Ann Arbor Mayor John Hieftje finds widespread support campaigning in opponent's neighborhood
Ann Arbor Mayor John Hieftje found widespread support for his campaign in the neighborhood of his political opponent, Patricia Lesko, on Thursday.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
Ann Arbor Mayor John Hieftje stepped foot Thursday night into what, politically speaking, could be considered enemy territory: His opponent's neighborhood.
As he went door-to-door, Hieftje said it was his first time campaigning on Patricia Lesko's home turf, just off Pontiac Trail in a part of town known simply as Northside.
He spent more than an hour in the quiet cul-de-sac abutting Black Pond Woods, and was greeted with handshakes and smiles from residents. Some shrieked with excitement upon seeing the mayor at their front doorstep.
"Hi! I know who you are!" one woman shouted when answering her door, even though she had never met Hieftje before.
"I'm just out talking to my bosses today and seeing if they have any questions or anything," was the mayor's standard response.
If the neighborhood he campaigned in Thursday at all represents the rest of Ann Arbor, Hieftje appears to be generally well-liked by voters. But at least at some houses, the fact alone that Hieftje is up against Lesko was reason enough for some to say they support the incumbent.
Hieftje speaks with residents in Patricia Lesko's neighborhood while campaigning on Thursday.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
"We live in the neighborhood with your competitor," said Andy Poli, who welcomed the mayor into his home for a 15-minute chat. "It's probably unnecessary for you to spend your time here. You probably have a tremendous amount of support here in comparison to any other subsection, except maybe where you live."
Hieftje will face off in the Aug. 3 Democratic primary against Lesko, a formidable opponent who has heavily criticized him for months on her blog, A2Politico.com. At first, the attacks were anonymous, but now Lesko openly dishes her critiques.
Lesko paints a picture of city government as dysfunctional, possibly corrupt, and says city officials make all the wrong choices while residents are left to suffer badly calculated budget cuts.
Hieftje tells a story of a city doing its best in hard times, remaining in better shape than most other cities across the hardscrabble state of Michigan, and still winning awards.
"I think it was Forbes that just named us the fourth most livable city," he told more than one resident during Thursday's outing.
Nearly all the voters Hieftje encountered said they were pleased with the direction the city is headed, and they'll be supporting him for another two years.
Hieftje speaks with Rick Severson outside his garage on Thursday.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
"We're happy with the city. Please don't change anything," said Rick Severson, a Seattle native who moved to Ann Arbor a little over 15 years ago. "We have had really good police service here. We love the police, the fire, everything is great. I love this place. I like the new (police-courts building). I mean, that actually looks cool. I drove by there the other day."
AnnArbor.com hit the campaign trail with Lesko in May, going door-to-door in a neighborhood of her choosing. She selected a subdivision on the city's west side, where her message resonated with many voters.
Hieftje's response Thursday also was positive. He had overwhelming support in Lesko's neighborhood, where not a single yard sign for the challenger stood.
"We could have gone to some neighborhood where I know that I have a whole lot of support — I've been running for office for a while," Hieftje said. "I thought it was really fair to go to a neighborhood where you would expect support for my opponent to be strong. She has lived there for a number of years."
Lesko acknowledged in an interview with AnnArbor.com that she has made some enemies over the years, including on the Northside PTO and other organizations in which she has been involved. That's fine by her, she said, she's not trying to win a popularity contest and sees herself being in the right in each situation.
Hieftje and Lesko trade more blows AnnArbor.com's debate coverage here
"I take deadly seriously a commitment to a board. I take the legal and fiduciary responsibility deadly seriously," she said. "And I have served on boards with people who don't share that mindset, who don't share that professionalism."
Lesko told stories of serving on boards with people who "diverted funds from restricted accounts" and engaged in blatant racial discrimination. She said she has offended people by speaking out in those instances.
"And for that, I don't apologize," she said. "I can completely understand in some cases how it could make people uncomfortable because, heck, there's everybody saying, 'Let's do this,' and I'm sitting there going, 'Wait a minute, this board doesn't have any liability insurance, and you want to hide the fact that an employee stole money and the principal signed off on it?'
"If there is a pattern, it is the pattern that I have been consistent in taking board positions very seriously and speaking out where I perceive people are behaving unprofessionally or unethically and it's hard," she said. "It makes people uncomfortable and it's something in me I've had since I was a kid. I don't know where it came from, but I've always been this way. And I feel like I'm not willing to compromise that. It's the same thing with being elected to this office."
Hieftje speaks with Carrie Throm and her daughter inside their home on Thursday.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
Despite dissenting opinions from his political opposition this election season, Hieftje said he's convinced most residents believe Ann Arbor is on the right track.
"That's certainly what we're hearing tonight and we're hearing some people who are saying they understand what's going on with cities in the state of Michigan," he said as he continued door-to-door.
Hieftje has been criticized by Lesko for what she considers "exponential increases" in water and sewer rates. Starting this month, water rates increased 3.88 percent, while sewer rates went up 3 percent and stormwater rates 2 percent.
Hieftje told residents the increases have helped build up money so the city can pay for necessary upgrades to the city's sewage treatment plant.
"Our sewage treatment plant, a whole section of it, was built in the 1930s with stimulus money during the Great Depression," he said. "It's sort of ironic that we're fixing it now again, but that's a $140 million overall project when you combine it with some sewer mains and things like that. But we have been paying for that already and we already have quite a bit of that money — over half of it — assembled in the account so that we can move forward and get the work done."
Hieftje talked openly with residents about cuts to city services that are taking effect this month, including the layoff of three firefighters. Surprisingly, he received positive responses.
"I'm actually very supportive of what you're doing with the fire and police departments," said resident Carol Poulos. "I mean, I think cuts have to be made and I don't think that our town is unsafe in that way at all."
Hieftje also told residents that fall leaf pickup is going away this year. Due to efforts to trim the city's budget, residents must now bag their own leaves.
"We're actually happy about that," said Carrie Throm, who thinks it will reduce problems with vehicles parking over leaves, blocked bicycle lanes and clogged drains.
Hieftje looks over a list of registered voters inside his truck.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
"I think you're doing a good job," Dan Chapman told Hieftje while chatting on his porch. "I'm really pretty pleased with the direction things are going and I know things have been tough, but my wife and I are pretty happy with things."
Chapman said given the hard economic times and the difficulties other cities are facing, he sees Ann Arbor as doing relatively well. And that's a message Hieftje consistently hammers on when he talks.
"All the cities are having a hard time," he told one resident. "Our revenue sharing, the money that comes to us from the state, is down almost $4 million from where it was at its peak way back in 2002 or 2003, right around there. And we've just really this year suffered the loss of the bulk of the taxes from Pfizer."
During a long chat inside Andy Poli's home, Hieftje expressed optimism that federal funding will come through to build a new transit station on Fuller Road. Hieftje has been criticized because the station would be built on city parkland.
Hieftje said the federal government is throwing big money at high-speed rail, and the same improvements that make high-speed rail work would make possible the region's plans for a commuter rail service linking Ann Arbor and Detroit.
"They've just funded Dearborn with a $30 million train station, and we are hoping they'll do the same at Fuller Road," he said. "And the university investment makes up pretty much the whole match for the federal money."
Hieftje also talked with Poli and his wife about parking fine increases implemented recently as part of the city's budget measures.
"If you get a parking ticket, pay it before the end of business the next business day because that went up," he warned them.
Single-stream recycling is another topic Hieftje stresses. He said the switch, though it will cost millions up front, eventually will save money.
"I think you'll love single-stream," he told residents. "I was the chairman of the board of Recycle Ann Arbor in '89 and '90, and we always said back then that recycling will work best when it's just as easy to recycle as it is to throw something away. We'll continue to slow down on what's going in the landfill, which saves us money in the long-run, and the program's supposed to pay for itself in about seven years."
Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529.
Comments
A Pretty Ann Arbor
Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 4:18 p.m.
Heifje has NEVER come to my neighborhood over the years until this campaign...didn't stop at my door though - Lesko sign on the front lawn.
ShadowManager
Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 2:26 p.m.
You know, Lesko must be doing something right, because, given the photos, that looks like a pretty upscale ritzy neighborhood. Check out that stonework on that entrance way! East Platt Road and Packard, it ain't!
a2roots
Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 10:19 a.m.
It is unfortunate that Ann Arbor cannot come up with better candidates. Until the City goes non-partisan we will be stuck with less than qualified individuals. I am still amazed that the AAFD and AAPD unions still back Lesko. I can only assume the unions are comprised of individuals that do not live in Ann Arbor and therefore do not give a s... about our wonderful city other than their paycheck.
HaeJee
Mon, Jul 12, 2010 : 12:44 p.m.
Ann Arbor must be doing okay since they were voted in the top 100 America's best places to live, # 46 to be exact. I love this little city and it doesn't compare to anywhere else in Michigan.
bunnyabbot
Mon, Jul 12, 2010 : 11:41 a.m.
I don't like either of these canidates, neither will get my vote. The city is NOT doing ok, compared to other cities, when on a give day of the week their are only four police officers on patrol, for the entire city. Dearborn, for example is hiring officers and has more officers on patrol during the day.
HaeJee
Mon, Jul 12, 2010 : 11:32 a.m.
I agree with what other posters have said regards to boards still cleaning up the damage that Lesko left behind. I attended my first Northside PTO meeting to share plans for a school event that I was asked to organize, expecting a typical agenda and actions. I was stunned and appalled by what I witnessed. Lesko sent her partner to read a very spiteful accusing letter to the PTO board. I found it immature that she would send someone to do her dirty work. She accused the board of being discriminating. As a minority, I was confused and offended by this. I felt that she was trying to be a defender of a cause that did not exist. My family and I chose Northside Elementary because of the diversity and school culture. I found the parents on the board to be very welcoming to anyone new and willing to volunteer. Northside does not have the same parent support as other elementary schools for various reasons. The PTO board were the main group that helped the staff turn this school into a family oriented learning environment. I watched Lesko tear apart a group of people (that rarely was thanked) that worked very hard to support a school. The school has not been the same since the incident. I can only compare her to a tornado. She comes in when you least expect her tears up everything in her path and then just disappears leaving a huge mess. I was just a witness and am thankful that I was not on her list of people to attack.
calmic
Mon, Jul 12, 2010 : 10:43 a.m.
This race is not only between Lesko and Heiftje - it is also (maybe more so) about city administrator Roger Fraser, who has misled the council into some very questionable decisions. Further, his imperious style of contempt for the taxpayer has filtered down throughout the bureaucracy. Lesko may be less than diplomatic in style, but a least she will shake things up -- including getting rid of Frasier. The entire system could use a serious shake-up. Lesko can do that, Heiftje cannot.
aaparent
Mon, Jul 12, 2010 : 9:57 a.m.
This makes it worse, in my view, that the political coverage for A2.com is by invitation to the campaign's p.r. interests. I don't think serious journalists ask candidates to pick where they'd like reporters to shadow them to put themselves in a flattering light. Offering up the online news organization as a p.r. vehicle for each campaign is disappointing. Salaries have nothing to do with this. I would guess the A2 Chronicle provides lower salaries and does more factual reporting. I doubt that Jim Leonard as a Freelance writer at the Observer raked in a lot of money for his piece which was somewhat inflammatory, as his style often is, but at least it was balanced in an effort to expose personality and style flaws in each candidate I hope another viable candidate for mayor emerges that can bring more transparent management and policy-setting to the city government -- and that A2.com continues to try to improve news gathering, reporting and editing to a higher standard.
Xena
Mon, Jul 12, 2010 : 9:43 a.m.
Each candidate was given the opportunity to select the neighborhood through which Stanton would accompany them. There was no bias or favoritism in that! Lesko presumably selected an area in which she had a lot of support. If she wanted to, she could have selected Hieftje's neighborhood -- but I doubt she would have had much luck. Hieftje could have selected one of many places where he has decade-long supporters. But no, he chose the ultimate challenge... his opponent's home turf. It was a risky but bold move. And it shed light on an important truth - that even Lesko's neighbors won't support her. I would bet that no other candidate could successfully campaign on their opponent's block. I think Stanton has been doing a fine job as a relative newbie to the scene. His writing is uneven, but his journalistic principles are intact. Perhaps aa.com should invest more in writers' salaries, so they could spread around the workload and give writers like Stanton more time to develop and organize his stories. But I agree with others who say "don't shoot the messenger." It's hard to provide a "fair and balanced" picture of a race where the incumbent is competent and honest (even if some of his policies are not universally liked) and the challenger has no public record other than being dishonest and creating disasters in a series of committees and boards. I would like to see more reporting on the city council races. What does it say about the integrity of Sumi, Jack and Lou that they have aligned themselves with Lesko?
aaparent
Mon, Jul 12, 2010 : 9:33 a.m.
@flying squirrel -- Stanton walked with Lesko in May and this story is published in July. This stretches the definition of balanced. People said what they did: true But the timing of running a Heiftje-only story a couple of days after the debate is questionable. Editors should be balancing not only content but context. A2.com could have done better with this one. I do not support either candidate at this point. They are both disappointing. But the news coverage should be a lot better from the main online news organization. I don't think this story would have been published by other news organizations because it is not balanced, despite the earlier campaign story in May about Lesko.
flyingsquirrel
Mon, Jul 12, 2010 : 9:13 a.m.
What? So Ryan Stanton wants to write a piece about how Pat Lesko is finding support for her campaign. He walks with her and hears her tell some "untruths" and reports that (while also reporting that her message resonated with voters). There are cries of biased reporting! Why don't you walk with the mayor! OK, so he does. He follows Hieftje into the very neighborhood where Lesko lives. He hears that people are overwhelmingly supporting Hieftje in this neighborhood. Now the Lesko camp cries biased reporting! Why doesn't Ryan Stanton walk with Lesko in the mayor's own neighborhood! Give me a break. Such a quest for "unbiased reporting" could go on forever. Ryan Stanton answered your demands--he walked with the mayor as he did with Lesko. And what he found was unflattering for Lesko. So be it.
Cash
Mon, Jul 12, 2010 : 8:55 a.m.
RoboLogic, Exactly where is that article "Lesko finds XXXXX while campaigning in her opponent's neighborhood"? That would be a balanced report. When a media source backs a candidate they announce an editorial endorsement. But what I've seen of Ann Arbor.com is clear bias in their "reporting", a very different thing. I don't support one candidate or the other but I do support objective media coverage.
Barb
Mon, Jul 12, 2010 : 8:12 a.m.
@Ghost - "So, like their hero Ms. Lesko, her supporters are throwing temper tantrums and making threats?" I am not a supporter of Lesko. I am a supporter of objective journalism. We're not getting that here. At all. How on earth are people supposed to learn the facts about both candidates if the editors allow this editorial-type piece to be categorized as "news"? The people of this City deserve better than what we have.
Forever27
Mon, Jul 12, 2010 : 8:09 a.m.
He's got my vote. Lesko has yet to actually suggest solutions rather than sling mud. I have my criticisms of Heiftje, but he is by far, our best option.
RoboLogic
Mon, Jul 12, 2010 : 7:15 a.m.
While this story appears on its face biased... I believe it is newsworthy. It has generated much commentary which in itself has allowed me to learn more about both candidates and how they are perceived. Thats valuable. As long as Lesko is given equal coverage, A2.com is being fair. It is not their (A2.coms) fault what that coverage reveals. Dont shoot the messenger.
Cash
Mon, Jul 12, 2010 : 7:04 a.m.
An absolute disgrace. Why come here to read about candidates when there is no balance in your stories. Forget the campaign page you wrote about. Just create a " A2.com loves Heiftje" page. Unbelievable.
bedrog
Mon, Jul 12, 2010 : 6:21 a.m.
p.s to stuart brown...should the question be posed ( re my previous) 'why would the local extremists ( e.g.green party, synagogue stalkers etc) support lesko if she doesnt support them?" the answer is simple and indeed was offered on another thread by one of the worst: they ( rightly or wrongly) believe that she will be more amenable to their characteristic 'm.o' which is: "offensive= sound social policy advocacy". hopefully voters will prove then wrong once again, as has been resoundingly the case elsewhere ( the coop, um student council etc etc)
bedrog
Mon, Jul 12, 2010 : 5:45 a.m.
stuart brown...thank you for noting again the WJN articles on our local synagogue harassers and jew baiters which of course were right on the money...creepy ideas/creepy people, all well explicated. especially the one in the FEb issue by the ex-member of the group involved in synagogue harassment and jew baiting....and it is such folks who seem to be supporting lesko, even tho she doesn't endorse you in the least... that's worth noting and i thank you again for reiterating the point.
Autumn Craft
Mon, Jul 12, 2010 : 5:42 a.m.
"There is a consistent pattern here; critics of Lesko claim she is difficult to work with but can't explain how she has been able to head up a coalition of not only herself but three other council candidates. This woman has real leadership skills." No, she doesn't. Lesko is impossible to work with, not difficult. Some people can stomach it for a SHORT time, but she has NO long-term allies or coalition members. If Lesko joined a group or formed a coalition of any kind and actually stuck with it herself and didn't goad the other member into leaving for one year, I'd believe claims that she has turned over a new, cooperative, consensus-building leaf. It's my challenge to her: after you lose this election, and before you campaign for anything else, prove yourself by working effectively with ANY group for just ONE year. Only two rules: 1) You can't control the group, and 2) it has to be an existing group, not something you make up for the purpose.
Stuart Brown
Sun, Jul 11, 2010 : 11:16 p.m.
Interesting that the use of Ad Hominem attacks is promoted by some of the worst purveyors around. For examples, see Washtenaw Jewish News of February and March "False Witness" articles. There is a consistent pattern here; critics of Lesko claim she is difficult to work with but can't explain how she has been able to head up a coalition of not only herself but three other council candidates. This woman has real leadership skills. What's worse, Hieftje gets a free pass. The city has committed itself to two projects (the Police Courts building and the underground parking deck) to the tune of roughly $100 Million in bonds. Both these projects were negotiated with backroom deals and the Council "debate' was scripted when the projects were announced. These projects will commit the general fund to the tune of 4$-5$ Million per year in debt payments; money that cannot be used for funding services Ann Arbor residents use. Lesko's critics almost never defend or even explain these practices of Hieftje's leadership and focus almost exclusively on Lesko's personality style. This is really a disservice to the democratic process.
Jerome
Sun, Jul 11, 2010 : 11:06 p.m.
Mr. Stanton, as a journalist, you should have known WAY better than to give your article the title you gave it. Please stick to 'reporting' the news as objectively as possible, and let us make up our own minds with the facts. Please give some credit to us, the 'average' Ann Arborite. Can AnnArbor.com ever really be trusted? Very sad, indeed, all the way around.
Jack
Sun, Jul 11, 2010 : 10:18 p.m.
From all I've heard about Ms. Lesko's ability to interact with people, I don't really wish to have her as Mayor. Personal interactions are a good part of that job. I'm not crazy about Mr. Hieftje but nor, on the the other hand, do I think he's doing a poor job. I am constantly reading about Ms. Lesko claiming corruption (she sees it everywhere), yet she talks about opening up the police and fire contracts. Police and Fire are much favored over other City employees. They have better benefits and pay less for them than do other City employees, including other unions. Yet Ms. Lesko has stated her intent to open up these contracts. Couldn't be because Police and Fire support her, could it? And she talks about corruption! Do give us a break, please.
Somewhat Concerned
Sun, Jul 11, 2010 : 9:52 p.m.
The postings along the lines of "the reporter must be doing a good job because look at all the postings he's stimulated" seem a little off base. Most of the posting that he stimulated are not about the mayoral race; they are about the quality of his "reporting." Has he made a worthwhile contribution? Is it his job to stimulate talk about his integrity or competence? Is that what a reporter is supposed to do? (I leave aside the question of whether there is a competent editor in the house to prevent rampant bias or incompetence from harming the paper.) Look, I'm inclined to think Ms Lesko is a little toxic, but that doesn't excuse extremely biased cheerleading masquerading as reporting of a news story. annarbor.com just doesn't seem to get it, or perhaps to care. A2 needs some real reporting that we can trust, whether we like one candidate, the other candidate, or neither. We face difficult issues and important choices. Information sources that we could trust, sources that at least cared about being unbiased, would help us make better decision. annarbor.com is not that source and doesn't seem to care about being that kind of source. It seems to care about running ads, and at some point advertisers are going to be ashamed to be associated with it, just as they would be ashamed to be associated with the supermarket tabloids with similar standards regarding journalism. We need an alternative. That is as important to our future as is the choice between the imperial Heiftje or the loony Lesko.
nittanylion
Sun, Jul 11, 2010 : 9:29 p.m.
This isn't news: it is campaign propaganda. If a2.com wanted to project any semblance of non-partisanship it would never have run this article as news, but would have shown some sort of journalistic ethics and listed it as opinion/editorial. It is one of the most blatant pieces of pro anything I have ever seen. If you or the reporter hope to make a2.com relevant, articles like this should not see the light of day. I've voted for our currant major every time he has run, and may still again, but this article is embarrassing to you!!!!!
aaparent
Sun, Jul 11, 2010 : 8:05 p.m.
@veracity - Ryan Stanton accurately quoting neighbors does not mean this story was balanced or that the topic is newsworthy. Every true statement a reporter with a byline can put in direct quotes is not newsworthy. Did Heifte's campaign staff tell Ryan Stanton of the plan to walk through Lesko's neighborhood? If so, fair enough, but then as a staff reporter at A2.com, editors should review with Stanton what the "angle" is on this story. The editors should make sure the reporter is taking a balanced approach. Where are the paragraphs about Lesko's day out on the campaign trail? The angle of Stanton's story is that Lesko's neighbors aren't crazy about her. Isn't this more like gossip than news? The other angle implicit is that voters should be forewarned that Lesko is an unfit candidate if her neighbors don't like her. Isn't this more like innuendo than balanced news coverage? It has been established in prior stories that there are concerns about her style and use of information. Nothing new or newsworthy has happened since the prior stories on Lesko v Heiftje to illustrate that she has these problems in a current political context. In fact, the last story published on the debate showed Lesko was making an effort to respond to facts and issues moreso than Heiftje. Not wanting to let that image sit with readers, maybe Heiftje & Co. invited a reporter to tag along while the mayor directly or indirectly invited neighbors to praise him, express their negative views of his opponent, and be photographed while doing so. A balanced story about a "day on the campaign trail" would have included Lesko's activities for the same day, for example, when residents in Ann Arbor could comment on her opponent. A byline on a news story vs. an opinion piece still requires an effort at balanced coverage.
Veracity
Sun, Jul 11, 2010 : 7:02 p.m.
Those criticizing Ryan Stanton's story as not being a strict news story absent opinion or color are correct. But, as a byline story, Mr. Stanton is acknowledging that he has passed information through his own filters as he wrote. A true news story will only provide the four "W"s and the "H" which constitutes the substance of journalistic reporting: What, When, Where, Why and How. Following this tenet Mr. Stanton's story would read as follows: "Ann Arbor Mayoral candidate, John Hieftje, campaigned Thursday night in his opponent's (Pat Lesko's) Northside neighborhood. He walked door-to-door soliciting questions and explaining his positions." The reader of Mr. Stanton's article should realize that comments by residents are actual quotations and not second-hand hearsay. Mr. Hieftje's observations about prior revenue and expenditure issues as well as his projections for the future are pertinent to the election campaign. The article included direct quotes from at least four residents and although they were all positive, Mr. Stanton observed that most of the residents contacted did indeed express positive attitudes toward the Mayor. While a number of readers suggest that the tone of Mr. Stanton's article shows favoritism, no one has really challenged the many facts presented by Mayor Hieftje nor his positions on issues in the story. The fact that sixty-six readers have commented on the article so far indicates that Mr. Stanton has stimulated thought on a very important subject. I find that fact creditable.
chris fraleigh
Sun, Jul 11, 2010 : 6:03 p.m.
Hi there Ann Arbor, I weighed-in back when Ms.Lesko depantsed herself as the author of A2politico.com. I must again weigh-in. It seems to me that Ms. Lesko misunderstands the very nature of politics. This is indeed a popularity contest. I have not read the above responses as I feel it somewhat irrelevant to how I develop my thoughts, so if I repeat the above forgive me. Clearly, the Mayoral election in Ann Arbor is nothing if not a popularity contest. If you piss-off people they will not vote for you. If you pander to the professions of the city such as the Fire Fighters you may get their support but probably not their vote. Why is it that the Jewish community is not vocally supporting Ms. Lesko?? Or the Northside Elementary community, or the LGBT community, or the neighborhood she lives in????? I understand that to make such generalizations about how politicians may garner support is dangerous ground, but is it too much to ask for a politician to garner support from their home turf; I think not. So the question remains, why is it not forthcoming for Ms. Lesko.........? Perhaps she does not have the street-cred, let alone the inter-personal and political chops to be a meaningful answer to the supposed problems she rants-on about concerning John Heiftje? Perhaps she misunderstands the very nature of those issues, I'm not sure. Just so you know, I think Mayor Heiftje is doing yeoman's work under difficult circumstances and I support John Heiftje. I think you should too. Plus I don't think he misrepresents the facts. Chris Fraleigh ps: For the forthright nature of my comments I'm prepared for the flaming bag of dog excrement to be found on my doorstep in the morning;-) See y'all at the poles!!! WOOO-HOOO
Speechless
Sun, Jul 11, 2010 : 5:35 p.m.
The frequency of campaign lawn signs doesn't exactly constitute a scientific method for gauging the real strength of individual candidates. Nonetheless, a passing study of lawn politics will convey a moment or two of actual insight. For example, Lesko signs appeared early and stood out on local residential streets, offering indication of a strong primary challenge to come. The Heiftje campaign responded by late spring with an effort that gave his decade-old green & white signage a majority in the city's neighborhoods. The joyous summer battle of dueling tree-town lawn boards has now gone full bloom. One small, but striking, aspect of this that I've noticed thus far is that at least a few active Heiftje opponents from 2008 either now display his campaign tree or else have no mayoral signage at all. Not a very good 'sign' for Lesko. As much as some complain about the mayor and the city council majority — and, yes, there are things worth complaining about — their 'loyal' opposition has easily matched them in terms of overall dysfunction. The opponents have struggled to build coalitions beyond their core support in various neighborhood homeowner groups, and they periodically alienate liberal-left constituencies they should seek to attract and make room for. While this goes back several years prior to Pat Lesko's entry into city politics, her current campaign exhibits these dysfunctional tendencies in high relief. As I've said before, she has become for the council opposition what Leigh Greden became for the council majority by the time of the email scandal.
bedrog
Sun, Jul 11, 2010 : 5:26 p.m.
in defense of 'ad hominem' arguments, when a person is trying to attain a public decision-making office pretty much anything about them can be relevant...especially if it bears on their capacity for consensus building and accurately processing and conveying factual information. if a2.com's reporters who are covering the race find lesko one-sidedly deficient on such matters, so be it...ditto the comments online, especially from those that know her.. and ditto too re. those of her supporters who themselves are known as problematic ( and i won't cite cases since they'll be deleted as 'off topic', even though they aren't really). 'balanced' coverage does not require agreement that '1 plus one equals 3' if one party says it's 2 and another says its 4.
deb
Sun, Jul 11, 2010 : 4:40 p.m.
sarah palin just says what she thinks people wants. Lesko just says what she thinks and she believes it, regardless of the facts. Both are terrible candidates. Maybe I should run next election...
ShadowManager
Sun, Jul 11, 2010 : 4:30 p.m.
I actually don't have anything against Hieftje, either, but these articles aren't really about him....they're scare tactics...they're really about what a crappy mayor Lesko would be if the citizens don't elect Hieftje just in case. She's like our local liberal Democratic version of Sarah Palin right now.
Lucifer Sam
Sun, Jul 11, 2010 : 4:29 p.m.
It's interesting that folks like Marshall Applewhite have to rely so heavily on Ad Hominem attacks of Lesko. Here is the definition of an Ad Hominem Abusive from Wikipedia: "Ad hominem abusive usually involves insulting or belittling one's opponent in order to invalidate their argument, but can also involve pointing out factual but ostensible character flaws or actions which are irrelevant to the opponent's argument. This tactic is logically fallacious because insults and even true negative facts about the opponent's personal character have nothing to do with the logical merits of the opponent's arguments or assertions. Examples: * "You can't believe Jack when he says the proposed policy would help the economy. He doesn't even have a job." * "Candidate Jane's proposal about zoning is ridiculous. She was caught cheating on her taxes in 2003." " There has been a massive drumbeat of these types of attacks on Pat Lesko from the Mayor's camp; what does that say about his character and the character of the Mayor's supporters?
Dr. Strangelove
Sun, Jul 11, 2010 : 4:08 p.m.
Alan Benard said, "And it sure is convenient that the law permits me to float unsubstantiated accusations anonymously against public figures, because AnnArbor.com has sold its journalistic ethics for a handful of libelous pageviews from which the law removes them from responsibility. " You are starting to sound like Lesko's critics who claim she is a mean bully. Over 5000 people sign a petition asking the council to place the question of the bonding of the Police/Courts building on the ballot, the council under Hieftje says no way, we know better and you want people who point this out hit with sanctions for Libel?
aaparent
Sun, Jul 11, 2010 : 3:09 p.m.
Getting readers' attention is not the best measure of a reporter doing his or her job. The Star, Enquirer, etc. get our attention. Ryan Stanton does an adequate, but not stellar job covering the city, especially compared to Ann Arbor news reporters of the past. I fault him but more so his editors for allowing him to do such a superficial job of covering city politics. The squabbling and personal dislike between candidates has a place, no doubt, but it needs to be balanced with evaluating where each candidate stands on issues and how these issues impact the city budget and residents. Despite Lesko's apparent personality flaws or rub-many-the-wrong-way style, is she more capable of policy work, management and/or leadership? What about Heiftje? It seems he has built factions within his city government where people are either on his side or invisible. What I like about reading the Ann Arbor Chronicle and/or Ann Arbor Observer is that there is more reporting on issues. With the online format, A2.com has no excuse to say space constraints limit in depth reporting. I think our main online news organization can do a better job on election coverage.
Lesa
Sun, Jul 11, 2010 : 2:26 p.m.
"Passing this story (and others) off as reporting insults the intelligence of your readers, soon to be former-readers. Time for a boycott of arbor.com advertisers?" Good idea! Boycotting the advertisers will only harm local businesses and weaken the ability of AnnArbor.com to provide local coverage. Ryan Stanton is doing a solid job of reporting this and many other stories. And as evidenced by this blog and others like it, he has your attention. If you don't trust his presentation of the facts, challenge his reporting with specific facts -- not with sweeping criticisms about "bias" that are colored by your own biased opinions.
Alan Benard
Sun, Jul 11, 2010 : 1:41 p.m.
@Cynthia Plaster Caster: In a great number of words, you essentially say: "The majority on the council felt it was wise to build the city/police building, and I disagree, along with my unsubstantiated crowd of dissenters.""There is no support for the underground parking garage and the platform for development it provides, and because I don't like this way of using general funds, it is unpopular and bad." "And it sure is convenient that the law permits me to float unsubstantiated accusations anonymously against public figures, because AnnArbor.com has sold its journalistic ethics for a handful of libelous pageviews from which the law removes them from responsibility. Even succinctly: "It would be great if the duly elected majority faction could be countered by the whim of the mob, because then I'd get my way even though my candidates are unelectable."Gosh, that sure would be handy.
aaparent
Sun, Jul 11, 2010 : 1:14 p.m.
This story is unbalanced and does little to help voters understand much more than personal jabs at Lesko. It's possible people who have worked with Heiftje might say similar negative comments but are silent because they fear repercussions. Ryan Stanton in A2.com and Jim Leonard in his Observer article have established that Lesko is perceived as divisive. We get it. Must you keep repeating it? Are there editors at A2.com who read the content for objectivity and bias? Stanton's reporting is biased, in my opinion, and I support neither candidate at this point. At least Observer reporter Jim Leonard attempted to explore similar personality complaints about Heiftje. Where is the reporting about the independent candidate Steve Bean? Is he a viable candidate and less divisive than these two candidates with personality issues of their own and between each other than seem to tower over the many issues facing the city. At least at the last debate Lesko attempted to discuss issues. Heiftje, as far as I can tell, is responsible for some of the issues or problems that need to be resolved.
Bunny
Sun, Jul 11, 2010 : 12:47 p.m.
Dr. Strangelove, I am not fond of housing asso. but unfortunately I live in a neighborhood with one. That is why I go to association meetings and have sat on the board. You may have a crooked board, but you can do something about it by being a part of it. Not refraining from meetings which are a yearly commitment and then complaining about the board's honesty. Deb, just an aside, but most of the people in this neighborhood take care of their own yards. Many are out weekly in the fall mulching their leaves into their yards or raking prior to pickup. Believe me, we have plenty of leaves here to get rid of like everyone else.
GoblueBeatOSU
Sun, Jul 11, 2010 : 12:38 p.m.
63Townie.."I'm not voting for either Heiftje or Lesko. If there was a legitimate challenger to Hizzhonor, he or she would have my support." I agree with you. I plan to do the same. With all the great minds in AA why can't we get a qualified individual to run? I'm sure part of the problem is the Council. To be the Mayor means you have to work with Council, and we all know how difficult that is. AA needs a complete change of leadership. We need leaders that aren't focused on new offices for themselves, fountains designed by someone in Germany because our City leaders don't believe an artist in the AA area is capable of designing a fountain, digging large holes in the ground, and believing it is their right to tell the State of Arizona what to do. We need leaders that are focused on AA problems and willing to work with the people in and around AA.
Dr. Strangelove
Sun, Jul 11, 2010 : 12:36 p.m.
kush11, I wish I could have gone over my housing association's books with a fine tooth comb. What a rip-off these housing associations are! Maybe you're one of the voters who "trust" their public officials to do the right thing. If you are, vote for Hieftje! He'll empty your pockets, give the money to his developer friends and tell you times are tough but we're doing better. Elect someone who will tell you what you want to hear and then forget about you--no disaster here!
Cynthia Plaster Caster
Sun, Jul 11, 2010 : 12:16 p.m.
The problem with this Mayor is that he has raised fees and fines while spending money on pet projects. These projects were rammed through with scripted public "debate" and were the result of back room dealing. The fact is that the Police Courts building was rammed through despite over 5000 signatures gathered in 45 days which asked that the question of moving forward with said building be put on the ballot. This Mayor did not appreciate the thin ice he was on, apparently believing, that he could get away with anything he wanted. Not only that, the announcement of the pull-out of the Pfizer facility was known and it was clear this effect would have a major impact on the City of Ann Arbor fiscally. This author believes that rather than viewing this development as a signal to not embark on a needless new expansion of a public building over the objections of numerous citizens, Hieftje's coalition viewed this development as an opportunity to get a long desired income tax passed (the Charter requires a vote of the citizens for this.) Fresh from his "victory" with the PD building, Hieftje's coalition then proceeded to ram through another pet project using the usual MO. This project is the new underground parking structure next to the Library downtown. There were no citizens clamoring for this new parking deck or the PD expansion and since the voters did not approve a millage increase to fund these projects, the bond payments will be made out of general fund revenues that will displace services used by Ann Arbor residents. Of course, the purpose of building underground parking is to place something on top of it. Once again, the Hieftje administration has gone through the motions of getting citizen input on what should go on top of the new deck even though significant evidence exists the discussion has been scripted to reach a preordained conclusion. However, it is clear from research done by Lesko's coalition that Valiant Partners has had an inside track for months before the project was publicly announced. Once the project was announced, it became clear the proposal was a sweethart deal for Valiant Partners. The city backstops most of the liability for the convention center and convention centers have a hard time being profitable anywhere in the USA. Not only that, Ann Arbor currently has a glut of hotel space and vacancy rates are low, before any new capacity increase. If John Hieftje is re-elected, we can expect more of the same: an administration captured by developer interests and unresponsive to citizen needs. Vote Lesko on August 3rd.
Bunny
Sun, Jul 11, 2010 : 12:04 p.m.
As a neighbor of Pat Lesko's, I am surprised that others in this neighborhood spoke out against her. She is vindictive and nasty threatening lawsuits at anyone that gets in her way. Her MO is accusing boards of fiscal irresponsibility which she even did in our small neighborhood. The board opened their books to her and spent hours at her house while she went over everything with a fine tooth comb. Not once did she volunteer to be on the board or even come to a yearly meeting but she had plenty of nasty allegations behind the scene. I, for one, cheer on every A2 news article there is. She is a disaster waiting to happen. To all of you who think that the News is not objective, come to this neighborhood. It is called Orchard Place. Count the yard signs that support Pat Lesko and go door to door yourselves. You will see what we have to live with and why we are scared to death of a future with Ms. Lesko at the helm.
63Townie
Sun, Jul 11, 2010 : 11:40 a.m.
I'm not voting for either Heiftje or Lesko. If there was a legitimate challenger to Hizzhonor, he or she would have my support. I hope Heiftje comes to my house though. I'd LOVE to give him a piece of my mind.
kathryn
Sun, Jul 11, 2010 : 11:21 a.m.
Many people are complaining of biased reporting. But is it possible that it's not the reporting that's lopsided, but the candidates' records? Giving "equal" coverage does not mean you have say equally nice things about both sides. You just have to say what really happened.
modeltim
Sun, Jul 11, 2010 : 11:08 a.m.
Just because some of the commenters here don't like the Mayor doesn't mean that that annarbor.com is biased in his favor. Is the Ann Arbor Observer biased as well? Their article in the July issue was quite well sourced and its just hard to come away from reading that and having the feeling that the tempestuous Ms. Lesko is the elixir we need to manage our city and its challenges. I have met Mayor Hieftje a couple of times and like him, so maybe I'm biased, so be it. My gut tells me we don't need to make changes esp. with someone as risky as the challenger seems to be.
Dr. Strangelove
Sun, Jul 11, 2010 : 11:02 a.m.
Looks like the commercial ties between Laural Champion and Hieftje (the SPARK board) are coming through loud and clear here.
Barb
Sun, Jul 11, 2010 : 10:55 a.m.
@Somewhat Concerned - Already doing just that. You hear that Bank of Ann Arbor, Lewis Jewelers and Howard Cooper, just to name a few? A2.com is just one disappointment after another. Ann Arbor Chronicle and Arboerweb.com are doing much better jobs. I find it telling that so many people who are supporting Hiefjte are embarrassed by these "articles"
deb
Sun, Jul 11, 2010 : 10:50 a.m.
One person, mentions the city hall building in the article, I would have much rather have my leaves picked up then seeing a waterfall at that building when paying a parket ticket after the city decides to extend parking meter hours
deb
Sun, Jul 11, 2010 : 10:42 a.m.
Why would anyone in that neighborhood care that leaf pickup services were being cut? Look at the picture and how perfectly manicured the trees are behind the mayor? The people in those houses probably dont ever touch their yards. Additionally, why is the city changing stadium to one lane with a bike lane for a mile, even the feds thought it was stupid. This is a terrible decision. I took a few urban planning classes and I want to know who came up with this idea and what the thought was behind it. Choke traffic for one mile on stadium and then go back to two lanes???
Anon E Muss
Sun, Jul 11, 2010 : 10:36 a.m.
"I don't give them Hell. I just tell the truth about them and they think it's Hell." -- Harry Truman
a2sanity
Sun, Jul 11, 2010 : 10:36 a.m.
I disagree with the comments that Mr. Stanton is biased. These comments assume that there is another more positive or more "objective" way to view Ms. Lesko. (In fact, I think that annarbor.com has given way to much coverage to Ms. Lesko, given the entire lack of substance of her campaign.) Read Mr. Leonard's article in the Ann Arbor Observer. Is this now a mass conspiracy by the media? I don't think so. If you look closely at who she is and how she has behaved in the past -- it is probably not even possible to write a more flattering article about her. She is disliked evidently by her neighbors, those who interacted with her at Northside school and every other organization she has been involved with. The fact that she has behaved badly in these settings is evidently "fine by her." Well is is not fine for the residents of Ann Arbor who actually want constructive discourse not ill-informed, political ranting and raving. That unfortunately is par for the course in the blog world. But we need to deal with the real world. For example, her harping about the water and sewer rates demonstrates that she doesn't know the very first thing about sewer financing. See the sewer administrator's discussion of this issue in the Observer. Ms. Lesko clearly has some ability to influence some people, including other council candidates -- as evidenced by Ms. Glorie's claim that she is the "strong leader that Ann Arbor needs" or Mr. Eaton's claim that he respects and admires Ms. Lesko. Are you both serious? See the Observer article. If they really believe that, then there is a serious lack of judgment here. Fortunately, this primary will be over next month and the City can move forward in a positive way to address the issues at hand. Ann Arbor needs wise care in difficult times, not angry and empty rhetoric.
ShadowManager
Sun, Jul 11, 2010 : 10:31 a.m.
I don't even support her, btw, nor do I vote in this district (I'm an Ypsi-ite) but these fauning biased pieces about the Mayor or vs. Lesko...are embarrasing when packaged as "news".
ShadowManager
Sun, Jul 11, 2010 : 10:26 a.m.
I think that Annarbor.com and Ryan Stanton oughta just give up the charade, level with folks, and let Mayor Heiftje write his own articles. They'd be at least as objective as this ongoing character assassination of Ms. Lesko has been all these weeks.
Olive
Sun, Jul 11, 2010 : 10:16 a.m.
It's not surprising that Heiftje would find support in Lesko's neighborhood. He's not a bully.
flyingsquirrel
Sun, Jul 11, 2010 : 9:56 a.m.
Lesko acknowledged in an interview with AnnArbor.com that she has made some enemies over the years, including on the Northside PTO and other organizations in which she has been involved. That's fine by her, she said, she's not trying to win a popularity contest and sees herself being in the right in each situation. And that is the major problem with Pat Lesko. Here's her MO--she walks into a board meeting of an organization and appears interested, enthusiastic, and full of ideas. Members are excited to have her. Then within a few meetings, she'll list all the problems with the organization and the facts of why they exist--that some particular members are racist, or sexist, or corrupt, or whatever name she feels like flinging. She is there to save the organization from itself, to save all those that the organization serves from being affected by corrupt individuals. It is no surprise that good, hard-working people on these boards become hurt, frustrated, and feel personally attacked. It's no fun working for years as a volunteer just to have someone with no knowledge of you or anything you care about or have done to declare you corrupt and set out to publicly prove this by making up lies and spreading half truths. If Pat Lesko would just drop the name-calling, drop the conspiracy theories, and try working with people, she might actually have something to contribute. But she will never be able to do that, because, as she said, she was right in each situation. Please do not vote for Lesko on Aug 3.
krc
Sun, Jul 11, 2010 : 9:54 a.m.
Mr. Stanton, it's SET foot, not stepped foot. Just so you know.
bedrog
Sun, Jul 11, 2010 : 9:52 a.m.
jay davenport...you are right about the piggyback effect of coverage of this election ( i.e people with all sorts of extraneous issues using/misusing the candidates and chitchat about them to advance their own agendas....some positively crazy/irrelevant, per my previous. but in this period of history, expedited by online capabilities, that's what happens. even before the rise of the internet, marshall mccluhan talked/punned about the 'medium being the message/massage/mass age". why should ann arbor be exempt?
Jay Davenport
Sun, Jul 11, 2010 : 9:20 a.m.
I think the most disturbing part of this story is how much 'ink' Pat Lesko is getting. For a marginal candidate of this reputation to receive this much attention is almost unheard of. She will be lucky to get 20% of the vote. I think it is dangerous and a waste of time to be reporting on candidates who are more crackpot than serious politician. At this point, the way certain political power hitters are using Pat Lesko to advance their anti-development agenda reminds me more of "Carrie" than "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington."
themasonline
Sun, Jul 11, 2010 : 9:12 a.m.
I don't live in the city, and I don't know either candidate. I do find this article completely biased. The author has not provided evidence for his assertion that Heiftje found "widespread support" in the neighborhood. AnnArbor.com should be embarrassed.
townie54
Sun, Jul 11, 2010 : 9:03 a.m.
I wouldnt vote for Lesko but the slant on both the articles about her and Mr Mayor are very transparent where the so called journalist is leading us.What a joke.Just endorse the mayor and get it over with
David Cahill
Sun, Jul 11, 2010 : 9:01 a.m.
In AnnArbor.com's earlier story on Lesko going door to door, everyone was supportive of Lesko. In this story on Hieftje going door to door, everyone was supportive of Hieftje. The stories are perfect mirror images. This expressed support of candidates at the door is an example of the "yeasayer effect" in action. People are so glad to see an actual candidate that they express support for that candidate, even though later they may vote differently. I was talking about the yeasayer effect with a friend of mine last week. He said that in a campaign some years ago, if their reports of people's responses at the doors had been accurate, then their candidate would have won the nomination for state senator. But he lost. I hope that both the candidates of what the Ann Arbor Observer calls the "Council Party", and those of the "Loyal Opposition", don't get fooled by the positive responses they are bound to get at the doors.
xmo
Sun, Jul 11, 2010 : 8:56 a.m.
We have two Dems running for mayor both are basically tax and spenders, the only diiference is style. Maybe we should out source the mayor?
Somewhat Concerned
Sun, Jul 11, 2010 : 8:52 a.m.
Give up any claim, any dream, any pretense of being a place that operates with anything even resembling journalistic standards. If you want to endorse someone on your editorial page, that is a long-standing tradition. Passing this story (and others) off as reporting insults the intelligence of your readers, soon to be former-readers. Time for a boycott of arbor.com advertisers?
Adela G.
Sun, Jul 11, 2010 : 8:51 a.m.
Read between the lines, folks. Ms. Lesko has a pattern of accusing others, including neighbors, fellow PTO board members, and Mayor Hieftje, of impropriety and lack of ethics. She engenders controversy, then resigns, leaving organizations in shreds and people's personal and professional reputations damaged. Those same people are afraid to speak out against her for fear of repercussions from her. I even find myself scared to post this for fear she'll figure out my identity and slam me or my family. I shudder to think Ann Arbor could end up electing a repressive dictator for a mayor.
Brad
Sun, Jul 11, 2010 : 8:46 a.m.
Why didn't they just make the headline "Lesko disliked by everyone including her neighbors?". That's the gist of the story. Some fine reporting there.
Terrin
Sun, Jul 11, 2010 : 8:40 a.m.
Annarbor.com treated both candidates fairly. It went with them to locations of their choosing to witness them campaigning. If people were overall happy to see the mayor, certainly that is what should be reported. Further, the mayor seemed to be upfront with people about the hard choices the city is making, and he has to be respected for going to his opponents strong hold while being followed around. If people really disliked him, I am sure that would have been the angle of the story.
mike from saline
Sun, Jul 11, 2010 : 8:34 a.m.
Let's get real, folks! John's going to be the mayor of A2 until he decides to stop running for mayor.
Blerg
Sun, Jul 11, 2010 : 8:23 a.m.
The fact that Mr. Stanton reported that, "Some shrieked with excitement upon seeing the mayor at their front doorstep," is easy to believe. We did the same thing at our house when the mayor came calling several weeks ago. When solicitors carrying clipboards are the norm for unexpected company, a face one usually sees in the news on the front porch is a pleasant surprise!
DagnyJ
Sun, Jul 11, 2010 : 8:19 a.m.
Ryan, this is wet kiss for the mayor. Yuck. Our bridges and roads are crumbling, but we have bike lanes. The mayor gets a nifty new building. Do you think they'll name it after him? And now you write a powderpuff story with not one single investigation of complaints about the city and it's management. You should be a little embarrassed by this. You didn't ask anyone who is critical of city management about the mayor. What Kool-aid are they serving at aa.com?
InsideTheHall
Sun, Jul 11, 2010 : 8:06 a.m.
The sage Mayor using the oldest political tactic, make your opponent defend their strength. Wonder if Lesko is picking off votes in the "latte liberal" section of town. The article falls short informing us.
Rasputin
Sun, Jul 11, 2010 : 7:28 a.m.
@ af3201sps, Lesko has no credibility and Mayor John Hieftje now has the dubious task of going door to door and giving residents a reality check. I think under the circumstances, Mr. Ryan Stanton is doing a fine job.
af3201sps
Sun, Jul 11, 2010 : 7:23 a.m.
I am glad that there are others that see and understand the same thing that I see and read in this article. I am not a supporter of either candidate and given the choice of the two would probably stick with Mr. Hieftje. But, I am getting tired of the biased reporting of AnnArbor.Com. It is very obvious that Ryan Stanton is a supporter of the Mayor. It sickens me that his articles are so slanted and perhaps it is time for the editors of this publication to choose someone else to cover politics in AA. I was excited about AnnArbor.com when they first came online but now just shake my head and am ashamed that this is what we call our "local paper".
Rasputin
Sun, Jul 11, 2010 : 7:23 a.m.
This sets a new precedents. Not just is Mayor John Hieftje going door to door, but Lesko is back peddling. Mayor Hieftje has my vote.
Xena
Sun, Jul 11, 2010 : 7:01 a.m.
The story actually let Lesko off easy. Either her neighbors were afraid (of repercussions from Lesko) to say what they really think about her or that part was edited out. And as for Lesko's self-described effort to clean up boards, like local PTOs? Please, let's have some fact-checking here! Those boards ran fine before Lesko and are still cleaning up from the destruction she caused. If I have one criticism of the story, it's that Stanton didn't have any response from members of those boards to Lesko's accusations of racism, impropriety, and more.
Craig Lounsbury
Sun, Jul 11, 2010 : 6:58 a.m.
"Lesko acknowledged in an interview with AnnArbor.com that she has made some enemies over the years.... That's fine by her, she said, she's not trying to win a popularity contest and sees herself being in the right in each situation." Actually Ms. Lesko you are trying to win a popularity contest now.
walker101
Sun, Jul 11, 2010 : 6:41 a.m.
I guess those Lesko lovers now know how many feel about the media when it comes to Obamamites and his achievements or lack of.
aanative
Sun, Jul 11, 2010 : 6:38 a.m.
Did you complain about the talking points and lack of objectivity in May's article re: Lesko campaigning door-to-door? Because that was pretty rah-rah for her. Mr. Stanton filed an article on the other candidate, not a statistical report or public opinion poll.
antikvetch
Sun, Jul 11, 2010 : 6:36 a.m.
Reminds me of that hard-hitting question from an old Simpsons episode: Mr. Burns, your campaign seems to have the momentum of a runaway freight train. Why are you so popular?
Heardoc
Sun, Jul 11, 2010 : 6:16 a.m.
What -- not tingling feeling going up anyone's leg? Annarbor.com is biases as noted in this story. We ned a neutral newspaper -- not advocacy from the newspaper -- at least not in the news section-- should be in editorial section. No objectivity here, just talking points.
bedrog
Sun, Jul 11, 2010 : 6:16 a.m.
given that many of the anti-lesko posts on various threads were from people who claim to know her personally there is nothing implausible about this story... and if someone did indeed 'shriek' with excitement, its legitimate journalistic color assuming the reporter was there ( as he seemed to be from photo credits). the previous 2 posts here reflect even more bias.
Pat
Sun, Jul 11, 2010 : 5:51 a.m.
Has annarbor.com become John Heiftje's campaign manager? There is nothing about this article that sounds objective. Even the headline "...finds widespread support..." Really? What are the facts? How many citizens did he talk to? Of those how may support him and how many support his opponent? Can't we get objective news reporting?