2012 Ann Arbor Council Primary Roundup
When sitting Democratic councilmembers Sandi Smith (Ward 1) and Carsten Hohnke (Ward 5) announced in the spring they would not be seeking third terms, it was clear that the 11-member Ann Arbor city council would be joined by at least two new members in November.
Colored areas correspond to city wards. Clockwise, starting from the top dark green are Ward 1, Ward 2, Ward 3, Ward 4 and Ward 5. All but Ward 3 had contested Democratic primaries on Aug. 7.
When Sally Petersen challenged Tony Derezinski (Ward 2), and Jack Eaton challenged Margie Teall (Ward 4) in the Democratic primary, the number of possible new councilmembers rose to four.
And when Albert Howard filed successfully in mid-summer as an independent candidate for mayor, challenging sitting Democratic mayor John Hieftje, it meant a turnover on the council of potentially five members – because the mayor is a member of the council.
Yesterday’s Aug. 7 primary election results helped clarify the council’s future makeup. Petersen defeated Derezinski by a 55-45 percentage split, and Eaton came within a whisker (18 votes) of beating Teall.
In the Ward 5 Democratic primary, Chuck Warpehoski polled 56.5% to Vivienne Armentrout’s 43.5% to win a place on the ballot in November next to Republican Stuart Berry. And in Ward 1, 58% of Democrats chose Sumi Kailasapathy compared to 42% who preferred Eric Sturgis.
In Ward 3, Christopher Taylor was not challenged in the Democratic primary, and does not face a partisan opponent in November. The lack of a partisan opponent applies to wards 1, 2 and 4 as well.
So after the Nov. 6 general election, the council will likely include new members Sumi Kailasapathy, Sally Petersen, either Chuck Warpehoski or Stuart Berry, and possibly Albert Howard instead of John Hieftje.
After the break, we provide a statistical breakdown of the election and some colored maps to illustrate the results. [Full Story]