POW! ENDORSES SABRA BRIERE

July, 2007

By Dana Barton

We are fortunate to have an excellent candidate to replace retiring Councilmember Bob Johnson. Sabra Briere will build upon Johnson’s record of progressive representation and achievement.

Briere has been involved in countless civic and community activities in Ann Arbor for over 30 years, serving on school and city committees and non-profit boards. As a single parent, she worked to support her family while attending the University of Michigan where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 1986. She is now employed by a local non-profit healthcare organization.

Sabra Briere has been actively involved in the Ann Arbor Democratic Party, previously serving as secretary and chair. She has been president of the Washtenaw Branch of the ACLU, worked for reproductive rights, peace, and the local Greenway campaign. Currently, she is an active volunteer for the Huron River Watershed Council, Avalon Housing, and Ann Arbor’s Natural Area Preservation.

As the next First Ward representative, Briere is committed to preserving Ann Arbor’s distinctive character. She will advocate for responsible growth that will not overwhelm the city’s human scale.

“In these difficult economic times,” Briere says, “the city must focus on spending priorities. For instance, repairing City Hall is more cost effective than replacing it.” She believes City Council should honor the commitments it makes to its citizens. “Since voters approved a special millage to support our parks, City Council should honor that commitment.”

Briere sees the need for improvement in the city planning process. She suggests that bringing neighborhoods and developers together before paper and pen meet would head off problems like the recent Avery House development debacle. “City Council should listen to neighborhood concerns early in the planning process and respect their voices.”

Of the three candidates running in the First Ward primary race, Sabra Briere has, by far, the longest record of active involvement in Ann Arbor community concerns. We believe she is clearly the most qualified candidate and a voice we need on City Council.

POW! endorses Sabra Briere in the First Ward Democratic primary on August 7.

(Dana Barton is a political activist, therapist and realtor in Ann Arbor)