Ypsilanti Township supervisor candidates see different paths into the community's future
Ypsilanti Township Supervisor Brenda Stumbo says she believes she and the current board of trustees have guided the township through a severe recession with a balanced budget, few cuts to service and a strong team in place to help counter foreclosure and blight issues.
One of her challengers, John Hoops, a Belleville business owner and head of that city’s downtown development authority, sees it differently. He says Ypsilanti Township must be taken in a new direction and focus on business recruitment and retention and be proactive instead of reactive in addressing blight.
Hoops is part of the Y-Town Future, a slate of 10 candidates running on that same message for Ypsilanti Township's administrative, trustee and park commission seats.
In the Aug. 7 Democratic primary, voters will decide whether or not the township needs to head in a new direction or if they feel Stumbo and the current board of trustees are taking the right approach to addressing the township’s issues.
Brenda Stumbo
Photo courtesy of Ypsilanti Township
A third candidate, Brenda Meadows, did not respond to AnnArbor.com’s requests for an interview. Meadows is currently serving a term on the Willow Run Community Schools Board of the Education. Her term expires in December 2014, according to the district's website.
Stumbo, 50, has served as an elected official for 24 years and is at the end of her first four-year term as Ypsilanti Township's supervisor. She said her experience, along with the experience of those currently serving on the board and staff, is an asset to the township as it continues to try to maintain services in tough economic times.
“During the difficult times, everyone has worked together on behalf of our community,” she said. “Our team’s knowledge and experience far exceeds our opponents. There have been no issues raised in the board meetings in the past 3.5 years or in this campaign. We have done an excellent job in addressing the reduction in revenue by reducing expenditures without reducing services.”
Hoops, 35, owns Belleville Milling Company, Feed Store & Pet Supply in downtown Bellville. He is running for office for the first time but was appointed to the Ypsilanti Township Park Commission in 2011 and the Belleville DDA, of which he is now chair, in 2006.
He sought to highlight Y-Town Future’s diversity and asserted that he would be a strong leader of that group and the township.
“I prefer to lead and not follow,” he said. “This township needs someone who will step out in front and work hard to make Ypsilanti Township a premier destination in Washtenaw County.
“As for the township as a whole, I feel that if it happens in the township, I should know about it.”
Stumbo called neighborhood stabilization the biggest challenge the township faces as it copes with the loss of its industrial tax base. The closing of the General Motors Hydra-Matic Plant in 2009 resulted in 35 percent loss of revenue and contributed to more than 2,000 foreclosed homes, Stumbo said.
She said the township was able to reduce its expenditures and balance its budget while maintaining essential services such as fire, police protection, garbage collection, brush collection and road improvements despite the challenges.
John Hoops
Photo courtesy of John Hoops
The creation of the Community Action Team in partnership with the Wathenaw County Sheriff’s Office is one of the successes the township has had in dealing with crime and blight-related issues, Stumbo said. That team works closely with residents and neighborhood associations.
The township also created a blight enforcement agency composed of multiple township departments that holds banks, mortgage companies and absentee property owners accountable for abandoned and foreclosed properties, Stumbo said.
“Neighborhood stabilization continues to be our biggest challenge,” she said. “Holding banks, mortgage companies and absentee owners accountable continues to be the solution.”
She laid out the township’s approach to fighting blight, which she said starts with the township’s and Sheriff’s Department’s philosophy of “If you see something, say something, and it is up to us to try and do something”.
Complaints are investigated by the ordinance, building, zoning or fire department, Stumbo said, and a property owner is given a notice of violation, not a ticket, if there is an issue.
“The (notice of violation) gives them the opportunity to become compliant with our codes,” Stumbo said. “If the property is determined to be dangerous in regards to residents' health and safety, then we act swiftly and proceed to court on an emergency basis when requested by the director of community standards in consultation with legal counsel.”
But Hoops says he disagrees with that approach.
“We need to be less reactive and more proactive to address the blight issue,” he said. “Blight has been building under the watch of the current board, and it didn’t happen overnight.”
Brenda Meadows
Courtesy of Willow Run schools
“If we need to have a building torn down, we will have a plan in place to rebuild something in its place,” Hoops said. "For too long we’ve been tearing a lot down, but not rebuilding anything in its place.”
Hoops said listing and marketing township-owned properties to get them back on the tax rolls or working with local real estate agents to generate exposure could be one way to avoid having to tear down so many buildings. He also said officials need to work closely with the homeowners associations to localize blight enforcement, which will save the township money in the long run.
Also central to Hoops' campaign is creating a strong business community. He said the township needs to highlight areas that are ripe for commercial development - such as the Washtenaw Avenue, Ecorse Road and Whittaker Road corridors - and focus on improving business activity there.
Hoops suggested the creation of a downtown development authority and seeking grant funds to improve those areas and make them more favorable to pedestrian and vehicle traffic.
“We truly care about the business community and take them seriously,” Hoops said. “As businesses thrive, others will see Ypsilanti Township as the place to be and hopefully make the choice to locate here as well.”
Stumbo connected the township’s neighborhood stabilization effort to the 41 businesses she said decided to expand or move to Ypsilanti Township over the past three years.
“The best way to attract new business is to continue keep your community safe, clean and provide good service,” she said.
She said the township has benefited from partnerships formed with economic development groups such as SPARK East and the Aerotroplis project, which is a collaboration between multiple governments and organizations to promote significant economic development along the Interstate 94 corridor.
She said the township is also working closely with the Racer Group to help attract new business to the former General Motors Plant.
“We all know the solution to the economy is jobs, the solution to our housing crisis is jobs and the solution for our families is good jobs,” Stumbo said.
Comments
Fullstory22+2
Tue, Aug 7, 2012 : 8:40 p.m.
how can Mr. Hoops run a township when he can't run a business (2 times bankrucy was filed) also personal. stop protening to be smarter then everyone else Mr. Hoops when your not. also run your turn party as a rep. not a dem...
Beige202
Tue, Aug 7, 2012 : 6:19 p.m.
John Hoops always pestered me with his Republican propaganda whenever visiting his store, why is he not listed on the Republican party side of the ballot. Whats with the Republicans all running under the other side of the Ballot if their convictions are so strong? If you can't be honest when checking your party affiliation on the election form, how can anyone believe anything else you say?
ytoguy
Tue, Jul 31, 2012 : 1:12 a.m.
Is this the same John Hoops who brings stray cats to his place of business and then refuses to care for them? Even turning down offers to get them fixed at no cost. He says why worry they will soon die from illness, trains or wandering off. Nice plan John! Stumbo initiated and maintained a plan for the Township during tough times. Let's see, someone who has a plan and sticks to it or someone who forces cats upon a community with no regard for the cats or community's well being. The choice is clear. Brenda deserves our vote.
Joe
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 11:05 p.m.
The township has been one of the bright spots (outside of AA, obviously) to weather the economic storm. Look at what's going on in Ypsi City with their budget. The Twp still has a balanced budget, and is MUCH MUCH more tax friendly than the city. People looking to open up businesses in the area will continue to look towards the township, because of the low tax rate, and relatively low property costs. AA is too expensive, property wise for a lot of small businesses, Ypsi City is too expensive tax wise. Stumbo and her group weathered this strom as well as anyone could have hoped. Ain't broke, don't fix it
FedUpinA2
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 5:58 p.m.
Dang, is this an election campaign, or the Jerry Springer Show?
ThaKillaBee
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 7:32 p.m.
Election campaign. The Jerry Springer show is a television program.
Thomas Jones
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 4:03 p.m.
I live in the Ypsi-Township and think B. Stum-Bo is Mind less. She will not be getting my vote ever!
ThaKillaBee
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 7:31 p.m.
What makes you say so?
Lifelong A2
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 3:28 p.m.
The facts speak for themselves: Ypsilanti Township has weathered a vicious economic storm caused by auto factory closings, foreclosures from the housing crisis, etc. Yet Ypsilanti Township is solvent, providing vital services, and pro-actively addressing blight by aggressively pursuing banks to clean up dilapidated properties. Conclusion: Brenda Stumbo has done an amazing job during the most stressful economic climate in 80 years.
not a billy
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 3:10 p.m.
Sure looks like the good ole boys (and girls) have their faithful followers loading up the comments. Not much changes in Ypsi Township politics, never has. It is truly most unfortunate that the majority of township residents don't know what is going on or just don't take the time to gete involved.
Joe
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 11:07 p.m.
What, in your opinion, needs to change in the townships politics, and why? Thanks, I'll hang up and listen.
ThaKillaBee
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 7:30 p.m.
What's making you form this opinion? Most of them seem very informed.
xmo
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 2:01 p.m.
It is surprising to see so much activity on the Democrat side! after Governor Granholm and President Obama, I thought that people would learn not to vote for them!
ThaKillaBee
Tue, Jul 31, 2012 : 2:58 a.m.
Well, because that would be stupid. All things considered, they've done a great job. I know it's counter-intuitive, what with (presumably) your side voting against your own interests all the time, but us Democrats tend to vote for the guys we feel represent us best.
not a billy
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 1:56 p.m.
"Without reducing services"?? What do you call the reduction in the number of fire fighters on duty every day? The FD has went from a minimum of nine people on duty down to six, covering almost thirty two square miles and a population of over 53,000. In 1990, the population was 45,000 with thirty three full time fire fighters. 2012 population is 53,000 with 27 full time fire fighters. I am not sure where Brenda Stumbo and Karen Roe went to school, but my math shows a reduction in services. Just because you still have three fire stations open and the same number of fire trucks doesn't mean there is not a reduction in services!! It is this mentality and deception that provides the basis for a needed change.
RadicalBabe
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 1:42 p.m.
Vote for Brenda - she does an awesome job. John Hoops wants to start a DDA. This would mean that residents would have to pay a larger share of the taxes for essential services so that the DDA could use it's taxes to fund non-essentials. Is John Hoops going to sell his business if he gets a full-time job as Township Supervisor?
Duc d'Escargot
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 1:06 p.m.
The GM plant was known as the Hydra-Matic Plant for a long time. We often dropped the hyphenation in casual references. The plant, and its products, were never known as "Hydromatic." Not that annarbor.com should care about spelling or anything.
Monica R-W
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 4:52 p.m.
Thank you for noting this correction. My late Father worked at this former plant for 41 years and YES it was called GM Hydra-Matic before GM Powertrain. Nice to know that someone else remember this bit, of now Ypsilanti Township history!
Heather
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 1:04 p.m.
I DO live in the township. I've lived here for 25 years. Every time I have had contact with Brenda Stumbo and Karen Lovejoy Roe, they have impressed me with their knowledge of how the township works and their eagerness to directly and effectivelly address the local issues that concerned me. I plan to vote for them and for their team. I think they have been doing a wonderful job in very difficult times.
debbie
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 12:48 p.m.
I personally don't feel like Hoops is going to care about what's going on in Ypsilanti township. He talks about being businesses to ypsi but yet his own store is in Belleville, and he sits on boards in that town. How can you care and help Ypsilanti township I'd you don't even work and live in this town?
YpsiReslifelong
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 6:33 p.m.
John Hoops is a great leader. His business has been in his family for a very long time. He is going to led Ypsilanti Township in the right direction. I am voting for John Hoops for Supervisor.
ThaKillaBee
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 12:28 p.m.
I've been to the Milling Company, once. I found John Hoops rude and arrogant. He gave me an unprompted lecture when all I wanted to do was buy feed. Obviously those reasons may not be politically relevant, but he left a bad impression with me. Funny to see his name and photo pop up here.
jondhall
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 11:06 a.m.
Brenda and her team are doing a great job, she will never give up on this Township. When the comeback arrives and it is on its way, she will be one of the reasons that it occurred. She will not let YT become an Inkster. I find her fair, firm and caring in my dealings with her. One could not ask for more from a public official. Goodness will prevail!
lefty48197
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 10:47 a.m.
I'd like to know if either candidate has a plan for addressing the surge in crime south of Ford lake?
Maier Suchowljansky
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 1:40 a.m.
Brenda Stumbo and her team well deserve to be re-elected. Her dedication to improve the township and her passion to do the right thing is a breath of fresh air. Voters are tired of negative attacks. Haven't heard a single proposal with any level of detail or substance from Hoops or the rest of the challengers other than bashing the good work that you can't help but notice all around town. Keep holding the big banks and out-of-town landlords responsible, because they are! And keep working with Habitat, it's making such a huge difference in our neighborhood.
soggy waffle
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 1:15 a.m.
While not a resident of Ypsi Township, I have experience over the past several years working with Ms. Stumbo on a regional board. Honestly, I would be concerned if I were a citizen of YT to have Ms. Stumbo represent me. She is consistently late to every meeting, unprofessional, and unprepared. I know nothing of how she runs her township, only how immature she behaves in front of other elected officials from the county.
not a billy
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 2:01 p.m.
Pretty much the same scenario when Karen Roe was the supervisor. Ypsi Township has been the laughing stock of Washtenaw County for decades. Not much changes.
kathryn
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 12:48 p.m.
With charges like that, I would think you should be willing to post under your real name.
heraclitus
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 12:22 a.m.
I have known and worked with Supervisor Brenda Stumbo for almost 20 years. Brenda brings a dedication and passion to her office that is motivated by her desire to serve the residents of Ypsilanti Township. She is a good person. She is accessible and works hard for every dime she earns. Brenda has implemented programs with a pragmatic viewpoint. The roads in Ypsilanti Township are rated the highest of any Township in Washtenaw County. The subdivision roads are swept clean and the trees are trimmed and chipped. As the roads have been improved so too has water and sewer main improvements been coordinated with YCUA and the Road Commission. Much of the construction you see around the Township will pay dividends for decades to come. It is a wise investment. The issue of blight has been a perennial problem in Eastern Washtenaw and Western Wayne counties. After the financial collapse of 2008 the problems were magnified by several orders; however, Ypsilanti Township has not been fighting a rear guard action against blight. In fact, they have been quite aggressive. The constitutional rights of property owners must be respected and addressed by the municipality. In order to be consistent with due process, blight remediation takes time from the initial assessment to final court action. I have been following the overwhelming success the Township has made against banks and other financial institutions that are not willing to address blight issues as the bank's investment crumbles. The Township is requiring banks to be good citizens. I also think it worth noting that the older neighborhoods are generally clean and rebounding. Sales reports indicate that the worse is over. I believe supervisor Stumbo's leadership and practical policies are creating economic momentum which is attracting new investment. Continuation of these policies will yield tangible positive benefits to the residents of Ypsilanti Township. Brenda Stumbo deserves to be re-elected.
doug winters
Sun, Jul 29, 2012 : 11:42 p.m.
The residents of ypsilanti township are truly grateful to have elected officials who care deeply about our businesses and neighborhoods. MY whole neighborhood supports supervisor Stumbo and her entire team! thaks for all you have done and will continue to do
not a billy
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 3:14 p.m.
And every time they "care" the attorneys make more money. Great gig if you can get it!
Steve McKeen
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 12:38 p.m.
Hey Doug, as a resident of the CITY of Ypsilanti, how can all of your neighbors support Stumbo if they can't vote for her?
Mr. Ed
Sun, Jul 29, 2012 : 11:50 p.m.
When you have a contract to provide legal services of course your whole neighborhood would support her. I think your bias in this area and should recluse yourself from making comments.
TommyJ
Sun, Jul 29, 2012 : 10:42 p.m.
Vote for Hoops!
Greggy_D
Sun, Jul 29, 2012 : 9:46 p.m.
"She said the township was able to reduce its expenditures and balance its budget while maintaining essential services such as fire, police protection, garbage collection, brush collection and road improvements despite the challenges." A complete lie seeing that they needed to push through a millage for sheriff's deputies a couple of years ago.
Beige202
Tue, Aug 7, 2012 : 6:23 p.m.
The Sheriff's millage was because of the Sheriff's department breaking their agreement on pricing with the Townships. Ypsilanti Twp was one of the few that tried fighting it in court and in the end were forced to pay up or lose our services. I don't believe this issue had anything to do with the elected officials.