City Council candidates chime in on Ann Arbor Skatepark project

With a handful of City Council members defending their seats in Tuesday's Democratic primary, the Friends of the Ann Arbor Skatepark asked the incumbents and challengers where they stand on the plan to build a skate park at Veterans Memorial Park.

City officials have maintained for the last two years that they're willing to donate city park land for the amenity, but they say the city's not in a position to provide direct cash assistance.

The questionnaire the candidates were asked to fill out included the question: Do you think it’s important for the city to make a financial contribution to the skate park?

The answers varied.

Council Member Sabra Briere, D-1st Ward, who is running unopposed, said she doesn't believe such support is justified at a time when funds available for maintenance of existing city park facilities are already too few.

Council Member Stephen Rapundalo, D-2nd Ward, said any determination for a financial contribution by the city should first be discussed at the Park Advisory Commission following broad public input and a consideration of recreational and budget priorities.

Tim Hull, who is challenging Rapundalo, said his actions on council would depend on availability of funding and grants.

Council Member Stephen Kunselman, D-3rd Ward, said he would continue to search for ways that the city, as well as the state, could contribute financially.

Ingrid Ault, who is challenging Kunselman, said "every funding entity needs to participate in the process" and she'd do what she could to see that the project comes to fruition.

Marwan Issa, another 3rd Ward challenger, said if the city finds there is a need for it and there are clear community benefits, it shouldn’t be a problem to fund the skate park.

Council Member Mike Anglin, D-5th Ward, didn't respond. And his challenger, Neal Elyakin, didn't directly address the question of city funding but expressed support for the project.

Read the full responses here

Go here to find out what city ward you live in and where to vote

Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529. You also can follow him on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's e-mail newsletters.