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Posted on Fri, May 11, 2012 : 3:30 p.m.

More Ann Arbor City Council candidates file as Tuesday deadline approaches

By Ryan J. Stanton

With Tuesday's filing deadline only days away, candidates for the Ann Arbor City Council are lining up and making their campaigns official.

Vivienne Armentrout, who is running as a Democrat in the 5th Ward, filed on Thursday. Her opponent in the August primary, Chuck Warpehoski, filed on Wednesday.

They're both seeking the 5th Ward seat being vacated by Democratic incumbent Carsten Hohnke, who announced recently he won't seek re-election.

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A third challenger in the 5th Ward, Republican Stuart Berry, filed on Thursday.

Council Member Tony Derezinski, D-2nd Ward, and his Democratic challenger, Sally Hart Petersen, both filed and have their campaigns in full swing.

Albert Howard, who is planning to run as a Republican against Democratic Mayor John Hieftje, pulled petitions on May 3 but hasn't filed yet.

Hieftje filed Friday.

Sumi Kailasapathy, who is running as a Democrat for the 1st Ward seat being vacated by Democratic incumbent Sandi Smith, filed on Monday. Her potential opponent, Democrat Eric Sturgis, pulled petitions on Monday but hasn't yet filed.

Kailasapathy, who launched a campaign website at www.sumi4aa.com, announced this week she already has endorsements from Council Members Mike Anglin and Jane Lumm.

"Her personal commitment to the community and to open and transparent government is outstanding," Anglin said in an endorsement statement. "Her professional skill as a CPA would be very advantageous to City Council."

Council Member Christopher Taylor, D-3rd Ward, filed to seek re-election on April 30 and doesn't yet appear to have a challenger. However, records from the clerk's office show Howard, who plans on running for mayor, also pulled petitions to possibly run against Taylor.

In the 4th Ward, Democratic incumbent Margie Teall has not filed yet, but her Democratic challenger, Jack Eaton, filed on April 30.

Armentrout announced on Friday she has launched a new campaign website at viviennearmentrout.com. Warpehoski has launched voteforchuck.org.

Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529. You also can follow him on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's email newsletters.

Comments

clownfish

Sat, May 12, 2012 : 12:35 p.m.

Now is the time for all .com whining posters to step up! This is YOUR chance to fix all of the cities problems with your know-how. I would expect to see several candidates for each office, as there are a plethora of people on these pages that have all the answers.

Carole

Sat, May 12, 2012 : 12:25 p.m.

Sure would like to see a candidate for mayor -- think it is time for an overhaul in the city.

Halter

Sat, May 12, 2012 : 10:46 a.m.

Good keep filing!! I will automatically vote for anyone NOT currently on council!!

Roadman

Fri, May 11, 2012 : 11:45 p.m.

For those afficanados of Israel/Palestine issues, Chuck Warpehoski in January of 2009 organized a demonstration in support of the victims of the war in Gaza. Over 175 persons attended and counter-demonstrations were also organized by the Jewish Witnesses for Peace and American Movement for Israel. Vivienne Armentrout has said she does not believe that such Middle East politics should be part of the local City Council agenda as there are already more pressing isues that the city must deal with.

Vivienne Armentrout

Sat, May 12, 2012 : 3:20 a.m.

The last time I discussed this issue was at a Fifth Ward Democratic Party forum for candidates in 2008 when a question was directed to both of us about it. (It was never an issue discussed elsewhere in the campaign and I believe that my opponent at the time, Carsten Hohnke, expressed a similar viewpoint.) I think a more accurate report of my statement at that time was that I did not consider this issue an appropriate subject for City Council deliberations. I don't believe I said the second half of what Roadman has said. My general philosophy is that it is not the business of City Council to deal with international issues. i have personal views, many of them strong ones, about various national and international issues. For example, human rights in China, the U.S. industrial policy, bank regulation, energy policy, Syria, Middle Eastern policy in general (not only in reference to Israel), North Korea, how we should deal with certain African nations, etc. From time to time, Council has entertained resolutions on various larger subjects. For example, at one time (perhaps still), the City had an official policy not to do business with Myanmar, aka Burma. I don't think it affected many of our contractors and suppliers. In my opinion, the reach of our Council might extend as far as the State of Michigan except in really unusual circumstances, but it should mostly occupy itself with our local issues. Otherwise it is merely grandstanding without any power or influence to affect the subject under discussion. As the director of a nonprofit addressing peace, human rights, and similar issues, it is appropriately a role for Mr. Warpehoski to address such issues, and i applaud him for that (though I have not followed any specifics and can't endorse any specific stands he may have taken). But I am running on how I might address local issues that I might actually affect. not on opinions regarding every global issue.

Linda Peck

Fri, May 11, 2012 : 9:47 p.m.

I am looking forward to the opportunity to cast a vote for Stuart Berry, 5th Ward resident, a man who favors providing basic services and road repairs. I met him last week. I like this straightforward, highly educated man who has a graduate degree in hazardous waste management - a definite plus in this city! He is concerned about the lay offs of police and firefighters and the funding of projects of "questionable worth." I have no disagreements with Stuart on these points!

eyesofjustice

Fri, May 11, 2012 : 9:32 p.m.

I am happy to see we have new candidates running for City Council, changes need to happen people need to go! And the mayor needs to be ......(I will keep that thought to myself) Tony Derezinsk's time is over he has done nothing to lead our current council in the right direction. His claim to fame is that he is a retired attorney, its time the "Good ole Boys Club" move on....we need someone that cares about the community , not someone who is more concerned about if there's a open stool at knights....Sally Peterson all the way! Go Sally Go ....its music to my ears!

Roadman

Fri, May 11, 2012 : 9:21 p.m.

Good luck to Sumi and Jack!

Sparty

Fri, May 11, 2012 : 9:07 p.m.

Anyone but the Mayor and his Cabal !