AnnArbor.com News - Category: Government http://www.annarbor.com/ en-us amalienash@annarbor.com Copyright 2012 2012-02-09T17:30:58-04:00 hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 Hoekstra takes down controversial Chinese-themed website http://www.annarbor.com/news/hoekstra-takes-down-controversial-chinese-themed-website/?cmpid=RSS_link_government Republican Senate hopeful Pete Hoekstra took down his controversial Chinese-themed website that coincided with a political ad against Democratic Senator Debbie Stabenow, the Detroit News has reported.... 92880@http://www.annarbor.com/ Republican Senate hopeful Pete Hoekstra took down his controversial Chinese-themed website that coincided with a political ad against Democratic Senator Debbie Stabenow, the Detroit News has reported.

Continue reading Hoekstra takes down controversial Chinese-themed website...

]]> Government | News 2012-02-09T17:30:58-04:00 Hoekstra launches 2nd ad after controversial commercial drew heat http://www.annarbor.com/news/hoekstra-launches-2nd-ad-after-controversial-commercial-drew-heat/?cmpid=RSS_link_government Republican Senate hopeful Pete Hoekstra on Thursday launched a campaign ad days after taking heat for a spot that ran in Michigan before the Super Bowl featuring a young Asian woman speaking broken English. 92850@http://www.annarbor.com/

Republican Senate hopeful Pete Hoekstra on Thursday launched a campaign ad days after taking heat for a spot that ran in Michigan before the Super Bowl featuring a young Asian woman speaking broken English.

Continue reading Hoekstra launches 2nd ad after controversial commercial drew heat...

]]> Government | News 2012-02-09T13:46:34-04:00 No raises for Sylvan Township officials, staff http://www.annarbor.com/news/chelsea/no-raises-for-sylvan-township-officials-staff/?cmpid=RSS_link_government Salaries for Sylvan Township officials will remain unchanged for another year.... 92842@http://www.annarbor.com/ Salaries for Sylvan Township officials will remain unchanged for another year.

Continue reading No raises for Sylvan Township officials, staff...

]]> Chelsea | Government | News 2012-02-09T12:05:41-04:00 Rick Snyder wants 3% funding boost for public universities http://www.annarbor.com/news/snyder-wants-public-universities-to-see-3-percent-funding-increase/?cmpid=RSS_link_government Last update: 12:22 p.m. After double-digit funding decreases last year, Michigan's 15 public universities may get the increase in state backing they've been calling for, although not in a form they'd prefer.... 92829@http://www.annarbor.com/ Last update: 12:22 p.m.

After double-digit funding decreases last year, Michigan's 15 public universities may get the increase in state backing they've been calling for, although not in a form they'd prefer.

Continue reading Rick Snyder wants 3% funding boost for public universities...

]]> Education | Government | News 2012-02-09T11:00:23-04:00 Land use and access focus of Sustainable Ann Arbor talk http://www.annarbor.com/news/land-use-and-access-focus-of-sustainable-ann-arbor-talk/?cmpid=RSS_link_government The second of four discussions in the Sustainable Ann Arbor forum series will focus on land use and access when it begins at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Ann Arbor District Main Library at 343 S. Fifth Ave. 92694@http://www.annarbor.com/
  • Previous coverage: Ann Arbor sustainability series kicks off with discussion of urban forest, recycling and Huron River

    • The second of four discussions in the Sustainable Ann Arbor forum series will focus on land use and access when it begins at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Ann Arbor District Main Library at 343 S. Fifth Ave.

    Continue reading Land use and access focus of Sustainable Ann Arbor talk...

    ]]>     Government | News 2012-02-09T05:57:00-04:00     Officials: John Hansen resigned as interim Ypsilanti city manager after inappropriate remark http://www.annarbor.com/news/ypsilanti/officials-john-hansen-resigned-from-ypsilanti-iterim-managers-post-after-employee-harrassment-charge/?cmpid=RSS_link_government Former interim Ypsilanti City Manager John Hansen abruptly resigned after an incident in which he made an inappropriate comment to a city employee, acting City Manager Frances McMullan said. “Mr. Hansen made a remark to a city employee that was... 92769@http://www.annarbor.com/ Former interim Ypsilanti City Manager John Hansen abruptly resigned after an incident in which he made an inappropriate comment to a city employee, acting City Manager Frances McMullan said.

    “Mr. Hansen made a remark to a city employee that was inconsistent with City of Ypsilanti policy," McMullan said in a written statement. "The employee notified the City of Ypsilanti Human Resources Department. Consequently, Mr. Hansen voluntarily resigned.”

    Continue reading Officials: John Hansen resigned as interim Ypsilanti city manager after inappropriate remark...

    ]]>     Government | News | Ypsilanti 2012-02-08T14:53:00-04:00     Ypsilanti City Clerk Frances McMullan appointed acting city manager http://www.annarbor.com/news/ypsilanti/ypsilanti-city-clerk-frances-mcmullan-appointed-acting-city-manager/?cmpid=RSS_link_government Following the quick resignation of former interim Ypsilanti City Manager John Hansen, City Clerk Frances McMullan is now the acting city manager. City Council Tuesday unanimously approved McMullan's appointment at its regular meeting.... 92747@http://www.annarbor.com/ Following the quick resignation of former interim Ypsilanti City Manager John Hansen, City Clerk Frances McMullan is now the acting city manager.

    City Council Tuesday unanimously approved McMullan's appointment at its regular meeting.

    Continue reading Ypsilanti City Clerk Frances McMullan appointed acting city manager...

    ]]>     Government | News | Ypsilanti 2012-02-08T12:01:00-04:00     Public provides input as Ypsilanti finalizes five-year financial plan and tax proposals http://www.annarbor.com/news/ypsilanti/public-provides-input-as-ypsilanti-finalizes-five-year-financial-plan-and-tax-increase-proposals/?cmpid=RSS_link_government The Ypsilanti City Council is taking its final steps in approving a five-year budget plan designed to avert a $6.1 million deficit projected for 2017. The plan includes separate proposals for a personal income tax and Water Street debt retirement... 92732@http://www.annarbor.com/ The Ypsilanti City Council is taking its final steps in approving a five-year budget plan designed to avert a $6.1 million deficit projected for 2017.

    The plan includes separate proposals for a personal income tax and Water Street debt retirement millage that will go in front of voters for approval on May 8.

    This week, council approved the five-year plan and language for the Water Street debt retirement millage.

    Continue reading Public provides input as Ypsilanti finalizes five-year financial plan and tax proposals...

    ]]>     Government | News | Ypsilanti 2012-02-08T05:58:14-04:00     Sylvan Township plans another millage request for sewer and water debt http://www.annarbor.com/news/chelsea/sylvan-township-board-plans-another-millage-request-for-sewer-and-water-debt-in-august/?cmpid=RSS_link_government The Sylvan Township Board on Tuesday night unanimously adopted a resolution requesting that the county board approve a debt millage question for the Aug. 7 ballot. Last November, township voters rejected a 20-year, 4.75 mill tax levy by 475 votes... 92726@http://www.annarbor.com/ The Sylvan Township Board on Tuesday night unanimously adopted a resolution requesting that the county board approve a debt millage question for the Aug. 7 ballot.

    Last November, township voters rejected a 20-year, 4.75 mill tax levy by 475 votes to 328 votes. That tax would have paid for about $13.2 million in sewer and water system debt payments as well as $1.25 million owed to the Washtenaw County treasurer.

    Continue reading Sylvan Township plans another millage request for sewer and water debt...

    ]]>     Chelsea | Government | News 2012-02-08T05:52:32-04:00     Donna Dettling, Dexter village manager, withdraws name for Williamston city manager job http://www.annarbor.com/news/dexter/good-news-for-dexter-dettling-dexters-village-manager-withdraws-name-for-williamston-city-manager-jo/?cmpid=RSS_link_government Dexter Village Manager Donna Dettling has withdrawn her name from consideration for the Williamston city manger’s job. She was one of three finalists for the position that included Alan Dolley, the Williamston treasurer, and Pete Porciello, a Michigan Department of... 92718@http://www.annarbor.com/ Dexter Village Manager Donna Dettling has withdrawn her name from consideration for the Williamston city manger’s job.

    She was one of three finalists for the position that included Alan Dolley, the Williamston treasurer, and Pete Porciello, a Michigan Department of Transportation employee, according to a story in the Lansing State Journal.

    Continue reading Donna Dettling, Dexter village manager, withdraws name for Williamston city manager job...

    ]]>     Dexter | Government | News 2012-02-07T18:08:58-04:00     What to do with city-owned property part of Chelsea plan http://www.annarbor.com/news/chelsea/during-a-mid-year-review-of/?cmpid=RSS_link_government During a mid-year review of the city’s goals and objectives, City Manager John Hanifan told the Chelsea City Council that although 2012-2013 will be “a challenging budget year,” he plans to propose a budget that will keep the tax rate... 92639@http://www.annarbor.com/ During a mid-year review of the city’s goals and objectives, City Manager John Hanifan told the Chelsea City Council that although 2012-2013 will be “a challenging budget year,” he plans to propose a budget that will keep the tax rate stable for the fourth consecutive year.

    In addition, the city is expected to have a reserve fund of about 15 percent of its annual expenses.

    Continue reading What to do with city-owned property part of Chelsea plan ...

    ]]>     Chelsea | Government | News 2012-02-07T10:30:00-04:00     Vote delayed on Ypsilanti charter revision that includes proposed nonpartisan elections http://www.annarbor.com/news/ypsilanti/vote-on-ypsilanti-charter-revision-that-includes-proposed-election-changes-delayed/?cmpid=RSS_link_government At its Wednesday night “public hearing,” the Ypsilanti Charter Commission approved sending a proposed charter revision to the state attorney general’s office for language approval. Until it was discovered at the conclusion of the meeting that Charter Commission Chair Kim... 92342@http://www.annarbor.com/ At its Wednesday night “public hearing,” the Ypsilanti Charter Commission approved sending a proposed charter revision to the state attorney general’s office for language approval.

    Until it was discovered at the conclusion of the meeting that Charter Commission Chair Kim Porter-Hoppe had not convened a public hearing but only another commission meeting.

    Continue reading Vote delayed on Ypsilanti charter revision that includes proposed nonpartisan elections...

    ]]>     Government | News | Ypsilanti 2012-02-07T05:57:00-04:00     Chrysler's 'Halftime in America' ad featuring Clint Eastwood creates political debate http://www.annarbor.com/news/halftime-in-america-ad-creates-political-debate/?cmpid=RSS_link_government 92631@http://www.annarbor.com/ Detroit_super_bowl_ad.jpg

    A view of downtown Detroit looking north on Woodward Avenue on Monday. What exactly is Chrysler selling with "It's Halftime in America," Super Bowl ad which aired during Super Bowl XVLI, on Feb. 5? Chrysler's recovery or Detroit's or the country's? The city is fighting to stay out of financial receivership, for one, and its image as a symbol of recovery is incomplete.

    The Associated Press

    People rarely pick a fight with Dirty Harry. But Chrysler's "Halftime in America" ad featuring quintessential tough guy Clint Eastwood has generated fierce debate about whether it accurately portrays the country's most economically distressed city or amounts to a campaign ad for President Barack Obama and the auto bailouts.

    Continue reading Chrysler's 'Halftime in America' ad featuring Clint Eastwood creates political debate ...

    ]]>     Business Review | Government | News 2012-02-06T19:17:00-04:00     Two University of Michigan regents won't seek re-election http://www.annarbor.com/news/two-sitting-university-of-michigan-regents-wont-seek-reelection/?cmpid=RSS_link_government Sixteen-year University of Michigan Board of Regents veterans S. Martin Taylor (D-Grosse Pointe Farms) and Olivia Maynard (D- Goodrich) will not be seeking re-election in November, The Michigan Daily reports.... 92586@http://www.annarbor.com/ Sixteen-year University of Michigan Board of Regents veterans S. Martin Taylor (D-Grosse Pointe Farms) and Olivia Maynard (D- Goodrich) will not be seeking re-election in November, The Michigan Daily reports.

    Continue reading Two University of Michigan regents won't seek re-election...

    ]]>     Education | Government | News 2012-02-06T11:33:26-04:00     Ann Arbor officials planning to spend $100M-plus to rebuild 1930s-era wastewater treatment plant http://www.annarbor.com/news/ann-arbor-wastewater-treatment-plant-facilities-renovation-project/?cmpid=RSS_link_government An aerial view of the Ann Arbor Wastewater Treatment Plant located just east of the city limits in Ann Arbor Township along the Huron River.Courtesy of City of Ann ArborThe city of Ann Arbor is about to undertake one of... 92103@http://www.annarbor.com/ Wastewater_plant_2.png

    An aerial view of the Ann Arbor Wastewater Treatment Plant located just east of the city limits in Ann Arbor Township along the Huron River.

    Courtesy of City of Ann Arbor

    The city of Ann Arbor is about to undertake one of the largest capital improvement projects in its history: a complete rebuild of half the city's wastewater treatment plant.

    The potentially $120 million facilities renovation project comes on the heels of another project nearing completion at the plant. That included replacing worn out and inefficient residual solids processing equipment and other upgrades at a cost of more than $50 million.

    Continue reading Ann Arbor officials planning to spend $100M-plus to rebuild 1930s-era wastewater treatment plant...

    ]]>     Government | News 2012-02-06T05:59:04-04:00