East Lansing-Democracy Works

10/20/2023

Not every new idea is an improvement
Vote No on the 3 East Lansing ballot proposals
(On or before Nov. 7)

East Lansing's City Council has undergone 79 years of historic change since the city charter was first enacted in 1944.

Since the Charter's adoption, we have always had a five-member Council, elected directly. The charter has worked to represent all of the people of East Lansing. With a five-member body, voters can best evaluate a field of candidates. The charter allows a newly-elected Council to begin serving shortly after the results are certified.

Instead, these ballot proposals would create “vote for four” elections with a series of instant-runoff ballot counts. It would end our system of direct elections and greatly change what it means to be a voter.

The proposals would also create an unecessary eight-week lame-duck period for Councilmembers where they would not be accountable to the public.

The “ranked-choice voting' system is not even legally allowable and if the proposal passes it would only be as a symbolic statement.

Charter revisions should be recommended to the public after review by a volunteer commission comprised of local residents – not elected officials or political advocacy groups.

The three ballot proposals would create the biggest change in East Lansing's government since our charter was enacted in the 1940s. But not every change represents change for the better.

Let's keep what's been working for East Lansing:

-A five-member City Council that's accountable and chosen by careful consideration

-Direct elections where, unlike the electoral college – the candidate with the most votes wins.

Say No in November – or by absentee ballot.

Please help in making democracy continue to work in East Lansing:

Let's say NO to the three ballot proposals and instead, work for charter revisions considered by local residents; not elected officials or out-of-town activists.

George Brookover

10/20/2023

10/05/2023

A message from George Brookover – regarding East Lansing charter revision proposals:

I will be voting no on the three charter revision proposals, but not because I think our charter is perfect or should never be changed. The City Charter of East Lansing is the governing document of the city and changes to it should be carefully considered. We last looked at the Charter with a citizen committee in 1997. It may very well be time for a review and to make changes where needed.
However, these proposed amendments are haphazard changes for which there is no urgent need. Changes to our Charter should be accomplished through a process that includes a Charter review committee taking a comprehensive look at the Charter and soliciting citizen feedback at community forums before proceeding to the ballot.

Expanding the Council from 5 to 7 members represents a major change in East Lansing's government. For the first time, we would have “vote for four” elections and they would replace the current “vote for two elections that occur every four years. Added Councilmembers would also mean increased city staffing costs.
A longer ballot with more names may not allow the electorate to
adequately screen and choose from the available candidates.
More likely, it would lead to slate voting and increased candidate
election costs, as various factions position themselves for gain.

There is no need to create an eight week delay in swearing in new
Council members. Current practice allows for the new Council to
meet as soon as the election is certified.

I believe that direct elections should be continued. The inarticulate
ballot proposal for ranked choice voting is not even currently allowed under Michigan law.

We should consider changes - but these proposals aren't change for the better. I hope you will join me, not only in voting no on these proposals – but also in working for constructive changes based on community input.

10/05/2023

East Lansing doesn't need the three charter revision proposals - vote No in November (or by absentee ballot).

Proposal One - Expands City Council to create two additional elected positions and additional city staffing costs. It would create "vote for four" elections for the first time. A longer ballot will create more slate voting and more expensive campaigns. It won't allow voters to adequately screen and consider the candidates.

Proposal Two - Would create a totally unnecessary eight-week "lame duck" period before newly elected Councilmembers begin their tenure. Lame duck politics not only reduce public accountability - they frequently result in bad decisions as legislators rush to “beat the clock.”

Proposal Three would replace East Lansing's system of direct elections with "ranked choice voting" which is currently not allowed under state law.

Please help me make democracy work for all.

George Brookover