City Services

People are leaving the city and moving to areas out in the country where they do not have public services. Why does the city put so much emphasis on city services?

Unicameral Michigan

What do you think about a unicameral Michigan? Should we do away with the Senate?

Behind Closed Doors

Mr. Pierce commented that decisions had been made “behind closed doors” by the city. Which ones?

Staff Concerns

Ms. Richardson said we should aggressively pursue new business development for Ypsilanti. With what staff? There’s nobody there.

Why Not Yet

Mr. Pierce stated [that] regional cooperation would solve our budget problems. If that were true, wouldn’t it have already happened? (We don’t have a payroll dept. that costs us $800K.)

Republican? Y/N

Have you worked for the Republican party in the past; if so, how would you implement a Democratic doctrine to the city of Ypsilanti?

Assuring Us Regarding Big Business

Critics regard Democrats as being “tax and spend.” Within the party, through, many see that we have actually become beholden to “big business.” What assurance can you make that you won’t make decisions based on the “highest bidder,” i.e., a chain store moving into downtown?

Marketing, Regionalization, Water Street: blah blah

There have been many common answers provided by all candidates throughout recent weeks. We all agree on “marketing the city, regionalization, water street.” Please, each candidate, provide a couple of specific details on how you intend to use these issues to provide positive benefits to the city.

Why Stay in Ypsi

With high property taxes, high crime rates, and dwindling city services, why should residents stay in Ypsilanti?

Parks & Rec

With recent budget cuts and dwindling funds, how does the city plan to address the loss of the Parks and Recreation Department, particularly what will happen with Parkridge Rec Center?

Council

We need business experience on council, people with financial experience. Please share your specific experience in business and finances and how you believe it can help.

Economic Viability

As mayor, what, specifically, can you do in order to increase economic viability in the city?

Grocery Store (more)

A downtown grocery store needed. Citizens like myself without a car need help. The Water Street program stores would be too far away. I live at Towne Center 401 MIchigan. Ne need a near-by grocery store.

Generating Revenue

Approximately 1/3 of Ypsi is not generating revenue, including EMU/nonprofits and churches. How can the city generate more revenue?

Grocery Store

Citizens like me without a car need a downtown grocery store. Water Street is too far. What would you do to address this?

Govt. and Youth

What is your platform on youth and their involvement civically with Ypsi government?

Questions for Schreiber

Two questions for Paul Schreiber: (1a) Will you renounce the letter sent out from the Ypsi Campaign for Equality which told lies about Steve Pierce’s support for that campaign? (1b) Will you send out a retraction letter correcting these lies? If not, why? (2) Were the mayor’s letters paid for in any way by your campaign—be it a direct donation or an in-kind? Was any help provided by your campaign in getting these mailings out? If so, these letters had no indication that such help/donations were provided.

Racial Relations

Can you address racial relations in Ypsilanti? Do you believe such relations impact the city’s economy?

Attracting Families to Ypsi

I agree that improving Ypsilanti’s financial situation is important, but will doing so be sufficient to attract new families to the city? What role does crime play, and how can we prevent it?

Selecting Committees and Commissions

If elected, what criteria would you use in slection of members of commissions and committees?

City Management

Many city problems result from poor management and bad business. The new mayor will need to be both a good manager and also know their business. What from your personal experience will you bring to the table that prepares you to deal with these matters?

Heritage and Cultural

How can we market and capitalize on Ypsilanti’s unique heritage and culture?

Public Schools

What role do you see the public schools playing in your economic development plans?

Google

Google. How do we attract them, and if not them, their employees?

Buildings

Throughout downtown and W. Cross St. there are bsinesses – successful, struggling, and long-ago closed – in buildings that are in terrible condition or at least eyesores. What measures can be taken so property owners and/or tenants take care of what’s theirs?

DDAs

What should be the role of the Downtown and Depot Town Development Authorities? Should we cut them to save general revenue funds?

Gays and Lesbians

Where did you stand when the city was going through the fight over the city charter related to discrimination against gays and lesbians and where would you stand today if that issue came up again?

Managing the Role of Mayor

The city is facing financial and social challenges. How do you propose to maintain a full-time job and being a full-time manager? Is this even possible?

Racial Divide

I look around this room and see a disproportionately large white/caucasian audience, which I see as a problem. What would you do to help better “integrate” the city so that all ethnicities and races care about the city (and are equally cared for)?

Property Taxes

Ypsi has the highest property taxes in the state. Do you have a plan to make the city more appealing to prospective home purchasers and businesses?

Water Street

The Water Street redevelopment is back on track with a highly qualified developer. What will you do as mayor to help assure the success of this important project?