Last Thursday, several hundred members of the local and Greater Lansing Community gathered to pay tribute to one of its most popular local leaders, former mayor Sam Singh. Sam, as most of you probably know by now, opted not to seek re-election to council last fall in favor of taking time off to travel the world to learn about other cultures and to engage in various humanitarian efforts. This “sabbatical” is much-deserved, for Sam is still a very young man (at least in my eyes!) but has given so much to this community he calls home. Sam’s public service began while he was an undergrad at MSU during which time he was an activist and participated in myriad philanthropic efforts. Many of you will recall his able representation of ASMSU some years ago.

After graduating, Sam ran for and was eventually elected to the East Lansing City Council in 1995 at the ripe age of 24 - just months after I signed on as city manager. There isn’t enough space to recount the multitude of achievements resulting from his leadership (particularly during his tenure as mayor) but one that stands out is the improved relationship between the City and the University. Sam’s desire to “build a bridge across Grand River” certainly characterized his approach to policymaking and both entities are the better for it.

On a personal note, it has been a pleasure to work with Sam for virtually my entire career here in East Lansing. My association with Sam is one that I value both professionally and personally. Mayor Loomis was on the money when he observed at the sendoff that Sam is “wise beyond his years” dubbing him the “Centennial Mayor.” The Mayor chose his words carefully noting that, according to Webster’s Dictionary, “centennial” refers to something that occurs every 100 years and with that, we wish our “Centennial Mayor” safe passage in his journeys over the coming year. We look forward to see what he takes on next!