AnnArbor.com News - Category: Government http://www.annarbor.com/ en-us rhtvar@gmail.com Copyright 2010 2010-03-20T05:47:08-05:00 hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 Ann Arbor-to-Detroit rail line delayed due to funding shortage http://www.annarbor.com/news/ann-arbor-to-detroit-rail-line-delayed/ The scheduled date to start daily service of a commuter rail line between Ann Arbor and Detroit has been indefinitely delayed due to a shortage of funding. Carmine Palombo, director of transportation programs for the Southeastern Michigan Council of Governments,... 31774@http://www.annarbor.com/ The scheduled date to start daily service of a commuter rail line between Ann Arbor and Detroit has been indefinitely delayed due to a shortage of funding.

Carmine Palombo, director of transportation programs for the Southeastern Michigan Council of Governments, said the Ann Arbor to Detroit rail will run only for special events beginning in October. No new target date has been set as the agency searches for more money.

Continue reading Ann Arbor-to-Detroit rail line delayed due to funding shortage...

]]> Business Review | Government | News 2010-03-20T05:47:08-05:00 State rep candidate Jeff Irwin launches campaign website http://www.annarbor.com/news/state-rep-candidate-jeff-irwin-launches-campaign-website/ Ann Arbor's Jeff Irwin has launched a campaign website, www.voteirwin.com, where he plans to announce a new proposal each week aimed at making Ann Arbor and Michigan a better place to live, work and raise a family.... 31764@http://www.annarbor.com/ Ann Arbor's Jeff Irwin has launched a campaign website, www.voteirwin.com, where he plans to announce a new proposal each week aimed at making Ann Arbor and Michigan a better place to live, work and raise a family.

Continue reading State rep candidate Jeff Irwin launches campaign website...

]]> Government | News 2010-03-19T17:18:47-05:00 'Policy of transparency' fuels Detroit Public Schools emergency finance chief Robert Bobb http://www.annarbor.com/business-review/policy-of-transparency-fuels-detroit-public-schools-emergency-finance-chief-robert-bobb/ Detroit Public Schools emergency finance manager Robert Bobb said he was stunned to find out that the distressed district lacked a code of ethics when he took the job a year ago. Bobb, speaking this afternoon at Eastern Michigan University’s... 31752@http://www.annarbor.com/ Detroit Public Schools emergency finance manager Robert Bobb said he was stunned to find out that the distressed district lacked a code of ethics when he took the job a year ago.

Bobb, speaking this afternoon at Eastern Michigan University’s fourth annual Ethos Week, struck a somber mood in a speech emphasizing the importance of leaders adhering to "the values of universal truth, moral authority of right and the propensity of justice, fairness and equality."

“A policy of transparency will influence others to have faith in your deliberations, faith in your actions,” Bobb said. “A person tempered with an attitude for the truth is most likely to be trustworthy and will not engage in deception.”

Continue reading 'Policy of transparency' fuels Detroit Public Schools emergency finance chief Robert Bobb...

]]> Business Review | Government | News | Ypsilanti 2010-03-19T14:57:16-05:00 FOIA Friday: the worst possible search engine http://www.annarbor.com/vielmetti/sunshine-week/ This card from the Dutch design firm Boomerang - http://cards.boomerang.nl - illustrates the level of frustration that users of modern search engines will experience with the FOIA process.Courtesy Boomerang Think of the FOIA process as the worst possible search engine... 31579@http://www.annarbor.com/ google-classic.jpg

This card from the Dutch design firm Boomerang - http://cards.boomerang.nl - illustrates the level of frustration that users of modern search engines will experience with the FOIA process.

Courtesy Boomerang

Think of the FOIA process as the worst possible search engine in the world. Every governmental organization and agency can be asked for information, but the process is different for each one of them. 

Your search has to be precisely worded, and it has to specify who has the information you are searching for and if possible what form it's in, even if you don't know that ahead of time. Response times are measured in weeks, not seconds, and you can get an answer back that says essentially "we know what you want, but we're not going to tell you." When you do get the answer back, it's on paper, and you have to pay for every sheet - even the ones that include results that are irrelevant.

This week's FOIA Friday includes a bunch of reasons not to file Freedom of Information Act requests as a first way of asking for what you want. Many of the questions that you want to get an answer to have some faster path to being turned up, and rather than go through weeks of frustration there are alternative paths for getting the government information you want — quicker, cheaper and with less grief.

Continue reading FOIA Friday: the worst possible search engine...

]]> Edward Vielmetti | Government 2010-03-19T06:00:56-05:00 Rick Snyder vaults into tie for first in Michigan's gubernatorial race, poll shows http://www.annarbor.com/business-review/rick-snyder-vaults-into-tie-for-first-in-michigans-gubernatorial-race/ Ann Arbor venture capitalist Rick Snyder, a virtual unknown in Michigan's political circles before launching a gubernatorial campaign last summer, is now tied for first in the Republican primary race, according to a new poll.... 31526@http://www.annarbor.com/ Ann Arbor venture capitalist Rick Snyder, a virtual unknown in Michigan's political circles before launching a gubernatorial campaign last summer, is now tied for first in the Republican primary race, according to a new poll.

Continue reading Rick Snyder vaults into tie for first in Michigan's gubernatorial race, poll shows...

]]> Business Review | Government | News 2010-03-18T11:20:47-05:00 Political blog roundup: garbage, mayoral race, school reuse, runway expansion and non-motorized transportation http://www.annarbor.com/vielmetti/political-blog-roundup-garbage-mayoral-race-school-reuse-runway-expansion-and-non-motorized-transpor/ A look at the political blogs in town. Community organizations and political candidates take on garbage collection, the Ann Arbor mayoral race, what happens to schools after they are closed, opposition to the runway expansion at the Ann Arbor Municipal... 31515@http://www.annarbor.com/ A look at the political blogs in town. Community organizations and political candidates take on garbage collection, the Ann Arbor mayoral race, what happens to schools after they are closed, opposition to the runway expansion at the Ann Arbor Municipal Airport and advocacy for non-motorized transportation.

Continue reading Political blog roundup: garbage, mayoral race, school reuse, runway expansion and non-motorized transportation...

]]> Edward Vielmetti | Government 2010-03-18T10:40:21-05:00 Heritage Row project moves to Ann Arbor City Council for approval http://www.annarbor.com/business-review/heritage-row-project-moves-to-ann-arbor-city-council-for-approval/ The proposed Heritage Row apartment complex project received the blessing of the Ann Arbor Planning Commission in a 6-2 vote this week and now moves to the City Council for final approval. The Ann Arbor Chronicle has complete coverage of... 31484@http://www.annarbor.com/ The proposed Heritage Row apartment complex project received the blessing of the Ann Arbor Planning Commission in a 6-2 vote this week and now moves to the City Council for final approval.

The Ann Arbor Chronicle has complete coverage of this week's meeting on its Web site. Click here to read the story.

Continue reading Heritage Row project moves to Ann Arbor City Council for approval...

]]> Business Review | Government | News 2010-03-18T07:34:59-05:00 Washtenaw County officials vote to dissolve land bank authority http://www.annarbor.com/news/washtenaw-county-officials-vote-to-dissolve-land-bank-authority/ Washtenaw County Treasurer Catherine McClary sat quietly on the sidelines Wednesday night as county commissioners voted to dissolve the county's recently formed land bank authority. After the meeting was over, McClary expressed regret to see the county miss out on... 31449@http://www.annarbor.com/ Washtenaw County Treasurer Catherine McClary sat quietly on the sidelines Wednesday night as county commissioners voted to dissolve the county's recently formed land bank authority.

After the meeting was over, McClary expressed regret to see the county miss out on what she said was an opportunity to do something positive with the county's hundreds of foreclosed properties.

Continue reading Washtenaw County officials vote to dissolve land bank authority...

]]> Government | News 2010-03-18T06:02:13-05:00 Public safety funerals help grieving police officers to go on with our jobs http://www.annarbor.com/news/crime/public-safety-funerals/ Jackson City Police Officer James Bonneau made the ultimate sacrifice for the citizens of Jackson County on March 9, 2010. His funeral in Canton Township was attended by hundreds of police officers and firefighters from around Michigan, the United States... 31350@http://www.annarbor.com/ Jackson City Police Officer James Bonneau made the ultimate sacrifice for the citizens of Jackson County on March 9, 2010.

His funeral in Canton Township was attended by hundreds of police officers and firefighters from around Michigan, the United States and Canada. A huge American flag was draped across the route to the cemetery for the funeral procession to pass under. The funeral procession consisted of several hundred police cars.

This was a great tribute to a fine young officer who had dedicated his life to protecting the public.


Some may ask why police and fire funerals are such a huge ceremony.

Continue reading Public safety funerals help grieving police officers to go on with our jobs...

]]> Crime | Government | Opinion 2010-03-18T06:00:00-05:00 Washtenaw County to pay $76,690 to join new regional energy office http://www.annarbor.com/news/washtenaw-county-to-pay-76690-to-join-new-regional-energy-office/ The Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners voted on Wednesday to authorize the county's membership in the newly formed Southeast Michigan Regional Energy Office. Commissioner Conan Smith, chairman of the county's Ways and Means Committee, excused himself from voting to avoid... 31450@http://www.annarbor.com/ The Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners voted on Wednesday to authorize the county's membership in the newly formed Southeast Michigan Regional Energy Office.

Commissioner Conan Smith, chairman of the county's Ways and Means Committee, excused himself from voting to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest.

Continue reading Washtenaw County to pay $76,690 to join new regional energy office...

]]> Government | News 2010-03-18T06:00:00-05:00 Washtenaw County finalizes $155,000 contract with new administrator http://www.annarbor.com/news/washtenaw-county-finalizes-155000-contract-with-new-administrator/ Verna McDaniel will be paid a starting salary of $155,000 as Washtenaw County's new top administrator. The Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously tonight to finalize a contract with McDaniel that includes a $10,766 boost in pay as she... 31441@http://www.annarbor.com/ Verna McDaniel will be paid a starting salary of $155,000 as Washtenaw County's new top administrator.

The Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously tonight to finalize a contract with McDaniel that includes a $10,766 boost in pay as she moves from the position of deputy administrator to administrator, replacing outgoing administrator Bob Guenzel.

Continue reading Washtenaw County finalizes $155,000 contract with new administrator...

]]> Government | News 2010-03-17T21:06:11-05:00 Election 2010: Mayor John Hieftje faces another challenger, others planning to run for City Council http://www.annarbor.com/news/election-2010-mayor-hieftje-faces-another-challenger-others-planning-to-run-for-city-council/ A second challenger has entered the picture in the city of Ann Arbor's mayoral race. Steve Bean, chairman of the city's Environmental Commission, began circulating nominating petitions this week to run for mayor as an independent candidate. Bean would face... 31417@http://www.annarbor.com/ A second challenger has entered the picture in the city of Ann Arbor's mayoral race.

Steve Bean, chairman of the city's Environmental Commission, began circulating nominating petitions this week to run for mayor as an independent candidate.

Bean would face off against the winner of the August primary, which pits incumbent John Hieftje against Democratic challenger Patricia Lesko.

Continue reading Election 2010: Mayor John Hieftje faces another challenger, others planning to run for City Council...

]]> Government | News 2010-03-17T17:18:47-05:00 Pittsfield Township, city of Saline join forces for Google fiber application opposite Ann Arbor http://www.annarbor.com/business-review/pittsfield-township-city-of-saline-join-forces-for-google-fiber-application-opposite-ann-arbor/ The city of Saline and Pittsfield Township plan to file a joint application to win Google's fiber optic network project -- a move that places the regional municipalities in competition with the city of Ann Arbor. Pittsfield Supervisor Mandy Grewal,... 31354@http://www.annarbor.com/ The city of Saline and Pittsfield Township plan to file a joint application to win Google's fiber optic network project -- a move that places the regional municipalities in competition with the city of Ann Arbor.

Pittsfield Supervisor Mandy Grewal, Saline Mayor Gretchen Driskell and Saline Area Schools Superintendent Scot Graden issued a joint announcement this afternoon stating that they would file a joint application to win the fiber optic investment.

"Pittsfield + Saline = Googleville!" the press release says.

Continue reading Pittsfield Township, city of Saline join forces for Google fiber application opposite Ann Arbor...

]]> Business Review | Government | News 2010-03-17T14:36:29-05:00 Ann Arbor City Council approves contracts for single-stream recycling http://www.annarbor.com/news/ann-arbor-city-council-approves-single-stream-recycling/ The Ann Arbor City Council continued a process of switching the city over to single-stream recycling at its meeting Monday night, approving two contracts. The first, with RecycleBank, is for $227,400 in the first year. The company will provide vouchers... 31062@http://www.annarbor.com/ The Ann Arbor City Council continued a process of switching the city over to single-stream recycling at its meeting Monday night, approving two contracts.

The first, with RecycleBank, is for $227,400 in the first year. The company will provide vouchers and coupons for city residents based on the amount each household recycles.

Company officials said Monday night that on average, a household could earn about $240 in the coupons, which can be gift cards or other coupons. In addition, those dollars earned can be donated to a charity, which would receive cash from the company.

Continue reading Ann Arbor City Council approves contracts for single-stream recycling...

]]> Downtown Ann Arbor | Government | News 2010-03-16T05:32:00-05:00 Dominick Lanza sworn in as Ann Arbor fire chief http://www.annarbor.com/news/dominick-lanza-sworn-in-as-ann-arbor-fire-chief/ When the Ann Arbor City Council meeting began Monday evening, Dominick Lanza was at his new house, watching movers unload boxes. About an hour later, he was in front of City Council, swearing to protect residents as the city’s new... 31063@http://www.annarbor.com/ When the Ann Arbor City Council meeting began Monday evening, Dominick Lanza was at his new house, watching movers unload boxes.

About an hour later, he was in front of City Council, swearing to protect residents as the city’s new fire chief.

Next Monday, he’ll be in his new office, meeting with his command staff and all his employees.

Continue reading Dominick Lanza sworn in as Ann Arbor fire chief...

]]> Downtown Ann Arbor | Government | News 2010-03-16T05:15:00-05:00