On The Issues
Scott is committed to helping grow and further develop the programs and resources that make Ann Arbor such a terrific place to call home. As a member of the City Council, he will take initiative to build upon his public service work to date, advocate for Ann Arbor residents and engage as many people as possible to strengthen our community.
Here are some brief statements that convey his positions on the big issues. These are summaries to very complex issues, feel free to contact Scott with any questions: 663-4357.
Argo
My position is that we should remove the Dam only if rowing can be accommodated. I believe that it can be because:
- Mike Taft, Head Coach for rowing at Huron High, who represented the rowing community on the HRIMP Committee told a Park Advisory Commission work session that it is possible, though not preferable, to have rowing at Barton and Geddes.
- I walked all of the possible alternative sites for rowing
- I measured all of the impoundments and determined their suitability for rowing
- I studied all of the academic work on the topic
- I got better financial information from the city for the committee
- I got in to my boat and paddled all of the impoundments
- In 1983 the Ann Arbor Rowing Association petitioned the Park Advisory Commission to be relocated to Barton Pond because of its superior attributes. The data provided by the rowing community during that period shows that rowing is possible at all of the impoundments if we harvest the nuisance vegetation.
- Geddes is the better location for the re-introduction of hydro power
- Numerous environmental benefits
- Increase in opportunities for riverine recreation (which would also provide dramatically more revenue to the city)
- Better fiscal policy
City Income Tax
This proposal, according to preliminary reports, shows some promise in a number of areas. The tax would replace property taxes with the exception of special millages (such as parks, streets, trash, and so on which would remain). For example, a family with a combined income of $75,000 who currently pays $7,000 in property taxes would see that burden reduced to about $800. However, there many unanswered questions and I will wait until they are answered before taking a firm position.
City Place
I am against this proposed project on Fifth Avenue because: it does not fit with the character of the neighborhood; there is almost universal objection by the neighbors; it does not provide any community benefit; and the overall effect of the proposed project will have a detrimental impact on the neighborhood.
City Services
In those cases where we need to interact with the City in addition to paying taxes we need to be treated like customers. This approach reduces costs, encourages more use of those services (which increases revenues) and can lead to a taxpayer's positive view of city government; something that is missing today.
Downtown Density
There are well documented environmental benefits for increasing density in the urban core which include shortening commutes, using existing infrastructure, and curbing urban sprawl. Other benefits include a reduction in overall costs for critical services, support for locally owned businesses, and increasing the vibrancy in the heart of the city. We have seen in cities of every size that downtowns that are allowed to wither and atrophy become places where people don't want to live. Let's also remember that ours is a city that needs more jobs and more support of the tax base.
Green Goals
As a life long environmentalist I will champion the green goals of the city. For the last few years I have worked on projects that are designed to increase recycling in the business community to be on par with the neighborhoods, and, which provide for increased protections and stewardship of the Huron River. I am uniquely qualified to bring these efforts to fruition as a member of Council.
Greenway
I support the combined use approach to the three city owned properties which includes park space in the flood way, the creation of facilities for community benefit in the buildable areas, and the use of residential development if it is related to those community benefit uses.
Near North
This project proposed for North Main Street by Avalon housing has a lot going for it including:
- Truly affordable housing for working people along with assisted housing for those in need
- Proposed by an agency with a terrific track record for stewardship of such housing
- Easy non motorized access to products and services
- Greenway park land
- Storm water management in a critical area
- Green building practices
- Green energy technology
R4C and R2A Proposed Moratorium
Whereas I support a careful approach to increasing density of the residential sector, to put a complete halt to projects that are in the works, especially without significant notice (as is proposed) would send a signal that Ann Arbor is a terrible place to do business. This approach would also delay the completion of projects that have the potential for community benefit. Jobs are also at stake. I can not support Mike's Moratorium because it is short sighted, ill conceived, and not well thought out.
Regionalism
There is tremendous potential to cut costs and increase cooperation by partnering with the County, neighboring townships, and the public schools for the purchasing of expensive equipment and the elimination of overlaps in facilities. Consolidation can reap rewards with respect to emergency services, mass transportation can be given greater hope, and citizens can be better served through combined efforts.
I hope that this is helpful. Please feel free to contact me at my email (Scott@ScottForA2Council.com) or call 663-4357 if you have questions on other issues.
Sincerely,
Scott Rosencrans