There are five days left before the Oct. 11 deadline to register to vote in the East Lansing City Council elections. City officials and residents say in order to have a successful election on Nov. 8, voters must be informed about the candidates and the issues.
What City Council does:
City Council meets every Tuesday to discuss issues such as drinking policies, student housing and disturbance-related issues that affect East Lansing residents.
Current issues the council is discussing:
East Village Master Plan - A plan created to redevelop 35 acres of land south of Grand River Avenue, north of the Red Cedar River, east of Bogue Street and west of Hagadorn Road. The plan would mix housing, offices, shopping and dining in a university oriented atmosphere that would replace apartments and houses inhabited mostly by students.
Amending the existing noise ordinance - Because of an increase in noise complaints from residents, a proposed amendment from the city manager's office would add outdoor drinking games as an "aggravating factor" to the ordinance. Two or more of these factors, such as a common source of alcohol, live entertainment and loud speakers increase the penalty.
Amending the existing smoking ordinance - This amendment would make bars and restaurants leave a section of the establishment available to nonsmokers from open to close.
Possible celebratory location - An independent commission created by the council is investigating the April 2-3 disturbances and discussing a possible location for people to congregate and celebrate after sporting events.
The candidates:
Vic Loomis - Incumbent member of the council. Elected 2001.
Bill Sharp - Incumbent member of the council. Elected 2001.
Kevin Beard - Former Planning Commissioner, chair of the East Village Planning Team responsible for reviewing the East Village Master Plan.
John Fournier - Current Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy senior at MSU.
How to register to vote:
A voter's driver's license address must match the address on their voter registration card.
People can change their address at either the Secretary of State Branch Office or by mail.
East Lansing's Secretary of State is located at 400 Albert St. People must bring their driver's license or personal ID card and will be given a sticker with the new address to put on the back of either card. There is no charge for this service.
