Ann Arbor City Council Candidates on the Ann Arbor Skatepark
Updated 7/31/11
This Tuesday, August 2 is Ann Arbor's city council election. Recently, we sent a questionnaire to the 2011 Ann Arbor city council candidates to get their take on the Ann Arbor Skatepark. Below are their responses.
Thanks to all of the candidates who participated in the questionnaire!
You can click on the candidate's name to see their answers, or scroll down to see all responses.
Ward 1
Sabra Briere (D)
Ward 2
Stephen Rapundalo (D)
Tim Hull (D)
Ward 3
K. Ingrid Ault (D)
Marwan Issa (D)
Stephen Kunselman (D)
David Parker (R)
Ward 4
Marcia Higgins (D)
Ward 5
Mike Anglin (D)
Neal Elyakin (D)
Stuart Berry (R)
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Ward 1
Do you support the building of a free, permanent, public, concrete skatepark in Ann Arbor? Why or why not?
Yes. I've talked with a number of people who would use the Skatepark -- those from the area as well as those from Ann Arbor proper. The purpose of the park system is two-fold. One reason is to provide recreational outlets (for children's activities, for team sports such as softball, basketball and soccer; for individual sports such as swimming, hiking, biking, and running). Another is to provide access to nature and natural areas, providing vital greenspace. The skatepark fits fully into the first reason for parks.
Three years ago a partnership was formed between the Skatepark Action Committee, its fiscal sponsor the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, and the City of Ann Arbor. What do you see as the city's role in this partnership?
The City is providing parkland for the Skatepark as well as helping with grant writing. The City has also promoted the skatepark in various ways.
The Washtenaw County Parks Commission approved $400,000 in matching funds to help design and build the Skatepark, making the County a fourth partner in the project. As a council member, how will you support this relationship between City and County?
I'm grateful to the WCPC and the the AAPAC for their continued support of the Skatepark. As a Council member, I stopped by when the folks from Lansing were evaluating both Gallup and the Skatepark for a grant, and stated clearly that, if the City had to prioritize, it supported the Skatepark. While both projects are valuable for Ann Arbor, the Skatepark requires support right away in order to achieve the benefit of the matching funds.
Do you think it’s important for the City to make a financial contribution to the Skatepark? Please explain.
While it may be important, I don't believe such support is justified at a time when the funds available for maintenance of our existing parks facilities are already too few to maintain the parks up to community standards. The City doesn't have the ability to mow the parks, clear the snow, maintain the buildings or expand opportunities in the parks right now. Providing direct financial support from the Parks millage or the General Fund would stress our system in a manner that isn't easily defensible.
The City should continue to support this project, however, in as many creative ways as possible.
Ward 2
Do you support the building of a free, permanent, public, concrete skatepark in Ann Arbor? Why or why not?
Yes.
Three years ago a partnership was formed between the Skatepark Action Committee, its fiscal sponsor the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, and the City of Ann Arbor. What do you see as the city's role in this partnership?
The City should assist the development of the project during the design, construction, implementation and maintenance through in-kind support and where appropriate/possible (see #4 below), with direct funding.
The Washtenaw County Parks Commission approved $400,000 in matching funds to help design and build the Skatepark, making the County a fourth partner in the project. As a council member, how will you support this relationship between City and County?
Collaboration amongst different government jurisdictions is important, and the City has a demonstrated record in pursuing strong partnerships with the County specifically. I would imagine that the Skatepark would be no different a situation and a mutually agreed upon use arrangement would be designed recognizing the County's contribution to the project.
Do you think it’s important for the City to make a financial contribution to the Skatepark? Please explain.
Any determination for a financial contribution by the City of Ann Arbor should first be discussed at PAC following broad public input and a consideration of recreational and budget priorities. City Council should then deliberate any recommendation brought forward by PAC.
Candidate responded as follows:
In response, I'd like to say that I support the idea of a skatepark so long as it is safe and accessible to skaters of all ages. As far as the City's role and/or City/County collaboration on the skatepark, I'd say that what I would do on Council would depend on availability of funding and grants for the project.
Ward 3
Do you support the building of a free, permanent, public, concrete skatepark in Ann Arbor? Why or why not?
I do support this project. We need to provide services for all segments of our population especially our young people. There is a demand for and support from the city and county for this project, so I would work to continue to promote the advancement of it.
Three years ago a partnership was formed between the Skatepark Action Committee, its fiscal sponsor the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, and the City of Ann Arbor. What do you see as the city's role in this partnership?
The city can provide support by giving access to those that have the expertise in development and funding options. I would also support a financial contribution that would come from the parks millage fund.
The Washtenaw County Parks Commission approved $400,000 in matching funds to help design and build the Skatepark, making the County a fourth partner in the project. As a council member, how will you support this relationship between City and County?
The county has been forward thinking in this area. The disk golf courses and bicycle mogul park are great examples of serving needs of all kinds. I’m excited that the county sees merit in the project and would work to keep it moving forward.
Do you think it’s important for the City to make a financial contribution to the Skatepark? Please explain.
For community projects, every funding entity needs to participate in the process. Our community values and supports parks, hence we need to fund projects that bring new and creative uses to our community.
So, in a nut shell I think this is great project and would do what I could
to assure it comes to fruition.
Thank you for your persistence!
Do you support the building of a free, permanent, public, concrete skatepark in Ann Arbor? Why or why not?
I do support the construction of a free, permanent, and public, concrete skate-park in Ann Arbor. I believe it is essential for our community to have access to various recreational environments and facilities. Obesity is at an all time high and being creative to get people moving around and healthy is high on my priority list. I also believe that this will lead to continued community building, something that makes Ann Arbor stand out and welcoming to prospective families.
Three years ago a partnership was formed between the Skatepark Action Committee, its fiscal sponsor the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, and the City of Ann Arbor. What do you see as the city's role in this partnership?
I believe this partnership will be essential in the maintenance and funding of the future skate-park. This also includes the safety and security for those using the park. I believe that this partnership should also work towards finding sponsors. We need to find sustainable ways to keep up with maintenance and the marketing of the skate-park. The City should ensure and oversee that that all stakeholders are being responsible with the construction and continued maintenance and success of the future skate-park.
The Washtenaw County Parks Commission approved $400,000 in matching funds to help design and build the Skatepark, making the County a fourth partner in the project. As a council member, how will you support this relationship between City and County?
I think it’s wonderful that the county helped with the funding of the skate-park. This park will be inviting to all of the residents in the area. It will be great for local businesses and will give Ann Arbor increased visibility. As a council member, I will ensure that we’re using taxpayer dollars by being transparent and fiscally responsible. This will mean that all costs and aspects of the park will be managed in a responsible manner and that the County shares that same responsibility. It will be a shared and essential relationship to ensure that the park is being maintained and used appropriately.
Do you think it’s important for the City to make a financial contribution to the Skatepark? Please explain.
If the City finds that there is a need and interest is there, with clear economic and community benefits, there shouldn’t be any problem with the funding of the skate-park. Though, I will reiterate how important it is to be responsible with how the skate-park will be funded. The goals of the park and partners need to be clearly outlined and that all partners involved remain committed to responsibly finance and maintain the park. I find it important that we encourage members of the community and especially our youth to become active. It is safer for our community and important for promoting healthy and energetic lifestyles, something we’re very proud of here in Ann Arbor.
Do you support the building of a free, permanent, public, concrete skatepark in Ann Arbor? Why or why not?
Yes; and a few smaller satellite skateparks at our other larger community parks.
Three years ago a partnership was formed between the Skatepark Action Committee, its fiscal sponsor the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, and the City of Ann Arbor. What do you see as the city's role in this partnership?
The city can provide expertise and assistance in making sure the design, construction and maintenance of the skatepark is undertaken in a timely and productive manner, and encouraging input from all involved parties (including the users and the general citizenry) along the way.
The Washtenaw County Parks Commission approved $400,000 in matching funds to help design and build the Skatepark, making the County a fourth partner in the project. As a council member, how will you support this relationship between City and County?
As the County Parks Commission is putting skin in the game, it's important that they are given opportunities to be part of the decision making process as it pertains to design, construction and maintenance of the skatepark facility. This being a facility in an Ann Arbor city park that will be funded mostly with County funds, it's important to welcome all members of the county to come and enjoy this awesome amenity.
Do you think it’s important for the City to make a financial contribution to the Skatepark? Please explain.
As I have done in the past, I will continue to search for ways that the city, as well as the state, can contribute financially to this great recreational project. Admittedly, it’s easier to get public funding contributions when there are significant financial contributions from non-profit and private organizations as well.
No response has been received from this candidate
Ward 4
No response has been received from this candidate
No response has been received from this candidate
Candidate responded as follows:
I believe having a skatepark will benefit our youth, our city, and enhance our parks. it will be a destination for visitors and will enhance the city's 'rep'.
I know that through the partnership, the city - and the county - has made significant contributions to the establishment of a skatepark. I also know that the DDA considered using its resources as well. I believe this partnership, along with contributions from the public, is a great way to create additional city available resources in Ann Arbor.
Creating youth oriented spaces is something the city should embrace; I would encourage future thinking/planning around the skatepark to include other youth oriented activities and partnerships; for example, perhaps Neutral Zone can join forces and create performances at the park that the public can attend. Perhaps theater groups, UM music/theater can partner for outdoor presentations in conjunction with a skatepark planning group.
There are probably other great ideas that haven't been thought of or that I can't think of ... but I think the seeds of future planning are already there - we just have to get the thing built.
No response has been received from this candidate
