1st Ward candidates for Ann Arbor City Council offer different takes on city's budget
Sumi Kailasapathy says she's not buying the argument that Ann Arbor is doing well just because it's better off than other cities in Michigan.
"Ann Arbor has a different economy," she said. "So it's kind of a moot point to keep saying we are better. It's like saying, 'Oh, George Bush was better than Ahmadinejad in Iran.' I mean, can you actually compare a democracy with a theocracy?"
Sumi Kailasapathy, a certified public accountant running for the Ann Arbor City Council, criticized the city's spending habits during Thursday's debate.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
Kailasapathy, a certified public accountant seeking a seat on the Ann Arbor City Council, mostly directed those comments at Mayor John Hieftje during a debate Thursday night. But she also was responding to claims by her opponent, Sandi Smith, D-1st Ward, who says Ann Arbor is making wise budget decisions.
Kailasapathy offered a stern critique of the incumbent's two years in office, criticizing what she deemed wasteful spending.
"Believe me, I have been looking at the budgets and studying the numbers," she said. "There is so much mismanagement and waste in the budget, and I feel if we can get our priorities right, we can manage. I know times are hard, but we should get our priorities right."
That's a perspective Kailasapathy is offering to bring to the City Council if elected. She faces off against Smith, a real estate professional seeking her second term, in the Aug. 3 primary.
With no Republicans in the race, and no other foreseen challengers, the winner of next month's primary likely will take office in November.
Smith is stressing her experience in tough times. She currently serves on a number of boards and committees for the city, including the Housing and Human Services Advisory Board, Council Rules Committee and the Downtown Development Authority, which she has served on for six years — predating her election to council.
"I'm very active in the community and I have been for a long time," she said. "I've been on boards for nonprofits, I've been on task forces for the city, joint city-county initiatives, I've taken leadership positions. These are important things to consider when you have times like these."
Kailasapathy criticized the city for taking on two ongoing building projects: the police-courts building and a new underground parking deck downtown.
"A person told me, 'We have our own Palinism here,'" she said, drawing laughs from the crowd. "We have our 'dig baby dig' with the underground parking lot, and 'build baby build' with all these ugly structures coming. And these are all poor choices."
Kailasapathy has aligned herself with an unofficial slate that includes mayoral candidate Patricia Lesko, 4th Ward candidate Jack Eaton and 5th Ward candidate Lou Glorie. Together, they're hoping to oust the current council majority and refocus city spending.
"One of the things we need to be doing is start a zero-based budgeting, meaning we start from the core services that we need in the city," Kailasapathy said. "So if we believe a certain amount of fire and police have to be there, we start from there, then we decide whether we have $11 million to dump in that Fuller garage."
Kailasapathy's claim that the city plans to spend $11 million on a new parking structure and transit station on Fuller Road was disputed by Hieftje during Thursday's debate. Smith also dismissed many of Kailasapathy's claims.
"I'm very curious," Smith said. "What I hear talk about is 'so much mismanagement' and 'all of this waste and fat' and I haven't heard any specific examples. I haven't heard how we're going to move forward.
"I hear a lot of rhetoric and a lot of stone throwing, but I have yet to hear a single idea that's going to take us forward," she said.
Smith said the next two years will be a struggle for the city financially, but Ann Arbor will maintain its high quality of life even as city officials look for more ways to trim costs.
"But I don't see all this excess fat," she said. "We have funds that we have dedicated for certain things, and we cannot take that money and use it. It's illegal to use it to pay for firefighters."
Incumbent Council Member Sandi Smith is stressing experienced leadership in the city's 1st Ward council race.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
The layoff of four employees in the fire department this week was a budget decision supported by Smith that Kailasapathy criticized on Thursday. She argued those jobs might have been saved if the city hadn't taken $975,000 from the general fund to spend on an audio-visual system for the new police-courts building.
"If we had kept our costs under control, and if we didn't have mismanagement, if we had an efficient person running the city government, this will not be happening," Kailasapathy said.
Thursday's debate was attended by more than 60 residents. It was hosted by the North Central Property Owners Association and also featured the two mayoral candidates, Hieftje and Lesko, who will face off in the Aug. 3 primary.
Responding to a question about her community involvement and civic work that prepares her for a position on council, Kailasapathy said much of the last 12 years of her life has been spent raising her children. But she talked about her past life in Sri Lanka.
"I'm an immigrant from Sri Lanka and the reason I had to flee Sri Lanka is I was part of a human rights group when I was an undergraduate student," she said. "And all of the professors had to go underground, exiled or they were killed. Unfortunately, most of my colleagues were killed as well."
Kailasapathy said she was one of two who escaped, and she eventually came to study at Wellesley College in Massachusetts.
"In Boston, I continued to work for the amendment of Amnesty International's position on incarceration of political prisoners, because until '93, Amnesty International agitated only against people who were incarcerated by governments, not non-governmental," she said. "And most of my friends were incarcerated by the Tamil Tigers non-governmental group. So I have that human rights background."
Smith talked about coming to study at the University of Michigan many years ago and deciding to stick around town after graduation because of the high quality of life that Ann Arbor has to offer. She touted her civic involvement over the past several years, saying experienced leadership is what Ann Arbor needs right now to preserve that quality of life.
"I have been working hard, I have the experience, the background, the ability to work with other people to move this city forward, continue to invest in our infrastructure and stop living off the infrastructure of our grandparents, and balance a budget," she said.
Smith, who owns Trillium Real Estate with her partner Linda Lombardini, distinguishes herself as "the green candidate." She said that's defined by the way she lives her life, choices she has made in her business, and her work as a public official to create an energy audit and grant program for downtown businesses through the DDA.
"I believe that we can do things in Ann Arbor to put ourselves on the map to say this is a great place and we care about our environment," she said. "I support single-stream recycling. This is by far a very progressive way to go. We all know how to rinse out our cans and make sure that the things don't cross-contaminate each other. We've been doing it for 30 years. Single-stream recycling is going to save $650,000 a year. It's a no-brainer."
While Kailasapathy differs with Smith on the decision to switch to single-stream recycling, both candidates mostly agreed on Argo Dam. They both are in favor of keeping the dam intact. Smith fears the loss of Argo Pond, a recreational asset treasured by Ann Arbor's rowing community.
"There's a ton of people that row, and without a suitable replacement, I don't think we can even begin to talk about taking the dam out," Smith said.
The two candidates differ on their stances on Planned Unit Developments, projects that ask for exceptions to the city's existing zoning. Smith recently supported both the Moravian and Heritage Row PUDs, developments that promised density outside the downtown boundaries.
Kailasapathy, who has two graduate degrees in political economy from the New School for Social Research in New York, said density should be limited to the core downtown.
"Jumping these boundaries is sprawl if we are going to go into single home neighborhoods and put up these huge Moravians," she said.
Smith said she preferred there not be any "big, blocky, six-bedroom apartment buildings" in near-downtown neighborhoods. She expressed a distaste for "monstrosity buildings that have no character" and "have lots of room for students to pack in."
Both candidates said they oppose a city income tax. Kailasapathy said she feared it would cause new businesses to located outside the city limits. Smith said even though she doesn't favor it, she is considering putting it on the ballot to have a community dialogue and let the public decide.
Kailasapathy said she believes she can be the numbers expert on the City Council, but she insists she's not a plain "bean counter."
"I do have values and I do love Ann Arbor for what it is, and I don't want people to destroy it, and that's why I jumped into this race," she said.
Smith said Ann Arbor's economic engine and driver of growth in the coming years will continue to be the University of Michigan. She said she favors compact growth and wants to maintain the charm and pedestrian scale of the city with thoughtful infill development.
Smith echoed the mayor's statements that Ann Arbor is doing well in comparison to many other cities across Michigan.
"So many cities across Michigan have been failing," she said. "Grand Rapids just voted to increase their income tax. They still laid off people. Royal Oak spent their reserves down to a very dangerous level. They had to negotiate with their city workers and they still laid off people.
"And here in Ann Arbor," she said, "we managed to pass a budget unanimously, we didn't close any fire stations, we didn't lay off any police officers, we didn't close pools like Grand Rapids, we didn't sell off any parks, we didn't raise the taxes. We were able to do this with property taxes that are declining, state revenue has been slashed, and Pfizer was taken off the tax rolls — 4.86 percent of our taxes have been diminished by that purchase."
Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529.
Comments
Snarf Oscar Boondoggle
Thu, Jul 15, 2010 : 11:19 p.m.
Sandi Smith, "We have funds that we have dedicated for certain things, and we cannot take that money and use it. It's illegal to use it to pay for firefighters." ================ @Jerome -- @Robert M.: Please elaborate on the details of Ms. Smith's no bid contracts to political friends. yes, robert m... pse do... ================= @Listen --... city council doesn't need a comedian, they need people who have real experience and real data to support what they have done and said. Sandi has run [ed: runs] a business (a real one [ed: GASP!] that you can actually find in a google search), has participated on numerous boards, has been active in the community and displays intelligence and leadership. ===================== @Xena -- Smith works tirelessly for this city and is honest. She does not tell people what they want to hear, just for the sake of expediency. [ed: OhMy! thee shame!] ================== @a2gossip.com -- The minute Ms. Smith rolled her eyes she lost my vote. ummmm, perhaps you should have been listening to the unethical, and amoral mis-use of public funds that smith;s challenger is touting... taxpayer dollars collected for A to be diverted to B. and this challenger is... an accouintant? that;s would be the hallmark of h&r blockhead... not a2. ============ @a2gossip.com --... and wouldn't let the mayor get away..... then she should replace lesko and run for mayor... firebrands unite! ===================== @Robert M. -- There are so many white faces you almost have to wear sunglasses at Council meetings. content of character not color of skin... run for office yourslef. ================= @A24eva -- In financial times we need financial minded people, not real-estate agents. Wasn't it the real estate market that precipitated the current financial mess to begin with? uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, so trillium real estate was responsible for the community reinestment act (and progeny) that dictated to lenders that they must _give_ money to ppl who, demonstrably, could not pay it back? are your thoughts dreams? h u l l o in there! btw, [ed: he/she/it said] any existing or pre-existing politician who promotes the mis-use of tax[ayer dollars, as demonstrated avbove by smith's challenger --- A money for B project --- is, and forever will be, 'dishonest'. and -i- cannot stress that dishonesty strongly enough. qed. grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!
A24eva
Sat, Jul 10, 2010 : 11:13 p.m.
The solution to the question of whether or not the "anti-incumbant candidates" are going to be "puppets" of Lesko is quite simple. DONT VOTE FOR LESKO!. I know I wouldn't. Though Heiftje is not the ideal candidate, he is the lesser of the two evils as far as I am concerned. As a first ward resident, I believe that Sumi Kailasatapathy is a far better candidate than Sandi Smith. In financial times we need financial minded people, not real-estate agents. Wasn't it the real estate market that precipitated the current financial mess to begin with? As it stands Smith only ran and won following Ron Suarez dropping out of the race. I believe all of her credentials related to city committee work occurred after starting her term in office two years ago. Since it is, Heiftje that makes all of the appointments to committees is is reasonable to assume that the appointed is going to align themselves with the appointee. This cronyism seems to be a major part of the contention currently plaguing the council. Perhaps sitting council members should not be allowed to sit on city committees with such financial power, such as the DDA. Just a thought.
AIPAC Rules
Sat, Jul 10, 2010 : 12:44 a.m.
AIPAC Rules! Politicians who don't toe the line will be eliminated!
Stuart Brown
Sat, Jul 10, 2010 : 12:05 a.m.
Robert M., More witty and urban commentary from our chief-litmus-testers in charge! One of them always corrects your spelling for you and because of this we learned that while he does not live in Ann Arbor, he nevertheless insists on telling Ann Arbor voters how to vote. He also cannot make up his mind if whether or not International issues should have any effect on how people vote. If you are a rabid supporter of Israel who will support any atrocity perpetrated by the Zionist State, its ok for you to run for council and International issues should never enter into the race. However, if you don't drink the Zionist cool-aid, then International issues matter because you're not a stooge of the Zionist state. BTW, he also hates Lesko since she is not evil enough when it comes to Israel. You'd be real interested in what these folks have to say about Muslim Arabs, they're real open minded (not!).
bedrog
Thu, Jul 8, 2010 : 12:31 p.m.
robert m...so interesting that your 'so white you need sunglasses' phrase was coopted ( on the immigration threads....several times in fact) by blaine coleman, with whom you seem ( to be one of the thankfully tiny few )to agree. given that another of your evident number...an official of the extremist GREEN Party...also seems to have a penchant for prefab phrases ( his is a snide use of " urbane and witty fellow"...with urbane misspelled)this speaks to the lack of original thought and rhetoric in some of a2's most radical ( and not in a good way) circles, despite the fact that they love to see themselves as individualists and free thinkers in the extreme. i 've also noted a remarkable similarity between coleman et al's rhetoric and that of the iranian republican guard lately.notably a recent call from both to try obama for war crimes at the hague. and MODERATOR...this is simply an ethnographic, linguistic-deconstructionist report on what's real...not a personal attack.
PersonX
Sun, Jul 4, 2010 : 4:07 p.m.
It makes little sense to link all these people together; they are very different individuals, and although Lesko seems to want to present this all as a uniform slate, these three candidates are really independent thinkers. I am troubled by Smith; although she has some good ideas, her votes on Heritage Row and the Moravian, as well as her apparent opposition to the historic district proposal that is coming up make me think that she is blindly on the side of rapacious developers who have only their own profit in mind, and not the well-being of the city. I do not live in her ward, but unless she changes some of her positions, I would vote against her if I could, even though, as I said, I do admire some of her stances.
Alfie
Sat, Jul 3, 2010 : 6:09 p.m.
Yes, Kailasapathy is directly tied to the 'Lesko' slate along with Jack Eaton and Lou Glorie. Lesko, Eaton, Kailasapathy and Glorie are one in the same. They have been linked from day one and Lesko's writings on her blog even supported this. There is no question Lesko is trying to be the puppet master for any and all if they get elected(yikes!). They may have had good ideas, but if they believe Lesko what does that say about their judgement???
Speechless
Sat, Jul 3, 2010 : 1:22 p.m.
If it were possible, I wouldn't mind having both opposing First Ward candidates on city council. Each offers something worthwhile that's not typically found in local elected officials. And it's nice to be able to say this, since there have been a few hotly contested ward primaries over the years where it would have been preferable for both candidates to go down in defeat, if only that had somehow been possible. Sandi Smith brings a valuable background and skill set to the council table. This, despite recent bad votes favoring the proposed residential complexes on S. Fifth Ave. (The Moravian ought to have been a smaller, by-rights project, while Heritage Row seeks to demolish historical architecture.) Of those associated with the 'council majority,' she seems the most diverse in areas of community involvement, while also more independent-minded. Borrowing from what others have said, she can develop into council's knowledgeable consensus builder, drawing from experience in both business and social activism (and barring any alleged 'eye rolling'). As long as Pat Lesko is not mayor, newcomer Sumi Kailasapathy would be her own person on council, where she could proceed to pore over the city budget with a fine-tooth comb and ask pointed questions directly to officials. As a result, it would become harder for the city to credibly make claims that relatively low-cost line items, such as the senior center or indoor pool, represent expenses it can no longer afford, while at the same time it quietly dumps another million from general funds into the new city hall building. To katie:  Give it up. For the next decade or so, it's "dam-in." Removal costs will be quite expensive, anyway. In the meantime, enjoy the pond on these hot summer days. Surf's up at the spillway!
David Cahill
Sat, Jul 3, 2010 : 12:28 p.m.
My understanding is that Kailasapathy decided to run somewhat before the April news release. If you care, Xena, you can always ask her for more details.
bedrog
Sat, Jul 3, 2010 : 11:44 a.m.
@blaine...any candidate should be grateful for your lack of interest and endorsement... as to give it would be the 'kiss of death' for that candidacy...
Xena
Sat, Jul 3, 2010 : 11:12 a.m.
Contrary to Cahill's assertion, Kailasapathy has aligned herself with Lesko from the start. The April 12 annarbor.com posting titled "1st Ward challenger announces candidacy for Ann Arbor City Council" states, "Kailasapathy is political allies with local activists Jack Eaton, Patricia Lesko, and Lou Glorie, who are seeking to oust the current council majority in this year's elections." I can understand the desire to separate your candidate from Lesko, especially in light of all the negative press surrounding Lesko's behavior, but that ship has sailed. If Kailasapathy wants to create distance from Lesko she should cease the baseless allegations about mismanagement and cronyism. Start telling us about her own credentials and expertise.
W. Cooper
Sat, Jul 3, 2010 : 9:39 a.m.
I attended this meeting last night and I have to say that Sumi Kailasapathy ran away with the show. She was sharp, on point with her message, and wouldn't let the mayor get away with telling half-truths. I have tried to verify some of the many numbers that the mayor and Ms. Smith offered up in their statements and here is what I have found: http://www.annarbor.com/community/news/opinion/by_the_numbers_ten_years_of_mayor_john_hieftje/
David Cahill
Sat, Jul 3, 2010 : 9:26 a.m.
The "dam-out" people suffered a fatal self-inflicted wound when they falsely claimed "Argo dam is failing". No wonder both Smith and Kailasapathy favor keeping the dam in.
katie
Sat, Jul 3, 2010 : 7:23 a.m.
Sandi Smith says, "But I don't see all this excess fat," she said. "We have funds that we have dedicated for certain things, and we cannot take that money and use it. It's illegal to use it to pay for firefighters." You will often hear this type of statement, and I consider it a smokescreen. It is just excuse-making. She is not offering any alternatives. We need leaders who will lead, not make excuses for keeping the parts of the status quo they favor. There is a big picture that never gets addressed. There are alternatives, it's just that those keeping the status quo don't want to find them. The construction projects trouble me. Ann Arbor may be better off than other cities, but it is not immune to what's happening in Michigan, the U.S., or the world. She is not looking into the future when a construction project fails since there is not enough money in the whole economy to support more office space, more convention space, etc. If you want construction, fix the bridges. One reason I can see to vote for the anti-incumbents is that they do not have a vested interest in keeping things going that they originally approved. They could make changes in business as usual. Unfortunately, the anti-incumbents do seem to be swayed by a vocal minority, the rowing crowd, especially the UM rowing interests. Fighting the state and keeping the dam appears to be the "received view" by all these politicians, not subject to question. Getting rid of Argo dam is in the best interest of the city long term, financially speaking. Getting rid of it now is best for the long term financial health of the community. Neither the incumbents nor the anti-incumbents appear to be ready to lead instead of going along with special interests like the UM rowers and other rowing groups. We will be paying the bill for this in the long run. There is quite a bit of liability associated with this dam, so the costs could be even more than we anticipate. Getting rid of Argo dam would not only save taxpayers money in the long term, it would get rid of a stinking sluggish pond and improve the health and beauty of the river, thus the city.
SonnyDog09
Sat, Jul 3, 2010 : 6:05 a.m.
I like living in Ann Arbor. I've lived here for over twenty years. However, when I read stories like this, it makes me question my judgement. Living in a single party, worker's paradise means that there is no choice in local elections. Yes, one gets a choice between candidates that are cut from the same cloth, but that's not really a choice. If it wasn't so sad, it would be funny.
David Cahill
Fri, Jul 2, 2010 : 8:52 p.m.
FWIW, Kailasapathy told me recently that she decided to run because she felt there was a lack of effective representation of the First Ward on City Council. She called it a "representation gap." She said she was not "recruited" by Lesko. Only after she decided to run, she said, did she learn about Lesko and other candidates who were running against the incumbents.
W. Cooper
Fri, Jul 2, 2010 : 8:39 p.m.
I watched Ms. Smith roll her eyes as Ms. Kaliasapthy was speaking and found myself wondering how she could look down on someone who barely escaped from Sri Lanka and then went on to attend Wellesley College and is now participating in our democratic system. While Ms. Smith offered as her credentials a picture of a privileged life: attending UM, shopping at Zingerman's, and building a new "green" structure probably at three times the cost of remodeling an existing one. She went on to say that she doesn't think that we should have to live in an infrastructure built by our grandparents. The thing about being truly "green" is that you recycle, reduce, and reuse. Building new is not "green." Utilizing what is already in place is what makes someone green. The minute Ms. Smith rolled her eyes she lost my vote. What is she, twelve?
longmemory
Fri, Jul 2, 2010 : 8:09 p.m.
I'm a gay man. I have served in the past in a drama-filled organization that Ms. Smith and her partner controlled. They aren't exactly a picnic to work with either. This is not an endorsement for Lesko. I do not have any experience with her. However, this kind of identity - hatchet job disappointingly familiar.
free2think
Fri, Jul 2, 2010 : 6:11 p.m.
Im a CPA and an Ann Arbor lesbian and I support Sandi Smith. Why? Because: -I went through the City of Ann Arbor budget, both historical and proposed, prior to the vote, and asked Sandi several questions, all of which she answered within 24 hours. She was responsive to me, even though Im not in the 1st Ward. -She and her partner are still operating their real estate business after the worst market for real estate in my lifetime. That takes ingenuity and brains. -She has volunteered a number of organizations in the community prior to running for Ann Arbor City Council, thereby establishing that she knows the community and its idiosyncracies. I was on one board with her and found her to be very straightforward and honest. She is also a consensus builder. I didnt know anything about Pat Lesko till she ran against Sandi two years ago and what I heard then concerned me a great deal. It is unfortunate for Sumi that she chose to align herself with Pat, given that so many people appear to be rejecting her based solely on that association. And rightly so, IMHO. I look forward to seeing Sandi Smith continue on the Ann Arbor City Council for another two years.
KeepingItReal
Fri, Jul 2, 2010 : 5:27 p.m.
I was all gong ho for Kalasapathy when she first announced her candidacy but now that she is linked to Lesko, I can't see myself voting for her. While there are legitimate concerns about our current political leadership on Council, what we don't need is a Lesko slate. It will be nothing but conflict and chaos.
Xena
Fri, Jul 2, 2010 : 5:23 p.m.
I have been very impressed by Smith's first two years in office. She has been one of the most active, if not THE most active, councilmember. She works hard behind the scenes and at meetings. City Council needs competency more than ideology and Smith knows her stuff. I find the concepts of "slates" and "independence" interesting. Smith has voted differently than the mayor on many occasions. She is no lackey or puppet. Yet Sumi, who was recruited by Pat Lesko to run, repeats many of Lesko's unfounded allegations. Since she has NO record of public service of any kind in Ann Arbor, it is hard to know how she would perform. Smith works tirelessly for this city and is honest. She does not tell people what they want to hear, just for the sake of expediency. I look forward to seeing her work in her second term.
A Pretty Ann Arbor
Fri, Jul 2, 2010 : 4:12 p.m.
to "Listen" - Zero based budgeting isn't an offering - then what is? Defending department budgets is a smart idea - something out city should have adopted years ago. Single stream recycling - apparently none of the proponents of the single stream have ever looked in the recycle bins of a student housing area. I fear with single stream we will be adding more "junk" to the bales - "would you like a little tomato sauce with that paper bundle?"
cjenkins
Fri, Jul 2, 2010 : 4:04 p.m.
@KLK: The Sierra Club EndorsementLOL The local Sierra Club has officially "jumped the shark.". What's been suspected for several years is now official: they are no longer relevant at all to local politics or policymaking. Ann Arbor voters haven't listened to any of their Council endorsements for years (in 06, 07, 08, and 09). It's too bad that dues-paying local members -- whose numbers have dwindled dramatically -- don't care anymore. If they did, they would overthrow the Executive Committee that has allowed Doug Cowherd to destroy what was once a great group.
Listen
Fri, Jul 2, 2010 : 3:54 p.m.
I was at the meeting last night. What I find particularly troubling is that while the challengers (both Kailas-apathy and Lesko) are quick to criticize amd condemn the performance of current council and mayor, they have nothing to offer in the form of REAL ideas to improve. Sumi put on a show and made a couple funnies and got a laugh or two....city council doesn't need a comedian, they need people who have real experience and real data to support what they have done and said. The mayor accurately points out that A2 is doing ok in these hard times compared to most similar MI cities. Sumi comes back and inaccurately says he is trying to compare A2 with the likes of Flint and Detroit. Sumi raised a kid for the last 12 years, that's to be commended, but not necessarily solid ground to say she has the experience to help run a city. Sandi has run a business (a real one that you can actually find in a google search), has participated on numerous boards, has been active in the community and displays intelligence and leadership. Come on Sumi, come on Pat....give us just one real, tangible idea in amongst your vitriol and criticisms. Oh right, you don't have one. Ok then, problem solved. Vote Smith and Heiftje.. and let the jokes and the jokers go home.
Jerome
Fri, Jul 2, 2010 : 3:27 p.m.
Robert M.: Please elaborate on the details of Ms. Smith's no bid contracts to political friends. Again, I have to ask, "Have our elected officials become just a bit too "cozy" with one another?"
Jerome
Fri, Jul 2, 2010 : 3:22 p.m.
I find the "coziness" that exists between our elected officials almost frightening. It certainly should NOT be what elected official you know that is the trump card on having your good ideas considered. I feel as if our current team of elected officials seems to be made up of, or is closely tied to, the Real Estate Business and Developers. The $$$ this crowd seems to have in their back pockets, in my opinion, often dictates selfish, short-sighted, and bad decisions for our great city.
cjenkins
Fri, Jul 2, 2010 : 2:56 p.m.
@Barb You cant separate the candidates because they all state the same inaccuracies and lies repeatedly. They all fully endorse each other and defend each other even when it is proven that what they are saying is not correct and/or misleading. Jack Eaton has actually been stating these inaccuracies at Leskos side since last year when Lesko and Eaton were running Hatim Elhadys campaign. Their spewing all these controversial so-called facts is not new. They did it last year during El Hadys campaign and are doing it again this year but with more hyperbole, hysteria and vitriol. Their hope is that the public remembers the presentation (the vitriol) and not the substance. Ann Arbor voters will be smarter than that and wont be fooled.
Barb
Fri, Jul 2, 2010 : 2:29 p.m.
I guess I don't get why you can't separate the candidates. I think Jack Eaton is fantastic - he certainly is no "Lesko lackey".
A Pretty Ann Arbor
Fri, Jul 2, 2010 : 2:02 p.m.
Sumi has the Sierra Club endorsement, Sandi - well let's just say with all of those developments she is for...you know tearing down 100+ year old homes and putting up housing in inappropriate places, I guess she has the developer endorsements. Ms. Smith said she is the green candidate, I think she is the "green washing."
A Pretty Ann Arbor
Fri, Jul 2, 2010 : 1:56 p.m.
Sumi - "win baby win" - you rock!
cjenkins
Fri, Jul 2, 2010 : 1:50 p.m.
Here we go againanother candidate who has no vision, no leadership and no common sense. Kailasapathy said "Believe me, I have been looking at the budgets and studying the numbers," she said. "There is so much mismanagement and waste in the budget... Well how about some specifics? Believe you? Really? You have aligned yourself with a proven liar who attacks everyone who disagrees with her. You offer no solutions. You attack Ms. Smith with no facts or logic. How about some reality? And Ms, Kailasapathy is tied to the Lesko slate Eaton, Kailasapathy, Glorie and Lesko have been holding group fundraisers and meet and greets for the past few months. They are all fully endorsing each other. Dont let them fool you by claiming they are independent now. That is just another one of their lies.
a2huron
Fri, Jul 2, 2010 : 1:28 p.m.
Isn't Kailasapathy tied directly to the so called "Lesko slate"? I thought I read before that they were both friends and/or one recruited the other. Can someone please confirm this? At this point, being connected to Lesko rules out my vote.
Lokalisierung
Fri, Jul 2, 2010 : 1:11 p.m.
As I said before, If she wants to have any chance she needs to keep pushing the idea she isn't "just a bean counter." 1st ward residents don't usually vote for "business suit" types.