Comments on: Democratic Primary 2011: Mapping Money

By: Mark Koroi

Mark Koroi — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 02:07:19 +0000

Steve Rapundalo, to my knowledge, has not even put up a website yet despite collecting over $2,900. Can he win without a website? Is he doing any campaigning?

A big chunk of Neal Elyakin’s funding appears to have come from activists in Jewish organizations of which he is affiliated with.

Tim Hull has gotten only a small amount of donations. His backers appear the same persons who support Mike Anglin.

Ault has collected an impressive amount of contributions given this is her first run at public office.

By: Jack Eaton

Jack Eaton — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 19:59:01 +0000

Re [3], Ken, While there are no primaries for other parties, there are still some substantial choices to be made. In the Democratic Party primary, there are two basic “visions” for the City competing in three of our five wards. One vision is a “build-it-and-they-will-come” scheme financed with huge public debt. The competing vision supports the idea that because residents pay high taxes they should receive excellent public services (police, fire, solid wast, parks, etc.).

Two incumbents, Council Members Anglin and Kunselman represent the services oriented view of local government. Challenger Tim Hull has expressed ideas consistent with this view.

Conversely, incumbent Council member Rapundalo has pursued publicly financed economic development, debt leveraged projects like the underground parking structure and re-purposing of parkland for the benefit of private business. Challengers Ault and Elyakin have criticized the incumbents for not going along with the majority and can be expected to follow this debt/development vision of city government.

The Republicans will not have a primary, but they will have candidates on the fall council ballot in three wards. It is my understanding that the three Republicans are of the Tea Party persuasion. Without regard to who wins the democratic nominations in the primaries, Tea Party versus Democrats will offer clear and distinct choices.

Rather than decry the lack of party proliferation, I suggest that you take action. Staying informed, giving support and voting will help you through your frustration. You’re reading the best site for local government information, so you’re off to a good start. Consider writing a check or working on behalf of a campaign. And if none of the current crop of candidates fits your ideology, consider running in an upcoming year’s election with the party affiliation of your choosing

Lastly, the Mayor and Council pay close attention to what voters think. Huron Hills is still a golf course and the library lot will not have a publicly subsidized conference center because they pay attention.

By: Just Ken

Just Ken — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 18:47:30 +0000

Where’s the map for the Republicans, Greens, Libertarian, and Socialist Worker’s parties and all the independent candidates? Oh wait. We don’t have any. I credit the research and graphing skills of Mr. Askins very highly but it once again illustrates the political straitjacket Ann Arbor is in. It really doesn’t matter who gives some candidate $50 or what neighborhood they live when we have no alternative choices when we to to vote. Why should Hieftje or the council members care that much what people think? They run unopposed in their primary and the general elections for the most part.

By: Dave Cahill

Dave Cahill — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 18:18:03 +0000

This mapping is an important achievement!

Hmm. Looks like most of the action is in the Fifth Ward race. No surprise there.

The only surprise for me is how much of Elyakin’s money is coming from outside AA.

By: Ben Connor Barrie

Ben Connor Barrie — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 17:55:17 +0000

Mmmmm data. Thanks for presenting this information in an easily understandable format.