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February 19 - 25, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com Locally owned • A newspaper for the rest of us Finding the perfect tattoo in Lansing See page 12
2 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • February 12, 2020
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City Pulse • February 12, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 3
Favorite Things
Jahshua Smith and his Star of David pendant
for money, jewelry or whatever when
a family member passes, but since he
was very clear in stating that he’d pass
Lansing-based emcee Jahshua Smith he found My grandfather’s name was Evans it down to me, I was comfortable with
has been a force in the Michigan hip- time to chat Waller King, son of Maurice King, receiving it.
hop scene for years, having released a with City who was director of artist develop- There are so many things I could
series of successful albums. In 2006, he Pulse about ment at Motown Records for 10 years. choose, but this gives me a lot of
debuted with “The Megaman Mixtape” a prized If I had to describe my grandfather, I’d strength to be better for myself and my
under his former “JYoung the General” possession say he had a lot of presence the minute family, so it’s possibly my most-prized
moniker. Soon, he dropped the stage he proud- he walked into the room. Very vibrant. possession right now. I wear it almost
name and unleashed a series of ly sports. He loved to tell stories to the point every day. I try not to wear it when I
well-crafted albums, including “The Here’s what you’d probably find his personality to know I’m somewhere that could result
Final Season” (2013), “The Fourth Smith, 34, be a bit bombastic, but you could also in me losing it. I’m not sure if I’ve per-
Wall” (2016) and, his latest LP, 2019’s had to say: see he cared for people — even if you formed with it on.
“They Don’t Love You Like That.” My favor- had to fight through his personality to My reasoning for wearing it is that I
From his hometown of Detroit to his ite thing get there. think given its recognition as a symbol
current digs in Lansing, his conscious is my late Smith His passing back in September of Jewish identity in modern culture,
and sociopolitical lyrics have been grandfa- affected me a lot, because I realized it’s the best way to show my grand-
heard everywhere from small clubs like ther’s Star I was losing the one man who had father I saw him for who he was. My
Mac’s Bar, to large stages opening for of David pendant. It’s solid gold on an been in my life from birth without faith is rooted in Christianity, and I
the likes of Wiz Khalifa. Over the years, accompanying 20-inch necklace. My any interruptions. But I also had a think I’m fair and clear about the fact
he’s also been a part of the Blat! Pack, grandfather was finding ground with great deal of comfort, as our last con- that I wear it to honor him, but I’ve
a local hip-hop collective, and (during his conversion to Judaism, as he prac- versations let me know we had left no had some great discussions about reli-
his time at Michigan State University) ticed later in his life. He would wear stones unturned. We knew how much gion when people inquire about it.
he was host of “The Cultural Vibe” it sporadically. I received it upon my we loved each other and that made it (This interview was edited and con-
rap show on Impact 88.9-FM. grandfather’s passing. It was some- much easier. Soon after his passing, densed by Rich Tupica. If you have a
When he’s not working on his music, thing he promised me when I was a my grandmother found the pendant suggestion for Favorite Things, email
the busy lyricist also works at the teenager, so it could be considered an and asked me if I wanted it. I’ll nev- rich@lansingcitypulse.com.)
Michigan College Access Network. But heirloom at this point. er be the type of person who looks
4 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • February 19, 2020
VOL. 19
ISSUE 28
(517) 371-5600 • Fax: (517) 999-6061 • 1905 E. Michigan Ave. • Lansing, MI 48912 • www.lansingcitypulse.com
ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: (517) 999-5061
or email citypulse@lansingcitypulse.com
PAGE CLASSIFIEDS: (517) 999-6704
16 EDITOR AND PUBLISHER • Berl Schwartz
publisher@lansingcitypulse.com • (517) 999-5061
ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR • Skyler Ashley
An eclectic collection of art at MSU Broad skyler@lansingcitypulse.com • (517) 999-5068
EVENTS EDITOR/OFFICE MANAGER • Suzi Smith
suzi@lansingcitypulse.com • (517) 999-6704
PRODUCTION • Abby Sumbler
PAGE production@lansingcitypulse.com
(517) 999-5066
18 STAFF WRITERS • Lawrence Cosentino
lawrence@lansingcitypulse.com • (517) 999-5065
Kyle Kaminski • kyle@lansingcitypulse.com
Headlining film for Capital City Film Fest announced
(517) 999-6710
SALES EXECUTIVE
Lee Purdy • lee@lansingcitypulse.com • (517) 999-5064
PAGE Mike Piasecki • mike@lansingcitypulse.com • (517) 999-6707
21 Contributors: Andy Balaskovitz, Justin Bilicki, Capital
News Service, Bill Castanier, Ryan Claytor, Mary C.
Top Comic book industry minds host conference at MSU Cusack, Tom Helma, Gabrielle Lawrence Johnson, Terry
Link, Kyle Melinn, Mark Nixon, Dennis Preston, Carrie
Sampson, Nevin Speerbrecker, Rich Tupica, Ute Von Der
Heyden, David Winkelstern, Paul Wozniak
Cover Distribution manager:
Garrett Clinard • (517) 999-6704
Art Delivery drivers: Garrett Clinard, Dave Fisher,
Dale Gartner, Jack Sova, Gavin Smith
Art by Harley Zeke Interns: Matthew Stine • stinem47@gmail.com
NOW AT 10:00 A.M.
SUNDAYS on
OF THE WEEK
City Pulse • February 19, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 5
PULSE NEWS & OPINION
Joan Jackson Johnson and beyond
Few people in the Capital region ly intoned that Johnson had committed OF THE WEEK
are unfamiliar with Joan Jackson serious “misconduct” and “misappro-
Johnson, the former director of priation” of public funds. Yet the audit
Lansing’s Human Relations and report and related addendums obtained
Community Services Department and by City Pulse are inconclusive on this
a highly regarded advocate for the point. Nowhere in the documents is any
poor, homeless and downtrodden. claim that Johnson absconded with city
Last month, she was suspended by funds. The reports note that it is a pos-
Mayor Andy Schor amid allegations of sibility, but that further investigation is
impropriety concerning her adminis- needed to make a final determination.
tration of city grant funds. She retired
from her position shortly thereafter.
Our intent is certainly not to vindicate
Johnson; her fate will be determined by
1522 W. Holmes Road
This little white house on
Through the years, Johnson has the ongoing investigation, which pre-
received countless accolades for her sumably will examine the flow of funds Lansing’s southside has been up for
selfless efforts to improve the lives of between the city, her nonprofits, and sale for quite some time, accord-
the least among us. By all appearanc- potentially Johnson herself. Until that ing to officials in the city’s Building
es, she is a woman of unimpeachable investigation is complete, and unless Safety Department. But it’s a real
integrity who commands the respect a charge of criminal wrongdoing is mess, so the city wants to tear the
The CP Edit
and admiration of nearly everyone who ultimately brought against her, we remind place down.
knows her. That’s why it was shocking, the public and media that she is entitled to The Lansing City Council will
even unbelievable, when local media the presumption of innocence until proven hold a public hearing next month to
began reporting a story that suggested Opinion guilty. give homeowner Larry Owens one
Johnson is something less than the hero- Perhaps equally important, this unfor- last chance to explain why his house
ic figure she appears to be. It is important to note that a conflict of tunate episode suggests that the city’s shouldn’t be bulldozed. The city’s
The insinuation that she had engaged interest is not, in and of itself, a crime, internal procedures for ferreting out con- Demolition Board ruled it unsafe
in serious misconduct, perhaps even a provided it is addressed transparently and flicts of interest are flawed, if not broken. last September and the place was
crime, cast an immediate pall over her resolved in a way that protects the public The current system is largely based on red-tagged in February. Next month
reputation and legacy. While a federal interest. At-Large Council members Kathy the voluntary disclosure of conflicts, an is Owens’ last chance to speak up.
investigation of her alleged misdeeds is Dunbar and Carol Wood, for example, “honor system” if you will, that requires With about $119,000 in esti-
underway, we think it is a good time to both lead local nonprofits that receive city employees and elected officials to be mated repairs and a value of about
step back and take a closer look at what funding from the city. When the budgets transparent about business dealings that $52,000, the building is likely to
is known about the case and what could for those expenditures come before the may influence their official roles. The City deteriorate further into a real safety
and should have been done to prevent it Council, both routinely disclose their roles Attorney’s Office is principally responsible hazard for the local neighborhood
from happening in the first place. in the nonprofit and recuse themselves for vetting city contracts and the recipi- without improvements. Building
Based on a forensic audit released by from voting. Yet city money still flows to ents of public funds to flush out obvious safety officials and City Pulse hav-
the city, Johnson clearly had multiple, the organizations they lead, and they are conflicts before they become a problem. en’t had any luck contacting Owens,
longstanding conflicts of interest between free to manage those funds as part of While this review appears to have hap- so they’re taking matters into their
her position as a city official and her role their day-to-day business operations. pened early on in Johnson’s tenure, her
own hands.
as an officer of several non-profit organi- The key difference between these conflicts were permitted to continue for
The mold-covered exterior with
zations that provide services to families, examples and Johnson’s case is that she many years without additional scrutiny and
boarded up windows and doors
children and homeless individuals. As a failed to recuse herself from the decision corrective action. This constitutes a clear
city official she approved the expendi- to disburse funds to her own nonprofit failure by two consecutive city adminis- isn’t pretty. The inside is worse.
ture of public funds, then managed the organizations, then failed to disclose her trations that could easily have been rem- The electrical and plumbing are
use of those funds by the nonprofits she role in the organizations. These lapses edied and perhaps could have prevented shot. Buckets are affixed to faucets.
controlled. This is a recipe for trouble in judgment are certainly regrettable, and Johnson from getting into hot water in the Trash is strewn about. The walls are
because it opens the door to potential may even rise to the level of a misde- first place. cracked. The ceiling is collapsing.
misuse of funds or even embezzlement. meanor. However, no conclusive evidence While the investigation continues, we And Owens owes more than $7,500
Whether Johnson personally benefited has been presented to suggest that suggest Mayor Schor and his administra- in back taxes and fees on the prop-
from this arrangement, or if the funds Johnson actually misused the funds or tion conduct a critical review of the poli- erty. If Owens doesn’t show up for
were spent as intended on helping the that she personally benefited from them. cies and procedures that are intended to a public hearing March 16, the City
less fortunate in our community, will be Based on local media coverage, one discover and resolve conflicts of interest Council can order it demolished.
determined by the findings of the inves- could easily jump to the conclusion that and to implement the changes needed to — KYLE KAMINSKI
tigation. In either case, it’s clear that she did. More than one news outlet grave- ensure it never happens again.
Johnson’s administration of the funds
“Eyesore of the Week” is our look at some
lacked appropriate internal controls and of the seedier properties in Lansing. It rotates with
oversight that would have brought her Send letters to the editor on this editorial or any other topic to Eye Candy of the Week and Eye for Design. Have
conflicts to light much sooner. letters@lansingcitypulse.com. Please limit them to 250 words. a suggestion? Email eye@lansingcitypulse.com or
call it in at 517-999-6715.
6 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • February 19, 2020
Schor’s self-assessment: Much done, more to come
(Andy Schor is the mayor of Lansing) for the City of Lansing. These new Summits and Citizens Academy to exciting permanent tenant.
By ANDY SCHOR housing, retail, hotel, recreation, name a few. All of these resources The City of Lansing celebrates and
It’s been two arts, grocery store and other projects help to build community wealth and supports an inclusive community. I
years since I will provide economic growth to economic mobility for our residents. am extremely proud that my cabinet
took office as the Lansing economy as soon as We must always remember to focus and staff continue to reflect the diver-
the Mayor of this summer. The pride that people on our people. Our neighborhoods sity of our great city. I have retained,
Lansing and we have for this city is remarkable. The are the heart of our city and we are hired and promoted people of all
have done so popular new logo and brand has proud to invest in our residents. backgrounds - African American,
much. The pace created an avenue for residents to These are things that I committed Latino and Caucasian; male and
is extraordinary, express their excitement for Lansing, to prioritize when I ran for office. female; LGBTQ and straight – to
yet rewarding for its future and for all of the great My team has delivered on many of grow our city and reflect its rich and
and exciting. I things happening throughout the city. these promises and will continue to diverse culture.
thank the City Pulse for the grade of We have been able to make progress work every day to grow all aspects It’s disappointing to me that the
B in their recent editorial (Feb. 12), on roads, despite the lack of signifi- of Lansing.The City Pulse did raise City Pulse would state or repeat any
and we have much more coming for cant new infrastructure investment both City Hall and the City Market in claims that I am not comfortable
Lansing! from the state of Michigan, where the its editorial, and I’m glad to provide working with people of color, as it is
I’m proud of the economic vast majority of our funding comes this update. We do need a new City false. All these public officials, along
development projects that we have from. We have resurfaced several Hall, but we need to be able to pay for with our city staff, should be praised
initiated and accomplished. We are main roads throughout the city and it without tying up taxpayer dollars for their work.
continuously working with business, have repaired thousands of potholes that are necessary for other services. We have accomplished a lot in our
labor and our residents to increase on neighborhood roads. Roads and And we need to repurpose the City first two years, and we will work just
vibrancy and create jobs in Lansing. infrastructure will continue to be a Market, but it needs to pay for itself as hard over the next two years to
Not only has my team helped bring priority throughout my administra- without a subsidy from taxpayers. continue to move Lansing forward. I
economic development projects that tion. Now that we have won the lawsuit welcome anyone, no matter what you
were in motion before I was mayor I am thrilled that we have created (which took 12 months), we are look like or what you believe, to join
across the finish line, we have also many new programs and resources actively seeking and working on ideas me on this journey. Thank you to all
worked with public and private for our neighborhoods and Lansing and proposals, and I am confident who have supported me and the City
partners to initiate several important students - BOLD Lansing, SERVE that we will soon be able to repurpose of Lansing. Lansing’s time is now,
projects matching my priorities Lansing, Neighborhood Resource the property into a sustainable and and for years into the future!
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
EAST LANSING CITY COUNCIL
LETTERS Notice is hereby given of the following public hearing to be held by the East Lansing City
Council on February 25, 2020 at 7:00 p.m., in the 54-B District Court, Courtroom 2, 101
Linden Street, East Lansing:
to the editor
A public hearing will be held to consider Ordinance 1482, an ordinance to alter the
definition of "to harass" in the code of the City of East Lansing.
The City of East Lansing will provide reasonable accommodations, such as interpreters for
the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed materials being considered at this meeting,
upon notice to the City of East Lansing, prior to the meeting. Individuals with disabilities
requiring reasonable accommodations or services should write or call the City Manager’s
Have something to say about a Office, 410 Abbot Road, East Lansing, MI 48823 (517) 319-6920, TDD 1-800-649-3777.
The religion ‘excuse’ local issue or an item that appeared
Jennifer Shuster
Every time I hear the religious in our pages? Now you have two City Clerk CP#20-041
argument for discrimination ways to sound off:
against LGBTQ people (“True 1.) Write a letter to the editor.
love’s kiss,” editorial, Jan. 15), I • E-mail: letters@ lansingcitypulse. CITY OF LANSING
want to ask the discriminator, “Do com NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
you deny non-Christian straight • Snail mail: City Pulse, SLU-3-2019, 1315 Massachusetts Avenue
couples permission to use your 1905 E. Michigan Ave., Special Land Use Permit – Parking Lot in the “B” Residential District
services?”. Shouldn’t that be more Lansing, MI 48912
bothersome than a Christian cou- The Lansing City Council will hold a public hearing on Monday, March 16, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. in
• Fax: (517) 371-5800 Council Chambers, 10th Floor, Lansing City Hall, 124 W. Michigan Avenue, Lansing, Michigan,
ple from the LGBTQ community?
• At lansingcitypulse.com to consider SLU-3-2019. This is a request by Capital Area Community Services, Inc. for a
The truth is they simply are intol- special land use permit to construct a parking lot on the south 28 feet of the vacant property
erant against these community 2.) Write a guest column: located at 1315 Massachusetts Avenue. Parking lots are permitted in the "B" Residential
members, and are using religion Contact Berl Schwartz for more district, which is the zoning designation of the subject property, if a Special Land Use permit
as a means to openly discrimi- information: is approved by the Lansing City Council.
nate. publisher@lansingcitypulse.com For more information, please call 517-483-4177. If you are interested in this matter, please
or (517) 999-5061 attend the public hearing or send a representative. Written comments will be accepted
Patrick Cooper (Please include your name, address between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on City business days if received before 5 p.m., on the day of
Lansing and telephone number so we can the Public Hearing at the City Clerk’s Office, Ninth Floor, City Hall, 124 West Michigan Ave.,
Lansing, MI 48933 or email city.clerk@lansingmi.gov.
reach you. Keep letters to 250
words or fewer. City Pulse reserves Chris Swope, Lansing City Clerk, MMC/CMMC
the right to edit letters and columns. www.lansingmi.gov/Clerk
www.facebook.com/LansingClerkSwope CP#20-040
City Pulse • February 19, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 7
Billboards lead to unlicensed pot shop in Lansing
recreational pot smokers. He declined
Police investigating to comment further.
Jay Deez’s Herbs “If it’s at a residential address, they
are definitely operating illegally,” said
for illegal sales City Clerk Chris Swope. “We don’t have
any retail sales allowed in residential-
At least two billboards for Jay Deez’s ly zoned areas. It’s not possible to get
Herbs popped up in Lansing within licensed at a location like that.”
the last few weeks. One in the Stadium Under state law, recreational mari-
District shows a picture of its owner, juana sales are only permitted at fully
John Dinaso, along with a tagline for licensed dispensaries. An exception is
“medical and recreational marijuana” carved out for “gifting” marijuana, but
and custom glass pipes. money cannot legally be exchanged
One problem: No recreational shops for unlicensed products. This report-
have been fully licensed yet to operate er — among others, based on Internet
in Lansing. reports —paid cash in exchange for
This reporter tracked the business to weed.
a small home at 415 N. Fairfield Ave., Dinaso, who goes by a “business
wedged within a northside residential name” of Jay Deez, later told City Pulse
neighborhood on Monday. The door that he was licensed by the state to sell
was locked, but Dinaso and another recreational marijuana. A quick review
man welcomed me inside and said his of state licensing records showed that
home was the first “business” legally to be false. Dinaso hasn’t applied for
able to sell recreational marijuana with- a license with the city either, say city
in the capital city. records posted online.
Dinaso’s partner — also pictured on “We’re the first in the entire state to
the local billboards — sold this reporter be legal,” Dinaso insisted. “I have a let-
a $30 eighter of StarDawg, a surpris- ter from the state that said they don’t
ingly potent sativa strain at a relatively regulate us at all. This is all planned Kyle Kaminski/City Pulse
affordable price. More than three grams out. I didn’t go to the city either. I went
Although this billboards might suggest otherwise, Jay Deez's Herbs isn't licensed
of weed easily nets at least $40 on the to the state and bypassed the city. You
to sell recreational marijuana in the city of Lansing.
recreational market elsewhere. He also have to have a good legal mind to be
said edible products would be available able to do all of this. These laws don’t secret,” Dinaso added. “We’ve been My belief is that the businesses should
later in the week. regulate my business at all.” called the best herb shop in Lansing.” be regulated like bars and other busi-
That is, of course, unless the Lansing Dinaso declined to expound on his Relatively slim enforcement from nesses, i.e., by municipal attorneys and
Police Department decides to actually legal theory, noting that others would both the Lansing Police Department regulatory bodies.”
enforce laws on black market sales. be likely to “steal his trade secrets.” But and the Ingham County Prosecutor’s Meanwhile, city officials this week
An LPD spokesman said local author- he said that his shop has been opera- Office in the wake of recreational legal- announced a list of conditionally
ities are actively investigating the busi- tional for at least 10 years and nobody ization could help explain how Dinaso’s approved recreational dispensaries as
ness following reports of unlicensed has ever tried to shut it down. business has been able to thrive. they prepare for a newly legalized mar-
marijuana sales to both medical and “This is basically Lansing’s best kept In 2017, the Lansing Police ket to take root in Lansing. And Jay
Department made a total of 18 arrests Deez’s Herbs certainly isn’t on the list.
related to illegal marijuana sales and A total of 11 recreational retail licens-
cultivation. In 2018, those arrests es for marijuana have been condition-
increased to 24. But in 2019, after ally approved by Swope’s office. Those
weed was legalized statewide for adult shops still require state approval and
use, only two people have been arrested a certificate of occupancy before they
for illegal marijuana sales. Statistics for can operate in Lansing, but it’s one
2020 were not immediately available. step closer to recreational availability in
Since Dec. 1, 2018, the Ingham Lansing.
County Prosecutor’s Office has issued By city law, 28 dispensaries can par-
five charges involving illegal marijuana ticipate in the recreational marijua-
sales. Four of them involved companion na market. Several of those recently
charges, such as possession of cocaine approved retailers are already licensed
or assault on a police officer. The other for medical sales, which could help
involved a whopping 32 lbs. of marijua- streamline the process. Swope said rec-
na that prosecutors suspected was set reational availability at those locations
for illegal sales. depend largely on how quickly the state
“Some Michigan prosecutors are can license them.
getting involved with how recreational Visit lansingcitypulse.com for addi-
marijuana is handled on the local lev- tional coverage as the Lansing Police
Kyle Kaminski/City Pulse
el,” Ingham County Prosecutor Carol Department continues its investigation.
A City Pulse reporter tracked Jay Deez's Herbs to a small home at 415 N.
Siemon explained by email. “I’m not. — KYLE KAMINSKI
Fairfield Ave. where he bought a $30 bag of weed on Monday.
8 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • February 19, 2020
Lansing wrestles with legacy costs as reserve funds fall
Financial Health Team sees forced those reserves to dip to about remaining fund balance. figure climbed to about 22% or about
$10 million over the last year. A recent “We’ve had several one-time expens- $49.5 million of the city’s $226.4 mil-
difficult days ahead, seeks budget amendment further trims those es to deal with,” Schor explained. “With lion in annual revenue. Bakken said this
‘immediate corrective action’ rainy-day funds to $6.82 million — or accounting, you can either push them year, it’s closer to 30%.
only about 4.9% of annual expenditures down the field or tackle them head on. “Reducing unfunded liabilities will be
As unfunded costs for pensions and
— this year. This year, we’re not kicking the can neither quick nor easy, and will require
retirement benefits continue to rise,
And as unfunded pension liabili- down the road. We sort of dumped changes to health care and labor con-
Lansing’s Financial Health Team is
ties surpass $736 million, officials are everything into this amendment to tracts,” according to the recent letter
warning city officials to stockpile cash
voicing cautious optimism as the next make sure our budget is structurally from the Financial Health Team. “This
into its reserve funds and prepare for
budget cycle approaches in March. FHT sound for the long-term.” is a long-term effort which must begin
difficult financial days ahead.
Chairman Ben Bakken said many posi- Schor’s next budget proposal will aim now. And in the short-term, it is essen-
“Lansing continues to grapple with
tive structural changes have been made to ramp up the fund balance to bring tial that the city take immediate steps to
a variety of challenges that will require
under Schor’s administration, but he it closer to the 12% mark, he said. But ensure the finance department is ade-
both one-time and structural chang-
still called for “immediate corrective he knows that bolstering those reserves quately staffed and to rebuild general
es — ‘business as usual’ simply is not
action” to keep up the pace. will come at a price. Residents shouldn’t fund reserves.”
an option,” according to a letter sent
“There have been some signifi- expect any shiny new programs or costly Bakken also noted the hiring of Chief
on Monday from the Financial Health
cant changes under this administra- initiatives in the near future as the city Strategy Officer Shelbi Frayer — which
Team to Mayor Andy Schor, other top
tion,” Bakken explained to City Pulse. tightens its purse strings, Schor added. was initially suggested by the FHT last
city officials and every member of the
“Problems have been identified and “We want to be stable while ensuring year — has already paid its dividends
Lansing City Council.
dealt with. But sometimes things have we have a structurally sound budget,” to the city. The letter notes that she
“Reducing unfunded liabilities will be
to get worse before they can improve. Schor said. “People can expect that we has focused on a series of short-term
neither quick nor easy, and will require
However, we have a tremendously high won’t be announcing any big new pro- reforms designed to realize immediate
changes to health care and labor con-
level of confidence in this administra- grams or other costly ventures. We’ll savings but also recognized that “much
tracts. This is a long-term effort which
tion to keep things on track.” continue to serve the public while rec- remains to be done.”
must begin now. And in the short-term,
The latest budget amendment still ognizing our financial constraints. We’ll “I appreciate the Financial Health
it is essential the city take immediate
needs to be approved by the Lansing be leaning on using a lot of our existing Team for staying involved and com-
steps to ensure the finance department
City Council, but was triggered, in part, resources to get that done.” mitted to their mission of ensuring
is adequately staffed and to rebuild gen-
by the city receiving about $2.4 million The FHT noted the city’s finances the financial health of the city,” add-
eral fund reserves.”
less in income taxes than initially antic- remain “under considerable stress” but ed Council President Peter Spadafore.
The FHT — an 18-member body ini-
ipated as the budget passed last year. emphasized that Schor and the City “Problems must be identified before
tially appointed by former Mayor Virg
Ultimately, the amendment calls for a Council have showcased a growing they can be fixed, and I think that’s
Bernero in 2012 — set a threshold to
$2 million revenue shortfall as expenses understanding of the enormity of the exactly what we’re doing. This has cer-
keep the city’s general fund balance
also continue to rise. issues faced and the need for funda- tainly been a major priority at City Hall.”
above 12% of annual expenditures. That
Schor plans to shift an addition- mental structural changes. Bakken said The Financial Health Team has
safety net ensures the city of Lansing
al $560,000 to the city’s police and those changes will likely continue to requested to give a brief presentation
can maintain a balanced budget and
fire departments to account for rising impact retiree health benefits. to the City Council, possibly at a meet-
essentially serves as a rainy-day fund for
retirement contribution costs, among In 2006, the cost of unfunded pen- ing of the Committee of the Whole next
unexpected expenses.
other additional appropriations in the sion and other post-employment ben- week. Visit lansingcitypulse.com for
In 2018, that fund balance rested at
amendment. If it’s approved by the City efits represented about 13.5% or $25 continued coverage from Lansing City
about $17.3 million, records showed.
Council, the maneuver would chip away million of the city’s $184 million reve- Hall.
Unexpected costs and revenue shortfalls
another $3.15 million out of the city’s nue. In the city’s last budget cycle, that — KYLE KAMINSKI
What’s on the March primary ballot?
2,000 residents in 2018, with more
than 1,500 residents considered eli-
gible to receive funds through the
millage. It also paid out nearly $1 mil-
Voters to decide on Polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on If approved, the millage would be lion in claims for appointments and
March 10. No-reason absentee ballots renewed through 2023 and its rate more than $150,000 to fill more than
7 local millage proposals have already been made available. would climb 0.63 mills to raise about 17,000 prescriptions during that time
Editor’s Note: This story focuses on Ingham County Health Services mill- $4.8 million in the first year after its period.
only two of seven ballot proposals in age increase passage. And officials said the fund- The expanded millage request
Ingham County. The others were fea- This Ingham County millage pro- ing will help fill gaps in local health would also help cover mental health
tured in the Feb. 5 print edition. Visit posal looks to re-authorize funding for coverage. services for low-income residents,
lansingcitypulse.com to view the com- basic health care and mental health “There are still thousands of peo- offering around-the-clock crisis ser-
plete listing. services to low-income residents with- ple in our community without access vices, treatment planning, intensive
Seven local funding proposals will out medical insurance and those who to affordable, quality health care,” support, psychiatric care, skills train-
be on the ballot at next month’s pres- are not eligible for Medicaid under explained County Commissioner ing and more.
idential primary election. Everything the federal Affordable Care Act. The Thomas Morgan. “This millage helps “Investing in early intervention can
(as always) could use some extra cash funding would help residents pay for to fill that gap and ensure that people ultimately save taxpayer resources in
in Ingham County, officials said. But access to doctor visits, generic med- can get the medical care they need. the long run, not to mention help-
how do voters decide what deserves ications, mental health services and This millage quite literally saves lives.” ing to prevent irreversible tragedies,”
it? This primary election guide is essential care like treatment for can- County records show the Ingham
designed to help in that decision. cer, diabetes, heart disease and more. County Health Plan served more than See Primary, Page 10
City Pulse • February 19, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 9
CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF LANSING
PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY ELECTION NOTICE
TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2020
TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF LANSING,
COUNTY OF INGHAM, STATE OF MICHIGAN,
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, THAT THE PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY ELECTION
WILL BE HELD IN THE
CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF LANSING
COUNTY OF INGHAM, MICHIGAN
TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2020
PLACE OR PLACES FOR HOLDING THE ELECTION IN SAID TOWNSHIP AS INDICATED other serious illnesses, shall the Constitutional limitation upon the total amount of taxes which
BELOW, VIZ: may be assessed in one (1) year upon all property within the County of Ingham, Michigan be
PRECINCT 1 - First Christian Church, 1001 Chester Road increased by up to 63/100 (0.6300) of one (1) mill, $0.63 per thousand dollars of state taxable
PRECINCT 2 - Asbury United Methodist Church, 2200 Lake Lansing Road valuation, for a period of four (4) years (2020-2023) inclusive? If approved and levied in full, this
PRECINCTS 3, 4 and 6 - Waverly East Intermediate School, 3131 W. Michigan Ave. Millage will raise an estimated $4,840,219 in the first calendar year of the levy, based on state
(in the gymnasium) taxable valuation.
ALL POLLING PLACES ARE HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE YES or NO
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE this election is for the purpose of nominating candidates for the Proposal Section – Intermediate School District
office of President of the United States from the Democratic and Republican parties, viz: Ingham Intermediate School District
(Please note, you must select ONE ballot type below) Special Education Millage Proposal
(Restoration of Headlee Reduction)
Republican Party Presidential Democratic Party Presidential
Primary Primary This proposal requests additional millage to permit the continued levy by the intermediate school
(Vote for not more than 1) (Vote for not more than 1) district of the maximum mills for special education previously approved by the electors.
Joe Walsh Cory Booker
Bill Weld Pete Buttigieg Shall the current charter limitation on the annual property tax rate for the education of students
Mark Sanford Julian Castro with a disability in Ingham Intermediate School District, Michigan, be increased by 0.2438 mill
Donald J. Trump John Delaney ($0.2438 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) for a period of 20 years, 2020 to 2039, inclusive
Uncommitted Tulsi Gabbard (this increase will allow the intermediate school district to levy the maximum rate of 4.75
Amy Klobuchar mills previously approved by the electors that has been reduced as required by the Michigan
Bernie Sanders Constitution of 1963); the estimate of the revenue the intermediate school district will collect if
Joe Sestak the millage is approved and levied in 2020 is approximately $2,300,000 from local property taxes
Tom Steyer authorized herein?
Elizabeth Warren
Marianne Williamson YES or NO
Andrew Yang
Michael Bennet Proposal Section – Transportation Authority
Joe Biden Capital Area Transportation Authority
Michael R. Bloomberg (CATA)
Uncommitted Millage Renewal Proposition
City of Lansing, City of East Lansing
Proposal Section – County Meridian Township, Lansing Township, and Delhi Township
Ingham County Potter Park Zoo and
Potter Park Shall the previously voter approved millage of 3.007 mills (that being $3.007 per thousand dollars
Operational Millage Question of taxable value) be renewed and authorized to be levied by the Capital Area Transportation
Authority (CATA), for continued service, as provided for by Public Act 55 of 1963, as amended,
For the purpose of reauthorizing funding for the operation of the Potter Park Zoo and Potter on real and personal property located within the City of Lansing, City of East Lansing, Meridian
Park, including funding for operations, maintenance, and improvements, shall the Constitutional Township, Lansing Township, and Delhi Township for the years 2021 through 2025 inclusive,
limitation upon the total amount of taxes which may be assessed in one (1) year upon all property which is a period of five years? (The current levy of 3.007 mills was approved by the voters
within the County of Ingham, Michigan be increased by up to 50/100 (0.5000) of one (1) mill, in 2014 and is authorized through 2020.) Based on currently available taxable value data, if
$0.50 per thousand dollars of state taxable valuation, for a period of six (6) years (2021-2026) approved and levied, this millage would generate approximately $18,986,240 in 2021.
inclusive? If approved and levied in full, this Millage will raise an estimated $3,841,444 in the first
calendar year of the levy, based on state taxable valuation. YES or NO
_____________________________________________________________
YES or NO
The polls of said election will be open at 7 o’clock a.m. and will remain open until 8 o’clock p.m.
Countywide System of Trails and Parks of said day of election
Millage Renewal Question
Full text of the ballot proposals may be obtained at the Charter Township of Lansing office
For the purpose of renewing funding at the same millage level previously approved by the voters located at 3209 W. Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48917. Sample ballots can also be found at
in 2014 for the creation and maintenance of a countywide system of recreational trails and www.mi.gov/vote.
adjacent parks, which may incorporate trails or parks created by local units of government,
including Lansing’s River Trail, and may acquire rights of way to connect and extend existing Absentee ballots are available for all elections; registered voters may contact the local clerk to
trails, shall the Constitutional limitation upon the total amount of taxes which may be assessed obtain an application for an absent voter ballot.
in one (1) year upon all property within the County of Ingham, Michigan, previously increased
by up to 0.5000 mills, $0.50 per $1,000 of taxable value, be continued and renewed for a period To comply with the Help America Vote Act (HAVA), voting instructions will be available in audio
of six (6) years (2020-2025) inclusive? If approved and levied in full, this millage will raise an format and in Braille. Arrangements for obtaining the instructions in these alternative formats
estimated $3,841,444.00 for the system of recreational trails and adjacent parks in the first can be made by contacting the township clerk in advance of the election. All polling locations
calendar year of the levy based on taxable valuation. are accessible for voters with disabilities.
YES or NO Susan L. Aten, Clerk
Charter Township of Lansing
CP#20-042
Ingham County
Health Services Millage
For the purpose of reauthorizing funding for providing basic health care and mental health
services to low-income Ingham County residents who are not eligible for Medicaid under the
Federal Affordable Care Act, and who do not have medical insurance, including use of these
funds to help pay for access to doctor visits, generic medications, mental health services and
essential care such as preventive testing and treatment for cancer, diabetes, heart disease and
10 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • February 19, 2020
Guns v. sexism
to look strong on protecting a person’s You can see the conundrum
right to bear arms. Republicans find themselves in.
They need political leverage. Anna Clearly, the governor is
Mitterling, who they arguably see as unsympathetic. She is knee-capping
‘20 campaign kicks off with appointment rejection being a DNR rubber stamp due to her the Republicans in a political sore spot
support of the deer baiting ban, among — Sen. Pete Lucido and the on-going
The Michigan Senate’s Heartwell. As Mayor, Heartwell other things, is that leverage point. sexual harassment investigation.
rejection of Anna attempted to ban guns from city They ask the governor to rescind She’s tying Lucido’s troubles with the
POLITICS
Mitterling to the commission meetings, which ignited Heartwell’s appointment or they’ll rejection of a woman who — on paper
Natural Resources the ire of Second Amendment dump Mitterling. She says no. — is a qualified individual to the NRC.
Commission is the defenders. Republicans have no choice. They have Whitmer is calling on Senate Majority
shot heard around In 2020, the issue that is moving to follow through on their threat and Leader Mike Shirkey to end his “sexist
Lansing as the start conservatives is guns. With the rising reject Mitterling on the last day they’re partisan games.”
of the 2020 political tide of gun violence and Democrats allowed to do so. Otherwise, they look Granholm’s communications
season in town. picking up some public momentum weak. director, Zack Pohl, continued this
Before last on policies to put some restrictions on So why not reject Heartwell? Well, attack line on social media and state
Thursday’s vote, the Republican-led those viewed as a threat to themselves Heartwell has some political power. representatives, including like Laurie
Senate and Democratic Gov. Gretchen or others, pro-gun advocates are He was a fairly popular nonpartisan Pohutsky and Julie Brixie, picked up
Whitmer at least went through mobilizing. mayor in Grand Rapids who supports on it.
the motions of attempting to work Look at what’s going on in the rural Democrats 75% to 80% of the Now, Shirkey’s calling the governor
together with bipartisanship spirit. counties. Thirteen county commissions time, based on his prior campaign as “bat shit crazy” last November can’t
There were conflicts. have recently passed what they are contributions. He cut a check to be seen as a one off. Even though he’s
The Senate rejected the governor’s calling “sanctuary county ordinances.” Whitmer, for example. treating the Lucido matter seriously
reorganization of the Department of They are telling their sheriffs and But one Republican he likes is Jon with an independent investigation, the
Environment, Great Lakes & Energy. prosecutors not to enforce laws that Bumstead, a state senator he supported Democrats have their thread to pull.
The budget standoff lasted forever. The they feel inhibit a person’s ability in an extremely competitive primary in They’re challenging the Republicans:
governor had to sign off on changes to to own or possess a firearm. More 2018 and competitive general election. Go ahead and play your guns card.
State Administrative Board. counties are on the way, from Lapeer The Senate R’s don’t want to stick We’ll play the sexist card. The political
But this was part of a high-stakes to Delta County. Bumstead with this Morton’s fork: game has begun.
chess game. One side was trying to The Republicans’ attraction to the Vote against his friend and political The governor and Shirkey’s relations
outfox the other in the arena of public NRA and gun owners isn’t new. But supporter or vote against Second will not be the same. They’ll agree to
policy and public perception. in 2020 this is their best issue at this Amendment supporters. get a budget done. Some supplemental
Rejecting the appointment of a time. This has their base riled up. Also, the Kent County treasurer’s items and possibly some lower-profile
political neophyte without any previous That includes the nearly 100,000 position is expected to open up this policy matters will be settled this year.
smoke signals of trouble during the people who have joined the Michigan year. One name being circulated as a But discussion on fixing the damn
advice and consent process is different. for Second Amendment Sanctuary potential replacement is that of Senate roads with any type of revenue increase
This is the biggest Republican Counties Facebook web page since Majority Floor Leader Pete MacGregor, is likely iced until after the election at
political asset, the NRA, having a Christmas. who is term limited after 2022. Would the earliest.
problem with Whitmer’s appointment So, if gun owners have a problem MacGregor want to burn that bridge (Kyle Melinn of the Capitol news
to the Natural Resources Commission, with George Heartwell’s political with Heartwell by voting to reject him service MIRS is at melinnky@gmail.
former Grand Rapids Mayor George history on this issue, Republican's need from a state post? com.)
Primary over the next six years by increasing
its 0.41 millage to 0.5 mills through
2026. Zoo officials said the extra cash
this asset for generations to come.”
Local voters have a history of sup-
porting the zoo millage. It passed by
help to replace vehicles, support the
installation of new walkways, pay for
some tree removal and help with the
is essential to ensuring animals are 64% in 2006 and again by 69% in construction of a new, on-site animal
from page 8
safe, the zoo maintains its national 2010. Officials said the latest millage hospital.
accreditation and its facilities are kept approval in 2016 — which passed by “If we don’t meet accreditation
Morgan added. “We can’t wait for up to date. 77% — set a new record for voter sup- standards, a lot of programs — espe-
Republicans in the legislature to act. “We’re hoping that voters recog- port. And with a nationally famous cially the rhinos which are one of our
We must take care of one another here nize how the zoo as a really important infant rhino now inside, zoo officials more high-profile exhibits — would
at home.” community asset and contributes to a want to keep up the pace at the polls. likely need to move to another facil-
Potter Park Zoo Operational Millage higher quality of life for people that In addition to maintaining the ity,” Wagner explained to City Pulse.
increase live in Greater Lansing and Michigan national accreditation that makes “Without the funding needed for
The Potter Park Zoo is also look- as a whole,” said Amy Morris-Hall, activities like the rhino exhibit possi- accreditation, we’d essentially just
ing to boost maintenance efforts and director of the Potter Park Zoological ble, Potter Park Zoo Director Cynthia become another small-town zoo.”
tackle various park improvements Society. “We really want to improve Wagner said the millage increase will — KYLE KAMINSKI
B/20/071 LOCAL STREET CRUSH AND SHAPE as per the specifications provided by the RFP/20/077 PAYROLL SERVICES as per the specifications provided by the City of Lansing.
City of Lansing. The City of Lansing will accept sealed bids at the CITY OF LANSING, C/O The City of Lansing will accept sealed proposals at the CITY OF LANSING, C/O LBWL,
LBWL, PURCHASING OFFICE, at 1110 S. PENNSYLVANIA AVE., LANSING, MICHIGAN PURCHASING OFFICE, at 1110 S. PENNSYLVANIA AVE., LANSING, MICHIGAN 48912
48912 until 2:00 PM local time in effect on MARCH 10, 2020 at which time bids will be until 2:00 PM local time in effect on March 5, 2020 at which time they opened. Complete
publicly opened and read. Complete specifications and forms required to submit bids specifications and forms required to submit proposals are available by contacting
are available by contacting Stephanie Robinson at (517) 702-6197, or stephanie. Stephanie Robinson at (517) 702-6197, or stephanie.robinson@lbwl.com or go to www.
robinson@lbwl.com or go to www.mitn.info. The City of Lansing encourages bids from mitn.info. The City of Lansing encourages proposals from all vendors including MBE/WBE
all vendors including MBE/WBE vendors and Lansing-based businesses. vendors and Lansing-based businesses.
CP#20-044 CP#20-046City Pulse • February 19, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 11
Darkest before the Don
filed numerous lawsuits against the told him what to do, that he planned
administration anti-immigration to change the sentence recommen-
policies. More to the point, perhaps, dation before Trump tweeted, that
the state’s attorney general is also Trump needed to stop tweeting about
A vindictive president, a pusillanimous party, investigating the Trump organization
and actively pursuing Trump’s bank
DOJ matters because it was making
his job “impossible,” that he was “not
a stooge at Justice, and a country at risk records.
The Post summed it up in a
going to be bullied or influenced by
anybody.”
It’s all out in the in 2017. The DOJ’s inspector general bone-chilling lede last week: The national media bought the
INFORMED DISSENT
open now. had referred McCabe to prosecutors, “President Trump is testing the rule charade, saying Barr was “pushing
That’s not to say alleging that he’d lied to investigators of law one week after his acquittal in back” and asserting his independence.
it was well hidden about a media leak. But Liu never his Senate impeachment trial, seek- But Trump’s reaction was the tell:
before. It wasn’t; if brought charges, and on Friday, The ing to bend the executive branch into “The President wasn’t bothered by the
you wanted to look, Washington Post reported that feder- an instrument for his personal and comments at all and [Barr] has the
it was blindingly JEFFREY C. BILLMAN al prosecutors decided to close their political vendetta against perceived right, just like any American citizen,
obvious. But if you’d inquiry. (Not coincidentally, Trump enemies. And Trump — simmering to publicly offer his opinions,” his
rather not see what was right in also rescinded her appointment to a with rage, fixated on exacting revenge press secretary responded.
front of you, there was at least a thin top post in the Treasury Department.) against those he feels betrayed This was, in other words, the only
veneer of deniability. They’re not even On Twitter — and reportedly in pri- him, and insulated by a compliant time the president had been public-
bothering with that anymore. vate, too — Trump has raged against Republican Party — is increasingly ly “rebuked” by a subordinate — by
Post-impeachment, and with a cra- McCabe and demanded his incarcera- comfortable doing so to the point of anyone, really — and not flown off
ven party behind him, an emboldened tion. And he’s not the only one. feeling untouchable, according to the the handle. He was, instead, mag-
and unchecked Donald Trump has According to the Post, when federal president’s advisers and allies.” nanimous. The next day, he simply
made clear that he’ll weaponize the prosecutors decided not to charge This is banana republic territory asserted that he’d tweet whenever
powers of his administration — espe- former FBI director James Comey — a wannabe despot eager to use the and whatever the hell he wanted, and
cially the obsequious Department of over his handling of memos of his might of government to crush anyone Bill Barr, who’d just said those tweets
Justice— to punish enemies, reward conversation with Trump, the presi- who gets in his way. make his job “impossible,” didn’t quit.
allies, and gin up scandals and pseu- dent “complained so loudly and swore Facing a backlash to his interven- Weird how that worked out.
do-scandals to aid his re-election. He so frequently in the Oval Office that tion in the Stone case, Barr tried to (Jeffrey Billman is the editor of
won’t try to hide it. He doesn’t care some of his aides discussed it for mount a defense. In an interview INDY Week, in Durham, North
if you know. He’ll push the limits of days.” with ABC News, he insisted he wasn’t Carolina.)
presidential authority, and he knows In January, he similarly lost it when Trump’s stooge, that Trump hadn’t
Congress won’t stop him. he learned that U.S. Attorney John
Consider the last week: First, Huber in Utah had shut down his
following a Trump tweet, Attorney fruitless years-long investigation —
General Bill Barr’s office announced initiated by then-Attorney General
that it had overruled career prose- Jeff Sessions at Trump’s behest — into
cutors’ sentencing recommendation Fox-News-conspiracy allegations
for Trump henchman Roger Stone — against Hillary Clinton and the
who’d been convicted of obstructing Clinton Foundation and Uranium
Congress and witness tampering, and One. So now he’s insisting that John REBEL
who refused to tell Robert Mueller Durham, another U.S. attorney that Irregular Pearls: Musical Treasures of the 17th and 18th Centuries
what he knew about the Trump cam- Barr appointed to investigate wheth- Tue. Feb. 25, 7:30 p.m. Fairchild TheaTre, mSu aud.
paign’s links to WikiLeaks — prompt- er FBI or CIA agents broke the law One of North america’s top-tier period instrument ensembles focuses
ing them to quit in protest. Trump during the Russia investigation, put on the irregular or misshapen aspects of music of the baroque era in a
publicly congratulated Barr for “tak- some heads on pikes soon, in time for program featuring well-known and more obscure composers.
ing charge” of the case and went on a the campaign. In remembrance of Dr. Taylor Johnston, the College of Music would like to recognize his vision,
Twitter rant attacking the judge and That’s on top of his suggestion that passion and support for underwriting the Early Music Series.
the departing prosecutors. the army punish Lieutenant Colonel
We then learned that not only had Alexander Vindman — whom Trump
Barr had similarly intervened on removed from the National Security
behalf of disgraced former national Council — for the “crime” of testify-
security adviser Michael Flynn, who’d ing against him and his threat that
pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI Representative Adam Schiff, a “cor-
during the Mueller probe, but that rupt politician” and “very sick man,”
he’d also assigned another prosecutor will pay a “price” for impeaching him.
to review Flynn’s case, yet another And it’s also on top of his demand
extraordinary example of political that New York “stop all of its unnec-
interference. essary lawsuits & harrassment
In addition, he also removed Jessica [sic]” in order for the Department
Liu, the U.S. attorney for Washington, of Homeland Security to allow the
D.C., who was overseeing the Stone state’s residents to use the Trusted
case and — more important to Trump Travelers program. (The DHS forbid
— an investigation into former FBI New Yorkers from using it in retali- TICkeTs & MORe InfO
acting director Andrew McCabe, ation for a law that allowed undocu- muSic.mSu.edu/eary-muSic
who’d authorized agents to investi- mented immigrants to obtain driver’s 517-353-5340
gate Trump for obstruction of justice licenses.) New York, of course, hasYou can also read
