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www.lansingcitypulse.com A newspaper for the rest of us
Schor vs. Dunbar
A blow-by-blow guide to Lansing’s general election
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PULSE NEWS & OPINION
THE ELECTION GUIDE
VOTE ABSENTEE THROUGH NOV. 2 or HEAD TO THE POLLS ON NOV. 2
ELEVEN CANDIDATES ENTER HEAVYWEIGHT MATCHUP FOR LANSING CITY HALL
By KYLE KAMINSKI the 53rd mayor of Lansing — and the term against two political newcomers: p.m. weekdays at City Hall. You can
S
ix challengers. Five incum- first woman and openly bisexual per- Oprah Revish in the Second Ward and also vote at 2500 S. Washington St.
bents. Only five will survive son to hold the office. Elvin Caldwell in the Fourth Ward. through Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 2.
November. City Councilman Peter Spadafore is Only one candidate for office in Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday,
Next month, Lansing voters will running for another four-year term for Lansing is running unopposed: City Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; 8 a.m.
decide whether Mayor Andy Schor will one of two at-large Council seats along- Clerk Chris Swope, who is seeking his to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays; 11 a.m. to 7
keep his mayoral sash side Rachel Willis, Jeffrey Brown and fifth term. p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 30; 11 a.m. to 4
ANALYSIS for the next four years Claretta Duckett-Freeman. Council Absentee ballots have already started p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 31 and 8 a.m. to
or if Councilwoman members Jeremy Garza and Brian to hit mailboxes across Lansing. Walk- 4 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 1.
Kathie Dunbar will go on to become Jackson are also vying for a second in early voting is available 8 a.m. to 5
Round One — Lansing Mayor
Kathie Dunbar vs. Andy Schor Weighing heavily on the race are the and many other political powerbrokers. Hollister, who left office 18 years ago.
Schor, 46, was elect- typical bread-and-butter issues of most Even former Schor critics — like “I came into this office as a new may-
ed to his first term city elections, public safety, crime reduc- City Councilman Brandon Betz — now or, with a vision for the city and the
as the 52nd mayor of tion, economic development, affordable stand in his corner. leadership style to work with others and
Lansing in 2017 after housing, protecting the environment, “I feel great. The campaign is doing get things done. While there have been
having served five years repairing sidewalks and, of course, fix- everything it needs to do and leaving many challenges during my tenure, my
in the Michigan House ing those damn roads. everything out on the field,” Schor said. team and I have tackled them head-on
of Representatives Both Schor and Dunbar have voiced “The reception is fantastic, and you can to do what is best for our community
and a decade on the Schor plans that lead to many of those same also see that with the endorsements.” and proven that we have what it takes
Ingham County Board goals for Lansing, albeit with differing Schor cast a wide net of priorities for to help Lansing grow for another four
of Commissioners. He has a bachelor’s playbooks on how to get the job done. the next four years, including reducing years,” Schor told City Pulse.
degree in political science and history Perhaps more than a vote on any par- crime (in part) by hiring more police Dunbar, however, is risking her
from University of Michigan. He has ticular issue, however, next month’s as quickly as possible, securing more Council seat to push a different narra-
lived in the city with his wife, Erin, for election is more of a referendum on the funding for road and sidewalk repairs, tive and different solutions. For her, the
more than 20 years. He also serves on sitting mayor. incentivizing continued economic last four years under Schor have been
executive boards for the U.S. Conference The question for voters: Has Schor’s development and supporting more local marred by the highest homicide rates
of Mayors, Capital Area United Way, record earned him another four years? small businesses. in decades, multiple lawsuits that allege
Lansing Promise, Accelerator of Schor, of course, thinks the answer is And he’s standing on his track record discrimination at City Hall, cops who
America and the state’s Manufactured clear. And that’s evidenced by the verita- to convince voters that he could use disproportionately target, search and
Housing Commission. ble war chest of campaign contributions another term. arrest Black people — and a general
Dunbar, 52, is the and the mountain of political endorse- Schor touted more than $1.5 billion lack of desire to bring about change.
director and found- ments his campaign has collected. in economic investment in the city since She has a firm answer to whether she
er of the South Schor outraised Dunbar by nearly he took office — including the open- thinks Schor deserves another term:
Lansing Community $300,000 and still had $232,000 in ing of the highly anticipated Capital “Absolutely not.”
D e v e l o p m e n t the bank this month. City Pulse can- City Market grocery store on Michigan “I think transparency matters.
Association, which not afford the ink to print his full list Avenue and several new housing proj- Accountability matters. Compassion
runs the South Lansing of supporters, but they include former ects “for all income levels.” Schor also matters. Those are all key components
Farmers Market. Her Dunbar Mayor Tony Benavides, Gov. Gretchen said he’s committed to bolstering com- that are missing in the leadership of this
fourth term on the Whitmer, U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, State munity programs that can help prevent city right now,” Dunbar told City Pulse.
Council, ends this year; her decision to Rep. Sarah Anthony, nearly a doz- kids from getting involved with crime, “Even if our goals are the same, the way
run for mayor forced her to forgo seek- en labor unions, the Greater Lansing securing more grant funding for small that we’ll get there is very different. We
ing reelection. Dunbar is also chair- Labor Council, dozens of small business businesses and enhancing racial equity. all want public safety and an econom-
woman of the Council’s Committee on owners and neighborhood leaders, mul- And he appears to be on track to deliv- ically thriving community, but Andy
City Operations. tiple members of the Ingham County ering some semblance of a perform- Schor is reactionary. He doesn’t lead.
Board of Commissioners, the Lansing ing arts center, a goal that has eluded
Regional Chamber of Commerce’s PAC his predecessors going back to David See Round one, Page 6
6 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • September 29, 2021
a policy change but they were ignored. throughout the city.
THE ELECTION GUIDE The mayor let it get worse. He delayed
the process of remedying the situation
and forced them to work in an environ-
That particular political stance was
the subject of the first mudslinging
mayoral mailers to hit local mailboxes
ment that is really hostile and retaliato- this month, which declared “Dunbar
Round one
“Crime is certainly an issue at the top
ry until they have no choice but to sue wants to slash the police budget and
of mind for a lot of folks, whether that’s
the city.” fire police officers!” Schor said his cam-
speeders or gunshots or homicides.
Schor couldn’t cite any internal Police paign was not aware or involved in the
We’re certainly working through our
from page 5 Department policies that were changed distribution of those materials, which
plan there,” Schor explained.
in response to Hulon’s death. He also have a paid-for line from the dark mon-
But despite Schor’s “best efforts,” as
Morale at City Hall is shit. There’s no couldn’t cite any procedural changes in ey “Michigan Deserves Better” account.
he labeled them, his administration
vision or direction. That’s the big differ- response to officers deploying tear gas Those mailers also included Dunbar’s
has still faced an onslaught of criti-
ence between us.” without warning at a massive demon- personal cell phone number and have
cism from several Black institutions
Dunbar has emerged as a leading (and stration that turned violent downtown led to an outpouring of angry phone
in Lansing. Leaders of the local Black
vocal) opponent to the Schor adminis- last May. calls from residents who want more
Lives Matter and NAACP chapters have
tration over the last year — even more “It’s an empathy issue,” Dunbar said. cash for cops, she said. But most of those
also denounced his leadership or called
so after she announced plans to block “You don’t have to say the officers were callers may be disappointed. Dunbar
for his resignation.
him from a second term in April. She negligent. If the officers were acting in has changed her tune on divestment.
Those complaints have also boiled into
said her campaign is about giving a accordance with their policies, you can Faced with a recent report that
several lawsuits from current and for-
stronger platform to “disenfranchised” still be a human and recognize that it’s showed as few as 10 cops on the street
mer city staffers, as well as ongoing civil
voices in the city, including Black and sad that people were tear gassed or that at any given night, Dunbar said her lat-
litigation from the family of Anthony
brown residents who have faced a cul- it’s tragic that someone died in their jail est public safety plan actually includes
Hulon, an inmate who the medical
ture of discriminatory retaliation under cell.” the possibility of more police funding,
examiner said was killed last April by
Schor’s leadership, she explained. She Dunbar has stopped short of public- particularly to help hire more detectives
officers in the Police Department lock-
has also slammed the mayor for a lack ly calling for Schor’s resignation, but and road patrol officers to crack down
up. Among Hulon’s last words: “I can’t
of financial oversight and lack of mean- drafted a resolution last June in col- on speeding.
breathe.”
ingful progress on bridging a widening laboration with Black Lives Matter that And that’s a major turnabout from
Despite a medical examiner’s report
racial divide within the city. sought a 50% reduction to the police her hardline stance on budget reduc-
that clearly listed Hulon’s cause of death
Among her specific priorities for the budget. She also argued that Schor’s tions voiced last year.
as homicide due to positional asphyx-
next four years: curb a record-high level administration hasn’t done enough to “I don’t want to even talk about
ia, Schor said last week that the four
of gun violence by “reconsidering” how simultaneously stop gun violence, curb adding funding or removing funding,”
officers who had pinned Hulon to the
police resources are allocated, explore police discrimination and provide sup- Dunbar said. “That puts the onus of
ground last year were “not responsible”
ways to encourage developers to build port for families of murder victims. Her public safety on the amount of money
for his death. And they are back on the
more affordable housing across the city first campaign “press conference” last spent. It’s actually about how every-
job.
and show some more “human emotion.” week featured several mothers of those thing is deployed. It’s about examin-
“There was a death in the lockup,”
“We need someone who can show killed in recent shootings. The over- ing how our resources are used. I don’t
Schor said. “There was not an inmate
some empathy and feel some emotion,” arching sentiment: Schor isn’t doing know exactly what I would do with the
killed by police officers. There was an
Dunbar explained. enough to keep Lansing safe. police budget. There would definite-
inmate that died. There is nothing that
“We’re just not seeing that. How “I think the biggest thing is acknowl- ly be more funding for training but it
actually said officers killed him.”
much contact does Andy Schor have edging that there is a problem,” Dunbar wouldn’t be bullshit training. We would
He added: “It’s my understanding
with average folks in Lansing that said. “There’s no acknowledgement. need to decide things that have the
that he died of a medical condition.
aren’t scripted as part of a public rela- These mothers who lost their children greatest return on investment.”
That’s what I know.”
tions stunt or ribbon cutting ceremony? to gun violence want to know that So, what are the real differences
Dunbar had a pointed response to
When is he actually communing with there’s somebody in power who is lis- between Schor and Dunbar? It’s as
Schor’s latest assessment on Hulon’s
folks? When is he listening to the needs tening to them. They want a mayor who much about style as issues.
death: “Fuck that.”
of average residents?” cares about their kids. There’s nothing “Even if our policies and directions
“He was killed by positional asphyxia
In the wake of unrest after the mur- of substance, and he has had four years were the same — and I don’t think they
caused by four officers putting him on
der of George Floyd, Schor launched to do something before now.” are — we’re both Democrats. We both
his stomach while he was in handcuffs,”
an advisory alliance designed to craft Schor responded: “I have absolutely stand on generally the same platform,”
she added. “You don’t have to have
recommendations for a more equitable recognized that we have issues in our Dunbar said. “Our method of gover-
intent to kill someone. I watched the
future for public safety in Lansing. He city. I also recognize that some people nance is different. I do not and would
video. His hands were cuffed. He did
also cobbled together a task force last feel there has been racism in Lansing not govern the way he governs. He’s
not pose a threat. They all could’ve just
month to help address rising levels of for many years. There are certainly a reactive and defensive. For me, it’s more
walked away.”
gun violence. few people who have been to my house about recognizing mistakes and sepa-
Attorney General Dana Nessel found
That work has since led to the protesting with guns outside. I don’t rating intent from impact.”
that the officers were not criminally
reopening of at least two community like those tactics and they don’t like me Schor said voters won’t need to look
liable for Hulon’s death, as they acted
centers, as well as a deluge of city funds — and that’s OK. I’m still working with further than his track record to make an
within the bounds of reasonable poli-
budgeted to proactively curb gun vio- many, many leaders in the Black com- informed decision.
cies and procedures. An internal review
lence — $180,000 for youth programs, munity. There are some people who will Dunbar led the way on amending
also found that officers acted appropri-
$240,000 for a gun violence preven- just never want to work with me and the human rights ordinance to protect
ately, though it still recommended pol-
tion initiative called Advance Peace, that’s OK.” members of the LGBTQ+ community,
icy changes.
$75,000 to help solve cold cases, $1 Last month, Dunbar’s plan for pub- worked for easier access to marijuana
Dunbar added: “We’re going to be set-
million for cameras and plans to hire a lic safety included true divestment from when the city was establishing regula-
tling lawsuits. They’re going to cost us a
dozen more cops as quickly as possible. the Lansing Police Department — that tions and also fought hard to declare
lot of money. And when I say us, I mean
Many of those plans are still in the is, actually reducing the amount of Lansing a sanctuary city for immigrants
you and me — the taxpayers. These
works. Dunbar said only a few of them money in its budget and reallocating in 2017.
aren’t going to go away. They have mer-
have paid dividends. that cash to other, more proactive social
it. Some of these folks would’ve taken
services and nonprofit organizations See Round one, Page 7
City Pulse • September 29, 2021 www.lansingcitypulse.com 7
“I’ve spent the last four years learn- large budgets and meet the needs of con-
THE ELECTION GUIDE ing on the job, navigating the Council
through COVID-19 as the president for
the last two years, and the last 10 years in
stituents. Lansing deserves leadership
that understands what they are doing,
and I can be that person.”
public service roles, earning the respect Willis said her top priorities for the
Round Two — of my colleagues in leadership roles,”
Spadafore said. “I’m proud of my work.”
His biggest accomplishments? Passing
next four years include supporting
businesses that weathered the pandem-
ic while attracting new development,
Lansing City Council at-large three balanced city budgets that simul-
taneously invested in public services,
public safety and economic development
addressing the “divide” between police
officers and the public, new placemaking
efforts within the city and, quite broadly,
By KYLE KAMINSKI International Bible College. Brown is
while also promoting expanding afford- “people over politics.”
Jeffrey Brown vs. also a public speaker and author, with
able housing stock in the city, Spadafore Her agenda for social equity reforms
Claretta Duckett-Freeman vs. a stated focus on vocational rehabilita-
said in response to a questionnaire. also includes a “thorough review” of rac-
tion, transitional housing, residential
Peter Spadafore vs. Spadafore was also a leading advocate ism and disparate outcomes that exist
long-term care, life skills management,
Rachel Willis community living supports, youth and
for the boozy social districts that opened within existing city policies. Lansing has
Top two vote-getters will fill two this summer. assembled enough committees, she said.
self-employment and job readiness.
seats. Just don’t expect him to rock the It’s now time to look at the results of that
D u c k e tt - Fr e e m a n ,
Spadafore, 36, was boat over the next four years. His top work and hold people accountable, she
39, has lived in Lansing
elected to the Council in priorities, while essential for effective- said.
for 16 years with her
2017 and has twice been ly running a municipality like Lansing, “The wellbeing of people and the com-
husband and five chil-
unanimously president are just about as down-the-middle as it munity should take precedence over
dren. She has degrees in
elected by his colleagues. gets: Quality of life improvements, more any individual political motivations. We
education and political
He was president of opportunity for all and investments in need to hear from the community and
science from Michigan
the Board of Education the local economy. govern in a way that makes people feel
State University and Duckett-
at the Lansing School Spadafore “We all care about the basics: good valued and heard,” Willis added. “Stable
has served as a com- Freeman
District. He is a gradu- roads, clean water, nice streets and parks. employment opportunities lead to stable
bat medic in the U.S. Army Reserves.
ate of Michigan State University, where I am committed to making sure city ser- health and wellbeing, which lead to sta-
Duckett-Freeman is a board member at
he studied social relations and policy. vices measure up to resident expecta- ble education, which leads to stable long-
the Willow Tree Family Center and the
He is a lobbyist and deputy executive tions, because we all deserve to live in a term success.”
state Board of Licensed Midwifery and
director for the Michigan Association of city we feel proud of,” he said. “Economic Brown said he has been working to
was the first Black certified lactation
Superintendents and Administrators. development can’t just be about new uplift and empower local residents for
counselor in Lansing. In addition to vol-
Willis, 33, is the vice hotels and breweries. We need to ensure “several decades.” And there’s only one
unteering for churches and several other
president (and past the opportunity reaches every neighbor- reason why he’s running for the Council
neighborhood organizations, she’s also
president) of the board hood, from clean parks and good quality this year: “To ensure that I am in the best
pursuing a career as a firefighter-EMT.
at the Lansing School of life to easy access to services and sup- position possible to continue this work
District and director of With Kathie Dunbar’s departure from port for small businesses.” on behalf of our citizens.”
the East Lansing branch the City Council at the end of the year Also on his priority list: “reforming “With all due respect, I have worked
of Bethany Christian because of her mayoral bid, at least one laws that disproportionately affect res- harder than any candidate in the at-large
Services. She has a mas- Willis fresh face is guaranteed to take the dais at idents of color must be a part of our race to meet people at their front doors
ter’s degree in social work from Michigan City Hall next year. The odds are whoev- multi-pronged efforts toward fostering and learn the issues from their perspec-
State University. She is a division direc- er that is will serve alongside Spadafore. racial equity,” Spadafore told City Pulse. tives,” he told City Pulse. “I have walked
tor for the Michigan Department of Along with the advantage of incum- Willis’ experience in public education away with a keen sense of what the citi-
Health and Human Services’ Children’s bency, Spadafore carried a five-figure and dealings with budgets, personnel zens of this city expect from their lead-
Services Agency. fundraising edge over the competition and policy would likely make her a rel- ers.”
Brown, 37, serves on throughout this election cycle and gath- atively cohesive partner for Spadafore’s Among Brown’s top priorities: build
the executive committee ered endorsements from nearly as many moderate agenda next year. Both have stronger neighborhoods, support small
of the Ingham County political power brokers as Mayor Andy been school board presidents. Willis businesses, create more jobs and work to
Community Health Schor, including the Lansing Regional even endorsed Spadafore for Council in make local government more transpar-
Centers and the city’s Chamber of Commerce and several labor 2017. ent and accessible. He also cited plans
Human Relations and unions. “I am a social worker who has dedicat- to implement “common-sense policy
Community Services His moderate approach hasn’t ruf- ed my entire life to supporting and pro- and investment” to build more housing,
Advisory Board. He Brown fled many feathers at City Hall. And tecting children and families,” she told enhance local parks, boost communi-
has several college degrees — includ- Spadafore thinks he’s best suited for the City Pulse. “I have experience doing the ty policing efforts and collaborate with
ing a doctorate in Ministry Christian job because, well, he’s already been doing job as a member of the school board. I Lansing schools.
Leadership from Kingdom University it for the last four years, he explained. know how to govern, pass and manage He added: “We must do a far better
job at getting to neighborhood meetings,
creating opportunities for constituents
Round one her most noteworthy achievements are
collecting dust.
“The Council can use our position
going to see me out there. I don’t get
invited to ribbon cuttings anymore.
That doesn’t mean I’m not on the
to interface with their representatives,
and meeting people where they are at so
that we can build a stronger, more inclu-
from page 6 to advocate for things, but I’m not the ground talking with people and trying sive Lansing for all.”
mayor,” Dunbar said. “We don’t get to address their issues every single day. Brown said that he inadvertently
these shiny feathers for every ribbon It’s just not as visible.” attended (and was photographed at) a
But aside from saving the city about cutting. When people say they hav- She added: “That’s a big driver in pro-Trump fundraiser alongside conser-
$2 million between now and 2038 en’t seen me as much as the mayor, it’s why I’m running for this job — to be vative spitfire Linda Lee Tarver last year.
through a recently reworked lease because it’s a different job. They aren’t able to make change.”
agreement with the Lugnuts, many of See Round two, Page 8
8 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • September 29, 2021
If elected to another term, the next groups. She also wants to keep a laser
THE ELECTION GUIDE four years will have a major South
Lansing focus, he said. Those priorities
include hiring more cops and training
focus on streets, sidewalks and parks in
the Second Ward.
“Divesting from the police and invest-
Round Three — Lansing
them on racial biases and nonviolent ing back into our community is vital if
conflict resolution, as well as fixing roads we are going to make sustainable change
and supporting local businesses after the toward racial equity,” she said. “I will call
pandemic. As a Latino man, Garza said for government wide professional devel-
City Council 2nd Ward that he’s acutely aware of racial injustices
in the legal system and also wants to find
ways to bolster diversity among police
opment workshops on race, privilege
and power. We need a common language
and understanding of these issues if we
By KYLE KAMINSKI ing space, information hub and advocacy
and hire more trained social workers. are going to address them. We need to
Jeremy Garza vs. space for LGBTQ culture.
“To do all this, we cannot slash police expand our definition of public safety
Oprah Revish Garza is running for his second term funding or defund the police. Instead, we and focus on proactive services that pro-
Garza, 45, was elect- on the familiar “I’m not a typical politi- will need to spend more money on pub- vide resources for residents.”
ed to represent the cian” platform. But in addition to being lic safety, so we can invest in much-need- If elected, Revish wants the Council
city’s southern Second a union plumber, he’s also the state polit- ed training, as well as offer higher wages to have more direct conversations about
Ward in 2017. Born ical lead for the Michigan Pipes Trades to job recruits so we can attract more race and the over-policing of Black,
and raised in Lansing, Association and carries a hefty list of talented and qualified officers,” he said. brown and indigenous people. She also
Garza identifies him- endorsements from career politicians in Revish — the third member of wants to explore the city’s role in possi-
self as a plumber rath- Lansing. Dunbar’s “crew” alongside Duckett- bly expunging all cannabis-related crim-
er than a politician and Garza is usually in lockstep with Freeman — is proudly running on a inal offenses and releasing inmates from
has since accumulated Garza Schor’s agenda and often advocates for campaign that seeks to disrupt the sta- prison.
a mountain of support local unions to be involved in the con- tus quo at City Hall. She said she dif- “We have to unlearn bias and stereo-
from local labor unions. He said his job struction of new development projects fers from Garza in that she’s a “voice for types so we can truly humanize people
is to give a voice in city government to — something Schor would do anyway. everyone,” not just the interests of local different from us and I am ready for
“everyday working families” who are far When asked about his most significant labor unions. these hard conversations. I am not inter-
too often overlooked in local politics. accomplishments over the last four “His slogan is ‘Working for Regular ested in keeping things the way they are.
Revish, 34, has years, he cited a “strong track record People.’ And when you say regular peo- We need to get serious about addressing
worked in educa- helping my constituents and providing ple, that means there are some irregular the needs of our most marginalized resi-
tion since 2009 and the service they deserve.” people who you aren’t working for,” she dents,” she said. “We have to do things we
serves LGBTQ stu- “When it comes to broader city issues, said on “Merica 20 to Life.” have never done before to support our
dents at Michigan I have been focused on addressing south Revish’s top priorities include sub- houseless population, be proactive about
State University and Lansing’s priorities, such as fixing our stantially reducing funding to the Police gun violence, and feed Lansing residents
Lansing’s LGBTQ roads, keeping our neighborhoods safe, Department, bringing a community experiencing food insecurity. Voters
community as one of improving our parks and helping local center to southeast Lansing and build- should vote for me in November because
the co-directors for the Revish workers and small businesses recover ing more relationships with nonprofit I am ready to work for the change.”
Salus Center, a gather- from the pandemic,” Garza explained.
Round two tion at this event,” he said. “I was not
aware and did not authorize or approve
of myself in any pictures soliciting Trump
he said.
Duckett-Freeman is the only at-large
candidate to have a public endorsement
Her top priorities include cutting more
tax breaks for affordable housing proj-
ects, investigating complaints of racial
from page 7
for president. Given what was happen- from Dunbar as one of three members discrimination at City Hall and getting
ing in this country, those images did not of “The Crew” — a political alliance that a better grip on the city’s unfunded pen-
and do not reflect who I am and I had also includes Oprah Revish. sion and post-employment benefit obli-
He has garnered support from several them removed. Most people in the black Announced last month on an episode gations without cutting back on retiree
members of the Council’s more tradition- community know one another because of “Merica 20 to Life,” a local Facebook benefits.
alist bloc, including Carol Wood, Adam the black community has had to stand program focused on the African- Duckett-Freeman also wants to curb
Hussain and former Councilwoman shoulder to shoulder to resist and fight American community, the three of them gun violence by taking “unneeded mon-
Jody Washington. He has also secured racism for decades. To think otherwise is represent an equitable and progressive ey” away from the patrol division of the
endorsements from the chamber of com- to be ignorant of the struggle of the black shift to city government — one designed Police Department, instead investing
merce and several local labor unions that community.” to focus heavily on the needs of the city’s those resources into more detectives for
represent police officers, building trades, Brown’s game plan to bolster racial disenfranchised residents, Duckett- unsolved murders, more community
firefighters, realtors, plumbers and pipe- equity in Lansing includes “leading by Freeman said. And since none of them center programming and resources for
fitters and other major institutions in example, listening, observing, prob- have the advantage of incumbency, they mental health.
Lansing. lem-solving with diverse groups of also represent the underdogs of the gen- “I will be only one voice, but I will
Just don’t call him a Republican. stakeholders” and “not only creating eral election. use my voice to fight tirelessly for these
In response to several questions about equity plans but ensuring that provi- “I’m the best candidate because I’m issues,” she told City Pulse. “All these
his reported attendance at a Trump sions of said plans are implemented” and able to relate to people from different things would make our city more desir-
fundraiser last year, Brown insisted he’s a cemented into policy. walks of life. I’ve lived in places outside able to live in while still honoring those
Democrat who does not support Trump “We need to address inequitable access of where I was raised. I’m used to adapt- who already live here. I am aware that
and has no “political relationship” with to services, inequitable support of neigh- ing and I don’t allow barriers to stop we need to build new power in the City
Tarver. They’re just church friends. And borhoods and at-risk demographics, lack me. My education in the military and Council to do these things. I am up to the
Brown only helped her to “coordinate of job growth in certain parts of the city, at MSU has prepared me to deal with challenge. My role in all of this will be to
logistics.” economic development, and entrepre- challenges of the 21st century, like over- remind the mayor and the rest of Council
“It wasn’t until the end of this event neurial support in vulnerable communi- coming racism, sexism and classism,” that we work for all the people, even the
did I realize there was Trump informa- ties and inequitable city programming,” Duckett-Freeman told City Pulse. ones without power or influence.”
City Pulse • September 29, 2021 www.lansingcitypulse.com 9
VOTE ABSENTEE THROUGH NOV. 2
THE ELECTION GUIDE or HEAD TO THE POLLS ON NOV. 2
Round Four — Lansing City Council 4th Ward
By KYLE KAMINSKI Lansing for the last especially the marginalized. I will use my meetings.
Brian Jackson vs. eight years and works learned experience to get things done on In January, City Pulse discovered that
Elvin Caldwell as a licensed real estate behalf of the people,” he told City Pulse. Jackson had missed 11 out of 12 meet-
Jackson, 37, is run- agent, as well as a “People should do their research and ings of the Ways and Means Committee
ning for his second licensed lobbyist, out- make their own choice. If they choose in 2020 — in part because he said he
term representing the reach coordinator and me, they will get someone with experi- “forgot” his committee assignment
Fourth Ward on the legislative consultant ence whose heart and mind are in the after the COVID-19 pandemic arrived.
Council. A lifelong res- at Fraser Consulting, right place.” Records also showed he also missed five
Caldwell
ident of the Frances a subsidiary of the Jackson’s top priorities include foster- of the nine Committee on Public Safety
Park Neighborhood full-service Lansing-based law firm of ing the development of more affordable meetings, two Council meetings and
and a J.W. Sexton Fraser Trebilcock. Caldwell also serves as housing in the city, improving the rela- one Committee of the Whole meeting,
Jackson the board secretary of the Capital Area tionship between police and the public in addition to all 12 meetings of the Tri-
High School graduate,
Jackson has degrees in both political sci- Housing Partnership and was featured and protecting the environment. He also County Regional Planning Commission.
ence and criminal justice from Indiana on the Lansing Regional Chamber of wants to support policies and programs After that story, Jackson apologized.
State University, as well as a law degree Commerce’s latest “Ten Over the Next designed to boost racial equity among And his attendance record has also vast-
from Howard University School of Law. 10” list. residents. ly improved.
He has worked as both a prosecutor Jackson said he is uniquely qualified “Public safety reforms play an import- “I am embarrassed that I did not real-
for the city and as a criminal defense for another term because he has “deep ant part because they could address the ize that I was missing meetings,” he said.
attorney, currently representing indi- ties and connections to the people” in disparities within the criminal justice “I am glad that my absence did not hold
gent defendants as an assistant public the Fourth Ward and no loyalties to any system that slants against the poor and up any city business. For the other ones,
defender at the Ingham County Office of special interest groups. people of color. We should shift our I should have called in for an excused
the Public Defender. “I understand that being the 4th Ward public safety away from a reactive, puni- absence instead of waiting until the
Caldwell, 32, has lived in downtown representative is to represent everyone, tive system into a proactive system that last minute to see if my work schedule
addresses the causes of crime,” Jackson cleared.”
said, noting a desire for more oversight He added: “Since then, I have been
NOTICE OF HEARING
on complaints against cops. focused on managing my schedule and
CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF LANSING PROPERTY OWNERS AND RESIDENTS In recent months, Jackson has led things are better.”
the charge on amending and repealing Caldwell, however, thinks he can pro-
TO THE OWNERS OF THE FOLLOWING PROPERTY IN THE PROPOSED 2021
POLICE AND FIRE PROTECTION SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT: several criminal infractions within the vide more “responsive representation”
city, including laws that made it illegal within the 4th Ward. And so does the
All lots and parcels of land within the Township.
to possess drug paraphernalia (like nee- Chamber of Commerce, which endorsed
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Township Board of the Charter Township of dles) or loiter in an area with a repu- Caldwell over Jackson alongside the
Lansing proposes to make the following generally-described police, fire, and emergency tation for drug dealing or prostitution. Greater Lansing Association of Realtors
services improvements with respect to the proposed 2021 Police and Fire Protection Special
Assessment District: “The ordinance repeals were important and multiple local labor unions.
to clean up our laws to reflect our val- “The 4th Ward needs a fresh approach,
(1) one or more ambulances; (2) fire engines/vehicles/apparatus; (3) building/facility
upgrades, improvements and/or repairs; (4) computer hardware, software, and related ues,” he said. “Most were for things that a new start with real change, where peo-
technology and equipment; (5) police patrol vehicles and related equipment; (6) shouldn’t be criminal, and I think most ple can see that your elected leadership
cameras, recording equipment, and related police and/or fire equipment; (7) police people in Lansing would agree.” is accountable to you and recognize that
and/or fire operating costs; and (8) other police and/or fire equipment, apparatus, and
operation costs (the “Project”). Jackson also usually votes against they work for you,” he added.
closed sessions in the general interest of Caldwell’s priorities include broad
Plans and cost estimates for the Project have been prepared and are on file with
the Township Clerk for public examination. The estimated total annual cost for the Project transparency. political concepts like safety, economic
is $1,522,415.01. Property that is exempt from real property taxes will be exempt from this Also on Jackson’s priority list for the development, a higher quality of life for
assessment.
next four years: actually attending his residents and employees, vibrant neigh-
Plans and cost estimates for the Project have been prepared and are on file with the borhoods and regional collaboration.
Township Clerk for public examination. His mailers also proudly list his phone
Dana Watson for East Lansing number, noting that Caldwell is “just a
TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Township Board will meet on Tuesday, the
12th day of October, 2021, at 7:00 o’clock, p.m., in the Township Administration Building, VOTE City Council
NOV. 2 phone call away.”
3209 West Michigan Avenue, Lansing, Michigan 48917, for the purpose of hearing any
“Public safety reforms are paramount
objections to the Project, and the question of creating a special assessment district and
defraying the expenses of the special assessment district by special assessment on the
Equitable in improving equity,” he added. “I would
property to be especially benefited. practices use my vote and voice to find common
Appearance and protest at the hearing, in person or in writing, are required ground among stakeholders, use my
in order to appeal the action of the Township Board in approving the police, fire, and
Housing
relationships at the Capitol and look for
emergency services improvement special assessment project, the special assessment roll,
and/or the amount of an assessment to the state tax tribunal. A property owner or party Affordability best practices and policies that have been
in interest, or his or her agent, may appear in person at the hearing to protest the special effective or have support in other cities.
assessment proceedings or may file his or her appearance and protest by letter and his or Environment I plan to advocate for local econom-
her personal appearance will not be required. The owner or any person having an interest in
the real property who protests in person or in writing at the hearing may file a written appeal ic development opportunities, protect
of a special assessment with the state tax tribunal within 35 days of the date the special
Public Safety
and enhance neighborhoods, address
assessment roll is confirmed by the Township Board.
gun violence and help draft policies that
Dated: September 29, 2021 checkdanawatson.com make Lansing a safe place to work and
Maggie Sanders, Township Clerk
CP#21-220 Paid for by Check Dana Watson live.”
563 North Hagadorn Rd., East Lansing, MI 48823
10 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • September 29, 2021
VOTE ABSENTEE THROUGH NOV. 2
THE ELECTION GUIDE or HEAD TO THE POLLS ON NOV. 2
Three City Council seats up for grabs in East Lansing
East Lansing
Appointed members residents will
look to retain seats also have to
choose between
after contentious year Bacon and
Manuel to com-
By TODD HEYWOOD
plete a two-year
Architect Daniel Bollman, 56, along Bollman Brookover DeLay Grigsby Watson Bacon Manuel term left vacant
with lawyer and former East Lansing poised to become a national leader on police officer and current Ingham County when Meadows resigned.
School Board member George Brookover, “several policy initiatives” while also har- Sheriff Scott Wrigglesworth that criti- Bacon said he will continue to focus
71, and Adam DeLay, 33, a department nessing the power of the Michigan State cized Ingham County Prosecutor Carol on modernizing the city operations by
analyst at the Michigan Department University community. He said that if Siemon’s decision to stop charging add- reducing and eliminating codes that
of Health and Human Services, want he is retained on Council, he will seek to on criminal charges for felony possession hamper growth. He also wants to see
to knock out appointed City Council address the pension-legacy issues in the of a firearm during a felony — except in more affordable housing in the city,
members Chuck Grigsby, 49, CEO city — which will include a permanent the most extreme circumstances. more regional cooperation and ways to
of Primetime Mentoring & Tutoring income tax for residents. He also wants to Siemon’s decision was based on evi- address the city’s growing pension obli-
Educational Services, and Dana Watson, prioritize transparency and accountabil- dence from her officer that showed a gations.
44, a public health official. The top two ity in government decision-making and racial disparity in its application within Manuel said he is seeking election to
vote-getters will serve on Council for the emphasized plans to continue focusing the county. Wrigglesworth said the pros- do his part for the community. He said
next four years. on initiatives that improve the environ- ecution of that crime bolsters safety. Still, he will work on reducing the cost of
Two candidates are also competing to ment and public health of the city. East Lansing Mayor Jessy Gregg was government by cutting spending and
fill a partial term on the Council. Ron Watson and Grigsby face three others among only two local leaders not to sign increasing and supporting diversity in
Bacon, 47, a manager at Genentech, is on the ballot. it. the city — particularly through encour-
looking to stay on Council for another two Bollman, the architect, wants to use his DeLay said he supported Siemon’s deci- aging small businesses to hire people of
years. Mikey Manuel, 29, who works at experience serving on various committees sion, citing her statistical information. color — and by addressing the ongoing
the family-owned Blondie’s Barn restau- in the city to harness a stronger partner- He said he didn’t “buy” Wrigglesworth’s financial issues tied to recovering from
rant in Haslett, is hoping voters will put ship with MSU, empowering and valuing claims. Watson, who also declined to the COVID-19 pandemic.
him on the Council instead. city employees and prioritizing equity and support the Wrigglesworth action, As with the candidates for the two
The election is the culmination of a diversity in zoning and budgeting priori- said she could not “sign-on to perpet- four-year seats, City Pulse asked both
tumultuous few years on the East Lansing ties. He has over a decade in municipal uate racial injustice.” Grigsby, who also Manuel and Bacon about the controver-
City Council, especially in 2020, when experience, including various roles for opposed the Wrigglesworth letter, said sy between Wrigglesworth and Siemon,
an August rift on the dias led longtime historic preservation in Kalamazoo, Ann that when data shows a disproportionate as well as their thoughts on a citizen
Council members Mark Meadows and Arbor and East Lansing. Bollman is the impact on any group of people because oversight committee for the police.
Ruth Beier to resign. former author of City Pulse’s “eye” feature. of a policy, it’s “easy to amend, change or Bacon served as a liaison between the
That battle was over retaining for- For Adam DeLay, a former Lansing get rid of it.” Bollman said he support- committee that recommended the over-
mer City Attorney Thomas Yeadon. The Township trustee, election to the Council ed Siemon’s policy decision because she sight committee and the Council. He is
remaining members selected Grigsby and is a step in pushing for “great change.” provided data to back up her claims, “proud” of the work. Manuel said he too
Watson to serve out those terms — mak- He said the confluence of issues from the which Wrigglesworth had not. He also supported the committee, so long as it
ing them the first African Americans to Trump administration and racial reck- indicated he was uncomfortable sup- did not devolve into a broad anti-police
serve on the East Lansing City Council. onings to the COVID-19 pandemic and porting infighting between countywide mentality.
This year, Aaron Stephens also resigned the economic crisis has put the nation at elected officials, preferring to allow vot- The battle between the two top
from the Council to attend graduate a “crossroads” for change. He said he’d ers to make that decision at the ballot. countywide law enforcement officers
school. His seat and Beier’s would have focus on police reforms, including rein- Brookover thinks everyone should stay over guns and criminal charges, howev-
been up for election this November, while vesting 25% of the budget into commu- in their own lane. He doesn’t agree with er, resulted in nuanced responses. Bacon
Meadow’s seat still had three years left nity support services to address poverty either Wrigglesworth or Siemon, noting voted to not sign the Wrigglesworth let-
when he resigned, leaving a partial, two- and mental health. He also said that he that both of their actions were “unneces- ter because he opposed a public rebuke
year term, up for grabs. This year’s elec- wants to bolster transparency at City Hall sary and counterproductive,” citing their of another elected official, but he said
tion will decide how they’re filled. and help with post-pandemic economic independent authorities to investigate Siemon’s policy roll out was poorly han-
Watson said that as a working mother recovery. and charge crimes. dled. He acknowledged that both offi-
and former renter, she brings a unique George Brookover, an attorney well All five candidates supported the cials had significant concerns to address
voice that emphasizes “voices that should known in political circles and a former Police Oversight Committee that was related to both stopping gun violence
be heard.” She also said that she will focus East Lansing Public Schools board mem- adopted last year. and punishing it, and that addressing
on encouraging growth and lessening ber, is hoping to use his experience to Grigsby chaired the commission that gun violence is a nuanced conversation.
harms of the decisions made by the leg- “assist the city in navigating current issues recommended the adoption and creation Manuel, for his part, said both elect-
islative body in the city. Among her other which it confronts.” of the oversight committee, and Watson ed officials are right and both are wrong.
priorities: She’ll focus on the environ- All five candidates responded to a ques- said “dismantling systems is hard work,” He said he can see the justifications from
ment, housing and public safety concerns, tionnaire that sought their opinions on emphasizing the community engage- both officials and believes it is inap-
she said. the recent decision to implement a citizen ment in the city’s process. Brookover propriate to make the debate a binary
For Grigsby, a former professional oversight committee for local cops. It also cautioned that the committee also had option, when there are numerous layers
basketball player, he’s looking to stick on asked their thoughts about the Council’s to align with collective bargaining agree- to addressing gun violence.
the Council in order to help drive “solu- decision not to sign a controversial let- ments as well as city insurance policies,
tions” for East Lansing. He sees the city ter coordinated by former East Lansing but also supported the idea.City Pulse • September 29, 2021 www.lansingcitypulse.com 11
VOTE ABSENTEE THROUGH NOV. 2
THE ELECTION GUIDE or HEAD TO THE POLLS ON NOV. 2
Voters face multiple funding issues on the Nov. 2 ballot
Local school districts line November ballot with bonding proposals
to renovate its aging facilities, update asking voters Though most
More than $125 million on various educational technologies across to approve students reside
the line for Greater Lansing the district and bolster extracurricular a 25-year, in Livingston
programs. $9.9 million County, portions
Schools If approved, the bond funds could bonding pro- of this school
By KYLE KAMINSKI only be used for physical improvements posal to buy district dip into
Five local school districts are leaning and not for salaries, maintenance, new instruc- eastern Ingham
on new tax levies, bonding proposals repairs or other expenses. Plans include tional tech- County. And after
and millage renewals to drive renova- extensive mechanical upgrades and nology for several classrooms, replace its last bonding
tions, construction and other improve- adding air conditioning to all learning the roof on two school buildings and proposal failed in May by a few dozen
ments for students in Greater Lansing. spaces, roof and flooring replacements, install a new heating and cooling sys- votes, the district is back at it again, this
Here’s what voters in Ingham, Eaton parking lot and sidewalk repairs, new tem at the elementary school. time looking for approval to borrow up
and Clinton counties will decide in laptops and tablets for students and Its approval would not increase tax- to $41.9 million for various renovations
November: staff and security improvements. es for families within the district, only — including the installation of air con-
Plans also include new turf, lighting, maintain the current rate of levy of 1.09 ditioning at two of its school buildings.
Leslie Public Schools track and press box at the football field, mills, or $1.09 on each $1,000 taxable If this 23-year bonding proposal pass-
The school dis- as well as renovations to the baseball, property value. Plans include remodel- es, the property tax levy would stay flat
trict is leaning softball, soccer and swimming facilities. ing, furnishing (and refurnishing) class- at 0.9 mills, or $0.90 for each $1,000 of
on a $20 mil- District officials also plan to install new rooms, new school buses, construction taxable value. The district also expects
lion bond issue to playground equipment, a band teaching of a livestock barn, resurfacing at the to borrow from the state School Bond
school campuses. tower and bleachers at the high school track, new lighting at the football field Qualification and Loan program to pay
Its approval would gym. and pavement repairs. back the debt required to complete the
trigger a 3 mill Voters approved a $25.2 million project.
increase (or $3 on each $1,000 in tax- bond in 2016. This proposal is set to
Fowlerville Community Schools
able property value) for families with- address the remaining infrastructure
in the district — meaning a home with issues identified by the district over the
a market value of $100,000 will see a
$150 annual tax increase.
next six years — with no tax increase.
Grand Ledge Public Schools
Pots, parks and books also on ballot
Plans include a new storage build-
ing, three school buses, new roofs at G r a n d City of Mason ances for retailers, growers and pro-
the middle and high schools, security Ledge voters Mason is looking to boost funding cessors. The ordinance, if approved,
improvements at entryways, air condi- will decide for its parks and trails with a request would require the city to grant
tioning systems, an addition to the high whether for a new 1-mill property tax levy licenses for up to two pot shops, as
school gym, remodeled classrooms and to renew ($1 on each $1,000 in taxable value) well as three growing operations, a
administrative offices, electrical and an existing over the next five years, which would processing facility and an on-site
mechanical upgrades, new fire alarms sinking fund generate about $232,000 annually cannabis consumption lounge
and ceiling repairs and various tech- millage for three years at a rate of .7921 for improvements to parks, trails The ordinance would require city
nology improvements across the school mills — simply maintaining the current and other pathways within the city. officials to carve out a new com-
district, including plans to purchase levy with no proposed tax increase. The city’s immediate priorities petitive licensing structure, which
new computers, student laptops and The sinking fund — also called the include several improvements to would also depend on would-be
projectors. Capital Improvement Fund — was first signs, buildings and pathways at entrepreneurs first receiving their
If approved, district officials plan to approved by voters in 2002 at a rate of Laylin Park on the east side of the state licenses.
complete most of the renovations over 1 mill and the community approved its city, as well as renovations at Rayner,
Bath Township
the next three years. renewal in 2011. Headlee reductions Lee Austin, Bond, Griffin and Hayes
The Bath Township Public
have lowered the tax rate over time parks and portions of the 2.4-mile
Dewitt Public Schools Library needs help keeping books
to its current rate of .7921 mills. Over Hayhoe Riverwalk Trail off Howell
A bonding pro- on the shelves for the next decade.
the years, it has paid for school build- Road.
posal is also up for A 10-year millage renewal will keep
ing improvements, roof replacements,
consideration in maintenance of heating and cooling
City of Potterville the tax levy flat at .6792 mills —
Dewitt. If approved Voters in Potterville will decide or about $0.68 for each $1,000 in
systems across classroom buildings,
by voters, this pro- whether the cannabis industry can taxable property value. The millage
parking lot repairs, athletic facility
posal would gen- finally move into town. aims to generate about $323,000 in
upgrades and more.
erate $66 million A voter-initiated proposal seeks to its first year and the cash can only
Perry Public Schools overturn the current prohibition on be used for operating, maintaining,
with no project-
ed increase in property taxes over the This Shiawasee County school dis- recreational marijuana businesses and equipping the local library.
2021 levy. The cash would also be spent trict northeast of Lansing, which some in the city and introduce new allow-
gradually over the course of six years Ingham County residents attend, isYou can also read
