Who could be Ann Arbor's next mayor after John Hieftje's long reign?
Ann Arbor Mayor John Hieftje says he might not run for re-election in 2014 if it's clear the city has turned the corner and put the economic recession in its past.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
"My inclination would be not to run again if we can get through the recession and turn that corner," Hieftje said. "I think we're starting to turn that corner."
If Hieftje hangs up his hat, who could be Ann Arbor's next mayor?
In some political circles, the names of three Democrats come up in conversations: Conan Smith, Tony Derezinski and Sabra Briere.
Smith and Derezinski both confirmed they're considering running for mayor in 2014, though Briere was more hesitant to say as much.
Derezinski and Briere both currently serve on the Ann Arbor City Council and have different political factions pushing them to seek higher office.
Derezinski, a former state senator, is one of the mayor's close political allies on council and likely would have backing from Hieftje supporters.
"I have been thinking of it. It's certainly something I am considering," Derezinski said of waging a mayoral campaign in 2014. "My immediate concern right now is getting re-elected to the City Council, but down the line it's something I'm very interested in."
Briere said it's flattering to be considered, but that doesn't mean she's packing her bags and measuring the windows for curtains.
"Certainly people have talked to me about running for mayor, but I consider two years from now too far in the future for me to say what I'm going to do," she said. "There could be a dark horse that none of us are prepared for."
Conan Smith
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
"I'll tell you candidly, a lifelong dream of mine is to be the mayor of my hometown and I think that would be a great service to offer to the community," Smith said.
Smith said he'd have to really think through what he could bring to the city given the set of circumstances it's facing, contrasted with what he's doing at the county. It's possible he could run in 2014, he said, but only if Hieftje steps down at that point.
"I'm pretty supportive of Mayor Hieftje and I think from a performance standpoint he's doing a fine job," he said. "I really like his priorities around public transportation and environmental protection, so I'm not interested in running against him. If the mayor stepped down, I love my city, I was born here, I was raised here, and I would be truly honored to serve as its mayor."
Hieftje, a Democrat, has been Ann Arbor's mayor since 2000. He doesn't yet face any challengers as he seeks re-election in 2012, but two people — University Bank President Stephen Ranzini and Tom Wall, a retired special education teacher and owner of All Star Driver Education — have indicated they're exploring throwing their hats in the ring.
After more than a decade in office, Hieftje has raised the bar for what the city expects from its mayor, Briere said.
"When John ran for mayor in 2000, the mayor was still pretty much a part-time position," she said. "It's become a full-time position. We have a lot more expectations now about what the mayor will accomplish. It's certainly no longer just a figure head position."
The mayor's salary is now set at $42,436. The position paid just $18,300 when Hieftje was elected through 2004 when the salary was bumped up to $28,000.
Sabra Briere
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
"John raised the visibility — he increased people's awareness — of this role," Briere said. "John has a national awareness and people on the national scene are aware of him. He's gone to the national conference of mayors. He's worked with people in Washington.
"Those are not necessarily things that previous mayors did and that's an important aspect. It's not the ceremonial position it was when Ingrid Sheldon or Ed Pierce were mayor, when we looked to the mayor to officiate at weddings as much as anything else."
Hieftje easily defeated two challengers in 2010 — Patricia Lesko in the Democratic primary and Independent Steve Bean in the November general election.
Briere said if she ran for mayor, she would want to believe she could win. And to run against Hieftje, she'd have to believe he was doing a bad job.
But she thinks Hieftje has been successful as mayor, and she doesn't see running against him in her future.
"John and I don't always agree, but I think that his intention is good and he has a lot more follow-through than I realized when I ran for office," she said.
"I know the last time through a lot of people just cherished the idea that anybody would challenge him, whether that person was qualified or not," Briere added. "I'm not in that camp. I feel strongly that anybody who runs should at least, on the face of it, be qualified. They need to know enough about leadership to actually accomplish goals."
Tony Derezinski
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
"I think the main thing is my background in municipal work — both being on council by then six years and then also having a specialized degree in urban government and a long practice in the area of municipal law," said Derezinski, who also serves on the city's Planning Commission and Public Art Commission. "That, I think, is a wonderful background for doing it, and also the familiarity of what is going on in local government across the state."
Smith said his decision would have to be a family decision. He's married to state Sen. Rebekah Warren, D-Ann Arbor, who could run for Congress at some point in the future.
"She has a stellar political career, far more important and with far more potential than mine," Smith said. "So she and I would have to talk over what does that mean to her and what decision she wants to be making in that same time frame."
Hieftje said he wants to spend his last term seeing the city through the current financial crisis, and it should be apparent by next spring whether that has happened.
"There's still a lot of things that could happen, but right now things are looking better and we're hiring people," Hieftje said. "I want to get the city through the hard times of the recession and then I'll have to sit down and think about it, but that's been my thrust."
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
AACity12
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 8:03 p.m.
Whats the name of your SuperPac Ranzini? I want to donate.
Alan Goldsmith
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 1:34 p.m.
Oh, it has SO BEEN MY DREAM...to be MAYOR...gag me with a spoon. Lol.
Roadman
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 6:55 p.m.
Draft Alan Goldsmith for Mayor of A2. The pride of the FourthWard!
Alan Goldsmith
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 1:32 p.m.
"The PEOPLE voted "yes", so it was the people's choice. I believe that is called democracy, when the voters agree to raise their own taxes. Is there a problem here with democracy?" Leah, you are such a HOOT as a politician. Apparently there IS a problem with DEMOCRACY with pols you've supported in the past. Leasing parkland for the U of M? The new City Center Building? The Fuller Road 'train station' and the big bucks that have gone in the easy stages of that fiasco? The stealing of AATA Ann Arbor tax dollars for a county-wide system? I don't recall voting for any of those. When you aren't marching lock step with your political soul mates ala the Mayor (you know, the one who said we couldn't restrict Ann Arbor art projects to Michigan residents because it was in conflict with the Constitution and that neighborhood flooding near West Park was the fault of GLOBAL WARMING and not incompetent project management...lol) maybe you can chat over tea about the democracy you seem to support.
abc
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 11:51 a.m.
The mayor was elected to office; therefore he is 'serving his term'. He was not coronated and therefore cannot be said to be 'reigning'.
Joe_Citizen
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 8:09 a.m.
WOW, some angry comments I must say. OK well I would say to get one of the homeless people in there. I bet he does a good job well at least much better than this guy.
Goofus
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 7:53 p.m.
"Crutches" is always downtown, making his rounds...maybe he should make a run. He's good at shaking people down for 50 cents here, 50 cents there...he'd make a good mayor.
Goofus
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 2:55 a.m.
",cuse me sah?"
Roadman
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 7:04 p.m.
What about Mike Anglin for Mayor of Ann Arbor? Any support?
Marvin Face
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 2:57 a.m.
Good Lord. I view Mike Anglin and Tom Wall as equals if that tells you anything. Actually, Wall wore a superhero costume to run for mayor once. That puts him on higher intellectual ground than Anglin.
Usual Suspect
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 10:13 p.m.
We don't need anybody who has been involved in the meaningless City Council resolutions - Iraq, Arizona, illegal immigrant extradition.
Roadman
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 5:18 p.m.
I would support Alan Goldsmith for mayor - even though most folks do not know what he looks like. HIs mordant criticisms of Conan Smith, Marcia Higgins and the Mayor have made him a local icon.
Roadman
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 5:54 p.m.
He once ran for Democratic Party precinct delegate -but lost. He has been a federal government employee.
Sieben 7
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 5:44 p.m.
Could you refresh my memory about Mr Goldsmith's elected experiences? This seemed to be a concern of yours with Mr. Wall. Not sure being a "mordant critic" or a local icon are qualifications, in my book, for the mayoral post.
Craig Lounsbury
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 5:12 p.m.
correct me if I'm wrong but isn't the 1st born son in line to inherit the throne? If no son then a daughter to become queen?
rusty shackelford
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 4:43 p.m.
Count me as a liberal-leftist who would at least be open to Ranzini. The left is terrible at electoral organization; there hasn't been a viable leftist party in this country for a century. Even if there were, it wouldn't have a chance in today's ultra-bourgeois Ann Arbor; it's not 1970 anymore. Ideology plays little role in the mayorality of a town as small as Ann Arbor anyway, especially given that we have a strong (and redundant, IMO) "manager" who does what a mayor would do in many other towns. As far as I can tell, Ranzini has been the only local politico who even has a grasp of the basic skills needed for local government--and I include in that judgment almost every incumbent. Council may or may not have made better decisions in the past if they understood the issues. It's irrelevant, because as far as I can tell, by and large they don't. To hide their ignorance, they by and large blindly follow the city manager and whatever small band of cranks has showed up that day. I encourage you to run, Ranzini. As far as I can tell, you're the only potential candidate with the capacity for independent thought and the ability to articulate anything rationally.
Sully
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 4:29 p.m.
Why am I not surprised to see Councilwoman Briere and Mayor Hieftje bragging about the increased power and salary that the mayor's office has commanded during Hieftje's term. I'd also be surprised to see him step down after this term, as there no higher office open right now for him to run for. Though I'd bank on Commissioner Smith going for the job after the mayor steps down. Conan already passed up on replacing his wife in the House, Mayor has to be what he's waiting for, and hey, lets be honest, his wife has no shot at going to Congress unless the Congressional seat looks drastically different in 2022.
Elena
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 3:53 p.m.
I like Tom Wall. Go Tom!
Usual Suspect
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 3:37 p.m.
This is good news. No, it's GREAT news. The only side affect is that it could bring out all the crazies from recent Mayoral elections. Remember, citizens: just because you live in Ann Arbor doesn't mean you're required to vote for something just because it has a "D" sitting next to it. You may be about to get the chance to use your brains. Please take advantage of it.
Youwhine
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 3:21 p.m.
Should it be concerning that Ms. Briere seems to think that more than doubling the mayor's salary is one of Hieftje's greatest accomplishments?
Roy Munson
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 3:16 p.m.
Does it really matter? Another left wing liberal extremist will take over the People's Republic of Ann Arbor and it will be business as usual.
Leah Gunn
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 3:12 p.m.
Here is the truth - the recent sidewalk millage was voted on by the people, who said "yes". This small millage means that the taxpayers of Ann Arbor will pay for sidewalk repair rather than having individual homeoweners or landlords do it. This was generous, and some of us who have already paid recently for our sidewalks voted "yes". All Council did was put it on the ballot. So to say that "John Hieftje raised taxes" is simply not true.
Stephen Lange Ranzini
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 3:14 p.m.
@So Much Nonsense: A veto by the mayor would have been great on any number of boondoggles NOT supported by a super majority of the voters, such as the Pedestrian Crosswalk Ordinance. Instead of voting for it, he could have vetoed it or advocaed for one that conforms exactly to what the signs say, "stop for pedestrian in crosswalk.". We are putting people at risk of serious injury by having an ordnance different than the model state law.
John Q
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 4:16 a.m.
Ranzini claimed that the Mayor raised taxes, not that taxes increased while Hieftje was Mayor.
AACity12
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 10:33 p.m.
To say that taxes were not raised under Heiftje's watch is not true. Whether or not he was the deciding vote is moot. Taxes were raised.
John Q
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 7:15 p.m.
"If you do not understand the difference between these two things then you are not fit to be an elected official." I have to agree with this.
so much nonsense
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 7:09 p.m.
@Stephen Ranzini: The residents of the city voted for a tax increase for the sidewalk millage; they had a choice and chose to pay higher taxes for something they wanted. The mayor and council only voted to put an issue on the ballot, they did not decide the outcome. If you do not understand the difference between these two things then you are not fit to be an elected official. You need to stop with all the rhetoric and hyperbole. You need to understand the difference between a user fee and a tax. You need to understand that a veto should not be used to push the Mayor's agenda, but used only to correct an action that the council may do that is against the will of the MAJORITY of the people or that is not in the best interest of the city as a whole. (That should be a rare event.) It is irritating that another" know it all" challenger wants to run for office when they don't even understand the basics of government.
Leah Gunn
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 7 p.m.
Of course the Mayor voted to put it on the ballot - that is QUITE different from raising taxes. TThe PEOPLE voted "yes", so it was the people's choice. I believe that is called democracy, when the voters agree to raise their own taxes. Is there a problem here with democracy?
Stephen Lange Ranzini
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 4:17 p.m.
@Leah Gunn: Do you assert that the Mayor did *not* vote to put that tax increase on the ballot? In addition to voting for that tax increase, he's voted many time to increase user fees and for hundreds of millions of dollars of wasteful spending, I including the Rog Mahal ($49mm+, Big Dig ($50mm+), Huronal ($750,000), etc. During his term in office our debt and off balance sheet liabilities including retirement and health care retirement deficits ballooned hundreds of millions of dollars and will soon be over $600 million once the wastewater treatment plant bonds are issued. Our taxes may have to go up in the future when that tab comes due if we don't change the path we are going down. AND, our Mayor never ONCE as far as I know in 11 years used his veto on any of City Council's resolutions.
Roadman
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 4:16 p.m.
Leah, you are in lockstep with the Council Party. I liked your performance as a County Commissioner, but you are an ally of the mayor, Marcia Higgins, Margie Teall, and Diane Gianolla.
Tom Wall
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 3:04 p.m.
As Mayor I plan on giving Ann Arbor back to the people. If there is a large project in the works where opposition is apparent, then we will ask the voters first before moving ahead. Provide Open communication and transparency. Ann Arbor is not like any other city in Michigan. We should never have to make cuts to our fire and police forces. We need to manage our money better and practice fiscal responsibility on a daily basis. Maintain city streets and parks year around with an emphasis on pot holes and snow removal. Some things I would not of done had I been Mayor in the past; Build a Police/Court House building that we can't afford Construct an underground parking structure we don't need. Try to push through a convention center over the underground parking facility without getting approval of the residents. Lay off police and fire personnel lowering our staff below the recommended number. Have a one lane Stadium Bridge that is dangerous for cars to drive over and under. Push a train station we just don't need. If you would like to help Tom Wall for Mayor please email me at wall4mayor12@gmail.com
Usual Suspect
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 3:54 a.m.
The thing about being mayor is that when you don't get your way, you can't just stomp your feet and whine and hold your breath until you get your way. You have to be able to work with people, not just blame them when you dig yourself into a hole and can't admit your mistakes. When everybody around you eventually gets their turn to be dumped on, that's not a good thing.
Sieben 7
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 12:14 a.m.
Perhaps a lack of political experience is just what we need. Someone that brings a fresh approach and is not beholden to the "party" but can work with all the people to bring open and responsive government to Ann Arbor.
Roadman
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 4:31 p.m.
Tom, have you ever served on a city or county board, been a precinct delegate or held any appointed or elected office whatsoever? - that was the knock against you in 2008. What have you done to build up political experience?
MjC
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 2:21 p.m.
I'd vote for Stephen Ranzini (and I'm a democrat)!! I've not voted for Heifte in years and I'd never vote for Conan Smith - he still owes money to the City taxpayers, that's how much he cares about us. Run Ranzini, run!
Stephen Lange Ranzini
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 2:21 p.m.
Regardless of who is our Mayor, here are the priorities that the city leaders should address in 2012. In a recent interview our Mayor didn't even discuss (#1, 2, 4) and disagrees with us (#5). 1) Ann Arbor is not meeting national standards for fire safety. This will raise our fire insurance rates & cause more unnecessary loss of life. The current budget for 2012 anticipates even further cuts to the fire department personnel. This must be stopped & adequate staffing provided once again to keep the citizens & their properties safe! 2) The current budget for 2012 anticipates even further cuts to the police department. Ann Arbor already has an inadequate number of cars on patrol at any one time (if I recall correctly only 5 at any one time city wide) & we need to reinstate daily downtown foot patrol beat cops. While the new city manager, Steve Powers, promises to revise the budget and solve this problem, we must insure that this happens, because with inaction, a further round of CUTS is already baked in! 3) Ann Arbor's roads are a mess & are rated among the worst in the state. The funds are available from the street millage to repair them instead of accumulating over $29 million in the road millage separate account. Get on with it already! 4) The Fuller Road project ought to go to a vote of the citizens because no one can assert with a straight face that they will spend $121 million building in it & that it will ever be parkland again! Personally I support the project in concept but NOT if the voters don't approve it first. If it's a project with merit, sell the citizens on that & if you can't convince the citizens, respect the democratic process and move on to other topics. 5) Repeal the current pedestrian crosswalk ordinance & replace it with one that conforms exactly to what the signs say, "stop for pedestrian in crosswalk.". We are putting people at risk of serious injury by having an ordnance different than the model state law.
say it plain
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 11:08 p.m.
amen @SMC!
SMC
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 3:01 p.m.
I agree with all these points, but #3 in particular is the cause of daily irritation for me. One would think, in a city such as ours, that we could have smooth roads, or at the very least, smoother roads than they have in rural Pakistan. Does anyone recall the Huron River Drive issue a few years ago? Supposedly, they couldn't afford to fix HRD and add bike lanes to it, so Mayor Headuphisbottom's solution was to close the road to motor vehicle traffic! Never mind the fact that fire trucks and ambulances could never reach some people in time without the use of that road, because the bicyclists needed their bike path! Sometimes, I think the deplorable state of our city's roadways (the Jackson-Huron corridor, which is a gateway to our city, is in particularly bad shape) is like the mayor's passive-aggressive way of pushing the cycling/walking agenda.
Goofus
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 2:19 p.m.
As a next choice, I recommend the Construction Foreman on the Big Dig at the Library Lot. He's been here long enough he surely knows what a mess Ann Arbor city politics are.
Goofus
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 2:15 p.m.
Conan Smith? What a great choice for Ann Arbor's mayor's office! Mainly because it would be great get him off the Washtenaw County BOC, where he has been nothing but trouble.
xmo
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 2:12 p.m.
"The mayor's salary is now set at $42,436. The position paid just $18,300 when Hieftje was elected" Why do we have a city manager? Why not bump the mayor's salary up 40K and get rid of the city Manager? or cut the Mayor's salary and make it part time again? Why do we need BOTH?
Craig Lounsbury
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 5:10 p.m.
excellent question.
B2Pilot
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 2:11 p.m.
Wasn't the city supposedly in finacial problem when Heiftje came into office? didn't he come up with the brilliant idea of early retirements with full benefits and salary for life?? and then was shocked at how many employees took it. I would hope someone who is not entrenched with any political party who actually would work for the citizens not the special interests. The democratic party of Michigan is in dire straights from Detroit, Flint, Pontiac, Wayne county, you name it there is a lot of corruption and less than honest people in 'public service'. There has to be an honest person with good morals willing to take the job other than some politcal puppet
golfer
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 2:08 p.m.
not soon enough. maybe the are commission can also go with him. maybe the crosswalks, and the idle law. that would be a nice present.
T Wall
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 2:02 p.m.
My name is Tom Wall and having run for Mayor twice I know the time and commitment that is involved in such an endeavor. I had a small group of supporters in the past where I received close to 32 % of the vote. I have come to the realization that I need more of an organization to be successful. I was born in Ann Arbor and attended Dicken, Slauson and University High School. Went on to Eastern Michigan receiving a Masters in Special Education and playing football on a scholarship. Married Marie, a retired Burns Park Elementary teacher of 43 years. Two adult children Kari and Brent. Taught Special Education in Willow Run Schools and retired in 2000. Started All Star Driver Education in 1998 where many of my former students know me as Captain Driver Ed. Founded the T. Wall Foundation, a foundation helping special children and their families in need. Every November, the students at Greenhills are involved in the T. Wall B-Ball, an event pairing up a Greenhills student and a special needs student for a morning of games and activities. I was also Camp Director of Camp Al-Gon-Quian and marketed and promoted the University of Michigan Men's Hockey team in Red's first year of coaching. Active member of several Ann Arbor civic and professional organizations, giving many hours to my community in volunteer efforts. This is a grass roots campaign which needs a fresh group of Ann Arborites who will come forward to help. If people are unhappy with how the City of Ann Arbor is being run then show your support by contacting me at wall4mayor12@gmail.com.
Tex Treeder
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 3:46 p.m.
I have no opinion on Mr. Wall's candidacy. However, I would prefer a statement of where he wants the city to go rather than a statement attesting to his local bona fides. Mr. Wall?
Michigan Man
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 2:41 p.m.
Tom Wall is the right person at the right time for Mayor of Ann Arbor! I would be honored to be part of the Wall team and I support his campaign.
EyeHeartA2
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 2:01 p.m.
Ranzini is a very bad fit for the country's smartest city, as most of what he says is logical.
Doug
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 1:45 p.m.
How about Obambam! He'll be out of a job in Nov.
townie54
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 2:26 a.m.
ha Doug you think your gonna win the election with one of those clowns repubs are pushing now? Repubs blew it ,they couldnt even find a guy to mount a challenge when Obama was ripe for picking.If you think Newt or Wrongme are going to get crossover votes your in a fantasy.
zeeba
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 2:19 p.m.
wanna bet?
motorcycleminer
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 1:35 p.m.
Who could run ?....Not to be disrespectful to prince john , but I would say just about anyone could do a better job running OZ than has been exibited to date..after all, like the current powers to be, its just a big talking head and whats behind it has proven not to be up to the job of running this community, other than into the ground...
Top Cat
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 1:22 p.m.
It's too bad Shakey Jake passed away. "Hizzoner" would have been a fit and noble upgrade to the position.
Joe_Citizen
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 8:19 a.m.
What he passed away: he owed me $50 dollars too. I thought he was just ignoring me. No really, RIP Shaky Jake.
15crown00
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 1:03 p.m.
head of the University of Michigan Health Systems. that person knows how to ,shall we say,"keep things close to the vest" a quality all good(????)politicians need
Brad
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 1:30 p.m.
So rather than have a U puppet in office just go ahead and have an employee? It would seem like the next logical step in their ownership of the city.
G-Man
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 12:52 p.m.
Here's a novel idea, how about turn over a new leaf? Elect a Republican, that way there is a better chance of someone being fiscally conservative, someone not afraid to cut spending as opposed to continually raising fees, adding new fees, etc. Someone who would not rob DDA money, just because it is there, to pay for excess spending......
Usual Suspect
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 6:49 p.m.
"if people would just pay a little more" The anthem of the left. Just a little more. Then just a little more again. Then just a little more again. It's never enough, is it?
B2Pilot
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 2:15 p.m.
But then we wouldn't see anymore 750K monuments in front of city hall! Anyone but a real estate agent and party puppet
Brad
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 1:05 p.m.
Feel free to get out your checkbook and start writing at any time ...
Mike
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 12:57 p.m.
Fiscal conservatism? Are you kidding? There are people in need out there and many that still have tax dollars that should be ours. Lots of good causes if people would just pay a little more...................
clownfish
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 12:48 p.m.
I eagerly await the two page mayoral ballot in 2014. It should be chock full of .com posters that pretty much know everything there is to know about everything, and know it better than everybody else.
John Q
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 7:10 p.m.
They don't live in the city of Ann Arbor so they can't run.
Wolf's Bane
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 12:46 p.m.
Trevor Staples! Trevor! Trevor! Community organizer and skate park advocate! Trevor is our man!
Stephen Lange Ranzini
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 12:40 p.m.
@LifelongA2: Contrary to your assertions, Mayor Hieftje has raised our taxes since the recently approved new sidewalk millage was a new tax. Since the banking business is regulated by the Governor, it is a smart move for me to have friends in both parties, and you correctly note that I have given to BOTH parties generously over the years, to ensure that I do have friends in both parties. You conveniently neglect to mention that Rep. Jeff Irwin and Senator Rebekah Warren were elected with my vigorous backing and that Alma Wheeler Smith is the chair of University Bank's board. Also, you fail to mention the strong support I have provided the Ann Arbor Democratic Party and Washtenaw County Democratic Party over the years and the many opinions freely expressed on AnnArbor.com under my own name which clearly indicate my progressive social philosophy and frugal fiscal policies. Lastly, if you are unsure where I stand, please come to the fundraiser I am co-host of on March 15th at 5pm to 7pm at University Bank's HQ for Gary McDowell, a Democrat, who is in the lead to win the Northern Michigan congressional seat back from Rep. Benichek, a Republican. My co-hosts are Rep. Jeff Irwin and Congressman Dingell.
snark12
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 9:47 p.m.
I certainly don't think a conservative is unqualified to run for Mayor, but your defense of "I support both parties because it's good for my business" doesn't do much to win my vote. You mean you're willing to take what ever position is in your best interest? That does sound like politics aS usual, even if it's refreshingly candid.
John Q
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 7:10 p.m.
" Mayor Hieftje has raised our taxes since the recently approved new sidewalk millage was a new tax." Unless the Mayor has assumed dictatorial powers, this is simply wrong. The millage increase was approved by the voters.
Stephen Lange Ranzini
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 4:03 p.m.
@Top Cat: LOL!! (My wife doesn't like the picture either!). Maybe it's time to change it to another one...
jns131
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 3:05 p.m.
Maybe that is his way of getting attention. Crooked?
B2Pilot
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 2:17 p.m.
is that your real picture top cat?
Top Cat
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 1:24 p.m.
If you have aspirations for higher office, you should at least use a picture of yourself where you don't appear "crooked."
15crown00
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 1:07 p.m.
doesn't matter who it is because baseline all politicians r the same.
InsideTheHall
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 12:39 p.m.
Smith, Warren, Wheeler talk about political nepotism. We don't need anymore Kennedy, Clinton, Bush political "dynasties". Time for that family to seek some real work.
Roadman
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 4:26 p.m.
"A heritage cannot be transmitted - it must be conquered." - Andre Malraux.
Lifelong A2
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 12:23 p.m.
Stephen Ranzini is considering a run for Mayor? Umm, does Ranzini think Ann Arbor is ready to elect a conservative Republican as Mayor? Ranzini has donated tens of thousands of dollars to conservative Republican politicians, including: (a) Sen. Spence Abraham; (b) former Congressman Nick Smith and his son Brad Smith, both of whom fought hard against same-sex marriage; (c) George W. Bush's presidential campaign; (d) the Michigan Republican Party; (e) conservative Supreme Court Justice Robert Young; (f) former Gov. John Engler; and (g) the campaigns for Governor of Rick Snyder and Mike Bouchard. Now, Ranzini is working to scale back federal banking regulations that were passed by Congress to prevent another financial meltdown. IMHO, these facts automatically disqualify Ranzini for any elected office in Ann Arbor. Maybe he should consider running in Howell...
Stephen Lange Ranzini
Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 12:24 a.m.
@Grumpy: Thanks for your question. As a Catholic, we are directed to love everybody. I support any relationship that two adult individuals who love each other choose to engage in. It is not the role of government to define their relationship as good or bad, or legislate behavior in the privacy of our homes. I suggest you ask LGBT community leaders such as Chris Kolb, Phil Volk, Sandi Smith, Keith Orr and Martin Contreras their opinion of me. University Bank has been welcoming of the LGBT community for years, and counts many individuals and organizations from that community among its valued customers.
Grumpy
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 8:45 p.m.
Mr. Ranzini, LLA2 suggests you are guilty by donation, perhaps unfairly, of descriminating against gay couples by "donating tens of thousands of dollars to conservative Republican politicians, including former Congressman Nick Smith and his son Brad Smith, both of whom fought hard against same-sex marriage." In your response to those charges, you reference "the many opinions freely expressed on AnnArbor.com under my own name which clearly indicate my progressive social philosophy and frugal fiscal policies." I generally like a lot of what you have to say on fiscal issues, but I can't recall specific comments on social issues. Would you care to summarize your stance on social issues such as gay marriage, domestic partner benefits, etc. on this blog? Would you be brave enough to diverge from the party line in order to do what's right? I don't believe this paper or any other news outlets pressed Rick Snyder hard enough to choose a side of the fence on social issues. And he didn't have to because it was such a blowout against the world's angriest mayor. But I can't vote for a biggot no matter how logical their fiscal policies are. And I'm not sure I can't count on AnnArbor.com to press any politians in the future to document their beliefs on social issues before they are elected to office.
Roadman
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 5:24 p.m.
In case one has not noticed, most judges in Ann Arbor are Republican and they seem to be doing just fine. Ranzini's GOP affiliations are OK with me.
SMC
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 2:51 p.m.
Considering the current state of our city, I'd vote for Ranzini over Hieftje even if Mr. Ranzini were a committed Maoist. Mr. Ranzini, fix our roads, repeal the nonsense laws (like the idiotic pedestrian ordinance) and restore some common sense to this city, and you'll have my vote.
Stephen Lange Ranzini
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 1:51 p.m.
Since the banking business is regulated by the Governor, it is a smart move for me to develop relationships in both parties, and you neglect to note that I have given to BOTH parties generously over the years, to ensure that I do have established relationships in both parties (although when I was married my wife and I only invited Democratic politicians, who are our personal friends, including Sen. Alma Wheeler Smith, Sen. Rebekah Warren, Rep. Pam Byrnes, County Commission Chair Conan Smith, Rep. Chris Kolb). You conveniently neglect to mention that Rep. Jeff Irwin and Senator Rebekah Warren were elected with my vigorous backing and that Alma Wheeler Smith is the chair of University Bank's board. You forgot to mention my donations to help get President Obama elected though I did get personally autographed copies of his two autobiographies, so does that not count since I got a gift in return? Also, you fail to mention the strong support I have provided the Ann Arbor Democratic Party and Washtenaw County Democratic Party over the years and the many opinions freely expressed on AnnArbor.com under my own name which clearly indicate my progressive social philosophy and frugal fiscal policies. Lastly, if you are unsure where I stand, please come to the fundraiser I am co-host of on March 15th at 5pm to 7pm at University Bank's HQ for Gary McDowell, a Democrat, who is in the lead to win the Northern Michigan congressional seat back from Rep. Benichek, a Republican. My co-hosts are Rep. Jeff Irwin and Congressman Dingell.
Lifelong A2
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 12:19 p.m.
@Alan Goldsmith-- With all due respect, who are you kidding? Ann Arbor consistently ranks in the top of national rankings as one of the best places to live, retire, raise a family, own a business, etc. Just this week, a poll of Michigan residents showed that Ann Arbor had the highest favorability rating of all local governments in Michigan. Under Mayor Hieftje, the City Council hasn't raised taxes, crime has fallen, property values are more stable than the rest of the State, investments in infrastructure are being made.... the list goes on. Stop trying to convince the electorate of your bogus political spin.
Roadman
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 4:52 p.m.
Two words describe Alan Goldsmith - local hero.
vaseline
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 3:16 p.m.
Investments in infrastructure? like that great work done at the fuller road station. I would venture to say of the things you listed, Investments in infastructue is a shortcoming of this administration
jns131
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 3:04 p.m.
Ann Arbor has a high crime rate. I do not live in Ann Arbor and do not care for some of the things I have seen done in the last year. There are better places then Ann Arbor.
Doug
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 1:41 p.m.
The ranking comes from people who don't live here!
Alan Goldsmith
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 11:18 a.m.
"Derezinski, a former state senator, is one of the mayor's close political allies on council and likely would have backing from Hieftje supporters." Let me get the hammer and nails for THIS political coffin. Lol.
Alan Goldsmith
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 11:16 a.m.
Conan SMITH? Arrogant, sat out the election for Governor because his mommy wasn't on the ticket, owes County taxpayers money he hasn't paid back for 'expenses', is a good buddy of Wayne County con artist Bob Ficano and insulted the Huron Valley Humane Society in the recent contract negotiations. And from his recent financial disclosure statement posted on the Washtenaw County website it looks like a majority of his 'contributors' aren't even in his district. Ditto--let this Emergency Financial Manager loving 'democrat' move on to work for the Governor, who is seems to adore. But spare us Conan as Mayor.
Roadman
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 4:25 p.m.
Yeah, I'll back Conan - when he pays back the per diems he owes the county. Pigs will be flying over a frozen Hell at that juncture.
Alan Goldsmith
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 11:11 a.m.
What's that joke? I would rather we pick someone random from the Ann Arbor phone book to run the city than from someone as clueless as the honorable Mr. Hieftje. Just take a job with the Governor, the one you've been groveling for since his election, move on, and let this city recover from the laughing stock you've turned it into.
Class B Limo Owner
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 5:19 p.m.
kudos AlAn
Lou Perry
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 3:16 p.m.
The mayor has done more than a extraordinary job. Under his leadership there are numerous positive tangible results accomplished while the dynamics of the city changed and faced budget challenges that other municipalities didn't handle as well. Good job John!