2026 Public Power Candidate Scorecard
This scorecard is intended for informational purposes only. It is designed to promote transparency and help voters better understand candidate positions on key energy-related issues affecting Ann Arbor. This scorecard reflects information available at the time of publication, including candidate responses and publicly available records, and may not capture all aspects of a candidate’s record or views. Voters are encouraged to consider multiple sources when evaluating candidates.
The questions, answer choices, and scoring system were all determined before responses were gathered. All candidates were given reminders to complete the scorecard if they missed the first deadline; any candidate for whom a response was deemed inaccurate was informed of the discrepancy and given an opportunity to change responses (none did).
How This Scorecard Was Created
The Ann Arbor for Public Power scorecard is designed to provide voters with clear, consistent information about where candidates stand on issues related to energy reliability, affordability, sustainability, and local accountability. All candidates were invited to participate and provide additional context for their positions. Candidate evaluations are based on:
Responses to a candidate questionnaire
Public statements, including campaign materials, interviews, and social media
Voting records (for incumbents)
Campaign finance disclosures and publicly reported affiliations
Where available, multiple sources were used to ensure accuracy and completeness.
Information is current as of 7/7/2026.
Evaluation Process
Candidates were evaluated across five issue areas:
Independence from utility-affiliated money
Support for publicly owned or municipal power
Position on advancing a public power ballot initiative
Track record on energy affordability, reliability, and equity
Position on large-scale, high-impact energy users such as data centers
Each category reflects issues that directly affect electricity costs, service reliability, environmental outcomes, and local decision-making. Each category was scored using a standardized framework that considers demonstrated actions (such as votes, advocacy, or policy work), publicly stated positions, and consistency over time. Higher scores reflect stronger and more consistent alignment with these criteria.
Due to an inability to thoroughly research every candidate’s track record, the scores for question 4 are omitted. Candidate responses are still provided.
Use of Candidate Responses
Candidates were invited to complete a questionnaire and provide additional context. Responses were reviewed alongside publicly available information.
If a candidate’s response differed from publicly available information, additional context may be included to ensure accuracy.
FAQ
Q: Is this an endorsement?
No. This scorecard is intended to provide information to voters and does not constitute an endorsement of any candidate.
Q: How were candidates scored?
Candidates were evaluated using a standardized methodology based on their responses and publicly available information.
Q: What if a candidate disagrees with their score?
Candidates are welcome to provide additional information or clarification, which may be reflected in future updates.
The Questionnaire
1. Independence from DTE and Private Utility-Affiliated Money
Has the candidate ever accepted contributions from DTE Energy, DTE-affiliated PACs, or known utility front groups?
2. Public Commitment to Municipal / Public Power
Has the candidate publicly stated support for municipalization in Ann Arbor?
3. Public Commitment to 2026 Ann Arbor Public Power Ballot Initiative
Has the candidate publicly expressed support for placing or advancing a public power ballot initiative in Ann Arbor?
4. Track Record on Energy Justice, Affordability, and Reliability
In their past votes, advocacy, or community work, has the candidate actively supported policies that advance:
Energy affordability
Protection against electricity shutoffs
Grid reliability
Energy equity for low-income residents
Reforms that limit the role of investor-owned utility money in elections and policymaking
Ann Arbor’s stated A2Zero goal to achieve community-wide carbon neutrality by 2030
None of the above
5. Track Record on Data Centers
Does the candidate publicly endorse a moratorium on large-scale data centers and/or has the candidate actively supported policies to stop the construction of such data centers in their past votes, advocacy, or community work?