The Ypsilanti Courier
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Three will vie for Ward 3 in Primary
By Christine Laughren, Staff Writer
PUBLISHED: July 31, 2008
There are three democratic candidates running in the 1st Ward for a seat on the City Council. Incumbent Lois Richardson is up against Megan Turf and Tyrone Bridges in the Aug. 5 Primary Elections. There are no Republicans filed.
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Independent Michael Bugard will be facing off against the Democratic candidate in the General Election this November.
Name: Lois E.
Richardson
Age: 65
Neighborhood: Ward 1
Qualifications: I am a native Ypsilantian, a proud product of Ypsilanti public schools, and a graduate of Eastern Michigan University. I have the experience of having served two terms on Council. I am committed to seeing the Ward and the city be the best they can be. Ypsilanti is home.
Why are you running for a seat on the City Council?
I am running for re-election because I believe I have the experience and qualifications to do the best job. I have an understanding of the issues facing the city and a strong desire to see them addressed in a way to best benefit Ward 1 and the entire city.
What do you like about the City of Ypsilanti?
Having been born and raised in Ypsilanti, I have a deep love for the city. Over the years there have been many changes, most of which have been positive, but the one constant in our ward is the people. I have learned through the years that it is the people that make a place and Ypsilanti has great people, they are one of our greatest assets. My tag line for the city is "Ypsilanti, the best kept secret in Southeast Michigan."
What changes or improvements would you like to make in the next four years as a City Council member?
In the next four years I will devote attention to seeing development at Water Street. It has become an albatross that we must get rid of. I will push for a more aggressive approach to seeking developers and businesses to come to town. We desperately need a full service grocery in the city and I will work towards that.Rehabilitation of the Parkview complex is as important to the city as Water Street. The longer this is delayed the more negative the impact is on the city. I will push to see some positive activity that will lead to a resolution.
I will continue to work to maintain and increase programming at Parkridge Community Center.
Why should citizens vote for you?
I believe I can best represent all residents in Ward 1. I will continue to serve them with good honest leadership. Over the past eight years I have provided a common sense and reasoned approach to issues and will continue to do so. I will do the best I can for the residents and the community. I invite input and urge everyone to attend at least one Council meeting a year, if not monthly.
Name: Megan E. Turf
Age: 33
Neighborhood:
I live in the Prospect Gardens Neighborhood, which is the South East corner of the city, 1st Ward.
Qualifications:
I have been employed at the University of Michigan's Institute for Social Research for the last seven years as a Data Manager in the Technical Services Group. I have volunteered in Ypsilanti for four years now in a variety of areas.
2004 to present: Prospect Gardens Neighborhood Association (PGNA) Co-coordinator and Treasurer; 2005 to present: PGNA CoPAC (Community Policing Action Council) representative; 2006 to present: CoPAC Secretary; 2005 to present: Active member of the Ypsilanti Area Jaycees; 2005 to present: Active member of the Ypsilanti Police Department, Volunteer Service Corps; 2005 to present: Volunteer Technology Consultant to Ypsilanti Police Department to consolidate crime statistics and prepare weekly crime maps; 2007 to present: City of Ypsilanti Event Organizer, a position taken over by the Ypsilanti Area Jaycees after budget cuts eliminated the Parks and Recreation Department.
Why are you running for a seat on the City Council?
I am a problem solver and Ypsilanti needs one. My professional life has trained me to be a good one. My volunteer life has introduced me to many city resources. I know how to ask questions and I know how to track down the people that have experience in an area where I need more information.
I am aware of resources in this city that the current representation either doesn't know about or doesn't feel they should take advantage of, mainly in the area of communication with all residents. I welcome the opportunity to serve all of Ward 1.
What do you like about the City of Ypsilanti?
I love the small town feel of it. I love the fact that there are so many volunteer and friends groups in the city. I love the fact that almost 80 percent of what's not covered by EMU is covered by a neighborhood association. That's incredibly unique to Ypsilanti!
What changes or improvements would you like to make in the next four years as a City Council member?
I would like to help improve the way outsiders view us. Starting with the faÁade of the city, we need to clean it all up. We need to attract new businesses and residents and the best way to do that is to visibly clean it all up. The Broken Windows Theory is a very accurate theory for Ypsilanti.
With trash lining the main thoroughfares and neighborhood streets we give off an aura of not caring when I know deep down a lot of us do. We have to all step-up and show pride in our city more than once a year on Ypsi Pride Day. If we can beautify the city, we can use the horrendous housing market to our advantage. People don't want to live in or near an eyesore.
They want to live next door to the "Joneses" who always have a nice lawn. And I don't mean an expensively manicured and landscaped lawn with a lawn gnome. I'm aiming for cut on a regular basis, not full of weeds and not filled with discarded junk that belongs either in a recycle yard or landfill.
Why should citizens vote for you?
It's time for someone new to represent Ward 1. I own my own home in the city and I pay taxes. I believe it's important to lead by example. You should never ask someone to do something that you wouldn't do. If I expect residents to help change this city, I have to be willing to do it myself as well.
Name: Tyrone Bridges
Age: 39
Neighborhood: Ward one, Pearl Street
Qualifications: I am Contactable, I am Reliable, Resourceful, I am determined in seeing the City of Ypsilanti improve.
Why are you running for a seat on the City Council/re-election? We need a new voice of leadership for Ward 1 on council that will represent all people.
What do you like about the City of Ypsilanti?
The Diversity amongst the people.
What changes or improvements would you like to make in the next four years as a City Council member?
Reduced Crime, The Youth Direction, Representative Accountability for their vote on Council, and Water Street development.
Why should citizens vote for you?
Citizens should vote for me because, I have a renewed spirit to change and improve our City Government and I have the time, energy, and patients to see that it is done.
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