I am always open to alternative ways of doing things, keeping in mind that there are certain core values that are important to me, in particular trying to serve those people who are in need, particularly children.

As to your specific questions – I believe that Ann Arbor SPARK is definitely a worthwhile investment, as it has brought many businesses and employment opportunities to the county, and has successfully leveraged millions of dollars into Washtenaw County. The Eastern Leaders Group is valuable in that it supports SPARK East, but I want to re-evaluate it for 2012 and beyond.

It’s not easy. I appreciate your expression of support.

The nuance of this issue is that the current County revenue shortfall is not a function of higher or lower taxes. Rather it is a matter of declining property values and elevated foreclosure rates. My statement was that our community resilience (along with good economic policy and fiscal responsibility) can help us through this economic crisis to a time when the economy is better and the County’s budget is not declining.

I have said very firmly that this is not the time to be thinking about what more the county can do, but rather how what it does can be done more effectively. BUT, in an optimistic future where the budget will be stable and growing again (not due to a tax increase but due to increased property value and declining foreclosure rates), we should begin to bring back programs that folks in the community need. Again, this does not require a tax increase.

Thank you for voicing your concern about my statement. I hope that you will consider contacting me so that we can discuss your concerns/ideas further. Contact info at voterabhi.com

Yousef Rabhi

Also, could you expand on your thinking on what constitutes the “right decision”? What’s the general basis, and are you open to later learning that a different decision might be better?

Thanks. As a new District 9 resident I’m looking forward to voting for you in November.

ADD to what the county does once we’re back to happy days are here again with tax collections? HE might not want to worry about budgets but every single taxpayer in this County worries over every penny of their personal budgets. For Mr. Rahbi to salivate over pulling in more money is appalling. Yeah, any more taxes and we all might be forced into growing our own food and living in tents.

Insulting!

She seemed better informed and a more intelligent candidate than Barbara Bergman.

Bergman has been in office too long. Fresh leadership is needed.