University of Michigan alum Jen Eyer, who previously worked at MLive and The Ann Arbor News, announced on Tuesday she is running for the Ann Arbor City Council’s 4th Ward seat. Jack Eaton has held the seat since 2013 and plans to run again in 2020.
In her announcement, Eyer discussed the city’s problems with affordable housing, financial health and water quality.
“As a news editor, small business owner and community volunteer, I’ve worked for two decades here in Ann Arbor helping organizations solve tough issues,” Eyer wrote. “Now I want to work on behalf of my neighbors to improve our city. I’m running for City Council to lead Ann Arbor to a better future, a future where everyone has an opportunity to thrive.”
After leaving MLive in 2016, Eyer replaced Conan Smith on the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners after he left to pursue a position in the Office of Community and Economic Development and served the remainder of the term.
Following an unsuccessful write-in campaign to continue in that position, Eyer became a partner at Vanguard, a Michigan public relations firm representing organizations in education, labor and civil rights.
Eyer told MLive she believes her journalism experience helps her better understand various perspectives.
“I learned to listen to all sides,” Eyer said. “I learned that there are so many different positions coming at an issue and it’s very important to listen to all of those viewpoints.”
Eyer is the second person this election cycle to launch a campaign against an incumbent on City Council. University professor Lisa Disch announced she is challenging Anne Bannister for the Ward 1 seat last week.