Lou Glorie is Carsten Hohnke's only challenger in the primary race for Ann Arbor City Council

Lou Glorie

The winner of that race will face off against Republican John Floyd in the November general election.

Two other prospective challengers, Newcombe Clark and Allen Licari, decided against running as Democrats in the primary, but still have the option of running independently in November.

The nonpartisan filing deadline is July 15. Clark, who announced intentions to seek Hohnke's seat in the aftermath of the defeat of the Moravian development, said he's seriously considering it. Licari, who appears unlikely to run, hung up on AnnArbor.com today when asked for comment.

In an official campaign announcement today, Glorie said the city needs politicians dedicated to public service. She said the mayor and current council majority have not safeguarded the public interest.

“The 5th Ward is a vibrant, diverse community where the citizens are capable of and willing to participate in planning the city’s future," she said in a written statement. "But our efforts to take part in the processes that are shaping our downtown and neighborhoods are continually rebuffed. 'Public hearing’ in Ann Arbor has come to mean the public sits politely and hears what the city plans on doing downtown, with the parks, in our neighborhoods."

Glorie said she thinks poor choices and reckless spending by city leaders has led to a deterioration of core city services such as fire and police, roads and the Stadium bridges. She also said "relentless increases" in water and sewer rates and park fees are "another sign of a culture of carelessness in city hall." “What I’m hearing from my neighbors as I’ve circulated my petitions is that people young and old love Ann Arbor’s character and want our city to retain its distinctiveness," she said. "Ann Arbor already is ‘someplace.' We don’t need to stuff our city into a pre-fab mold. The urban ‘ideal’ being promoted by the council majority — I call it Dubai on the Huron — is already outmoded. Let’s stop trying to lure people here who want to live in much, much larger cities. What about just allowing Ann Arbor to be itself? That’s the best way to welcome new residents."

For a complete list of candidates running for City Council, visit AnnArbor.com's running list here.

Ryan J. Stanton covers government for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529.