Voters had an opportunity to have their questions answered Thursday by the candidates interested in representing them.
The League of Women Voters in the Lansing Area, a nonpartisan organization which encourages people to vote, hosted a candidate forum to inform voters before the Nov. 8 election, from 7-8 p.m. on Thursday at the East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbott Road.
Kevin Beard, John Fournier, Vic Loomis and Bill Sharp were questioned by the audience of about 40 — less than half of which appeared to be students — on topics including the East Village Master Plan, city revenue, the East Lansing Public Schools and the relationship among the university, the city and students.
Councilmembers Loomis and Sharp both stressed that eminent domain, a government's right to take private property for public use, should not be used in the East Village project.
John Knowles chapter adviser to Delta Sigma Phi fraternity and third-year law student said he is very interested in the project and was pleased to hear the council's rejection of eminent domain.
"I want to build a life here," he said. "Those East Lansing treasures are fun to look at. It means a lot to me the council committed to slow down the process (of the East Village project)."
Challenger Fournier said people such as Knowles are an asset to the community.
"We need young professionals to settle down here and have their kids go to school," he said.
Providing incoming MSU students with information about the city's rules and regulations also was discussed, but Councilmember Sharp said the information already is included in MSU's Academic Orientation Program.
"You can't force people to listen," he said. "You can't force people to attend (lectures)."
Political theory and constitutional democracy sophomore Kate Lester said she came to the forum to represent the student population.
"It's important for people to see students do care," she said.
Kathy Esselman, president of the league, said the forum differs from ones not held by the league because of its "nonpartisan nature."
"We definitely never ever support or oppose the candidates, let alone a political party," she said. "They know the organization isn't interested in promoting one candidate over another. There's a comfort level among the candidates as well as the audience. We give everyone a level playing field to present themselves."
English sophomore Jocelyn Peirce said she attended the forum to hear what the candidates had to say.
"I know a lot of students aren't involved in local politics but it affects everyone," she said. "I feel it's important that a student represents students and shows that, 'Hey we're not all drunk.'"
Esselman said she was pleased with the forum overall.
"It gives people a real chance to see the candidates," she said. "The more people can see the candidates in a different venue, the better."
