Voters in Ann Arbor head to the polls tomorrow for the city council primary elections. There are contested races in four of the city's five wards. However, the 2nd ward will be decided in November. Leading up to the race, the candidates have been addressing a number of issues including public safety, development, transportation and infrastructure. Here, we take a look at at the 3rd and 5th ward races.
(Report on 1st and 4th Wards found here.)
Listen to the report here:
3rd Ward - Historic Preservation
Most Ann Arbor residents have an opinion as to how, and to what degree, historic neighborhoods should be protected. Incumbent Stephen Kunselman wants them diligently preserved.
His challenger is a University of Michigan IT Supervisor. Zachary Ackerman Has also served on the political staffs of Congresswoman Debbie Dingell and Ann Arbor Mayor Christopher Taylor. Ackerman says he isn't opposed to preservation but hesitates to give full support to every project.
Ackerman says resolving city issues as quickly and effectively as possible is a priority and believes Kunselman hasn't done that, using the ReImagine Washtenaw Initiative as an example.
Councilman Kunselman says his track record shows otherwise.
5th Ward- Affordable Housing
Incumbent Mike Anglin is being challenged by Professional Planner Chip Smith. Councilmember Mike Anglin wants to continue working with the non-profit Ann Arbor group Avalon Housing to offer more affordable housing.
His opponent says Ann Arbor would do better if it follows in the footsteps of some other cities around the country, like Aspen Colorado.
5th Ward- Public Safety
Keeping Ann Arbor residents safe is another priority. Anglin would like hire more firefighters. However, Smith believes the real focus should be on transparency to have a more organized police and fire department.
The Ann Arbor City Council Primary elections will be held tomorrow. Polls open at 7am tomorrow morning and close at 8am Tuesday night. Follow WEMU on Facebook, Twitter and our website at for election results as they happen on Tuesday evening. Then join us for a full wrap-up of the elections during Morning Edition on Wednesday.
