Ann Arbor, MIVoter Guide 2026 · not a ballot

Ann Arbor City Council Ward 4 · Nov 3, 2026

James Trost

Candidate for City Council Ward 4

8 candidates · 6 seats5 sourced positions

James Trost is running for Ann Arbor City Council Ward 4 in the Nov 3, 2026 election, against Aidan Sova.

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Election Day (polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.) · Tue, Nov 3, 2026

Host of the “A2 Insight” interview program on Community Television Network, running as an independent.

Occupation (from candidate statement)
No party affiliation
Campaign website
trostfora2council.com

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Kenny Leicht (listed by MLive as Kenneth Arthur Leicht Jr., Ward 3) and James Trost (Ward 4) filed as independent candidates; write-in candidates have until Oct. 23 to declare. MLive · Aug 4, 2026

The Ward 4 seat is open: Aidan Sova and James Trost are running for the seat being vacated by Dharma Akmon. MLive

Where James Trost stands: positions on the record

Arbor South1 sourced position

  • Supports the Arbor South development but says it should not be a financial burden on taxpayers and developers should bear most costs.

    “Developers should assume most costs as they are the one’s that ultimately benefit financially.”

    Own statementMLive

City budget1 sourced position

  • Would look for waste in the city budget, including spending on consultants.

    “I plan to find ways to eliminate waste in the budget”

    Own statementMLive

Council debate1 sourced position

  • Says an independent voice on council would serve Ward 4, citing years of unanimous decisions.

    “I believe in consensus and believe an Independent voice on Council will be in the best interests of Ward 4 residents.”

    Own statementMLive

Land use plan1 sourced position

  • Supports the overall goals of the land use plan but warns the planned “second downtown” near Briarwood could bring excessive costs to taxpayers.

    “While I support the overall goals of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan”

    Own statementAnn Arbor Observer · Jun 8, 2026

Property taxes1 sourced position

  • Wants income-based senior Homestead credits expanded.

    “I’d like to see the expansion of the current senior Homestead credits based on incomes to be expanded.”

    Own statementAnn Arbor Observer · Jun 8, 2026

Also running for City Council Ward 4

All 8 Ann Arbor candidates →

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