With rich histories in East Lansing, numerous ties to the university and extensive backgrounds in city government, Vic Loomis and Bill Sharp are the best choices for East Lansing City Council.
Loomis, Sharp, Liz Harrow and Kevin Beard will face each other in Tuesday’s election to fill two open seats on the council. The two highest vote-getters win the seats.
All four candidates possess many good qualities, powerful ideas and ties to MSU, local organizations and the city. Each candidate has something to contribute to the leadership of East Lansing.
Both Beard and Harrow are very knowledgeable in the area of city planning and understand a great deal about what creates a better urban area. But city planning is where most of their strengths lie, and we think they can best continue to serve the city in their roles on the city’s Planning Commission. They are certainly valuable assets to this community and worthy candidates for this race.
Loomis has shown himself to be a competent and approachable man with a long history in East Lansing. A 1964 graduate of East Lansing High School and a 1972 MSU graduate, Loomis grew up in the city.
Spending nine years as the chairman of the Downtown Development Authority, his planning has brought him to the forefront of East Lansing’s development in recent years. He has been a driving force behind the City Center, and has been involved in plans for the City Center II. Many of the improvements and developments downtown are a result of his work.
Also, his years as a senior vice president and senior lender for National City Bank of Michigan/Illinois gives him a strong financial base of knowledge, which is important for a council member when working with budget issues.
Loomis is now raising his own family in East Lansing, and plans to send his children to East Lansing public schools. We hope this will allow him to keep a vested interest in the city for some time to come.
Sharp, an East Lansing resident since 1948 and incumbent council member, has been involved with projects such as the recreation facilities on Abbott Road, the East Lansing Public Library remodeling, the City Center projects and the new Hannah Community Center.
As a lifelong resident of the area, Sharp raised a family in the city, spent 12 years on the East Lansing School Board and is a retired police officer.
Sharp also has many student-friendly viewpoints and ideas. He has been pushing for a student liaison to the city council since his first term in 1993 and would genuinely use that student as a resource. He also expresses an interest in improving conditions for student renters.
Above all, Sharp is a very down-to-earth, accessible person who focuses on communication and building community ties.
Loomis and Sharp have shown themselves to be highly competent and valuable members of the East Lansing community and deserve a spot on the city council. Their experience and viewpoints make them invaluable resources to permanent residents and students alike.
