"The city of Ypsilanti remains in a financial crisis that shows no sign of abating. Its leaders will need to work together, making tough decisions to steer this city away from falling off a fiscal cliff. Candidates who value active problem-solving and collaboration, with an ability to listen and compromise, are the best choices for the City Council. ... Rod Johnson and Pete Murdock are running to represent this northeast area of Ypsilanti. Incumbent Brian Filipiak is not seeking re-election.

Murdock is a familiar face in city politics - he previously served as a council member for four terms and was mayor for three terms in the 1980s. He was a spokesman for last year's Stop City Income Tax group.

He also has a history of litigating against the city. Last year, he was part of the group that sued Ypsilanti, claiming the income tax ballot language violated election laws. And in the mid-1990s, he lost a lawsuit against the city in which he claimed that, while on the council, he was promised a job as department head - a job that he ultimately did not get.
We believe Johnson is a better choice to represent Ward 3. He is chair of the city planning commission and has served on that group since 2000. His leadership roles on the Community Policing Action Council, the Recreation Commission and the Historic Eastside Neighborhood Association have built a strong foundation for work as a council member. In 2006, we endorsed his bid for the council and cited his open-minded approach to issues and his willingness to look for innovative solutions to the many problems facing Ypsilanti. Our view hasn't changed, and we're backing Johnson in this race."
Ann Arbor News July 23, 2008

Paid for by Rod Johnson for City Council, 310 N. Grove,
Ypsilanti, MI 48198