East Lansing faces a student-lite autumn - SEE PAGE 13 - Creative Circle Media Solutions
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Locally owned September 2 - 8, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com A newspaper for the rest of us O p e n we are East Lansing faces a student-lite autumn SEE PAGE 13
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4 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • September 2, 2020 VOL. 20 ISSUE 4 (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 8 EDITOR AND PUBLISHER • Berl Schwartz publisher@lansingcitypulse.com • (517) 999-5061 ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR • Skyler Ashley Welcome Weekend with East Lansing's mayor skyler@lansingcitypulse.com • (517) 999-5068 EVENTS EDITOR/OFFICE MANAGER • Suzi Smith suzi@lansingcitypulse.com • (517) 999-6704 PAGE PRODUCTION • Abby Sumbler production@lansingcitypulse.com 28 (517) 999-5066 STAFF WRITERS • Lawrence Cosentino CADL's reading challenge: Read Woke lawrence@lansingcitypulse.com • (517) 999-5065 Kyle Kaminski • kyle@lansingcitypulse.com (517) 999-6710 PAGE SALES EXECUTIVE Lee Purdy • lee@lansingcitypulse.com • (517) 999-5064 34 Contributors: Andy Balaskovitz, Justin Bilicki, Capital News Service, Bill Castanier, Ryan Claytor, Mary C. New in town: Bread Bites Cusack, Tom Helma, Gabrielle Lawrence Johnson, Terry Link, Kyle Melinn, Mark Nixon, Dawn Parker, Open Dennis Preston, Carrie Sampson, Nevin Speerbrecker, we are Rich Tupica, Ute Von Der Heyden, David Winkelstern, Cover Paul Wozniak Delivery drivers: Rick Stilgenbauer, Dave Fisher Art Interns: Matthew Stine • stinem47@gmail.com Illustration by Abby Sumbler NOW AT 10:00 A.M. SUNDAYS on
City Pulse • September 2, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 5 PULSE NEWS & OPINION New EL mayor shows courage East Lansing’s new mayor, to regulate The CP Edit Aaron Stephens, got off to a overnight park- good start as the city’s top dog by ing in Lansing, showing the kind of courageous the City Council leadership we’d love to see in created a permit more of our region’s elected offi- Opinion system that cials. Rather than simply defer- would allow ring to the state and local health city residents departments, Mayor Stephens in Fiscal Year 2021, to purchase an issued an emergency order of his Stephens which started July 1, overnight park- own that requires masks to be and again in Fiscal ing pass. Fewer worn both indoors and outdoors Year 2022. The extra than six months in the city’s downtown business district. A week later, cash will help cushion after the new permit system was implemented, the city the East Lansing City Council affirmed and extended the blow of COVID- is now considering scrapping it altogether and moving the mayor’s decree. It’s a smart move at a time when related financial distress that is expected to wreak to lift the longstanding prohibition on 2 a.m. to 5 a.m. East Lansing is bracing for the return of at least some havoc on the city budget over the next few years. The overnight parking on city streets. We support lifting the MSU students and the likelihood that they will set off a agreement includes a provision that will bring the city parking ban, but we also recognize that it will be more surge in COVID-19 infections. Keep up the good work, even more money if the BWL sees unexpected growth difficult to clean up after a major snow storm due to Mayor Stephens. in revenues derived from water, steam and energy vehicles left overnight on city streets. To make it work, sales. the city will have to be more forceful in asking residents What took so long? to remove cars from the street to facilitate overnight We were pleased The Bad: Racial equity gag order unwise plowing and ramp up ticketing and towing of vehicles and frankly a little We were disap- that interfere with plowing operations. The city’s flipping shocked to see the pointed to learn that and flopping on this issue highlights yet again the lack East Lansing City Mayor Schor is asking of decisive leadership that continues to bedevil the Council appoint two the members of his mayor and Council. We also hope the repeal of the highly qualified African new Racial Justice parking permit system comes with a refund for those Americans to fill the and Equity Alliance to who purchased the soon-to-be-useless permits at $125 vacancies created sign a confidentiality a pop. We suggest a full refund as a goodwill gesture by the unexpected agreement that would to those citizens who wasted their time doing their part. resignations of former Watson Bacon prohibit them from Council members publicly discussing Cover Your Damn Nose Mark Meadows and Ruth Baier, both of matters under consideration by the group. We under- OK, people, this isn’t hard. whom are white. Ron Bacon and Dana Watson become stand the argument that secrecy enables more candid When wearing a mask, cover the first Black city residents to serve on the Council conversation, but it’s not a good look for city govern- your damn nose. Research in a half century. We have to ask: What took so long? ment. Although the alliance is not technically covered indicates that 90 percent of It’s not as though there are no Black people in East by the requirements of the Open Meetings Act, secretly your breathing volume passes Lansing. Bacon and Watson are both deeply engaged deliberating on some of the most vital and contentious through the two nostrils locat- in their community and bring a fresh perspective to issues facing the community only serves to amplify ed immediately north of your the Council. We look forward to their contributions and the mistrust that already permeates the relationship mouth. Wearing a mask that hope they will run for full terms at the next city election. between city government and racial justice advocacy only covers your piehole is like groups. Transparency matters now more than ever. wearing no mask at all. While The Good: Schor scores BWL budget help Allowing the public to see and participate in the pro- we’re at it, if you’re a fan of masks with outflow vents The City of Lansing’s financial struggles will be a ceedings builds the trust and buy-in that are essential that make exhaling easier, you’re also part of the prob- bit less taxing thanks to an agreement inked in June to healing wounds and moving forward together as a lem. Such vents are typically unfiltered and allow the between the city and the Lansing Board of Water & community. We encourage Mayor Schor to abandon pathogens in your breath to escape into the wild, which Light that increases the utility’s return on equity pay- the confidentiality agreements. defeats the major purpose of wearing a mask in the ment to the city for the next two fiscal years. Mayor first place. The sooner we all start following the rules, Schor deserves credit for negotiating the deal, which The Ugly: Overnight parking permits flop the faster we will get COVID under control and return to will enhance the city’s bottom line by nearly $2 million After struggling for months to devise a sensible plan some semblance of normalcy. Send letters to the editor on this editorial or any other topic to letters@lansingcitypulse.com. Please limit them to 250 words
6 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • September 2, 2020 Blue Brigade working for turnout in ‘most important LETTERS election in my life’ By JACK G. DEVINE (The writer lives in Dimondale.) Until now the Rep. Elissa Slotkin, State Rep. Sarah Anthony, and many more. There will be a tribute to Gov. Gretchen to the editor most important Whitmer and to the first-line work- Vote like it counts … Submit letters & opinion election in my life ers for keeping us safe during the was my first. It pandemic. Also participating are Ben it does pieces to: Cohen and Jerry Greenfield of Ben What an opportunity to express was 1968, and I was stationed in & Jerry’s Ice Cream and friends of yourself through your vote. After letters@lansingcitypulse.com all, voting is a right. The time in Thailand. Of the Bernie Sanders. Among the many the voting booth, filling out your musicians involved are locals Root Center, Intercultural Association roughly 3,500 ballot at home, dropping it off at a of Michigan, St. Vincent Catholic Americans sta- Doctor and singer Sunny Wilkinson. designated drop box, or sending Devine Charities Refugee Services, tioned with me, We must all be aware that compla- it by mail is minimal compared to Presbyterian Church of Okemos about 800 voted. cency in the face of such dictatorial what it will mean to our democ- and Red Cedar Friends. Thousands of lives were at stake, behavior is surrender. We must not racy. So, do yourself and your Of course, we must all act year- but the carnage continued for seven surrender to someone controlled by country a favor … take a moment round to build peace in our world more years. Now we have lost more Putin. Recent reports demonstrate of your time and vote like it is as — and each one of us has the than 180,000 lives to a not only how he is Putin’s puppy, but important is it really is. ability to do that. This month can virus because of a failure also Putin’s partner, and practically Chris Tarpoff provide the impetus. OPINION of leadership at 1600 Putin’s agent. What is being discussed East Lansing This year’s PeaceQuest will Pennsylvania Avenue in during their numerous phone con- feature a number of events. Washington, D.C. versations? Responsible presiden- Due to the coronavirus pandem- ic, many of them will be virtual Today our government and our cies have followed the Presidential society are under attack from the Records Act — which mandates Working for peace — or remote. Among the planned events: The popular Peace Pole Chaos Administration. The damage the preservation of all presidential all year long Pursuit, a peace-themed outdoor being done is real. Whether it is the records. Where are the summaries of Greater Lansing is heading into poetry reading, virtual seminars absolute fecklessness to stop Russia those conversations? What has been a month of events that will rec- and discussions, virtual sing- from paying bounties on the killing of promised to Putin? ognize the annual United Nations alongs, a class on how to make members of the U.S. Armed Forces, The Chaos Administration hides International Day of Peace, which a peace pole, film presentations, or the deployment of a new version its behavior in “secrecy” when taking is on Sept. 21. and many others. of the Gestapo & SS, it will take years such actions as when it was extort- PeaceQuest Greater Lansing See the full calendar of events to repair and rebuild governance ing Ukraine while Russia was killing 2020 will highlight the efforts of and details at https://peace- individuals, organizations and questgreaterlansing.org/. based upon competence and mutual Ukrainians. It fires inspectors gen- governments that take action to After September, greater respect. That is why this election is eral without cause. It removes U.S. end conflict and promote peace Lansing must continue individu- now the most important in my life, attorneys when it suits its fancy. And — and encourage others to do ally and organizationally to take and why I am working with, among it “classifies” investigations into such the same. actions that build peace in our others, a marvelous group known as demeaning behavior as trying to force This year marks the 72nd anni- community and globally. the Blue Brigade. the British to move a golf tournament versary of the UN’s Universal CALL your representatives — It is a Lansing area group of wom- to property owned by the president. Declaration of Human Rights, local, state and national — to tell en who are willing to do the grinding The levels of corruption are many and affirming the individual rights of them what you as their constitu- grass roots work of politics. Whether we will be learning about them for all people. It was adopted on Dec. ent want them to support. it is getting petitions signed, making years to come. 10, 1948, by member states of DISPLAY signs and/or peace campaign calls, raising money, or Each of us has a personal respon- the United Nations, including the poles that encourage peaceful sibility to stand against such a freak United States. actions. knocking on doors the Blue Brigade The Greater Lansing United JOIN and SUPPORT organiza- is there to help reasonable and ratio- show. It is like a soap opera that has Nations Association (gluna.org), tions that are involved in peace nal people get elected. This year is direct effects on our lives. I challenge which held International Day of efforts. different for reasons known to us all. every fellow citizen/voter to know Peace events for decades, was And, most importantly, VOTE. Subsequently, the Blue Brigade as much about the workings of our joined in 2014 by several other Vote for people who will support will motivate the electorate through government as they know about organizations that also work to the rights of our citizens, strive a virtual VOTE Michigan Rally on their favorite sports team. It will go a promote peace locally and glob- for justice and equity, and guide September 12, 2020, that will be long way to getting us on the path of ally. So “PeaceQuest Greater the United States in welcoming streamed on Facebook and YouTube. decency. Lansing” was formed and has refugees who are forced to leave Thereafter, the rally will be avail- As a Vietnam veteran, a political since grown to be a month of dangerous situations. able for viewing until Nov. 3. For scientist and a retired civil servant, I events — all in September — with This list of actions continues as more details visit their website at urge all of you not only to watch the a focus on peace. well. Do all that you can do! PeaceQuest 2020 is planned LYNN BARTLEY VoteMichiganRally.com. VOTE Michigan Rally, but to also by the representatives of (The writer is the president The rally will feature Robert get your friends and family to do the the following organizations: of the Greater Lansing United Reich, a former labor secretary under same. And, of course, to vote and save Greater Lansing United Nations Nations Association.) President Clinton; U.S. Sens. Gary our democracy from the fascists, the Association, Peace Education Peters and Debbie Stabenow; U.S. fools, and the crooks.
City Pulse • September 2, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 7 REWIND NEWS HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE LAST 7 DAYS FOR DESIGN By BERL SCHWARTZ tion after the Lansing School District postponed open- ing day to Tuesday, Sept. 8. They were set to return virtually, but an employee tested positive who had been in a number of buildings setting up learning labs. While Photo by Nicole Rico students were to remain at home, plans for faculty to offer instruction from school buildings were postponed to allow for yet another deep cleaning. Superintendent Last month’s Eye for Design The brave or the foolish: MSU Sam Sinicropi said the delay might have happened was identified correctly by Anson students return anyway because of a shortage of laptops and other Grimes as the Michigan Library As classes resume at Michigan State University, digital equipment that the district is supplying students. and Historical Museum, 702 W. downtown East Lansing offered a modified summer Kalamazoo St. (picture below) in look. The vast majority of the student body opted to stay downtown Lansing. The gates, which were the detail featured, rest put rather than live on or off campus for their virtual fall semester. East Lansing Mayor Aaron Stephens (back Last excuse for not beneath the recognizable arch, and can best be seen from the opposite to the camera) attempts to convince coeds walking on exercising nearing end side of the building along Allegan Albert Avenue Saturday night to don masks, a require- Look for Gov. Gretchen Street. ment mandated by the City Council in downtown’s core. Whitmer to allow gyms This month’s Eye for Design (For more on this story, see P. 8.) in Mid-Michigan soon to can also be found in downtown reopen soon, along with Lansing. The stained-glass window, movie theaters, bowling which is likely original to the late ? alleys and related venues, 19th-century structure, is set into subject to mask wearing and the Ionia sandstone exterior wall. social distancing. The gover- On a recent day, the awning-style nor allowed them to reopen window was open. Its tilt design in other regions in June but, protects the interior from rain. based on COVID-19 cases, If you know where this Eye for Randy Talifarro Michael Tobin David Purchase Mike Mackey 2020- 2012-2018 Acting: 2018, Acting: 2018- 2019-2020 has kept them off limits in Design can be found, email carrie- 2019, 2020 2019 central and south Michigan. sampson@micourthistory.org and you could win an Eye for Design Musical chairs at In other pandemic-related news: mug. Lansing Fire Department — Sparrow Health System reportedly is not going — CARRIE SAMPSON Lansing Mayor Andy Schor brought back a former to follow new federal guidelines that recommend not Fire Department chief, Greg Martin, while he searches testing those who remain asymptomatic after being – again — for a permanent replacement. Schor hired exposed to the virus. Floridian Mike Mackey just last year to replace Randy — Whitmer attacked a U.S. Justice Department Talifarro, who quit in 2018 and a year later blasted the demand for information on COVID-related incidents at mayor for alleged racism. Mackey announced his deci- nursing homes. She labeled it “political” because the sion soon after seven current and former city employ- only states singled out are all run by Democratic gover- ees jointly sued the mayor, the city and the firefighters’ nors. The governor said Michigan will comply. union, claiming they were victims of racial bias. Mackey — Another milestone: Michigan will reduce report- said his return to family in Florida is just coincidence, ing COVID-19 cases and fatalities to six days a week even though most of the plaintiffs, including Talifarro, from seven, starting Sunday. “At this time, reporting on are or were working for the Fire Department and anoth- Sunday rather than Monday is not critical to our under- er firefighter, Michael Lynn, has a separate suit against standing of the virus,” said Robert Gordon, director of the city. the state Health and Human Resources Department. “This change will allow staff who have not had a real day off since February to get some relief and allow the “Eye for Design” is our look at some of Lansing schools delay opening department to prioritize more valuable data reporting, the nicer properties in Lansing. It rotates each with Eye candy of the Week and Eyesore of the More than 10,000 children have an extra week’s vaca- including school outbreak information.” Week.
8 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • September 2, 2020 MSU students off to quiet start amid pandemic East Lansing mayor ‘cautiously optimistic’ after low-key Welcome Weekend East Lansing Mayor Aaron Stephens has never seen such a quiet Welcome Weekend at Michigan State University. And he knows that things can get row- dy. It was only three years ago that he was a student there himself, running for election in a shared apartment on Kedzie Street. By chance, he returned to his old digs on Saturday night, this time as a 24-year-old mayor helping guide a city Photo by Nicole Rico of nearly 50,000 residents (and thou- sands more college students) through a Stephens global health crisis. Music blared from I invited myself to tag along with the backyard, echoing down the other- Stephens as he patrolled East Lansing Photo by Nicole Rico wise silent street. Saturday night to ensure that MSU East Lansing Mayor Aaron Stephens hands out disposable face masks to “Let’s just hope it’s another house,” students who still live near campus party goers in downtown East Lansing on Saturday night of Welcome Weekend. Stephens said before he pulled off a were off to a safe and socially distant rubber glove, shuffled a box of dispos- semester. His main purpose: Pass out able face masks beneath his arm and face masks and remind residents about much of the downtown business dis- shirts was flowing down the dimly lit squinted concerningly into his cell- a new mayoral order that they be worn trict. sidewalk. The music was growing loud- phone. while both indoors and outdoors across Stephens pointed out his old bed- er. room windows as he approached his old house. A swarm of green and white See Welcome, Page 9 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING East Lansing Planning Commission Notice is hereby given of the following public hearing to be held by the East Lansing Planning Commission on Wednesday, September 23, 2020 at 7:00 p.m., in the 54-B District Court, Courtroom 2, 101 Linden Street, East Lansing. 1. A public hearing will be held to consider a site plan and special use permit application from 3225 West Road, LLC to build two new buildings; a four-story, 107-room hotel, and a 4,015 sq. ft. medical marihuana provisioning center. The property is zoned RA, Residential Agricultural District. 2. A public hearing will be held to consider a lot split application from 3225 West Road, LLC, for the property located at 3225 West Road to create two parcels from the existing 4.50-acre property which is located in the RA, Residential Agricultural District. 3. A public hearing will be held to consider Ordinance 1477, an ordinance to amend the Zoning Use District Map of Chapter 50 – Zoning – of the Code of the City of East Lansing to rezone the property at 3225 West Road from RA, Residential Agricultural District, to B-4, Restricted Office Business District. 4. A public hearing will be held to consider an application to modify a site plan and special use permit from Gateway of East Lansing, LLC for the property at 300 West Grand River Avenue to convert retail space on the first floor to six dwelling units. The property is zoned B-2, Retail Sales Business District. Call (517) 319-6930, the Department of Planning, Building and Development, East Lansing City Hall, 410 Abbot Road, East Lansing, for additional information. All interested persons will be given an opportunity to be heard. These matters will be on the agenda for the next Planning Commission meeting after the public hearing is held, at which time the Commission may vote on them. The Planning Commission's recommendations are then placed on the agenda of the next City Council meeting. The City Council will make the final decision on these applications. The City of East Lansing will provide reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as interpreters for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities upon request received by the City seven (7) calendar days prior to the meeting. Individuals with disabilities requiring aids or services should write or call the Planning Department, 410 Abbot Road, East Lansing, MI 48823. Phone: (517) 319-6930. TDD Number: 1-800-649-3777. Note: This hearing is currently scheduled to occur as a regular public hearing at the meeting. If, at the time of this hearing meetings are still not permitted under an Executive Order of the Governor and an Executive Order permitting meetings electronically allows for an electronic meeting, this hearing will occur electronically and a notice of the means of participation in that hearing will be published in compliance with the Open Meetings Act and any relevant Executive Orders. Jennifer Shuster City Clerk #20-203
City Pulse • September 2, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 9 Welcome many students are living off campus in East Lansing. Most of the parties Stephens and I visited were casual affairs, and a from page 8 major departure from usual Welcome Weekend sidewalk crowds. Several “Well, this doesn’t look all too great,” 20-somethings played beer pong in a Stephens said, reaching back for his front yard. A dozen people gathered on cellphone. a front porch to pass around a blunt. The Kedzie Street home, in addition Another group dragged a couch on the to its nostalgic charm for Stephens, was front yard to play videogames. Most host to one of the more conspicuous took Stephens’ advice to keep things parties on Saturday. Most of the other calm. festivities were strikingly calm com- “Thanks for not having a giant party,” pared to prior years on campus, but a Stephens called over to a small gather- few had teetered on the cusp of com- ing as we walked. plete chaos. But for those who balked? Stephens And in a city that’s already been has Police Chief Steve Gonzales on ordered by the Ingham County Health speed dial. As he strolled neighbor- Department to strictly limit outdoor hoods, he was also shooting off text gatherings to only 25 people, Stephens messages with addresses of homes viewed it as his civil responsibility to with the largest crowds and the loud- head out back, reminisce on good times, est music — indications of a COVID-19 count heads and hand out as many face outbreak in progress. masks as possible. Gonzales rolled up Kedzie Street in But even the mayor can’t stop some an unmarked SUV to assure Stephens parties. Stephens walked away minutes he would send more patrols. All told, later, defeated. East Lansing cops responded to 77 “People are generally responsible, noise complaints over the weekend. but there needs to be education, guid- Most of them were fairly small and only Photo by Nicole Rico ance and more personal responsibility,” a few received citations for violating Stephens also checked In on several crowded and noisy house parties on Stephens explained. “It’s hard, but safe crowd control restrictions. Saturday to remind students about social distancing and the 25-person limit on decisions have to be made. It just takes Gonzales didn’t have an exact count outdoor gatherings. one big house party to really kick off on the number of citations issued this TE 3 Rick Jones for the spread and set us all back in East week, but was comfortable Monday Lansing.” labeling the weekend as “significantly Fewer than 3,000 students are less busy than in years past.” O . V OV Eaton County Sheriff expected to live on campus this semes- “Of course I feel like a narc,” Stephens ter as MSU shifts to an almost entire- N It’s time for a change ly virtual curriculum. It’s unclear how See Welcome, Page 10 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING East Lansing City Council Notice is hereby given of the following public hearing to be held by the East Lansing City Council on Tuesday, September 22, 2020 at 7:00 p.m., in the 54-B District Court, Courtroom 2, 101 I want deputies Linden Street, East Lansing: A public hearing will be held to consider a site plan and special use permit application from to have better Neumann/Smith Architecture for the property at the northwest corner of Abbot Road and Albert Avenue (City Parking Lot #4) to construct a seven-story office building, including a MSFCU Branch Credit Union, community space, general office space, leasable tenant training in spaces, related support and service spaces, and related sitework. The subject property is zoned B-3, City Center Commercial District. de-escalating 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 Office, 410 Abbot Road, East Lansing, MI 48823 (517) 319-6920, TDD 1-800-649-377. possible violent Note: This hearing is currently scheduled to occur as a regular public hearing at the meeting. If, at the time of this hearing meetings are still not permitted under an Executive Order of the Governor and an Executive Order permitting meetings electronically allows for an electronic meeting, this situations hearing will occur electronically and a notice of the means of participation in that hearing will be published in compliance with the Open Meetings Act and any relevant Executive Orders. Note: This hearing is currently scheduled to occur as a regular public hearing at the meeting. If, at the time of this hearing meetings are still not permitted under an Executive Order of the Governor Fair and equal treatment for all people and an Executive Order permitting meetings electronically allows for an electronic meeting, this hearing will occur electronically and a notice of the means of participation in that hearing will be published in compliance with the Open Meetings Act and any relevant Executive Orders. Jennifer Shuster Paid for by CTE Rick Jones Sheriff City Clerk #20-204 PO Box 115, Grand Ledge, MI 48837
10 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • September 2, 2020 RFP/21/009 Covid-19 Economic Recovery Resource Developer as per the specifications provided by the City of Lansing. The City of Lansing will accept proposals electronically @ the MITN site (www.mitn.info) or 124 W. Michigan Ave, Lansing MI 48933 until 2:00 PM local time in effect on September 15, 2020. Complete Specifications and forms required to submit proposals are available by contacting Stephanie Robinson @ 517-483-4128 or stephanie.robinson@ lansingmi.gov. #20-201 B/21/011 VARIABLE FREQUENCY DRIVES FOR FY21 as per the specifications provided by the City of Lansing. The City of Lansing will accept sealed bids electronically on line at www.mitn.info or at the City Of Lansing Purchasing Office, at 124 W. Michigan Ave 8TH Fl, Lansing, MI 48933 until 2:00 PM local time in effect on September 15, 2020 at which time bids will be opened. Complete specifications and forms required to submit bids are available by contacting Stephanie Robinson at (517) 483-4128, or stephanie.robinson@lansingmi.gov or go to www.mitn.info. The City of Lansing encourages bids from all vendors including MBE/WBE vendors and Lansing-based businesses. #20-202 NOTICE OF DAY OF REVIEW OF DRAINAGE DISTRICT BOUNDARIES AND DAY OF REVIEW OF APPORTIONMENTS (In accordance with P.A. 40, of 1956, as amended) Notice is Hereby Given that a Day of Review will be held on Tuesday, September 8, 2020, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please take notice that the meeting will be conducted following the Photo by Nicole Rico guidelines of Michigan Governor’s Executive Order 154, and all other Executive Orders that may be applicable at the time of the meeting. Due to the requirements in the Executive Orders, the East Lansing Mayor Aaron Stephens hands out disposable face masks to stu- meeting will not be held in person, but instead will be held by remote electronic access. For those dents at Michigan State University in downtown East Lansing on Saturday night of seeking to participate through online video conferencing, participants can access the electronic meeting through the following Zoom link: Welcome Weekend. Welcome Join Zoom Meeting Officials — at least for now — are more https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86177153144 focused on education. Gonzales said Or Dial: +1 312 626 6799 the only documented violations have Meeting ID: 861 7715 3144 from page 9 all been handled with verbal warnings. Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kc3QZbdn6z And since Stephens made the rules, In lieu of using the remote electronic access, any interested person may also participate in the he feels an obligation to help ensure meeting by calling the Drain Office at (517) 676-8395 on September 8, 2020, at any time from said as we walked. “It’s not like I want to they’re followed. His nightly buzzkill 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. be here doing this. It’s just too import- patrols also included free disposable At that date and Zoom location, the Ingham County Drain Commissioner will hear the ant right now to stress the importance face masks for anyone who wanted one. proofs and allegations and carefully reconsider and review the description of lands within Ingham of staying safe and reinforcing good Most passersby happily accepted County comprising the Drainage Districts for the Drains listed below, and will determine whether the addition or deletion of lands will more accurately define the boundaries of the land benefitted behaviors. None of us know what this them and carried on, either because by the Drains and is just and equitable pursuant to Section 197 of 1956 PA 40, as amended. The could look like in a few weeks or a few they were unaware of the mayoral mask Drain Commissioner will also review the apportionment of benefits for assessment purposes. The Drains are located and established in the following municipalities, and a general description of the months.” mandate or simply because they forgot lands proposed to be added or deleted, in whole or in part, include the following: Stephens was elected to his first City to bring a face covering with them. A Council term as a junior at MSU in group of motorcyclists briefly pushed DRAIN NO. DRAIN NAME MUNICIPALITY SECTION 2017 and was elected by the Council as back about “constitutional rights” that NUMBERS mayor pro tem in November. He was supposedly allowed them to skirt the B 01-00 BANK INTERCOUNTY DRAIN LANSING TOWNSHIP 7, 18, 19 thrust into the city’s top job this sum- pandemic-related safety restrictions, B 18-00 BRIGGS EXTENSION LANSING TOWNSHIP 7, 18, 19 mer following the resignation of Mayor but Stephens wasn’t there to pick a INTERCOUNTY DRAIN Ruth Beier. fight. Maps of the proposed Drainage District boundary revisions may be found on the Among Stephens’ first mayoral moves “It’s actually for your safety as well as Ingham County Drain Commissioner’s website (dr.ingham.org). was a mandatory mask policy in the mine,” Stephens tried to explain as he city’s Downtown Development District, was dismissed. The Ingham County Drain Commissioner will have the tentative apportionments against parcels and municipalities within the Drainage Districts available to review. Drain assessments will which mir- One student (who readily identified be collected in the same manner as property taxes. If Drain assessments are to be collected in STATE OF MICHIGAN rored on-cam- himself as a Trump supporter) attempt- installments, they may be paid in full with any interest to date at any time to avoid further interest PROBATE COURT charges. The entities to be assessed at large are the municipalities listed above, as well as Ingham COUNTY OF INGHAM pus policies at ed to explain to Stephens how the coro- PUBLICATION OF County for benefit to county roads, and the State of Michigan Department of Transportation for NOTICE OF HEARING MSU’s cam- navirus was a “hoax” and that health Files: #20-000800-GM-P33 those Drainage Districts that include state highways. The lands to be assessed are those generally #20-000802-GM-P33 pus this fall. department statistics were greatly described as being within the Sections set forth above. #20-000803-GM-P33 Unless din- exaggerated. Stephens entertained the In the matter of: Persons with disabilities needing accommodations for effective participation in the Cherie A. Bungart ing, medical- conversation, but only by first having Nevaeh L. Bungart meeting should contact the Ingham County Drain Commissioner at (517) 676-8395, or the Michigan Albert Bungart ly exempt, or him wear a mask. Relay Center at 711 (TTY) at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting to request mobility, visual, hearing, or other assistance. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS including: Elisha Hilaski and Albert under the age Another student ignored Stephens’ Bungart, whose address(es) are unknown. of 5, those outstretched box of masks, shot him a You are Further Notified that persons aggrieved by the decision to add or delete property to or from a Drainage District may seek judicial review in the Ingham County Circuit TAKE NOTICE: A hearing will be without a skeptical glance and leaned (not-so-qui- Court within ten (10) days of the decision, and persons aggrieved by the decision with regard to held on October 8, 2020, at 10 a.m. before Shauna Dunnings, mask could etly) over to his friend as they passed. the apportionment of benefits for assessment purposes may appeal to the Ingham County Probate for the following purpose: face a $25 “Who’s that douchebag?” he asked. Court within ten (10) days of the Day of Review. guardianship hearing. 9/2/2020 fine. “Well, maybe that part is true,” Patrick E. Lindemann Monica Kunecki No t i c k - Stephens laughed. “But I’m just trying 443 Emerald Ave NE August 13, 2020 Ingham County Drain Commissioner Grand Rapids, MI 49503 #20-197 616-477-4645 ets have to save lives out here.” CP#20-205 been issued. — KYLE KAMINSKI
City Pulse • September 2, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 11 Slotkin opponent’s family business CITY OF LANSING NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING paid workers $100K over racial slurs NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Hearing will be held on Monday, Monday, September 14, 2020 at 7 p.m. during the regularly scheduled City Council Meeting, via ZOOM Conferencing, Meeting ID 840 5989 1689 for the purpose of considering: The old family fees. An Ordinance of the City of Lansing, Michigan, to amend the Lansing Codified Ordinances maintenance business Republicans could question the rel- by by amending Section 890.01, to reform guidelines for poverty exemptions for real property POLITICS and to remove true cash value of a principal residence as a criteria for eligibility, consistent of 8th Congressional evance of the charge seeing Junge’s with state law. candidate Paul Junge debatable connection to an event that paid out $100,000 to happened 22 years ago. They could Governor Whitmer declared a statewide State of Emergency due to the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). To mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and to provide essential protections three former work- note that, for example, that incum- to vulnerable Michiganders and this State’s health care system and other critical infrastructure, it ers who claimed they bent U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Holly, is crucial that all Michiganders take steps to-limit in-person contact, particularly in the context of were insulted with worked for the CIA when it was large groups. Therefore, the public hearing will be conducted via audio/video conference. numerous racial slurs allegedly waterboarding detainees. The public hearing will be electronically in accordance with the Open Meetings Act in an effort at the workplace and “Paul had no knowledge of this inci- to protect the health and safety of the public. A Michigan Executive Order provides temporary authorization of remote participation in public meetings and hearings. Members of the public were fired when they complained dent, or even the court case until a wishing to participate in the meeting may do so by logging into or calling into the meetings using about it, according to court records. reporter brought it to his intention,” the website or phone number and Meeting ID provided on the August 31, 2020 meeting agenda. The revelation comes as Junge has a Junge campaign spokesperson said. (Note: this option requires downloading Zoom software. If you have not already installed the software, this may take a few minutes) made one of his calling cards during “Paul opposes racial discrimination of the campaign how his family business any kind, and believes we must come Persons with disabilities who need an accommodation to fully participate in these meetings should contact the City Council Office at 517-483-4177 (TDD (517) 483-4479) 24 hour notice created “hundreds of jobs.” together as a nation to confront not may be needed for certain accommodations. An attempt will be made to grant all reasonable Junge was the business develop- only bigotry and hate, but also the vio- accommodation requests. ment and division manager at All Star lent riots that have perverted the cause For more information, please call 517-483-4177. If you are interested in this matter, please attend Maintenance in San Diego, Calif., his of equality.” the public hearing or send a representative. Written comments will be accepted between 8 a.m. father’s business from 1995-2000, However, it’s Junge who brought up and 5 p.m. on City business days if received before 5 p.m., on the day of the Public Hearing at the City Clerk’s Office, Ninth Floor, City Hall, 124 West Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48933 or email and is not mentioned directly in the his family company’s prolific job-cre- city.clerk@lansingmi.gov. suit involving three former employees, ating record into the debate. In fact, Warren McCowan, Johnny Luna and Junge’s first TV advertisement leads Chris Swope, Lansing City Clerk, MMC/CMMC www.lansingmi.gov/Clerk Steve Guerrero. with this. www.facebook.com/LansingClerkSwope The suit in U.S. District Court in New “I’m Paul Junge. I served as a pros- #20-206 Mexico was concluded in 2002 after ecutor and helped build my family’s Junge had left the business to pursue business, creating jobs” are the first a career in TV journalism. However, words Junge says in the ad. back in 1998, All Star Maintenance Democrats could argue that if the was hired to paint residences at White Republican nominee wants to own All Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. McCowan, Luna and Guerrero, all of Hispanic heritage but who lived in Star’s record, he’s got to take the bad with the good. The court case had yet to make the EQUAL RIGHTS. New Mexico, claimed they were fired for complaining about the discrimi- nation they endured while working in Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee’s research book on Junge that MIRS found online online. A EQUAL PROTECTION. the hostile environment. They claimed they were “repeat- edly” referred to by one All Star DCCC spokesperson declined com- ment on the settlement. Speaking of the TV ads, Junge made EQUAL ACCESS. EQUAL JUSTICE. Maintenance carpenter as “sp*cs,” a $100,000 buy this week to air his “stupid fucking Mexicans,” “burrito positive, get-to-know-you, 30-sec- eating mother fuckers,” and “south-of- ond spot in the Detroit and Lansing the-border friends.” Another All Star broadcast and cable markets. employee on the job site referred to an His press release includes this jab at African American colleague as a “stu- the first-term incumbent: “These are pid (n-word).” Others testified that challenging times, and unlike Elissa they, too, heard the offensive language. Although the All Star employee Slotkin’s partisan liberal record of voting with Nancy Pelosi 96% of the These are the principles I stand for. Stand with me. handbook from 1996 calls for a racial time, I will put politics aside and put harassment-free workplace, the field America first.” manager conceded in court that he By comparison, Slotkin, has $3.2 didn’t do enough to spot the offensive million in ad time reserved up for comments. Instead, when McCowan, the remainder of the election, accord- Luna and Guerrero complained, he ing the Michigan Campaign Finance fired them, according to court records. Network. She announced her second As a result, the court in 2002 ordered General Election ad over the week- that all three be paid $15,000 for end, which focused on her efforts to enduring the hostile work environ- produce personal protection medical ment and $20,000 each for being equipment in Michigan. fired for complaining. All Star later (Kyle Melinn of the Capitol news paid out another $100,000 later to service MIRS is at melinnky@gmail. Paid for by the Committee to Elect Landis Lain cover the former employees’ attorney com.) PO Box 10002, Lansing, MI 48901
12 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • September 2, 2020 ONLINE REAL ESTATE AUCTION WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 16, 2020 @ 10:00 AM By Order of the County Treasurer of Ingham County INCREDIBLE LOW RESERVES!! Below are a few of the many properties offered in this incredible auction! Starting Bid: $19,567.79 Starting Bid: $13,048.43 Starting Bid: $7822.13 Starting Bid: $17,155.22 Starting Bid: $15,853.47 3419 Turner St, Lansing 1519 Biltmore St, Lansing 3017 Sheffer Ave, Lansing 1540 Roosevelt Ave, Lansing 1428 Knollwood Ave, Lansing Starting Bid: $37,269.50 Starting Bid: $18,196.98 Starting Bid: $23,468.88 Starting Bid: $40,265.65 Starting Bid: $33,872.78 744 N. ML King Jr. Blvd, Lansing 409 Pearl St, Lansing 831 N. Chestnut St, Lansing 922 N. Walnut St, Lansing 909 E. Saginaw, Lansing Starting Bid: $31,580.06 Starting Bid: $20,275.75 Starting Bid: $8,744.17 Starting Bid: $34,510.50 Starting Bid: $14,941.17 217 N. Fairview Ave, Lansing 1119 Bement St, Lansing 409 Clifford St, Lansing 519 Clifford St, Lansing 915 W. Lapeer St 1, Lansing Starting Bid: $21,478.98 Starting Bid: $7,609.78 Starting Bid: $13,705.90 Starting Bid: $22,893.91 Starting Bid: $11,199.27 1919 S. Washington Ave, Lansing 1338 Gray St, Lansing 1107 Bensch St, Lansing 2213 Donora St, Lansing 4912 Pleasant Grove Rd, Lansing Detailed information on parcels to be offered & terms of sale can be obtained on the internet at A deposit of $2,000 in certified funds is required for bid approval. www.BippusUSA.com Eric Schertzing, Ingham County Treasurer, 341 S. Jefferson St, Mason, MI (517.676.7220) Detailed Info 888-481-5108 or Visit Our Website! John Bippus AARE CAI CES GRI Broker/Auctioneer
City Pulse • September 2, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 13 YES WE ARE... Sorry, we are OPEN! Brace yourself: The At least 70 businesses C LO S E D students aren’t coming gone or paused By SKYLER ASHLEY ing rush of a new By KYLE KAMINSKI comprehensive tabs. and COLE TUNNINGLEY semester. and SHAUNA STOCKEN “Downtown Lansing is a great EAST LANSING — In the midst of “The conse- Not all businesses have managed to place for a business, just not so much a skeletal Welcome Week following quences to down- keep their doors open as the coronavi- during the pandemic. It’s the reason a Michigan State University’s decision to town are going to rus continues its spread across Greater lot of places still haven’t reopened yet keep classes entirely online, downtown be devastating. Lansing. Decreased foot traffic at many downtown,” said Cara Nader, owner of East Lansing businesses are staring There are no ifs, downtown Lansing and East Lansing Strange Matter Coffee. down the prospect of shopping dol- ands or buts about businesses — and the sales volumes to Strange Matter Coffee straddles the drums that extend far beyond the sum- it. It’s going to be go with it — have plummeted in recent line between open and closed after it mer months. Factor in a canceled foot- overwhelming for Ballein months. switched to curbside sales and delivery ball season and at its Michigan suddenly busi- Avenue loca- ness owners tion and closed are looking at its downtown a year in which location on they will have Wa s h i n g t o n to hustle harder Square, alto- than ever. gether. “As a busi- With many ness that caters usual down- almost exclu- town employees sively to the still working university — I from home and sell green and no clear return- white s t u ff to-work date and I sell col- in site, Nader lege textbooks said closing one — I go where location helped the universi- cut necessary ty goes. If the Kyle Kaminski/City Pulse costs after a u n i v e r s i t y ’ s Strange Matter Coffee closed its downtown Lansing location on Washington Square (right) last week, but the local chain is still 68% decrease not open, I’m offering curbside sales and deliveries from its cafe on East Michigan Avenue (left). in downtown not open,” said foot traffic com- Greg Ballein, manager and co-owner some businesses, and they’re just not Empty shopping malls already strug- pared to this time last year. The East of Student Book Store. going to make it,” he said. “The lack of gling to retain customers in the Amazon Michigan Avenue Student Book Store is one of many people downtown is devastating and age have piled on to an ever-growing location is still shops located smack dab on Grand beyond noticeable.” list of at least 70 local businesses that tracking a 35% River Avenue, the main shopping strip Officials at Michigan State University have either permanently or temporari- decrease over that of East Lansing. Ballein’s store not said they only expect 2,800 students ly closed since March in Lansing, East same timeframe, only normally attracts thousands of to live on campus, down from about Lansing, Okemos and other places in but it’s enough students in need of textbooks, but it 14,500 students in a typical year. But Ingham and Eaton counties. (For a to keep the doors also entices passersby with its Spartan- City Manager George Lahanas and complete list of closed businesses, see open. flavored merchandise. Ballein says he Mayor Aaron Stephens have both P. 20.) “I’ve had to can’t overemphasize how important it claimed they’ve seen an increased And those are just the ones we could Nader rethink my entire is for him to capitalize on the open- See Open, Page 14 find. It doesn’t appear anyone keeps See Closed, Page 17
14 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • September 2, 2020 Open and June and suppliers could not keep up. When July hit, everything coming from other countries was stuck. It’s an industry-wide problem we’ve never from page 13 seen before.” Still, MacGregor is bracing for the demand at apartment complexes and sting of not having a ready-made cus- rental homes across the city after MSU tomer base of students and newcom- officials started discouraging students ers to East Lansing, who come check from living on campus. Neither the out his shop while they hang out and city of MSU officials could offer any peruse downtown. statistical evidence of the increased “When the students get here in off-campus housing demand, but the late-August, we stay busy with in-store speculation provides some hope for sales until mid-October — depending businesses concerned about decreasing on the weather,” MacGregor said. “We sales. Stephens also said the city plans move to online through the winter, to reopen an outdoor dining district and when spring hits we see another downtown before the winter. big influx of in-store sales. This year is In order to deal with a closed store- going to be quite a bit different.” front from March to June, Ballein MacGregor said he is concerned for said Student Book Store had to pump Skyler Ashley/City Pulse the businesses that can’t cater to an up sales through its website and Customers at Student Book Store make purchases through sheets of protective online sales model, worrying they will increased communication with its cli- plastic. not make it without the usual foot traf- entele through social media and email go well for us this summer, with the of its sales digitally since the pandemic fic. “Essentially, all small retail in East marketing. Student Book Store also outbreak we had here locally,” Ballein took hold. Owner Jim MacGregor said Lansing is going to be affected very received emergency funding through said. the pandemic has caused massive sup- badly. It will be a different atmosphere the Paycheck Protection Program and Some were more fortunate in their ply-chain interruption, and the result- going forward.” the Michigan Work Share program. ability to adapt to online sales. Action ing lack of stock to line his shelves is Another factor taken for granted is But increased e-commerce and loans Board Sports, a skateboard and long- keeping him from re-opening his doors. the staff and faculty of MSU, who, like aren’t enough to replace Student Book board shop located downtown on “When the coronavirus hit and the students, won’t be coming back to Store’s usual business model. “Things Grand River Avenue, has yet to re-open everybody was stuck at home, we saw fell apart for us downtown. It did not its open storefront and has handled all unprecedented demand in April, May See Open, Page 15 NOW (re)OPEN NEW HOURS Tuesday–Saturday, 12–5pm Reserve your free tickets online 254 W Grand River Ave • East Lansing www.crunchyseastlansing.com Follow on Facebook.com/crunchyseastlansing broadmuseum.msu.edu for exclusive deals and promotions
City Pulse • September 2, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 15 Open Massage & Wellness Store & Center from page 14 East Lansing in their usual numbers. MADE-IN-MICHIGAN PRODUCTS ABOUND IN OUR STORE! “Faculty and staff are constant- Home & Design • Health & Wellness • Accessories • Art Prints ly downtown during the day, taking lunch, going downtown to grab things. Their dismissal is not a good situation for anybody in East Lansing,” Ballein said. The lack of sports is an entirely dif- ferent problem. The MSU basketball team is a perennial contender for a deep NCAA Tournament run, while the football team is oft-poised for a stab at the College Football Playoff National STATE GEAR OF ALL KINDS Championship. That kind of sports success generates the hype that attracts thousands to East Lansing, which in turn puts money in the cash registers of local businesses. Sparty’s absence leaves behind a punishing financial void. “When you have a winning program like that, it makes people want to affil- iate themselves with not only Michigan State but East Lansing and come down here and patronize,” Ballein said. It’s not just shops like Ballein’s that will be hit hard. Without game day, East Lansing restaurants owners must also prepare for decreased foot traffic and shrunken revenue. Sultan’s Mediterranean recently opened a new location in East Lansing. Owner Bassam Mahmoud has had his restaurant open for 25 years and decid- ed to relocate in July. The new location has only been open for a few weeks. Make Yourself A Priority “I was trying to downsize my busi- ness,” he said. “The rent was too high, and then COVID-19 happened in March, so I decided to find another place so I could pay less rent.” Massage Benefits: Mahmoud is excited for the new Lowers blood pressure location because it offers him more Increases circulation See Open, Page 16 Relieves general pain Support Local Relieves headaches Enhances immune system Small Businesses Massages from $41 Don’t Forget Plus Facials • Waxing • Body Wraps to Vote Nov. 3 Located in the Campus Town Mall next to Chipotle 541 E. Grand River Ave., Suite 5 • East Lansing votebethbowen.com or www.massageandwellnessonline.com @bethfordelta Paid for by Friends for Beth Bowen 7649 Madrid Dr. Lansing, MI 48917 517-203-1113
16 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • September 2, 2020 Open first served. I’m focused on country, Wasserman said. “Business the well-being of my cus- has been terrible,” he laughed. “We’re tomers and staff.” doing 40 to 50 percent of what we Being a new business thought we’d be doing. It’s frustrat- from page 15 in East Lansing hasn’t ing. But you can take a little grain of been easy for SNAP, but salt with that. We’re all in the same exposure. “We’re across from MSU on Wasserman said his land- boat. We don’t see things lightening Grand River Avenue now,” Mahmoud lord has been understand- up until spring.” said. “My old location was kind of hid- ing about how difficult it is Wasserman has seen businesses den away from the main traffic, but to survive during the coro- around East Lansing close. Espresso the new one is much more visible.” navirus outbreak. “We’re Royale, a popular East Lansing café With less students, staff and facul- one of the new kids on the for several decades, closed its doors ty coming to MSU, Mahmoud is con- block. But we’ve been very permanently in June. But he acknowl- cerned. “I used to cater for meetings lucky that they worked edgeds that cities across the country Skyler Ashley/City Pulse for different departments. This will with us to make sure we are in the same situation. “We all just The businesses of East Lansing face a precari- could sustain ourselves,” have to work together on the business definitely affect my business.” ous situation as Michigan State University moves Rob Wasserman, owner of SNAP Wasserman said. “We’re in side,” Wasserman said. “Both land- all classes online and postpones major sporting here for the long haul. As lords and retailers. Some people are Pizza, a newly opened pizza restau- events. long as everyone’s working getting greedy and think we should rant in East Lansing, understands that businesses everywhere are suf- town. Running an operation or a busi- together, it’ll be fine.” do business as normal. But if we’re all fering. “I think we’re taking it day-by- ness is not an easy thing to do in this The COVID-19 outbreak has affect- understanding, things should be fine.” day like everyone else around here in environment,” he said. “First come, ed other SNAP locations across the Wasserman is cautiously optimis- tic. “Those that can be business sav- vy and sustain ourselves during this VOTE CAROL KOENIG time period will reap the benefits of that to a certain degree. That’s the most important thing. Obviously, treading water is all you can do at this moment.” FOR CIRCUIT COURT Michael Krueger, owner of Crunchy’s Bar, laughed when asked if he was dreading the upcoming fall semester at MSU. “Looking forward to it and General Election - Nov. 3 dreading it,” he said. “It stinks not to have fall sports and those things, but I’m also looking forward to an influx or by absentee ballot of people coming into town.” Krueger said his main objective is to keep his customers safe. He said that many students live off-campus any- I believe we can always do more to improve our justice system. way, so his main customer base prob- As an attorney and County Commissioner, I’m working for ably won’t be present. “Unfortunately, we’re still stuck at justice on behalf of the people of our county. In this grass-roots 50 percent capacity, so we can’t make campaign, it’s an honor to be supported any real money. The people who regu- larly frequent Crunchy’s just won’t be and endorsed by people I’ve worked with, in town,” Krueger said. “Without triv- including: ia night, karaoke night or Crunchy’s • Andy Schor, Mayor of Lansing comedy night, there simply won’t be as many crowds gathering at the bar.” • Rep. Julie Brixie Krueger said that irresponsible stu- • Prosecutor Carol Siemon dents could hurt the East Lansing economy. “The East Lansing econo- • Treasurer Eric Schertzing my looks bleak right now,” Krueger • Drain Commissioner Pat Lindemann said. “Lots of students aren’t wearing • Guillermo Lopez, Lansing School Board masks, and it makes people not want to come here.” • Jessy Gregg, East Lansing City Council While 2020 continues to prove as well as many of my colleagues on the Board of tough, Ballein offered advice for those who want to help mediate the hard- Commissioners - Democrats and Republicans ship on small businesses. For more info including a complete list of “Try to keep your business local and remember that masks are required. So supporters: carolkoenigforjustice.com wear your mask, come patronize East Lansing and keep the businesses alive Paid for by Carol Koenig for Justice, 690 N. that you love and appreciate. That’s Hagadorn Rd., East Lansing, MI 48823 what I’ve been doing.”
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