First Ward Ann Arbor City Council representative Sabra Briere is running to be the next mayor of Ann Arbor. Briere announced she's running in a letter today.
In the letter she says Ann Arbor needs a mayor who is innovative, pragmatic, and responsive to the community. Briere says she works with every member of council and is focused on improving the quality of life in the community.
Briere says she hopes to continue what she's been doing on council in finding solutions for the problems facing the community. She says the solutions she tries to find are workable, innovative, and frugal.
Last year, Mayor John Hieftje announced he wouldn't be seeking re-election. Briere says she has been encouraged to run in the past but didn't run because she thought Hieftje was unlikely to lose.
Council members Stephen Kunselman and Christopher Taylor have announced they will be running for mayor. Thursday the Chair of the Washtenaw County Commissioners YousefRabhi announced he wouldn't be running for mayor this year after considering a possible run.
— Andrew Cluley is the Ann Arbor beat reporter, and anchor for 89.1 WEMU News. Contact him at 734.487.3363 or email him acluley@emich.edu.
Here is the letter from Sabra herself:
Dear neighbor, I don't generally put political content in my messages to you, and I don't intend to make a habit of it. But I wanted to let you know - before I sent the press release off to the media - that I've decided to run for Mayor. I take my role as Council member seriously. I will continue to hold weekly office hours, write my newsletter, and advocate for your concerns during the election cycle. If elected as Mayor, I plan to continue doing those things, too. I appreciate your past support, and trust that you will continue to provide me with your insight, ideas, and concerns. And of course, I'll be happy to discuss any issues - including this decision - with you. You can always email me or call 995-3518 (home) or 277-6578 (cell). Sabra