Comments on: Ann Arbor’s July 4th Parade of Candidates

By: Mark Koroi

Mark Koroi — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 16:40:03 +0000

@David Cahill:

“Mike Woodyard is going to be crushed by Judge Connors”

You should disclose that you are on Timothy Connors’ re-election committee.

Connors’ endorsement list is noteworthy for the local judges and county officials who have not endorsed him.

Connors has never run in a contested election and his wife Margaret Connors was soundly defeated in the 2008 Ann Arbor District Court primary race.

Jim Fink is a likely August primary winner.

By: Sandy

Sandy — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 15:21:07 +0000

I walked with Judge Connors this 4th of July. We passed out fruit snacks to the kids, took pictures, talked with the clowns, and honored the day. The reason I was there was to support Judge Connors because I feel he is a better candidate than Michael Woodyard, but at the end of the day we simply had a blast! I think that the kids liked receiving the snacks as much as we enjoyed handing them out.

Independence Day is a day to celebrate our freedom as Americans. As an American, I am happy to have the freedom to vote for the candidate I believe best reflects my ideals. I was happy to see so many judicial candidates at the parade demonstrating that it is the citizen’s decision to determine who will be their judge.

By: Kathy Griswold

Kathy Griswold — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 00:08:15 +0000

I spotted councilwoman Jane Lumm walking with the Big Brothers, Big Sisters. She was still having fun with the kids at the end of the parade route.

By: David Cahill

David Cahill — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 23:36:29 +0000

Since Independence Day celebrates the birth of democracy here, it’s only fitting that politicians come out.

Michael Woodyard is going to be crushed by Judge Connors. I expect Woodyard is running this time just to spread his name around. There’s nothing wrong with that, of course.

By: Mark Koroi

Mark Koroi — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 21:36:54 +0000

@Marvin: Agreed. Judicial candidate Michael Woodyard, who is squaring off against Judge Timothy Connors this Novemeber, declined to attend this parade as he felt Fourth of July parades should honor veterans rather than political candidates.

A growing number of judges and lawyers are appearing as endorsers on the woodyard4judge campaign website and believe that Mike Woodyard would make an excellent replacement for Judge Connors.

@Scratchingmyhead: I support Jim Fink, who is an Ypsilanti resident; perhaps he was attending holiday festivities in that locale.

By: Marvin Face

Marvin Face — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 17:45:27 +0000

Truth be told, this was the one (and only) time I enjoyed the dotcom story and photos better than the Chronicle. Call me sentimental, but parades are about kids, candy-throwing, fire trucks, bands, and flag-waving folks along the sides. Not: “Hey, lets go down to the parade and see the drain commissioner candidates!” Polititians = blech.

By: Vivienne Armentrout

Vivienne Armentrout — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 12:35:51 +0000

Thank you for the excellent pictures of all the political aspirants who were in the parade. Your report was in a sense a complement to the coverage by the “other” online publication, where we got more of the cute kids, the folks along the sides, and the other displays.

I’m happy about the Skyline band. One of my complaints about the parade has always been the lack of bands. I spent my high school days marching in many parades, wearing a hot wool uniform in Oklahoma heat. (You haven’t lived until you’ve marched behind the horses in a rodeo parade. But maybe Sousa is worth it.)

By: Scratchigmyhead

Scratchigmyhead — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 12:31:33 +0000

I was dissappointed to see that Candidate Fink was not in attendance at this event especially since I am supporting candidacy for Judgeship. Fink, please do not take your candidacy for granted.

By: Katie L.

Katie L. — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 04:05:04 +0000

I had the honor and privilege of walking next to Judge Connors in the parade in support of his re-election for Washtenaw County Circuit Judge. While I understand individuals’ concerns over the number of politicians participating in the parade, I can confidently assure readers that I was not walking next to a politician. I walked next to a man who was born and raised in Washtenaw County, a man who serves Washtenaw County, and someone who loves Washtenaw County. I’m not a fan of politicians–I just don’t trust them. I trust Judge Connors and believe Washtenaw County is a better place to live in because of him and what he does for the county. I’ve seen it with my own eyes and I am so thrilled to have an opportunity to support his cause. Happy 4th of July everyone! God bless. :)

By: TeacherPatti

TeacherPatti — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 02:33:31 +0000

Nice pictures! I saw Mary in the crowd with her camera, but couldn’t get over to say hello, as I was sweating my arse off in the parade! Lots of fun, but super hot…thanks for being out there :)