The Ypsilanti City Council will consider supporting Ann Arbor's objections to Washtenaw County's inclusion in the newly established Southeast Michigan Regional Transit Authority.
Council Member Pete Murdock
The RTA legislation passed through the state House Dec. 6, with a 57-50 vote.
Gov. Rick Snyder signed Public Act 387 of 2012 in December, creating an RTA for the city of Detroit and Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne counties.
Murdock said he decided to do so after Ann Arbor Mayor John Hieftje sent an email to him and Ypsilanti Mayor Paul Schreiber asking them to consider voicing their opposition.
"Mayor Hieftje sent the mayor and I a full rationale that they have in their resolution that they passed," Murdock said. "They were in Lansing Tuesday meeting with the governor on it. I think it would be helpful if we supported that position."
Hieftje previously said the RTA was a"bad piece of legislation." Hieftje wasn't alone in his remarks though. State Rep. Jeff Irwin, D-Ann Arbor, also openly opposed the legislation.
The Ann Arbor City Council unanimously passed a resolution objecting the RTA Dec. 10 during a special meeting.
Murdock said if council passes the resolution, he will send it to Washtenaw County commissioners, State Rep. David Rutledge, D-Superior Township, and others.
"I just think at this point and time that having a part of the four-county thing is going to confuse the issue and they make it more complicated for our own efforts to move forward with regionalizing our area," Murdock said. "We need to get that done before they get in the picture. ... We'll be in competition for the same dollars."
City Manager Ralph Lange said he agreed with Murdock's plans to oppose the RTA.
"I would support Mr. Murdock completely," Lange said. "We're better off out."
Katrease Stafford covers Ypsilanti for AnnArbor.com.Reach her at katreasestafford@annarbor.com or 734-623-2548 and follow her on twitter.