on the issues
East Lansing’s Budget
Due to the BWL court decision (where the city was found to have illegally taxed residents and now must return the collected funds) and other factors, East Lansing is facing a budget crisis. While the city has taken some steps to address its deficit, it remains a major issue. We should be conducting a detailed review of the city’s budget and contracted services, and waiting on the recommendations of a financial health review team. Instead, council is asking voters for a property tax increase. This ballot proposal is not about raising revenue for our parks, but is rather an attempt by council to go back on the city’s word that it would not raise property taxes so long as the income tax is in place.
If East Lansing needs to make cuts and raise revenue, it needs to lead from the top. That is why I am proposing a four year pay freeze for members of council and top city staff.
Neighborhood Traffic/safety
Residents have been asking council for years for improvements to the traffic conditions in neighborhoods around the city, and have sent the city petitions with detailed requests of what they want to see happen. Instead of listening to residents, the city either ignores them, hires expensive consultants to “research” the issue, or tells them the things they want, such as stop signs, won’t work. It is time to listen to our residents and tackle this issue head on. This also includes addressing the issue of excessive noise from vehicles during the late hours of the night.
Increasing transparency
Residents deserve to know what is going on with their city government. People should have easy access to important information to make sure the city is held accountable when it comes to the important decisions that affect your everyday life.
I will make sure that the city is as forthcoming as possible with the public, and also work to lower Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) fees to make sure that all residents have easy and affordable access to city records.
Affordable Housing
East Lansing is an expensive city to live in. When I graduated from MSU I wanted to stay here, but had to move elsewhere in the Lansing area because as a recent college graduate my salary wasn’t enough to pay for any of the housing options that were available.
We must focus on increasing housing options for young adults who want to make a living in East Lansing, but cannot afford to rent and may also not be at the point where they are ready (or able) to buy a house. We must also improve housing options for low to middle income people and families who want to be a part of our community but unfortunately are unable to do so.
Creating opportunities for these populations with smart zoning and investments will help the long-term stability of East Lansing, bring in a more diverse population, and grow our city.
Want to know how I feel about an issue that isn’t mentioned above? Feel free to contact me! I’d be happy to discuss any and all issues with you: votedelay@gmail.com