This press release comes hot off the presses, which or course, is where most press releases — hot or not — come from. It appears that a young upstart named Pete Murdock has thrown his hat into the ring and will run for the Ward 3 City Council seat this August in Ypsilanti. City Council could use some new blood and this newcomer looks like he would make an excellent representative.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Former Ypsilanti Mayor and City Councilman Pete Murdock today announced his candidacy for the Ward Three City Council position currently held by Brian Filipiak. Filipiak has announced he will not seek re-election.

Murdock said. “I am running for City Council because I believe I can bring the kind of experience, knowledge and common sense approach that will be of great value in guiding our community through these most difficult times.”

Murdock said that during the Stop City Income Tax Campaign, “it became clear that a large majority of city residents feel alienated from City Government and that City Government is out of touch with them and their daily lives.” Murdock was a leader in building the coalition that saw the proposed city income tax defeated last November. “We need to restore trust and confidence in our elected officials and government by listening to more voices and to be open to new ideas.”

Murdock served four terms on City Council and three terms as mayor in the 1970s and 1980s. He has also served on a number of local governmental boards and commissions during his 40-year residency in the city. Prior to his retirement, Murdock spent 16 years working with nonprofit recycling organizations. He is married to longtime activist Grace Sweeney.