Democrat Sandi Smith has announced her candidacy for the Ann Arbor City Council in the 1st Ward, which covers much of downtown, as well as northern and northwestern Ann Arbor. Smith is challenging Councilmember Ron Suarez in the August Democratic Primary.
"The 1st Ward needs effective leadership that will strive to sustain what's so great about Ann Arbor," said Smith in a statement. "We need strong local businesses. We need to sustain our neighborhoods, our environment and our community."
Smith cited several issues she will address as the 1st Ward's Councilmember, including encouraging sustainable development to keep the downtown vibrant, promoting historic preservation to enhance 1st Ward neighborhoods, and a responsible City budget that emphasizes core services.
Smith, a 27-year resident of the Ann Arbor area, has a long record of community service, including:
Ann Arbor Area Board of Realtors governing Board of Directors (1996-1999), Downtown Development Authority (2004-present; Chair, 2006-2007), Washtenaw Rainbow Action Project Board of Directors (1996-2000), Greenway Taskforce Member (2005-2006), Community Security & Public Space Task Force (2006) and Task Force on Sustainable Revenue for Affordable Housing (current).
Smith has already been endorsed by leaders throughout the Ann Arbor community. "Sandi's commitment to the city is well demonstrated through her involvement on city boards and task forces. This experience will be a huge asset to the city and residents in the 1st Ward and will enable her to hit the ground running upon taking office this fall. I'm honored to be serving as treasurer of her campaign," said Jennifer Hall, vice-chair of the DDA board and Greenbelt Advisory Commission and 1st Ward resident, in a statement.
"I'm proud to support Sandi for City Council," said Keith Orr, co-owner of the aut Bar in Kerrytown who, along with his partner, Martin Contreras, has endorsed Smith. "She will turn progressive values into action and be a Councilmember of whom we can be proud."
Smith and her partner, Linda Lombardini, live near downtown Ann Arbor. Together, they own and manage Trillium Real Estate. Smith was named the 2007-2008 Realtor of the Year by the Ann Arbor Area Board of Realtors.
"I believe my experience as a small business owner and a community activist with a record of progressive accomplishments makes me uniquely qualified to best serve the 1st Ward," said Smith.
Smith plans an aggressive grassroots campaign.
"People make Ann Arbor special, so my campaign will focus on talking with and listening to the people of the 1st Ward."
