ann arbor is overrated.

Urban Oasis calls for a revolt against the entrenched Democratic A2 establishment, comparing it to 19th-century machine politics. “The Democrats of Ann Arbor are not serving the interests of a large portion of the city — perhaps even the majority of Ann Arbor’s citizens. It’s time for a change.” Or at least our very own Thomas Nast who can draw hilarious caricatures of them.

Dale of the New West Side Association is launching his campaign as a write-in for City Council in the 5th Ward. While it would be funny if someone wrote in a vote for Wendy Woods’ acknowledged opponent, apathy, we’re planning to vote for Dale Tuesday. If you live in the 5th Ward and also want to do so, write in “LaDale C. Winling.”

Oh, and if you live in the 1st Ward, Bob Johnson is running against ennui and malaise.

The New West Side blog and the Daily have posted their summaries of last night’s debate. In the past, candidates in front of student-dominated audiences have bent over backwards to appear sensitive to student and density issues, but that was not the case last night.

Second Ward Republican candidate Tom Bourque said that he believed that residential parking districts are necessary because he’s observed that when they’re implemented, there are no longer any cars parked on the street. So much for residents needing a place to park.
• Bourque also argued that students should feel adequately represented in city politics because they tend to vote Democratic, and Democrats usually win. (We’ve usually leaned more Republican in Ann Arbor races, but not this year.)
• Unopposed 1st Ward incumbent Bob Johnson said that historic districts don’t threaten density because they make up a small amount of the geographic area of the city.
• Independent 3rd Ward candidate Rich Birkett suggested that the primary solution to crime that targets students should be more vigilance on the part of potential victims, including the purchase of expensive home security systems.
• Birkett was, however, the only candidate to respond to a question about underage drinking citations by expressing any reservations about police party patrols.

It looks to be a lean year for students in A2 politics.

City Council debate tonight organized by the New West Side Association, the Ann Arbor Alliance, the Michigan Student Assembly External Relations Committee, the Urban Planning Students Association and the College Democrats. Professor Matt Lassiter is moderating. Should be interesting if it’s anything like the League of Women Voters-run one, at which 3rd Ward incumbent Leigh Greden said in his closing statement that “complicated solutions require complicated problems.”