In a city always dealing with its relationship with students, East Lansing police officer and resident Steven Whelan wants the city to represent everyone in it.

"It's crucial that all people participate," he said. "It's crucial knowing who's voting — the City Council makes a big impact, passes ordinances that touch a lot of people, whether it's rental laws on rental houses or the noise ordinance."

If the council decides to implement the independent commission's recommendations, it could mean new police procedures during celebratory events.

Whelan said he emphasizes the importance of voting, a lesson he tries to teach students when he serves as a school resource officer. "If people are upset about a certain thing, I will tell them I'm not the one making the law, I just enforce it," he said. "As a city, we get to elect, vote, for the same city council that makes those rules."