Jason Frenzel is a candidate running to represent Ann Arbor's 1st Ward on City Council. This is his submission for WEMU's "Soapbox Summer" series.
Hello friends. My name is Jason Frenzel and I look forward to the opportunity to represent Ann Arbor’s First Ward on City Council. I would be honored if you voted for me in the upcoming primary election on August 2nd 2016, especially if you live in the first ward.
I am excited for this opportunity to share with you a bit about my history and priorities, which I believe make me the candidate who will best represent our ward.
I am proud to live and work in Ann Arbor, one of the coolest and most highly ranked cities in our pleasant peninsula. I attended public schools in Ann Arbor and have lived here for 35 years. I understand how Ann Arbor works. I also know how to engage citizens, businesses, and other invested parties in positive collaborations so we can effectively accomplish our mutual goals. In my positions at the City of Ann Arbor Parks’, Natural Areas Preservation Department and the Huron River Watershed Council, I work to visualize, develop, and foster numerous citizen initiatives such as the Ann Arbor Adopt-a-Park program and Huron River Water Trail Ambassadors.
Throughout my professional career, I have come to understand the hard work it takes to bring people together to make good decisions. I pledge to hear all voices from the First Ward and beyond, and to represent each with equity. I will work to create greater transparency through improved citizen participation and access, and will lead our city and citizens toward civil, responsive, thoughtful public engagement.
When it comes to living in our city, basic public services are essential to maintaining our quality of life. I prioritize high‐quality and dependable city services, such as clean, healthy drinking water; reliable sewer and stormwater systems; responsive police and fire protection; and sidewalks and streets that are well maintained. Providing these services in an efficient, cost‐effective manner will make Ann Arbor a more affordable and attractive place to live and do business.
Housing costs and transportation options are two factors that contribute to Ann Arbor’s growing economic segregation. We need to minimize suburban sprawl and increase density in thoughtful ways that enhance our community aesthetically and materially. I will work to create affordable and equitable housing options, address the costs of living in them, such as energy bills and taxes, and I will support diversifying our transit system.
My passion and life’s work has been to lead our community to the highest environmental standards. Ann Arbor has a history of being on the vanguard of environmental and sustainability initiatives. These efforts protect and enhance our livable neighborhoods and support our economy. My profession and personal habits demonstrate my belief and investment in community stewardship. On the Ann Arbor Environmental Commission, I have initiated innovative issues such as a ban on toxic driveway sealants, and helped to move them through City Council. I am a proponent of partnerships, and believe we can work more closely with neighboring communities, schools, and residents to reduce budgets and continue to make Ann Arbor vibrant and strong.
Please reach out to me to share your concerns, and ideas. You can find my contact information at www dot the letter a, the numeral 2, Jason Frenzel dot com. Remember, vote Jason Frenzel for First ward August 2nd.