Comments on: Democratic Primaries 2011: Wards 2, 3, 5

By: Mary Morgan

Mary Morgan — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 02:04:09 +0000

Re. 4: Two local nonprofit groups – the Arts Alliance and the Friends of the Ann Arbor Skatepark – asked candidates to respond to questions related to their respective special interests. The Arts Alliance received responses only from Ingrid Ault (Ward 3) and Mike Anglin (Ward 5). [.pdf of responses] FAAS received responses from all Democratic candidates in Wards 2 and 3, and from Democratic candidate Neal Elyakin in Ward 5. [link]

By: Joel Batterman

Joel Batterman — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 01:33:25 +0000

The Washtenaw Bicycling & Walking Coalition has posted candidates' responses to a questionnaire on non-motorized transportation issues: [link] Is anyone aware of other local groups that conduct candidate surveys? If so, it would be nice to see them aggregated.

By: Gustav Cappaert

Gustav Cappaert — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 00:35:57 +0000

The Ann Arbor City Council will never consider any policy remotely affecting the state of Israel.

The idea that Neal will have some antipathy toward Palestinians or Arabs in Ann Arbor is ridiculous.

By: Germain

Germain — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 15:43:01 +0000

I have read some of Mr. Elyakin's public writings about Palestinians. His public blog is at [link] In his Blog, he implies that Palestinians are a myth, a fictitious people. What would his attitude be towards Palestinian Ann Arborites?

By: Gustav Cappaert

Gustav Cappaert — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 14:54:18 +0000

My two cents: if you live in the Fifth Ward, check out Neal Elyakin's website: [link] or give him a call at home (996-0476). I grew up down the street from the guy and I respect him a lot. He's got a lot of energy and curiosity, works very hard, and enjoys thinking about city issues from all angles. There is no doubt in my mind that Neal will be an active and independent councilman, someone you can really get to know. Tomorrow is a big day for other reasons, but you can take your mind off of the boneheadedness of the U.S. Congress by voting in the Ann Arbor City Council primary.