Stewart Nelson

Last night I had the privilege of sitting in on an executive board meeting of the Orchard Hills Maplewood Homeowner’s Association, OHMHA.  We have 5 0r 6 active homeowner’s associations in Ward 2.  These organizations are a great way for a candidate to reach into a specific neighborhood and uncover the key issues affecting the residents of the area.  I was pleased to learn that OHMHA is going to have a candidate fair in June or July that will give me an opportunity to meet many of the neighbors and help get my message across to the voters of this NE Ann Arbor neighborhood.  They also have an Ice Cream Social planned for June 6th that I hope I can get time to attend briefly.

( http://www.ohmha.org/map.jpg)

This NE Ann Arbor area was devastated by the Emerald Ash Borer over the past five years.  The association has been very active in getting replacement trees planted by helping to raise funds and organize work sessions to get replacement trees into the ground.  The association has also worked to coordinate the replacement of footer drains by the City,  repair side walks and study possible ways to restore Thurston Pond.

I  am continually amazed at the creativity, energy and passion these groups possess to tackle problems that fall “under the radar scope” or are ignored by the City that affect quality of life in their neighborhoods.  They can accomplish more in a weekend than most government agencies can get done in a month.  Our City Administration needs to recognize the work provided by these associations and empower them to get the job done or they should get out of the way.