 2010 : 7:42 a.m.
My biggest issue with Lesko is that she seems to continually lie, and then just sort of ignores it when she's caught. Inflating city expenditures by $300 million isn't likely to be an accident. I don't think Ann Arbor, or any other city, needs someone whose main tactic is the Big Lie. I recognize that the general stereotype is that politicians lie, but she goes well beyond that. And would we really want someone who insults the intelligence of the voters by telling such obvious (and easily checkable) lies? (I'm hoping this comment won't be removed, and I'll remind the annarbor.com crew that Lesko is a public figure for purposes of libel law.)
Tony Livingston
Tue, Jun 29, 2010 : 7:32 a.m.
I don't know Ms. Lesko but I definitely have seen the overcharging and huge personnel inefficiencies in city hall that she is speaking up about. The people in power now are not willing to do anything about it. Unfortunately, Lesko seems to have an awful lot of enemies.
Ryan J. Stanton
Tue, Jun 29, 2010 : 7:01 a.m.
@Zulu Nothing all that significant. A reporter always tries his best when writing a story to answer questions that readers might formulate. Because a lot of people outside Ann Arbor are reading this story, we thought it worth answering the question for them before they asked it.
bedrog
Tue, Jun 29, 2010 : 6:44 a.m.
the new issue of the ANN ARBOR OBSERVER has a lead article that makes lesko look problematic indeed, as much as anything for a personal style of over-the- top attacks on anyone with whom she disagrees. given that the city council/mayor are regularly hectored by similar types with pet hobbyhorses ( usually non ann arbor related...e.g middle east politics) it seems like a lesko mayoralty would turn council meetings into full fledged jerry springer episodes. who needs that?
KeepingItReal
Tue, Jun 29, 2010 : 4:15 a.m.
Ryan: Why, after pointing out that the Gay Rights group endorsed Hieftje, you noted that the Mayor was not Gay. Is there something significant about this statement?
Heardoc
Tue, Jun 29, 2010 : 12:01 a.m.
This endorsement is a nothing == who cares? Just another group trying to portray itself as important.
tracyann
Mon, Jun 28, 2010 : 10:26 p.m.
Love the picture of Hieftje and Lesko "facing off"!
Speechless
Mon, Jun 28, 2010 : 9:35 p.m.
Since a passing remark at the end by the mayor drags me momentarily into this story, I feel compelled to say something confusing to clarify matters. While occasionally I may support his stand on a controversial issue, you couldn't therefore say, in turn, that "I'm really kind of Hieftje." I have no idea what he's talking about. Other than that, a few things: • She said. He said. You scream ice cream: It would help to track down Phil Volk. Get him to respond. • Additional story background: What has been Pat Lesko's level of involvement in LGBT organizations over the last 20 years or so? • I also find it simply obnoxious when someone ridicules personal characteristics (per Mr. Joad's now-deleted comment).
Joe Hood
Mon, Jun 28, 2010 : 9:16 p.m.
I'm curious why there has never been a side by side comparison of the candidates? Do the candidates all believe in the same ideals? I realize every newspaper has a political slant but sometimes there is some sort original thought to fair reporting. Why have the only things the annarbor.com investigated about local government been spoon fed by representatives of the incumbent? I've read all of the posts on a2politico.com and the comments. I don't see the gross exaggerations. I'm not for everything Pat is running for but when do candidates exactly match everything we want? I searched long and hard to find a defense for what Pat attacked. All I find are ad hominem attacks.
Alfie
Mon, Jun 28, 2010 : 8:58 p.m.
It is interesting to note that here is ANOTHER group claiming Lesko is 'deceitful and destructive' and would be an 'embarassment' as mayor. I cannot believe the spin Lesko has put on this, her statements toward the end of the article are just amazing. She has a conspiracy theory for EVERYTHING! Council candidates Glorie and Eaton should have done a little homework before so strongly endorsing Lesko. I think that speaks volumes about what they think is acceptable behavior, and more importantly how they will act if elected.
a2sanity
Mon, Jun 28, 2010 : 8:39 p.m.
Mr. Cahill is correct concerning some terms used by Mr. Joad. However, Tom Joad is otherwise directly on concerning public decorum and overall demeanor. Read the most recent Ann Arbor Observer article about Ms. Lesko. This article looked much more closely at the history of this candidate and her attempt to work in community groups. One gets the impression that Ms. Lesko is simply a tornado blasting through the groups she has tried to work with in the past. It is stated that she has real difficulty working with others: "Her behavior was despicable in repeated instances," one person says. What is perhaps most interesting in this article is the quote from Councilmember Brier, described as a former Lesko supporter, who recognizes that a candidate for Mayor has to properly represent the City: "I learned that she was quick to jump to a conclusion, fast to reach a judgment about others motives, easily offended, and happy to offend. These are not good traits in someone who has to represent the City in any way...." (The article also discusses some serious lack of knowledge of Ms. Lesko as described by the public sewer administrator.) Public service requires service in the end, which requires some ability to work with others. And to work with others it is necessary to work in the real world--not the blog world. Many Ann Arbor residents are weary of the blog world and the misinformation and nastiness of it all. Read the Observer article and the writer's attempt to track down some of Ms. Lesko's statements about a fire truck. It is very telling. It ends up that there is no verification to the statement spouted by Ms. Lesko and it is simply based on a firefighter's "opinion" but no verification. Finally, reading this Observer article, I realized that, if as described, she would likely have no capacity for the self-reflection necessary to become embarrassed by her prior conduct.
alfonso
Mon, Jun 28, 2010 : 8:19 p.m.
Lesko could not be more unqualified to hold public office, let alone the Mayor's office in a town with a serious budget deficit. Her solitary campaign strategy is to gain the support of the firefighters and the cops by promising them no layoffs. Any candidate who stoops to that level should be rejected out of hand. Cops and firefighters are single issue voters and have a conflict of interest in going door to door with a loose cannon like Lesko. Hieftje is the only choice of the intelligent voter.
Barb
Mon, Jun 28, 2010 : 8:01 p.m.
OK, we get it - you've conveyed your point that Lesko is not who Ryan Stanton would vote for. So, when do we get an in-depth article about Hieftje's candidacy?
AlwaysLate
Mon, Jun 28, 2010 : 6:50 p.m.
Is Patricia Lesko related to Matthew Lesko the "Question Mark Guy" and renowned scammer? If so, it would explain a lot about Patricia Lesko.
A Pretty Ann Arbor
Mon, Jun 28, 2010 : 6:50 p.m.
InsidetheHall - how to donate http://www.votelesko.org/Support.html
Val Losse
Mon, Jun 28, 2010 : 6:25 p.m.
Isn't it interesting that when the voters of Ann Arbor assume there is only one party running that there are no important issues to be discussed i.e. spending money we don't have on a train station from no where to no where, streets that are not being cleaned, parking problems, police enforcement of laws on the books, the State Street Bridge that has been needing replacement since the "60's", traffic lights that capture traffic instead of letting it through, street repair, a budget that has grown out of control etc. Gay rights are protected by Federal law not local law. You got a problem with gay rights take it up in Federal Court. Do I care if you are straight or gay or whatever running to be the mayor of Ann Arbor? No. Do I care if you are Democrat or Republican? Yes I care as I will never vote Democrat again. This town is in a mess because of the Democrats. All they want to do is tax and spend.
MikeMartin
Mon, Jun 28, 2010 : 4:45 p.m.
Ann Arbor really, really needs a new mayor. Hieftje is just a lightweight, no real accomplishments, sort of our "mayor for life" for lack of something else to do. Lesko doesn't sound like the answer, but it sure would be refreshing to have someone more on the ball.
InsideTheHall
Mon, Jun 28, 2010 : 4:19 p.m.
Well looks like I am in the Lesko camp. How can we donate?