Dear Friends:
At the root of my work as mayor is the desire to protect and improve the quality of life in my hometown and to provide for its sustainable future. Even going back to my time as an environmental activist in the 1980’s and to my service as Chair of the Board of Directors of Recycle Ann Arbor in the early 90’s, I have been focused on this mission.
I often have said that although we don’t have mountains and are not on the ocean, we still have the opportunity to be one of the premier places to live in North America. We have an attractive, vibrant downtown, a beautiful, clean river and fantastic parks. Our world-class university helps fuel a lively cultural scene, bringing some of the brightest minds from around the world to our city. Ann Arbor treasures diversity. We have generous, innovative people who do not hesitate to step forward and lend their talents to make life better for everyone.
With programs like the Mayor’s Green Energy Challenge we have the opportunity to lead our state and nation toward clean energy solutions to the looming crisis. Energy conservation efforts have already saved millions of taxpayer dollars and using fixtures designed by our staff, our city is on track to be the first in the nation to convert to LED streetlights, which use 60% less energy than conventional bulbs.
An effort I initiated four years ago will soon provide thousands of dollars for investment in public art. People will be drawn around the next corner just to see what surprise awaits them. Imagine children climbing on sculptures lining the banks of Huron River Greenway parks.
Innovation and imagination are hallmarks of our community. Our quality of life serves as a drawing card for creative people who will empower the economy of the next generation. I’m excited about working with Ann Arbor citizens to plan for the future of our community. Most certainly there will be challenges: budgets to balance, infrastructure to replace and consensus to be found. We can overcome these and any other hurdles. Ann Arbor’s best years are yet to come.
Thank you!
John Hieftje
