We asked the candidates how they plan on improving relations among the city, the university and the students.

Forum: To find out more about these issues and hear from the four candidates running for East Lansing City Council, a public forum will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the East Lansing Public Library Meeting Room, 950 Abbott Road.

The election takes place on Nov. 8.

Vic Loomis (incumbent)

Age: 59

Believes all parties involved are doing their part to better the relationships. "I get split messages from the community. I hear from both residents and students who say that the relationship is good and say it is not. I think we need to continue and be mindful and listen to other opinions."

Bill Sharp (incumbent)

Age: 77

Believes communication is the key among all parties involved. "We have to continue to have an open dialogue. Communications between the university have been the best they've been in the past six to eight months. I wish I could wave a wand and have everything utopia."

Kevin Beard (challenger)

Age: 49

Wants students to become more friendly with neighbors. "Our fates are so intertwined, that when things don't go well, it looks bad for all parties. We need to let people know what the expectations of the community are, what the penalties are for being uncivil and the rewards for being civil."

John Fournier (challenger)

Age: 21

Thinks diversifying the downtown area will help residents from all walks of life become a community. "People joke there's a line in the sand in East Lansing and it's an imaginary line. We can eliminate that line and the more we deny it's there, the more we perpetuate the problems."