Lansing Mayor David Hollister will address a $388.5 million school bond proposal and preview future plans for Lansing today in his eighth State of the City address.
Hollister will speak at 7 p.m. in the 79-year-old Pattengill Middle School, 1017 Jerome St. in Lansing; a school that would be redeveloped if residents support the bond issue during a May 1 vote.
The bond issue includes renovations to 39 Lansing schools as well as reconstruction of the $18.5 million middle school. The bond would allow the Lansing School District to improve electrical systems, technology, roofs and heating systems.
“He’s mainly going to focus on the bond,” said Steve Serkaian, spokesman for Hollister. “We’re just asking people to show up for the speech.”
Some council members say education is on top of Hollister’s list of priorities.
Councilmember Carol Wood expects Hollister to address the quality of life in Lansing neighborhoods.
“By having his speech in a school, I’m sure that we’re going to be discussing the schools and the importance of education in the community,” she said.
Councilmember Sandy Allen also agrees the bond issue and education are important issues in Lansing.
“A world-class city needs a world-class school district,” Allen said. “Lansing is certainly progressing. I personally have some concerns about the economy and how it will affect Michigan and Lansing.”
The mayor is in the final year of his second term and plans to run for re-election in November.
Hollister’s 2000 State of the City speech at MSU addressed government infrastructure, economic developments, strengthening neighborhoods and future plans.
Last year, he also celebrated General Motors’ Lansing Grand River Assembly Plant announcement.
This year, some citizens of Lansing hope Hollister will address the quality of life.
“Nothing goes on here on the weekends,” said Vince Vatter, a MSU math senior and Lansing resident.
“Lansing is quieter than most places in East Lansing and everybody’s friendly. But it’s kind of disappointing because it shuts down after 5 p.m. during the week and there’s nothing going on during the weekend. I don’t end up spending too much time here.”
Hollister’s address will be broadcast live at 7 p.m. on WILX and rebroadcasted by Lansing’s cable channel 12.
