Ann Arbor's Jeff Irwin has launched a campaign website, www.voteirwin.com, where he plans to announce a new proposal each week aimed at making Ann Arbor and Michigan a better place to live, work and raise a family.

Jeff Irwin

“Since announcing my candidacy, I’ve been meeting with citizens of Ann Arbor to talk about the challenges that face our state," said Irwin, a candidate in the 53rd District race for the state House of Representatives. "I’ve been sharing my ideas and gathering theirs. Now, I’m launching my campaign website, and I’m going to use the web to unfold my agenda for improving Michigan.”

Irwin, a Democrat who currently serves on the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners, faces Ned Staebler in the August primary. The winner of the election will advance to the November general election for a chance to replace Rebekah Warren, D-Ann Arbor, who is running for a seat in the state Senate.

No other candidates have filed to run, so the August primary likely will decide the final outcome.

The initial content of Irwin's campaign site focuses on specific proposals for improving Michigan's economy, especially through investments in public education and environmental protection.

“As a candidate to be your next state representative, I will get past the vague pleasantries that pass for campaign platforms," Irwin said in a written statement. "We don’t need more political posturing; what we do need is specific and realistic ideas, aimed at producing tangible results for the people of Michigan.”

Irwin claims the state's government is broken, "focusing on the symptoms rather than the disease."

"For example, Michigan is one of only five states that spend more on prisons than on higher education," he said. "We lavish tremendous resources on programs that do not enhance public safety, while at the same time shortchanging our schools and local law enforcement. We starve mental health programs, leaving millions of federal dollars behind, in order to lock up, rather than treat, our citizens."

Irwin also claims state budgets are passed late and out of balance - leaving local governments, universities, school boards and citizens wondering what services Michigan will provide now and in the future. He says inexperience and partisanship have combined to paralyze progress and stifle meaningful dialogue.

“As your state representative, I will focus on tangible results for Ann Arbor and Michigan," Irwin said. "Using my experience in local government and my knowledge of state government, I will work with all of my colleagues to evaluate and engage our challenges.”

Staebler's campaign site is http://nedstaebler.com.

Ryan J. Stanton covers government for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529.