Comments on: Know Your AATA Board: Roger Kerson

By: Vivienne Armentrout

Vivienne Armentrout — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 17:05:58 +0000

I am puzzled by #3 since the last election for the AATA millage was in 1973. It is a “perpetual” millage though it has been Headleeized over the years so has been reduced from the original 2.5 mills to just a little over 2 mills.

I think it must be acknowledged that AATA routes are not configured for convenient commuting from one quadrant of the city to another. Unfortunately, the trend with the current board is to emphasize inbound commuters from outside the city, so this other problem is unlikely to be addressed.

By: Stephen Landes

Stephen Landes — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 14:27:02 +0000

Twenty five years ago I had the pleasure of working for Bechtel Power Corporation in Ann Arbor. I thought this would be a wonderful opportunity to save some money, sell a car, and ride the bus. From my home in NE A2 the bus ride in those days was 45 minutes — three times what it took to drive there during morning rush hour. When the last tax increase for AATA was on the ballot I checked the AATA web site to see what the ride time would be today to make the same trip (to what is now the 777 Building): how about a 67 minute commute – substantially WORSE over the years. I will never vote for money for AATA or plan my transportation around a service that gets worse over time.

By: Jack F.

Jack F. — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 13:46:08 +0000

Kerson thoughts on…say no bid contracts for Recycling Ann Arbor? And if this appointment was suggested by John Dingle’s office? And if he has any plans to run for City Council in the next two years?

By: Gregg Shotwell

Gregg Shotwell — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 00:24:28 +0000

When Kerson was head of public relations at UAW headquarters he was known as “No Comment.” We called him “The Answering Machine.” He always had the same answer: No Comment. He never had anything to say in response to reporters queries about the UAW and its actions. As UAW members we felt that no one at Solidarity House was defending our reputations even when the main stream media was telling lies about us. The corporations were given a free hand to manipulate the media in regard to negotiations and the outlandish exagerations about our compensation. Kerson never defended us. I suppose it wasn’t his fault. He was just following orders. That’s how he got promoted. He’s always been a good yes man.