Ward I candidates focus on housing costs

By Jeremy W. Peters

Daily Staff Reporter

Neither candidate for the Ward I seat on the Ann Arbor City Council has ever held an elected public office, but both say they were driven to run primarily because they want to address concerns related to housing costs.

"There are the day-to-day issues, but what I'm hearing from the lips of everyone have been concerns about affordable housing," said Democratic candidate Jean Robinson.

Her opponent, Tony Ramirez, said he, too, has concerns about the price of housing in Ann Arbor.

"The number one issue is affordable housing. It's a tough goal, but I think we'll make some progress," said Ramirez, who is running as an independent candidate.

Although Robinson and Ramirez have no political experience, they both have been extensively involved in the Ann Arbor community.

Robinson, a retired Social Worker, has served on the boards of numerous nonprofit organizations, including Don Farm, a drug treatment foundation in Ann Arbor; the Washtenaw County Area Agency on Aging; and the Community Development Block Grant executive committee, where she worked directly with the mayor and the city council.

Robinson said one of her primary concerns as a city council member would be to ensure the city's homeless have adequate housing.

"I have great concern about the homeless and what to do to help them. As a social worker I believe it's not only important to house them but to move them into more permanent housing," she said.

Ramirez's service record includes 20 years as an officer in the Detroit police reserves, a member of the Building Authority Commission and the Affordable Housing Task Force.

In addition to affordable housing, Ramirez said he wants to reform the city's budget and maintain a good relationship between the city and the University.

"They're spending too much on a lot of stuff," Ramirez said. "It's just a big pile of money for nothing. I also think a good relationship with U of M is key. (University President Lee) Bollinger has taken more of a role with the city than previous presidents and I want this to continue."

Both candidates also contend they want to give back to Ann Arbor by serving on the City Council.

"We live in a community and we reap the benefits. I believe we should give back something in return," Robinson said.

"I don't have an agenda. I just want to serve the city," Ramirez said.

Ward I represents much of northern Ann Arbor, including the Michigan Union and the Diag. Incumbent Democratic Councilwoman Tobi Hanna-Davies is not seeking re-election.

Ann Arbor City Council

Tony Ramirez Independent Challenger	Jean M. Robinson Democratic Challenger