Issue: Budget
Mayor Hieftje’s Accomplishments:
Despite repeated cuts in State Revenue Sharing, Michigan’s struggling economy, and escalating costs for current and retired employee health care, Mayor Hieftje has a proven record of ensuring Ann Arbor’s economic stability while also investing in our community’s future.
As our Mayor, John Hieftje:
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Led City Council in setting the policy for the reorganization of the City bureaucracy, saving taxpayers over $15,000,000/year;
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Established budgets that have allowed City Government to weather the long recession with a millage rate that is lower today than it was 10 years ago;
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Began investing in aging infrastructure after years of neglect without raising overall property taxes, including;
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renovation and expansion of the City’s 80-year old sewage treatment plant
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construction of a new maintenance facility
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replacement of the dilapidated Broadway Bridges
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construction of a new police headquarters to replace the current 50-year old structure that is plagued by black mold and asbestos
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replacement of aging water and sewer pipes throughout Ann Arbor’s neighborhoods
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Led City Council to hold the line on union contracts to slow the rapid escalation of employee health care costs
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Led investments in new technologies that save money and improve our quality of life, including:
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new trash curb carts that make trash collection more efficient and keep our neighborhoods clean
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automated water meter-reading technology that has reduced costs and allowed Ann Arbor residents to review their water billing and use on-line
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creation of a comprehensive commercial recycling program and single-stream recycling program for residents
Thanks to Mayor Hieftje’s leadership:
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Ann Arbor has one of the best bond ratings for cities in the State of Michigan.
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Ann Arbor’s “rainy day fund” remains above targets established by independent auditors.
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Ann Arbor’s crime rate continues to decline over the long term.
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External auditors report that Ann Arbor is in the top 10% of cities in terms of being prepared for the nationwide crisis in funding retiree healthcare.
The Future:
In his next term as Mayor, John Hieftje will:
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Ensure that our City continues to invest in infrastructure
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Continue to pursue regionalism with neighboring communities to provide vital services at a reduced cost
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Maintain focus on providing high-quality core City services.
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Continue to work with our federal and state representatives to achieve regular rail transit between Ann Arbor, the airport and the whole midwest.
