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Civic Matters: More 'Y' Lot Discussions, 'Michigan Divided,' Leaders Connect Breakfast, And More

The deadline to get on the August primary ballot has passed, which the election season is really going to pick up steam.  In this week's "Civic Matters," WEMU's Patrick Campion talks to CivCity Initiative executive director Mary Morgan about the latest events in local government, including more talks on the Ann Arbor YMCA Lot and a screening of a new, politically-charged documentary.

Mary Morgan
Mary Morgan, executive director of the CivCity Initiative

Mary Morgan brings a wealth of experience to the airwaves.  While heading up the CivCity Initiative now, Mary was previously co-founder and publisher of the Ann Arbor Chronicle.  Prior to that, she served as a reporter and editor for the Ann Arbor News when it was a daily, print-edition newspaper. 

This Week's Topics

   • The filing deadline has passed for the Aug. 7 primary election, with competitive races for all Ann Arbor city council seats and many other positions.  Here's the list of local candidates

   • The Ann Arbor City Council is still grappling with the question of whether to buy back the former Y lot on East William, near the downtown library.  They've called yet another special meeting for Tuesday, May 1 at 5 p.m. – and this topic is the main agenda item.  You can watch the session online here.

   • Join CivCity on Thursday, May 3 at 5:30 for a screening and discussion of Michigan Divided, part of Bridge Magazine's Truth Tour and hosted by the United Way of Washtenaw County.  The documentary focuses on five families with differing backgrounds, political views and financial means, and explores the ways that we are connected despite our differences.  It takes place from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the United Way, 2305 Platt Road.  Click here for details.

   • On Friday, May 4, the Leaders Connect breakfast focuses on school safety issues, including bullying and gun control.  Panelists are Jeanice Kerr Swift, Ann Arbor Public Schools superintendent; Christine Stead, AAPS board president; Elizabeth Birr Moje, UM School of Education dean; and Nikolai Vitti, Detroit Public Schools superintendent.  The free event runs from 7-9 a.m. at Zingerman's Roadhouse, 2501 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor.  Click here to RSVP.

   • On Saturday, May 5 the Ann Arbor Water Treatment Plant is hosting an open house with tours, activities for kids, food and music by Joe Reilly.  The event runs from 11 a.m. til 3 p.m. at 919 Sunset Road.  Or learn more about how Ann Arbor keeps clean water running from your tap by reading the city's 2017 water quality report, which was released earlier this month.

   • As part of its website overhaul, Washtenaw County has launched "Notify Me," a new way to get alerts and information about county services, meetings and events.  You can opt to receive all notices or choose only the categories you want, like social services, parks & rec or public safety.  Check it out here.

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— Patrick Campion is the WEMU Program Director.  You can contact Patrick at734.487.3363, on twitter @WEMUPC, or email him at pcampion@emich.edu

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