Jeff Irwin and Ned Staebler compete for endorsements in state House race
(This story has been revised to include updated endorsement information.)
The state House race between Democrats Ned Staebler and Jeff Irwin is shaping up to be a battle of who's backing who — and, perhaps, who's greener.
Both campaigns have announced a number of endorsements recently, including ones from environmental groups, labor unions, local elected officials, education advocates and other community leaders in Ann Arbor.
Ned Staebler
Staebler is outpacing Irwin with endorsements from large organizations like the United Auto Workers and the Michigan Education Association.
The candidates will face off in the Aug. 3 Democratic primary for a chance to replace Rebekah Warren in the 53rd District state House seat. Warren, who is running for state Senate, is backing Irwin's bid to fill her shoes.
Irwin and Staebler, both of Ann Arbor, announced major endorsements this week from environmental groups.
Irwin picked up support from the Michigan Chapter of the Sierra Club, one of the nation’s oldest, largest and most influential grassroots environmental organizations. The club claims Irwin, more so than Staebler, has a proven track record when it comes to environmental advocacy in Michigan.
But Staebler this week received the sole support of the Michigan League of Conservation Voters, an environmental advocacy group both he and Irwin have experience working with over the years. Staebler has served on its board of directors, and Irwin previously served as its executive director.
The LCV chose to endorse Staebler over Irwin, saying he has demonstrated a thorough understanding of the environmental issues central to its cause.
"Michigan LCV is dedicated not only to supporting environmental advocates to the Legislature, but identifying and electing true leaders on the issues. We believe Ned is such a leader," Bob Martel, president of the LCV's board, said in a statement.
The LCV cited Staebler's experience as a vice president of the Michigan Economic Development Corp., saying it adds credibility to his campaign message of a long-term vision for Michigan where green jobs and innovation play a vital role.
Staebler said he considers protecting the environment a moral obligation and an integral component of getting the state's economy back on track.
"I've been an advocate of environmental issues for two decades," Staebler told AnnArbor.com on Friday. "I worked at the EPA back in the early '90s, I was on the board of the League of Conservation Voters. And obviously, you look at the League of Conservation Voters, which has been on the front lines of environmental advocacy and knows both of us very well, and they chose to endorse me."
But the Sierra Club said this week that Irwin is the leading environmental candidate in the race. Richard Barron, chairman of the club's political committee, said Irwin shares the Sierra Club’s values and has a track record of supporting the issues that its members deem critical to the health and economic well-being of Michigan.
During his tenure on the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners for the last 10 years, Irwin said he has fought to increase land preservation in the county, instituted an environmentally-friendly purchasing policy, and taken serious steps to reduce the county's energy consumption for a savings of more than $300,000 a year.
While working on clean air and clean water issues in Lansing, Irwin said he joined with environmentalists across Michigan to pass landmark environmental bills, ranging from protecting Great Lakes beaches to the 2002 ban on Great Lakes drilling. More recently, Irwin has been a leading proponent of energy efficiency and conservation measures he says will save taxpayers money and reduce pollution.
Jeff Irwin
Warren, D-Ann Arbor, currently serves as chairwoman of the Great Lakes and Environment Committee in the state House.
“Ann Arbor has a long history of electing legislators who work to ensure our progressive values are represented in Lansing," Warren said. "I have been proud to serve in this capacity for the last three and a half years and strongly endorse Jeff’s candidacy because I know he will carry on in this important tradition."
Irwin adds the Sierra Club's endorsement to a list of supporters that includes the Michigan Farm Bureau, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 324, and the Michigan National Organization of Women. He and Staebler also share a dual endorsement from the 15th Congressional District Democrats.
Staebler picked up support recently from the Police Officers Association of Michigan, the American Federation of Teachers, the Ann Arbor Board of Realtors, the Michigan Credit Union League and the Michigan Laborers Union. He also has backing from the Ann Arbor Education Association, Michigan Education Association, AFL-CIO, the Michigan Democratic Party's LGBT & Allies Caucus, the United Auto Workers and numerous elected officials, business leaders and fixtures in Ann Arbor's progressive community.
"I'm honored to have the support of so many diverse groups," Staebler said. "We've knocked over 17,000 doors and it's clear that the people of Ann Arbor agree with me that, at this point in Michigan's history, we need leaders with long-term vision and a track record of accomplishments."
Irwin recently relayed a list of local elected officials endorsing his campaign. It includes state Rep. Alma Wheeler Smith, D-Salem Township, Washtenaw County Sheriff Jerry Clayton and Washtenaw County Clerk Larry Kestenbaum.
"I have worked closely with Jeff on a number of county issues," Kestenbaum said in a statement supporting Irwin. "As chair of the Board of Commissioners in 2007-08, he proved himself as a knowledgeable, principled and inclusive leader, and I know he will be an outstanding state representative."
Irwin also has backing from his colleagues on the county board, including Leah Gunn, Barbara Levin Bergman, Ken Schwartz and Conan Smith, and from Ann Arbor City Council Members Mike Anglin, Sabra Briere, Stephen Kunselman and Sandi Smith.
Other notable progressive community leaders backing Irwin include Mike Garfield, Keith Orr, Martin Contreras, Rich Sheridan and Mary Bejian. He also has support from Ann Arbor school board members Deb Mexicotte, Glenn Nelson and Simone Lightfoot, and John Austin, vice president of the State Board of Education.
Staebler has support from Ann Arbor City Council Members Christopher Taylor, Margie Teall, Marcia Higgins, Tony Derezinski and Stephen Rapundalo, as well as University of Michigan Regents Julia Donovan Darlow, Olivia Maynard and Katherine White.
Local progressive stalwarts such as Jean King, Doug Kelley and Eunice Burns also are getting behind Staebler's campaign, along with environmental leaders like Lisa Wozniak, Claudia Rast, Skip Pruss and Bruce Wallace.
Other community leaders backing Staebler include Yolanda Whiten, Mark Bernstein, Wendy Woods, Joan Lowenstein, Helen Starman, Brit Satchwell, Helen Ho and Susan Baskett.
"Ultimately, leadership is measured not by votes but by one's ability to inspire others to follow," Staebler said in a statement this week. "In these difficult times in Michigan, I believe we need leaders who are able to bring parties together to invest in a long-term vision for our state and most importantly bring that vision to reality."
Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529.
Comments
Richard C
Mon, Aug 2, 2010 : 6:02 p.m.
Jeff Irwin isn't doing too much for my environment. His mailings and flyers left at people's homes are all over the neighborhood. He must be good at spending money if he can afford the printiing. I have recieved three, one would have been enough.
aagadfly
Wed, Jul 21, 2010 : 9:11 p.m.
@Kris Allen: So your argument is that the LGBTA Caucus endorsement was the result of a bribe from Ned Staebler? I assume, given your involvement with the WCDP, that you can prove a) the existence, and b) the timing, of this contribution to the LGBTA Caucus. I would hope that a Democratic Party activist wouldnt be so eager to make untrue (or at least unsubstantiated) allegations of bribery and malfeasance in an MDP endorsement process. As for your assertions that the MEA and LCV endorsements were shams, I have just one question for you: Doesnt it bother you that your candidate whom you claim is great on environmental and educational issues and has ties to both the LCV and MEA has thus far failed to convert these natural advantages into endorsements from these groups? If Irwin cant work the room enough to get the endorsement of his former employer or the organization at which his mother runs the insurance company, how do we expect him to be able to work the room in Lansing to get any bills passed through the legislature?
Kris Allen
Tue, Jul 20, 2010 : 9:29 p.m.
@a2red You should examine those endorsement a little bit more... while I can't speak to all of them, it's my understanding that the MEA endorsement was flawed enough that complaints were filed by members of the endorsement committee at the state level. It's telling to me that leaders of the AAEA (Ann Arbor's arm of the MEA) are publically supporting Jeff - including Linda Carter and Percy Brown. I would also look at who serves on the LCV endorsement committee (and quite frankly, their board). I've heard one of them is Ned's boss, but at a minimum, they have close ties to the Staebler family. In addition, being involved in the WCDP, I know for a fact the LGBT caucus didn't even hold interviews (and I don't believe they did a questionnaire, but I could be wrong about that). Staebler did give the caucus a nice donation prior to the endorsement though. I find the endorsement of LGBT grassroots community leaders like Sandi Smith and Keith and Martin of the Aut Bar a much better barometer for someone's true ability and belief Endorsements are nice, but not always what they're cracked up to be when dig a little deeper.... I've chose to look at what the candidates have actually DONE for Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County. Not what organizations that may or may not have ties to Ann Arbor have decided. When you examine those records - Irwin stands out spectacularly. He's done honest to God work to improve Ann Arbor from the grassroots up. Staebler can't say that because he hasn't done that.
a2red
Mon, Jul 19, 2010 : 3:03 p.m.
I just read on the MDP Justice Caucus website that theyre endorsing Staebler in this race. As someone who considers herself a progressive, their support carries a lot of weight with me. I know it might be a minority opinion here on the comment boards, but a candidate who gets the endorsements of the LCV, MEA, Justice Caucus, LGBT and Allies Caucus, UAW, and AFL-CIO seems like a genuine progressive to me. I hear good things about Jeff Irwin on these issues, too, but all the organizations whose opinions I value say Staeblers the better choice.
Aaron Wolf
Mon, Jul 19, 2010 : 7:20 a.m.
They both seem like good candidates, but my vote is AGAINST the guy who is over-saturating us with glossy, insubstantial cardstock ads. In other words, JEFF IRWIN GETS MY VOTE! I vote against anyone who does robo-calling or excessive, redundant, emotionally-appealing advertising.
Joshua Lyman
Sun, Jul 18, 2010 : 8:33 p.m.
@a2green: I'm not entirely sure what you mean by "just-enough-to-be-recycled" paper, or how you determined that it was "just-enough-to-be-recycled" paper and not genuinely recycled paper. I'm also not entirely sure what your real complaint is here. That Ned told you too much about himself, his bio, and his issue positions? That you're now too well informed about Ned? I read the same pile of Staebler's mail you did, and I found them pretty informative. You know what my pile of Irwin mail looks like? My empty kitchen table top. Maybe Jeff Irwin really is a "true believer," as you say. Point is, I wouldn't know based on how much (or how little, I should say) he's reached out for my vote. What I do know is that introducing yourself and reaching out to voters is campaigning 101. If he hasn't mastered even that simplest of lessons, who knows what he might drop the ball on as a state rep?
Chris
Sun, Jul 18, 2010 : 10:59 a.m.
In August, residents of the 53rd district will have an opportunity to cast their ballots for either Jeff Irwin or Ned Staebler. Both candidates are highly intelligent, hard working, and demonstrate a commitment to serve as our voice in Lansing while working to bring positive changes in our local and state governance. Each candidate offers compelling insight into todays most pressing issues from employment, business, and entrepreneurial development to our childrens education and the environment. Both candidates command respect and integrity in their current occupations. But the similarities end there. While Mr. Staebler has clearly shown a lead with endorsements and campaign contributions, which have undoubtedly bolstered his campaign, his connections with Lansing and involvement with the MDEC do not give him an advantage in this race. Arguably, Mr. Staebler is too well connected with the same organizations and influential individuals that have led Michigan down the wrong path. His efforts have wasted precious taxpayer resources on courting corporate executives in the hopes of someday attracting jobs to Michigan. A vote for Mr. Staebler will surely maintain the status quo in Lansing. What is needed in a perspective candidate for state office is experience in local governance, consensus building, political engagement, and budget reform. Mr. Staebler lacks the experience necessary to advocate, articulate, and advance his policy agenda for Michigan and effectively represent Washtenaw residents because his attention, time, and energy has been focused in Lansing not Washtenaw County. Mr. Irwin, on the other hand, has the local experience, political acumen, and creative vision to improve the quality of life, business, environment, and education for the residents of Washtenaw County. He served Washtenaw County for 10 years as County Commissioner and throughout his political career the residents of Washtenaw County and local businesses have been the direct beneficiaries of his leadership in sound governance. Mr. Irwin has a demonstrated record as a County Commissioner promoting actual job growth by ensuring that good government policies are in place to foster and cultivate entrepreneurial initiatives for businesses locating in our county. As an environmental advocate, Mr. Irwin has championed environmental initiatives and undertaken efforts as a County Commissioner to improve the quality of life and environment for Washtenaw residents (http://www.voteirwin.com/Accomplishments.html). While Mr. Staebler claims to be an environmentalist, his approach to environmentalism is vastly different than Mr. Irwins. For instance, while Mr. Staebler wants to give big tax breaks to try to lure "green" companies to Michigan, Mr. Irwin wants to champion the implementation of wind, solar, and geothermal projects by greening government facilities and putting tools in the hands of citizens who want to save money and reduce pollution with programs such as the PACE program he has advanced in the legislature. Mr. Irwin clearly supports positive policy changes, such as net-metering rules and stronger RPS standards that promote green energy projects and position Michigan at the forefront of green job growth. Mr. Irwins strategy is a long-term vision that will continue to encourage and grow green jobs in Michigan. Mr. Staeblers policies are more of the same quick-fix strategies that have damaged our state economy relying too heavily on tax payer subsidies without building the necessary foundation to bring jobs to Michigan. Mr. Irwin will continue to encourage economic development by working with businesses to make job retention in our county a top priority. For these reasons, Mr. Irwin is the right candidate to represent the 53rd District. As a County Commissioner, Mr. Irwin has demonstrated his leadership as an elected official, and his experience will undoubtedly be invaluable in Lansing to ensure that the concerns of his constituents are heard. Mr. Irwins political career is an asset in a highly political arena where having solid government and policy experience matters most. The problems in Lansing stem from inexperienced candidates unable to do the job they were elected to accomplish for their constituents. Unlike Mr. Staebler, Mr. Irwin will be ready to serve the 53rd District his first day on the job.
Snarf Oscar Boondoggle
Sun, Jul 18, 2010 : 10:18 a.m.
just a nit-pick to the headline writer: who's backing _who_: Jeff Irwin and Ned Staebler... 'whom,' pse
Lisa
Sun, Jul 18, 2010 : 9:39 a.m.
@Roy Salinger: Jeff Irwin's mom is a senior official at MEA and MESSA, so there is no surprise that many of her colleagues who know her son and have seen the great job he has done here are supporting him especially since Jeff has placed a strong emphasis in his campaign on the need to invest in making our education system better. Considering the fact that Ann Arbor's economy is totally dependent upon the health of the many area Universities (UofM, EMU, WCC and the smaller ones), assuring adequate investment in education by the state means not just a better future for my kids but also potentially more jobs in the future for us here in Ann Arbor. Michigan has one of the lowest number of college graduates per capita of any state. If we don't increase the number of college graduates who live (and stay) in Michigan, we aren't going to replace the jobs that were lost, since the great factory jobs aren't likely to come back.
Sam Adems
Sun, Jul 18, 2010 : 9:16 a.m.
@Roy Salinger - To clarify, the "amusing" part that I was referring to in my comment was the A2Politico piece on Ned and the MEDC, which is very witty indeed! The New Yorker and the Detroit Free Press articles I mentioned and provided links to are what is the "interesting and very relevant" and (highly credible) part I was writing about in my comment.
Roy Salinger
Sun, Jul 18, 2010 : 8:39 a.m.
@Lisa This is from a story here on AA.com from the last campaign finance reporting "A large portion of Irwin's money came from political action committees ($4,424), lobbyists ($4,375), and donors with links to the Michigan Education Association and Michigan Education Special Services Association ($3,825). Staebler has not accepted any money from PACs or lobbyists." Maybe you should support your claims. @Sam Adems Yes, using A2politico as a source to support your claims is really the best way to go, especially considering who is writing that blog. Also, it's clearly biased as Lesko supports Irwin. My pick will remain with Staebler, substantive experience in the business world, as well as being a teacher, provides Ned with all the right experience to help the state.
Sam Adems
Sun, Jul 18, 2010 : 8:24 a.m.
With respect to Ned Staebler, the time "he worked in banking and finance before joining the MEDC" was actually spent in London, England as a derivatives trader for the Wall Street investment bank Bear Stears (which failed during the financial crisis). That lack of bad judgment as well as some things he did at the MEDC are quite amusing and interesting and very relevant to this topic: 1. Detroit Free Press: Bold Experiment Produces Few Jobs http://www.freep.com/article/20100523/BUSINESS06/5230448/1322/Bold-experiment-produces-few-jobs 2. A2Politico: The Politics of the One-Two Bitch Slap: Obamas Economic Advisor Dr. Lawrence Summers Raps Ned Staeblers Knuckles and Calls MEDC Crony Capitalism http://www.a2politico.com/?p=2305 3. The New Yorker: Inside the Crisis: Larry Summers and the White House Economic Team http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2009/10/12/091012fa_fact_lizza The MEDC is very cosy capitalism!
Lisa
Sat, Jul 17, 2010 : 11:15 p.m.
@Treetowncartel says he doesn't care deeply about social issues or that someone who cares deeply about social issues concerns him or wouldn't get his vote. Hmmm. Isn't the whole point of politics trying to make society better by trying to positively address the flaws in our society to increase the common good? @Treetowncartel admits he can't vote in this race which means he doesn't live in Ann Arbor. I'm sure glad Treetowncartel can't vote in the Democratic primary in Ann Arbor! For me the choice is easy. On one hand we have an unproven opponent -favored by many donors and PACS based outside the district - who has never held political office, Ned Staebler. On the other hand we have an excellent candidate who has proven himself in what he has done for us over the past 10 years, Jeff Irwin!
treetowncartel
Sat, Jul 17, 2010 : 8:23 p.m.
"Deeply about social concerns" worries me. Too much apathy among the electorate to reach down and grab the boot straps is equally concerning. Staebler knows people in Lansing already, if I could vote for him that would be my 1 reason.
Lisa
Sat, Jul 17, 2010 : 6:32 p.m.
I think Jeff is the ideal candidate to represent Ann Arbor in the State Legislature. Some of the commentators have attacked him saying he doesnt have proven business experience which is bizarre since when he was the Chair of the County Commission he balanced a $30 million projected budget deficit at the County without any drama. Ned has never managed more than the funds in his Bear Stearns derivatives trade book and everywhere hes ever worked, hes a worker bee with little authority over money, or at least thats essentially what he said at the Democratic Party debate when asked what experience handling, managing and balancing budgets did he have? Oh, he did mention all the budgets Ned managed sitting as one of the many board members of a couple of non-profits! Oh, and at the MEDC he has been one of Governor Granholm's top advisors trying (and failing) to create jobs handing out loans and grants to politically connected crony capitalists. If he was a failure at the MEDC why will he be more successful in the State Legislature? I like Jeff for four main reasons: 1. Jeff is a fiscal conservative who cares deeply about social causes and protecting those who are most at risk in our community. He balanced a $30 million projected budget deficit at the County by building consensus around cutting out what wasnt necessary while enhancing & preserving important social and environmental programs. He brought together county management and the unions to reduce the number of staff and to lower wages and benefits for both the senior administration and staff workers. Jeff and his wife Kathryn understand the financial pressure that many Michigan families are facing. He knows that investments in infrastructure like transit and great public schools can make the difference for families trying to make ends meet. 2. Jeff is a strong proponent of back office mergers between local units of government. He led in the merger of the citys and countys back office computer and IT centers. He strongly advocated for the successful merger of the city and county Community Development Departments & 911 emergency dispatch services. 3. Jeff is strong advocate for wider regional cooperation among units of government. He gained substantial regional experience through his involvement in South East Michigan Council Of Governments (SEMCOG), the most important regional coordination agency, and knows the political leaders throughout SE Michigan. He strongly advocated for regional transit at both AATA and to establish regional commuter rail and secured the funding to make it happen (though some regional political leaders have decided to sit on the money). 4. Jeff is able to work across party lines to get things done. At the county commission he has been a consistent voice of reason and has a close positive working relationship with the Republican members of the county commission. These four qualities are important qualifications to bring to Lansing and if implemented on a state-wide basis would go a long way towards solving the many of problems that our state has. Jeff is a natural politician, an extremely likeable and charismatic fellow, who can work with diverse types of people and has a strong track record of success. In 10 years in public service, Jeff has accomplished many things, big and small. He has been a tireless worker on our countys behalf. For all these reasons, I'll be voting for Jeff Irwin August 3rd!
aagadfly
Sat, Jul 17, 2010 : 2:33 p.m.
@Quercus: Perhaps you misunderstood my comment. Allow me to reiterate: County Commission = part-time. Working for LCV = full-time, with a record of performance that led them to endorse his opponent.
Me Next
Sat, Jul 17, 2010 : 2:33 p.m.
I am so sick of rigged elections. It's our guy or our guy & neither guy represents Democrats. As in the early 1920s it's time for Yellow Dog to run & win. Who are the "Local elected officials" so people will know who to not vote for again. Don't Lead - I will not follow. Don't follow - I will not lead. Walk with me in the blessings of Liberty or you walk alone. I notice no success for Inclusion from any of these Ruling Class for "common" citizens. After massive amounts of taxes washed into their hands we are worse off & less free. All the promises only got us more enslavement. How nice for them, they win whether they win the elections or not.
David Cahill
Sat, Jul 17, 2010 : 1:41 p.m.
I don't think the kind of paper a candidate uses on his literature is any measure of his commitment to environmentalism. Most paper has substantial post-consumer recycled content. Worry about someone's paper ranks with the preference of a handful of activists for the mostly-vanished "union printer". But having said that, I prefer Irwin, either both candidates would make fine representativs. Irwin has a decade of experience in public office in which he has done well, which tips the balance for me.
Quercus Alba
Sat, Jul 17, 2010 : 1:35 p.m.
To aagadfly, clearly you are uninformed. Jeff has been an effective leader of Washtenaw County for 10 years serving as a County Commissioner in an elected position. Residents support Jeff precisely because he has been an effective leader with a record to prove it.
aagadfly
Sat, Jul 17, 2010 : 12:27 p.m.
@votea2: Clearly, they thought so much of his work that they endorsed his opponent. Hardly a selling point. Perhaps I should have amended my statement to say: "never had a full-time job at which he's been effective."
Steve Pontoni
Sat, Jul 17, 2010 : 11:22 a.m.
I am the Chairperson of the Michigan Democratic Party Progressive Caucus and my full-time day job is to consult and assist progressive political groups in electing progressive candidates to office. The Progressive Caucus has NOT endorsed in this race and there is no plan to. The reason for that is that both candidates are virtually identical on the issues. They are both great on environmental issues, GLBT issues, choice issues and labor issues amongst many others. Neither will be bad for Ann Arbor. However, the reason I am supporting Ned is because I see what Lansing is like on a daily basis. I see the craziness and lack of productivity that roams the halls of the Capitol. We need someone with the experience and passion to rise above the noise and be a leader. Ned's education, intellect and stregnth make him an ideal person to go to Lansing to help get things in the right direction. Progressive politics is what I do for a living. I like Jeff Irwin and I think he'd do a fine job. But, right now, in these times we need some one to captain the ship.
Dorran
Sat, Jul 17, 2010 : 10:04 a.m.
@Joan thank you for returning some civility to this back-and-forth. Call me crazy, but am I the only one who thinks it might not be such a bad thing to have a state rep who has the background and the experience to really understand how the economy works? Last I checked, the unemployment rate in this state was 14%. Were not going to be able to do any of the important things we want to do (pay for education, protect the environment, etc. etc.) without expanding the tax base and bringing revenue into state coffers. And that means jobs. Ill take the candidate who knows how to create them in a heartbeat.
Joan Lowenstein
Sat, Jul 17, 2010 : 9:40 a.m.
Both candidates are men of high integrity, so let's get the facts straight and stop with ridiculous name-calling. Like many smart young people, Ned got a job in investment banking when he graduated from college. He left that to go back to school and learn about public policy so he could come back here and help his state. Those are the facts.
votea2
Sat, Jul 17, 2010 : 9:30 a.m.
@aagadfly Jeff worked full-time for the National League of Conservation Voters and subsequently for the Michigan League of Conservation Voters while he was a County Commissioner.
aagadfly
Sat, Jul 17, 2010 : 9:14 a.m.
@lebron: My understanding of the County Commission is that it's a pretty part-time gig. So yeah, I guess I would take a banker and economic developer over someone who has never had a full-time job.
lebron
Sat, Jul 17, 2010 : 8:48 a.m.
@roy..well considering this is a political office both candidates are running for, I say yes, why not vote for the only candidate on this ballot with ANY political experience...better question is why would we want to elect a banker? if i wanted someone to trade my derivatives for me, i'd vote for Ned.
Barb
Sat, Jul 17, 2010 : 8:14 a.m.
@a2green, yes! I have the exact same feeling about candidate who claims to be green but doesn't really walk the walk when it comes to the campaign materials. I mean, seriously? I wish I knew how many of those laminated cards I've received from him. Get a clue, dude.
a2wolverine
Sat, Jul 17, 2010 : 6:35 a.m.
Looks like Staebler put together a pretty impressive list of endorsements. Glad to see the campaign is going so well, and all the right people are supporting you, Ned. I look forward to pulling the lever for you on August 3rd.
Roy Salinger
Sat, Jul 17, 2010 : 2:25 a.m.
@lebron Are you really trying to blame the collapse of Bear Stearns on one person who left years before there were problems with the banking industry? That is one wild allegation. Also, "necessary experience?" Has he ever held a real job? He's been a politician since college, is that really the type of people we need right now? Career politicians?
Alan Benard
Fri, Jul 16, 2010 : 11:36 p.m.
So LCV can't support its former executive director. And Sierra Club is run off of greenwashing money from Clorox via its product endorsements. I see.
lebron
Fri, Jul 16, 2010 : 11:28 p.m.
Staebler say at this point in Michigan's history, we need leaders with long-term vision and a track record of accomplishments. exactly what accomplisments does Ned have besides his failures as a derivatives trader and the collapse of Bear Stearns. Not to mention the failures of the MEDC and the 21st century jobs fund that has failed to create all the jobs its promised while companies are just pocketing the tax credits they received from Staebler and the MEDC. at this point in Michigan's history, we need leaders like Jeff Irwin who have the necessary experience and a proven progressive record to correctly represent the values of Ann Arbor and its people.
MichU
Fri, Jul 16, 2010 : 10:25 p.m.
Jeff Irwin has my vote. He will be a great advocate for Ann Arbor/Washtenaw County and the entire state of Michigan. This person has an understanding of our region and state in a way no other candidate does. As a former up-stater and a current Ann Arbor resident, I know he is the best to represent us all. He is smart, a good listener and great potential. Best wishes to him and his family! --Jill O. Stanevich
a2green
Fri, Jul 16, 2010 : 9:20 p.m.
Without a doubt Irwin is the more progressive candidate with solid environmental credentials. The Farm Bureau's endorsement probably is a statement on his commitment to buying local. Jeff talks about the importance of buying local produce. When you consider how much fossil fuel goes into moving food around it becomes a green issue. The farm bureau knows this is a strong democratic district so they might as well support the candidate that is best on local buying. The MEDC has been a massive failure so this idea that Ned knows how to produce jobs is false.
pseudo
Fri, Jul 16, 2010 : 9:16 p.m.
Jeff Irwin has been elected by us for a long time to serve at the county level. He has served us well and I am looking forward to seeing him move up to the state level He already has some of the relationships we will need to get things done in Lansing. He already knows where the bathroom is. What I like is that he has held elected office with the constituent demands and has done well with it. He has always either picked up the phone or returned my call quickly with a "how can I help" attitude. His policy stances combined with his practical knowledge make Jeff better qualified to represent us in Lansing.
Olive
Fri, Jul 16, 2010 : 9:10 p.m.
Jeff Irwin has my vote.
Jay Davenport
Fri, Jul 16, 2010 : 9:09 p.m.
I have friends who live in Jeff's commission district who have never seen him. Ned has hit my door three times this year. It is clear that he is a hard worker. Jeff makes strong claims about the east-west rail to Detroit. Last time I went to DTW or Comerica Park I felt pretty dumb waiting for a train that never came. I want some one who can get some stuff done, not smile next to a railroad track.
Roy Salinger
Fri, Jul 16, 2010 : 8:49 p.m.
@oldgaffer "more progressive candidate"?? How does getting the Farm Bureau endorsement, one of the most Republican organizations out there, make one more progressive?
Roy Salinger
Fri, Jul 16, 2010 : 8:45 p.m.
Right now in Michigan the most important thing is the economy. We need someone with experience and understanding of what needs to be done to bring jobs to to our state. Ned Staebler is the only candidate in this race that can bring that to the table.
Bill
Fri, Jul 16, 2010 : 8:35 p.m.
Someone from Staebler knocked on my door around 6 pm last week. Anyone that bothers me when I'm eating dinner loses my vote. Glad Irwin looks qualified.
Jeff Gaynor
Fri, Jul 16, 2010 : 8:28 p.m.
Both Irwin and Staebler seem to be fine candidates, each with solid endorsements. After much research I made my choice, which was not who my union endorsed. I found out that endorsement turned on one vote - a sign that one shouldn't form a conclusion based on only one piece of information.
oldgaffer
Fri, Jul 16, 2010 : 8:15 p.m.
Jeff Irwin is my choice. An environmental lobbyist, Jeff is the more progressive candidate. Despite his family history, Ned Staebler is a Wall Street investment banker and bankers can not be trusted.
ellie may
Fri, Jul 16, 2010 : 6:36 p.m.
When it comes to environmental issues Jeff Irwin has a proven record of understanding the technical issues associated with wind and biomass energy production. Jeff has championed the preservation of wildness,farmland and Great Lake Shorelines. Jeff can be proud that he fought to have Washtenaw County preserve over 1,800 acres of land through the NATAC program. Jeff was a leading sponsor of the initiative and the success of this project has won accolades from leaders across the nation. When it comes to being green and creating green jobs I have the utmost confidence in Jeff Irwin.
a2green
Fri, Jul 16, 2010 : 5:43 p.m.
Staebler's claim of environmentalism is hard to believe given the pile of glossy just-enough-to-be-called-recycled paper he's mailed to my house. Maybe he takes the just-enough-to-be-called an environmentalist approach. We need a true believer.
votea2
Fri, Jul 16, 2010 : 5:12 p.m.
Actually, from looking at their respective websites, Lisa Wozniak, LCV's Executive Director is supporting both Jeff and Ned. Several board members of LCV also continue to support Jeff over Ned including Francine Alexander and Irene Cahill. Note that other prominent environmentalists including the executive director of Clean Water Action (Cyndi Roper), many of the employees of the Ecology Center, and some employees of the Michigan Environmental Council support Jeff. From what I have heard, only a small section of the LCV board votes on endorsements - the members of the endorsement committee. From what I was told, this committee is comprised of moderates who came onto the board after Jeff left the organization, several of whom had already publicly endorsed Ned. Sounds like a sham endorsement process and one that undercuts LCV's credibility in my view.
Jay Davenport
Fri, Jul 16, 2010 : 4:38 p.m.
@AAResident If Irwin worked SOOOOO hard at LCV why did they endorse Ned? Electing Irwin seems like a real gamble to me. I think Ned is the safe bet.
AAresident
Fri, Jul 16, 2010 : 4 p.m.
Ned Staebler's philosophy philosophy is trickle down from the affluent. When I spoke with Jeff Irwin, he mentioned that: "Staebler was a derivatives trader for Bear Stearns while I was working to protect clean air and clean water with the League of Conservation Voters." There's plenty of evidence that trickle down is a bad deal for most of us.
KeepingItReal
Fri, Jul 16, 2010 : 3:26 p.m.
The fact that Barb Bergman endorses Jeff Irwin is enough to send me in the other direction.
Anon E Muss
Fri, Jul 16, 2010 : 3:19 p.m.
The League of Conservation Voters endorses Staebler and the Mayor while the Sierra Club endorses Irwin and Lesko? Enough said -- I'll take the LCV any day.
Barbara Levin Bergman, Washtenaw County Commissioner, District 8
Fri, Jul 16, 2010 : 3:18 p.m.
Hey, don't forget me. I am supporting Jeff Irwin. Barbara Levin Bergman