League to host Ann Arbor City Council candidate forums this Wednesday
Candidates competing in the two contested City Council races on the Aug. 6 primary ballot in Ann Arbor will take the stage this Wednesday to discuss city issues.
AnnArbor.com will be covering both forums.
Julie Grand, chairwoman of the city's Park Advisory Commission, is trying to unseat incumbent Stephen Kunselman, D-3rd Ward, who is seeking a fourth two-year term on council.
Jack Eaton, a labor attorney and longtime neighborhood activist, is trying to unseat incumbent Marcia Higgins, D-4th Ward, who has been in office since 1999.
The league is taping the forums at the CTN studios at 2805 S. Industrial Highway. Tune in to CTN Channel 19 to watch live or go to CTN's video-on-demand website to see a rebroadcast.
The forums also will be rebroadcast on Channel 19 leading up to the primary.
The winners of the primary potentially face Independent challengers from the so-called Ann Arbor Mixed Use Party in the November general election.
Previous coverage:
- 2 potential challengers emerge in races for Ann Arbor City Council
- University of Michigan student group eyes seats on Ann Arbor City Council
- Jack Eaton pulls petitions to run against Marcia Higgins for Ann Arbor City Council
- 2 contested Ann Arbor City Council races on Aug. 6 primary ballot
- Ann Arbor City Council candidates differ on downtown development issues
- Ann Arbor City Council candidates discuss transit issues and possibility of new AATA tax
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
Roger
Wed, Jul 10, 2013 : 2:27 p.m.
Ann Arbor is a one party state. Alas.
Goober
Wed, Jul 10, 2013 : 9:35 a.m.
I wonder why there is no League of Men Voters!? Go figure!
LXIX
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 2:44 p.m.
Must be a public stage at a private studio. Dang. No hecklers? How about submitted questions? 1. What benefit does the DDA provide? That our local Government and Business Establishments cannot provide? 2. Should Ann Arbor realistically plan for a resident population of 50k 100k 150k or over 200k ? Why? 3. Besides the Mayor, what are the mostimportant attributes describing Ann Arbor? 4. Should there be a Commuter Tax levied on public and/or private employment establishments in Ann Arbor? 5. Should rentals be accounted for by - and taxed by - property address or unit addresses ? 6. Please specify your list of critical Infrastructure improvements that must be made during the next elected Council. 7. Please specify your list of critical Government Services that must be enhanced during the next Council. 8. Should the University of Michigan be limited by ordinance in its growth and operations that affect taxpayers? 9. What are your views on immigration reform? 10. Should Ann Arbor become energy and/or food independent?
StraightTalk
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 11:36 a.m.
Maybe Kunselman will repeat the claim he made at the Democratic Party forum -- that he's so good that he doesn't have to read anything in the council agenda anymore. And maybe Jack Eaton will talk about how the council shouldn't listen to any advice from city staff. Or maybe they'll just spout the same-old-same-old, "health, safety, and welfare." That really informs voters!
DJBudSonic
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 2:24 p.m.
Actually, I heard Mr. Eaton praise the city staff for their hard work the other day. But I agree with the sentiment that the CM's should balance the advice and direction they are given from city staff with their own knowledge and the input of their constituents. And staff often puts forward agenda items that are not necessary, or not necessarily well thought out.
Brad
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 11:45 a.m.
Speaking of which, are we ever going to see that article about council attendance? Like before the primary maybe??
Brad
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 11:43 a.m.
One thing we know for sure - they'll both show up. How about Higgins?