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Blog Post

Privatization Of Government Services

by hillary dorwart

Monday February 27, 2012: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm -- Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room

Privatization of services is a growing trend in today's government. But, what factors should be identified when considering privatizing departments or functions? What policy issues should be considered in connection with transferring these departments/functions to a company within the private sector?

The League of Women Voters is currently undertaking a study of privatization to examine these issues as well addressing the community impact and strategies to ensure transparency and accountability.

Join the League as they host this community forum, which features panelists: 1st Ward Ann Arbor City Council Member - Sabra Briere; Former Washtenaw County Administrator - Bob Guenzel; Ann Arbor Public School Board Member - Susan Baskett; and Lois Richardson who serves as mayor pro tem of the city of Ypsilanti and is in her third term on the city council.

This event is cosponsored by the Ann Arbor Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc.

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Blog Post

City Of Ann Arbor Community Sustainability Discussion: Land Use And Access

by hillary dorwart

Thursday February 9, 2012: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm -- Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room

This second in a series of four monthly discussions co-sponsored by the City of Ann Arbor, centers on "Land Use and Access" and includes discussion on infrastructure, transportation, built environment, public spaces, and land use.

Each of the four monthly sessions will examine past successes and challenges, discuss possible future priorities and feature a think tank of local stakeholders (UM faculty, representatives from community organizations, city commissioners, City of Ann Arbor staff and the public). The ensuing discussions will help guide the city's sustainability planning efforts.

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Blog Post

AADL Talks To Political Pollster Tom Jensen

by Debbie G.

Tom Jensen, Ann Arbor native and the Director of Public Policy Polling, one of the most accurate polling sources on key political races across the country, talked with AADL about the 2012 elections, voter sentiment, political trends and the art and science of polling.

As Director, Tom Jensen oversees Public Policy Polling's day to day operations. During his time at PPP he has been a frequent guest for television and radio stations across the region, and has been called on for expert analysis by publications including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Christian Science Monitor, and US News and World Report.

Attachment Size
AADL_Talks_Tom_Jensen.mp3 20.5 MB

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Blog Post

Movin' On Back to City Hall

by Debbie G.

On Monday, June 27, the City of Ann Arbor Customer Service Center will be open for business at 8 a.m. in its new permanent location on the first floor of City Hall, located at 301 E. Huron Street.

Customer Service Center services include:
• Payment processing for water bills, parking tickets, property taxes, and solid waste;
• Routes city calls and requests and provides general city information to walk-in customers; and
• This unit also is responsible for water utility meter reading, installation, repair, billing, backflow prevention inspections and certifications.

The Customer Service Center phone number will not change, which is (734) 794-6320.

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Blog Post

Redistricting: A Discussion with Washtenaw County Clerk Larry Kestenbaum

by Debbie G.

Following the US Census every ten years, new lines are drawn for congressional and legislative districts, county commission districts, and city council wards. We recently sat down with Washtenaw County Clerk Larry Kestenbaum, one of five members of the County Apportionment Commission to discuss the process of re-drawing the lines and the final plan that reduces the number of County Commission seats from 11 to 9. In this wide-ranging discussion Mr. Kestenbaum discusses the history of redistricting and politics in the county and the state as well as the likely scenarios for candidates in the newly combined commissioner districts. As many of you know, Mr. Kestenbaum also hosts one of the best (and funniest) political junkie websites out there, The Political Graveyard.

On Thursday, June 16th, 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm, at the Downtown Library Multi-Purpose Room, the AADL will host a panel discussion, Redistricting: It Matters to All of Us that will include include Mr. Kestenbaum, Jacqueline Beaudry, Ann Arbor City Clerk; Rep. Jeff Irwin, State Representative, 53rd District and Rep. Mark Ouimet, State Representative, 52nd District.

Attachment Size
AADL_Talks_To-Lawrence_Kestenbaum.mp3 25.6 MB

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Blog Post

Memorial Weekend Reminders from City Hall

by Debbie G.

There will be no trash, recycling or compost collection services in Ann Arbor on Memorial Day, Monday, May 30. The Monday pickups will occur on Tuesday and the rest of the collections will occur one day later throughout the week. The normal Friday routes will be serviced on Saturday, June 4, 2011. City Hall offices and 15th District Court at 301 E. Huron, the Drop-Off Station at 2950 E. Ellsworth, and the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) and Compost Center at 4150 Platt Road will be closed on the Memorial Day Monday as well.

On the upside, parking is free downtown on Memorial Day so strolling Main Street and lingering over an iced mocha at your favorite coffeehouse are in order as WeatherUnderground is predicting a sunny, yes sunny, Monday with a high of 85 degrees. Want a little more exercise than a stroll? Head to one of the 157 City parks -- the list of just-do-its is endless. A rundown of more Memorial weekend events is available at Arborweb.

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Blog Post

Tour the New Ann Arbor Justice Center Saturday, April 16th

by Debbie G.

You've watched it going up, now tour the new Justice Center at a public open house, Saturday, April 16, 10:00 a.m. ~ 12 noon. The Police Services and 15th District Court will be polished up, guided tours available and there will even be light refreshments.

Plenty of speakers including Police Chief Barnett Jones (who's great with the kids BTW.) The Justice Center is located at 301 E. Huron Street, the corner of 5th and Huron.

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Blog Post

City Budget Focus of Town Hall Meeting

by Debbie G.

Join City of Ann Arbor officials and staff on Wednesday, April 13, 7 p.m. ~ 9 p.m. at Community Television Network studios for a presentation of the fiscal years 2012 and 2013 budgets. Free onsite parking is available. The meeting will be taped and rebroadcast on CTN Channel 16 and available online 24 hours after the meeting.

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Blog Post

City Clerk's Office on the Move (Again)

by Debbie G.

The City Clerk's Office will be closed on Wednesday, March 16 as it is relocated back to City Hall following the completion of 2nd floor renovations to the Larcom Building. Other changes in the location of city government meetings will continue indefinitely.

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Blog Post

Be a Part of the Budget Process in A2

by Debbie G.

Each year the City of Ann Arbor presents a budget to cover services provided to the citizens of Ann Arbor. This year the City wants all of us to be active participants in shaping the budget and they've developed a great web site, the Ann Arbor City Budget Guide to explain the process and the many components of the budget.

Most importantly, they want your feedback. Once you've reviewed the site, send email to the Finance Department at klancaster@a2gov.org offering your suggestions and comments.

"We in America do not have government by the majority. We have government by the majority who participate." — Thomas Jefferson