I am writing to support the candidacy of Brian Robb for Ypsilanti City Council in the Third Ward. When I was on the city's Blue Ribbon Committee on City Finances in 2004-05, Robb was invaluable in crunching numbers and providing the committee with careful and reasoned analysis showing how much each city resident would pay with the proposed income tax. He also worked tirelessly to ensure that the income tax did not disproportionately disadvantage low-income renters. As a committee member, I found Robb's analysis more useful than the study conducted by an expensive consultant that Ypsilanti unwisely hired at a cost of more than $20,000 during tight budget times.

I also appreciate Robb's consistent emphasis on ensuring that the details of our democracy are available to all. For example, he has encouraged Ypsilanti to resume publishing comments made during public comments time at council meetings. He has taken the time to attend the meetings. I have come to rely on his descriptions of what transpired when I have been unable to attend myself, as his renditions of events are accurate and insightful.

Robb is an active community leader. He has cajoled me and many others to come participate in Ypsilanti Pride in our local Prospect Park, and I am confident that he will be open and accessible to the many community groups that we have in Ypsilanti since he strongly values citizen participation in our neighborhoods and civic concerns.

He has taken the time to attend the meetings. I have come to rely on his descriptions of what transpired when I have been unable to attend myself as his renditions of events are accurate and insightful.