Posted on Sun, Jul 29, 2012 : 11:29 a.m.
Kailaspathy sound financial choice for City Council
By Letters to the Editor
Join me in supporting Sumi Kailaspathy for 1st Ward City Council on Aug. 7. Sumi is a skilled community advocate.
As a professional Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Economist, Sumi understands the financial issues and budgetary constraints confronting our city. Sumi isn’t afraid to ask the difficult questions that are often overlooked in Council meetings. A vote for Sumi is a vote for financial integrity and transparency.
Kim Winokur
Ann Arbor
Comments
Mary Koral
Thu, Aug 2, 2012 : 8:18 p.m.
I have considered long and hard how to choose between Sumi Kailasapahty >and Eric Sturgis. At first, Sumi seems to be the obvious choice, an >adult with experience and a solid work history. There is nothing to >dislike. > >However, as I think about Ann Arbor and reflect on the larger picture, >the one that will carry us into the future, I think that age and >experience are not the most defining factors for me. Sumi is charming >and smart to boot. But, her reluctance to invest in the arts and the >railroad station, suggest a financial conservatism that could hinder a >progressive vision of Ann Arbor. Yes, the arts cost money and a larger >railroad station is a challenge. But we need to take risks for the >future. We need to continue to invest in our city in the way that has >defined as as one of the very best cities. Not all choices of city >council have been what I want personally (those high rises!) but Ann >Arbor is a great city. Much of that is due to the vision that has defined >us so far. I know we need good roads and police officers. However, people >will not come to Ann Arbor for its smooth roads, and we who live in this >town, benefit from a city people choose to visit. That's what makes us >vibrant. I respect and value police officers, but doubling the police >force in a time of lowering crime seems like overkill. So, I am choosing >Eric Sturgis, young, inexperienced and forward thinking. Carefulness is >to be valued, but it should not negate a path to the future which must >include both art and public transportation. >Mary Koral
Sumi
Fri, Aug 3, 2012 : 1:55 p.m.
I was misquoted by Ann Arbor Observer. I showed the national average to the reporter which was double our current number. Ann Arbor Observer is going to make the correction in the online edition. I have repeated that I will go with the current magic number of 150 police officers. As for public art, I am for public art and public funding of it. I just have a problem with the way it is being funded now - which might not be legal - taking money from utility funds was held illegal in the Seattle case. So we need to put it to the voters to get a millage passed to fund out public art projects. Sumi Kailasapathy
Eco Bruce
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 1:28 p.m.
Sumi was part of the Pat Lesko Slate in 2010.Lesko may be keeping a low profile this year, but don't be fooled. This is still her slate and Sumi is part of it.
Roadman
Sun, Jul 29, 2012 : 10:52 p.m.
The correct spelling of Sumi's surname is " Kailasapathy".
Joseph Welch's Ghost
Sun, Jul 29, 2012 : 10:45 p.m.
Mis Kailaspathy has stated that we should have 250+ Police Officers. This would require either many millions in cuts, or many millions in increased taxes. The ability to read a balance sheet does not ensure good judgment.
NewYorkerinAA
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 5:21 a.m.
Guess it doesn't count that Sumi actually addressed your question huh? As if typos don't happen on here, especially without an edit button.
ordmad
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 4:53 a.m.
"has yet" not "is yet". Please be sure to proof read the legislation you intend to draft.
Sumi
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 1:14 a.m.
I actually said 150 police officers and the Observer reporter misquoted me. The Editor has agreed to make this correction on the online version of their article....but is yet to do so! Sumi Kailasapathy
so much nonsense
Sun, Jul 29, 2012 : 8:05 p.m.
My point David, Is that she is not being upfront with her depth of experience and then I go on to say that experience isn't needed anyway because of the city's highly qualified staff to give facts. Council makes decisions based on the facts given by the staff, not the facts spun by a personal agenda of one councilmember. Sturgis will be far more open minded. Her lack of clarity about the depth of her experience is a sign of the type of councilmember she sill be with the constituents. She will tell half truths.
Angry Moderate
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 1:45 p.m.
So, who do you work for?
David Cahill
Sun, Jul 29, 2012 : 5:50 p.m.
Five years' experience is much better that no experience. Sturgis is so confused that he thought running a small current surplus meant that the City had no long-term debt! Plus, I can't resist pointing out that we have a democracy here in Our Fair City. Council members make the decisions, not unelected staff.
Roadman
Sun, Jul 29, 2012 : 10:53 p.m.
Why hasn't your wife, Sabra Briere, endorsed Sumi?
so much nonsense
Sun, Jul 29, 2012 : 5:10 p.m.
Sumi has less than 5 years experience as CPA, not the extensive experience she is leading voters to believe. Our city staff has many more years experience in governmental accounting than she does. That she will understand the budgetary issues more than staff is insulting to the staff and the residents of the city. A vote for Sumi based on her CPA background is a vote for conspiratorial thinking that our staff is not doing their jobs. I support staff and therefore support Eric Sturgis.
Tom Whitaker
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 3:10 p.m.
No where does this letter to the editor state that Sumi will "understand the budgetary issues more than staff." The point is she will understand the issues better than most current incumbents and certainly better than her opponent.
Angry Moderate
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 1:44 p.m.
How could anyone be LESS qualified than the experienced officials who spent $900,000 on a broken urinal?
Alan Goldsmith
Sun, Jul 29, 2012 : 3:49 p.m.
Sumi is probably the best candidate to run in Ward One over the past decade. The residents of this ward are lucky to have her running in the August 7th primary.