Scott Riddle said he clearly remembers the exact spot where he was arrested last April. That night, Riddle said, he was handcuffed, put on his knees and pepper-sprayed by police near the Cedar Village apartment complex. Now Riddle wants the city of East Lansing to change how it handles large crowds. And Riddle hopes the upcoming City Council election could impact the way future disturbances are handled.

"I hope and pray this election and new mayor can really effectively make sure this doesn't happen again," he said. "What I went through felt like hell — I felt like I had my rights taken from me."

An independent commission has been created to examine the disturbances and to create ideas for future nights when celebrations are expected and those suggestions could be put into place by the council.

This election can change things and possibly help create a positive change in the police department, Riddle said.