Good Services

City services – like snow plowing, garbage collection and street paving – form the core of what we expect from our local government. I have helped solve many problems that First Warders have encountered, including getting streets plowed, improving traffic signaling, and facilitating inspections and permits. I have also worked to improve the responsiveness and accountability of City staff.

Strong Neighborhoods

Whether it's your building, your block, or your subdivision, your neighborhood is important. I proposed, and City Council adopted, the Citizen Participation Ordinance to bring neighbors and developers together. I have worked with our neighbors on their concerns about safety, parks, new development and city services.

Healthy Businesses

Ann Arbor will benefit from sustaining, encouraging and retaining small retailers and locally-owned businesses. I have listened to local business owners and worked with them to resolve their issues. I have voted for healthy growth. I will continue to advocate for policies that will result in a vigorous local business environment.

Responsive and Responsible

 

About Sabra Briere
A brief biography

family

My parents

I was raised in a very small town in Indiana. My mother and brother are living there still, one of three or four liberal families in the area. My mother is in her 90s now. I grew up poor, but didn't know it. It's not a part of Indiana with many wealthy people, and I was surrounded by books and music at home. I received an excellent education outside of school. I learned from my parents that I owe my community my labor and support -- and that my community owes us all dignity, respect, and equal access to services.

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My son and his wife

I moved to Ann Arbor in 1973, first to University Townhouses and later downtown, settling on the Old West Side. We lived there until 1986, when we bought our house on Broadway. I share that house with my husband and three cats. My son lives with his wife in California (they are pictured above). He attended Bryant, St. Thomas, Bach, MYA, and Community High School. (Middle Years Alternative was at Forsythe.) I encouraged my son to think creatively, work with his hands as well as his mind, and accept his faults. He learned to read and cook and garden and give back to his community, too.

Political and community involvement

My community involvement began with children and schools, where issues hit home first. I have been a cub scout leader, room mother, and PTO president. I was appointed to serve on school-system wide committees. I volunteered in local elections and became a precinct delegate, precinct chair, ward chair, and officer in both the Washtenaw County and Ann Arbor City Democratic Parties. I served as Chair of that last organization for two years. I have also volunteered with the Gilbert and Sullivan Society, the Kempf House Center for Local History, and the Washtenaw County ACLU -- serving as President of that organization, as well. I still volunteer at the Huron River Watershed Council and for the Natural Area Preservation / Parks as one of many park stewards.

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Why I Serve

I believe the government was created by us to work for us -- and that we aren't supposed to be working for the government. I enjoy solving puzzles and problems. I like rules but also like to find ways to make them fit situations rather than apply them rigidly. I never forget that my job on Council is not to represent me, but to work for the people who elected me. I see my time on Council as one of service. I'm committed to a vision of a better Ann Arbor, and I hope to help us get there.

Responsive and Responsible

You should call - or email!

If you're reading this, you've been through enough of this webpage.

I know I was always hesitant to call my member of Council - before I was elected. Now I know better.

  • If you have a problem with the City that isn't easy for you to solve - or you want help finding your way to a solution, let me know.
  • If you are concerned about an issue involving the City, tell me your viewpoint.
  • If your neighborhood or your group has a need, we should meet.
  • If you have a solution - I have the problems. Let's talk.

I decided to hold office hours this year, but I don't like thinking that I'm only available to you at my convenience. Instead, I'll make myself available when it is convenient for you. Just let me know, and I will be there. And of course, I'm often a phone call away - although it may take a day or so to get a response, I always call back.

I hold those office hours every Monday (Tuesday, if Monday is a holiday) at The Northside Grill from 7:30 am to 9:00 am.

For a quick response, of course, email really works.

My official Council email is: sbriere@A2gov.org

Reach me anywhere at sabra.briere@gmail.com

 

Sabra Briere sbriere@a2gov.org or sabra.briere@gmail.com 995-3518 or 277-6578
Paid for by Sabra Briere for City Council, 1418 Broadway, Ann Arbor, MI 48105