As the August 8 primaries approach, City Council candidates are struggling to distinguish themselves in an exclusively democratic race.

Because the candidates face no competition from republicans, the results of the primaries will determine the outcome of November's election.

"The fact that there's competition within the Democratic Party shows democracy is still working," said Stephen Kunselman, a Ward 3 candidate.

One candidate will be elected from each of the city's five wards. Current council members Joan Lowenstein (D-Ward 2) and Margie Teall (D-Ward 4) are running for re-election unopposed, while the remaining wards are contested.

Despite a single-party race, prospective council members have different plans for the city's future.

"We intentionally put people up for competition so issues get discussed," Kunselman said.

One of the main differences between the candidates is their political experience.

Ward 1 is a race between incumbent John Roberts and newcomer Ron Suarez.

Roberts has served on the council since this past winter when he filled a vacancy. Suarez said he will "ruffle some feathers" if elected.

"I will not be a 'yes' man," Suarez said.

In Ward 3, Kunselman has been involved in local governments for more than 10 years, while community members Alice Ralph and Jeff Meyers are first-time runners.

"The council has a history of people that lived here a long time but lacks fresh energy and ideas," Meyers said.

Some candidates said they believe the current council does not represent the views of the public.

"I am running because city council needs to be more open and honest with decisions," said Sonia Schmerl, a first-time runner from Ward 5.

She said current decisions, such as the $20 million subsidy for private development in the city's lower town area, help developers more than they benefit the public.

Schmerl is running against incumbent Chris Easthope and newcomer Richard Ankli. Ankli has lived in Ann Arbor for 44 years and said he believes the community trusts him.

Reoccurring issues such as housing and downtown development are top priorities for most candidates.

"I am a strong supporter of increased housing opportunities downtown because with more available housing, there is more urban utility that brings in privately owned business," Kunselman said.

Most candidates agree that city expansion involves a balance of neighborhood and downtown development.

"You can't push in one direction without expecting a result in another," Ralph said.

One of the most controversial issues is the Allen Creek Greenway project. If passed, the project will establish a nearly eight-acre park pieced together from three city-owned properties near the west side of Main Street.

As a founder of the project, Schmerl says Greenway will help the city economically while preserving the creek.

The debate arises because an active railroad is currently located in the proposed area. Meyers said that though creating a park will help the city, there is no evidence that shows Allen Creek is the right location.

"There is a problem with public tax money being used to take away private railroads," Kunselman said. Kunselman said the city should focus its priorities on parks for children, which will be most valuable located in their own neighborhoods.

Looking for apparent differences in their campaign, some candidates use light-hearted anecdotes to win-over voters. "I'm the only candidate that does stand-up comedy and can quote Shakespeare," Ankli said.

Because the August primary will effectively determine the November election, candidates are working to increase turnout at the polls.

"Unfortunately, there is low voter turnout in August and outlets to reach the public are limited, so we need to look to sources such as personal websites to communicate with voters," Meyers said.