Earlier this week, I had the privilege of addressing East Lansing’s fine educators during a teacher’s assembly. During my comments I shared that I am frequently asked about the importance of schools to the community - a question to which I respond in several ways. Read More »
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One Book, One Community officially kicked off its 2008 program this week and I couldn’t be more excited for the things to come later this month and next month as part of the seventh year of this incredibly valuable and successful program. Read More »
For more than four years, downtown East Lansing and its visitors have enjoyed the addition of an alternative art space known as (SCENE) Metrospace. The space has become a cherished venue for many in our community who have come to appreciate the alternative expressions of art, local musical acts and unique,... Read More »
During a press conference held on August 6, 2008 EL Police Chief Tom Wibert announced that the City is enjoying a 28-year low in serious crimes which includes murder, criminal sexual conduct, rape and aggravated assault among others. The department released a report that shows an overall decrease in... Read More »
A recent viewpoint in the Lansing State Journal regarding recycling practices at the City’s Aquatic Center has prompted city staff to further review how we dispose of recyclable materials in city facilities. Before going any further, however, I would like to acknowledge William Lawrence who penned the... Read More »
On June 16-17 I had an opportunity to meet with city administrators and police chiefs from Big Ten University Communities at a gathering in West Lafayette, Indiana. I traveled to and from the meeting with City Administrator Roger Fraser, my counterpart in the City of Ann Arbor. Since both of us serve... Read More »
As many of you know, the City of East Lansing initiated its successful Emerging Leaders Program (ELELP) in the fall of 2007. To date, approximately half of the 22 graduates have been appointed to one of the city’s 20+ sanctioned boards and commissions. All of the 2007 program graduates reported a very... Read More »
For the past six months or so, I have enjoyed blogging every few weeks on a variety of matters, some of which are straightforward and others that are weightier. I have always appreciated those who take the time to comment regardless of what position is taken and to date, every comment forwarded to me... Read More »
There seems to be a perception by some that city employees drive into to town, work their 40 hours, collect a paycheck and hit the road. I am deeply concerned about the implication that members of staff are not invested public servants, but rather, resemble the carpetbaggers of old who set out to loot... Read More »
During a recent City Council Work Session, representatives of Pierce Education Properties were on hand to give a presentation and answer questions from the public regarding the proposed East Village Project which is a 25 square acre, mixed-use development to be located between Bogue St. on the west, Stoddard Ave. on the east, the Red Cedar River on the south and Grand River Ave. on the north. The Pierce Company is the developer with which the City has been working for the past several years to move this innovative project forward.... Read More »