My parents
I was raised in a very small town in Indiana. My parents are there still, one of three or four liberal families in the area. My father and mother are in their 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.
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.
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
Please contact me at 995-3518 or sabra.briere@gmail.com