Ex-pro wrestler to challenge Ypsilanti Mayor Paul Schreiber as a write-in candidate in November

Despite the odds, Davis says he remains committed and is seeking to inspire Ypsilanti residents to get more involved with their city.

“I’m out there talking to a lot of people and it’s all about inspiring them to make this city greater,” he said. “If one person can make a difference, what can 20,000-plus inspired Ypsilantians do?”

Since he filed as a write-in candidate, Davis, a former pro wrestler who now collects disability due to his injuries, won't have his name listed on the ballot. Those voting for him must write in his name on a blank line.

Schreiber, who recently defeated Council Member Pete Murdock in the August Democratic primary, is the only candidate who will be listed on the ballot. No independent or Republican candidates filed. Any additional candidates seeking write-in status must register with the Ypsilanti City Clerk by Oct. 22.

Davis said the low voter turnout in the August primary provided inspiration for his campaign. He said some precincts reported turnouts in the low-teens, and he wants to see more from his neighbors.

Davis’s prior political experience includes an unsuccessful run at the supervisor’s office in Dexter Township in 1996 when he was 21 years old. Two years later, he says he served as an assistant campaign manager for 52nd district state house candidate Julie Knight.

Davis touched on the largest issues facing Ypsilanti, including Water Street, economic vitality, the Thompson Block and crime.

He said he would like to see the city host more festivals set up in the streets instead of in the parks, which would provide a boost to local merchants.

Davis offered ideas on bringing life to Water Street, including holding street fairs, markets or other similar events to generate excitement around the property.

“That way when a developer looks at it they say ‘Oh, there is already interest in the area.’ You’ve got to bring interest to the area to bring the developers there,” Davis said, adding that he heard off-site gambling suggested as a way to quickly generate revenue, but was unsure Ypsilanti residents were in favor of the idea.

Davis said he supports saving the Thompson Block building, but cited a recent engineer’s report deeming it unsafe as a reason for labeling it a liability, and called for quick action from all parties involved.

“We need to lock the council, lock the mayor, lock the arbitrator and Beal in city hall until it’s settled, even if they have to order pizza for three days straight,” he said.

Those who attended a June debate between Schreiber and Murdock - moderated by puppet Mark Maynard - would recognize Davis as the wrestler “Bash Boulder,” who sent in a video question asking the candidates what they would do about crime after he had been attacked and tied to a chair.

Schreiber said he commended Davis for taking enough interest in the city to run for office.

Tom Perkins is a freelance writer for AnnArbor.com. Reach the news desk at news@annarbor.com or 734-623-2530.