Fresh from victory in the recent Democratic primary in Ypsilanti, Paul Schreiber is pledging to work with residents to lead the city out of its financial troubles.

Schreiber, 52, said he plans to form a commission to identify problems and find solutions. Dubbed 2020, the commission will work to increase revenues, attract new businesses and work with other municipalities to convince the state to restore funding to local governments, he said.

"We will work hard to succeed,'' he said.

Schreiber defeated political newcomer Steve Pierce and Council Member Lois Richardson in Tuesday's Democratic primary to succeed Mayor Cheryl Farmer, who decided against seeking a fourth term.

Without a Republican or independent candidate on the November general election ballot, the Democratic primary winner is expected to take the mayor's chair. Schreiber would begin his term in November.

Schreiber is not the only newcomer to elected office. Voters Tuesday elected Brian Robb to replace Council Member Barry LaRue, D-3rd Ward, who decided not to seek reelection. Robb defeated Rod Johnson for that post.

Voters also returned incumbent Mayor Pro Tem Trudy Swanson to the council. She defeated Juanita House and David Kircher to retain her 1st Ward seat for a fourth four-year term.

Council Member William Nickels defeated John Bailey to win the Democratic nomination in the 2nd Ward. He will face independent Peter Hubbard and Libertarian Tom Bagwell in the November general election. Nickels is seeking a third four-year term.

The election of Schreiber and the returning of incumbents to the council indicate that residents don't blame the current leadership for the city's problems, said Charles Monsma, a political science professor at Eastern Michigan University who monitors local elections. "I see it as a continuation of the current policies,'' he said.

The city has been struggling to balance its budget for several years, and city administrators are forecasting an $800,000 deficit next year. The city blames financial problems on slow growth in property tax, dwindling state assistance and the increasing cost of delivering services.

Also progress on the Water Street project has been slow. The city embarked on the project in 1999 to replace old buildings with residential and retail space along the Huron River east of downtown. The city has borrowed more than $13 million for the project and no construction has taken place.

The project is currently in the design phase and the city hopes to sign a development agreement with a second developer this year. The project is seen as an important step in redeveloping the city.

Khalil E. Hachem can be reached at khachem@annarbornews.com or 734-482-3225.