Students living in East Lansing should strive to be more involved in the politics and policies that affect them on a daily basis, not because it’s their civic duty or whatever they teach you in ninth grade, but because it really affects their lives.

As The State News East Lansing reporter last semester, I attended 16 city council meetings and work sessions and against all odds, I found them very interesting.

In my case, I was forced somewhat to research the details and thoroughly examine each agenda, and that’s not what I’m asking of the average student. You really don’t want to read a packed agenda top to bottom — trust me.

I merely ask that you are peripherally aware of the issues, and when you have a strong opinion, voice it.

Frequently, there are city council issues that affect students. One recent point of contention was a neighborhood’s battle to keep renters out. Permanent residents are concerned about students or other renters invading their neighborhood, lowering the value of their homes and disturbing the peace.

It has led to a back-and-forth of rental license applications and overlay districts, which prevent certain types of rentals.

The most recent case might not affect the particular neighborhood you rent in, but it’s important to realize these decisions affect future students. As a current student, accusations of being a bad neighbor should sting. It’s up to students to defend our reputation and importance in this city.

Students have done it in the past and we need to do it now. There are initiatives working to connect students to the East Lansing community and getting involved should be another step. Show up at city council and tell the residents the students’ side of the story — offer an olive branch.

Helping residents and city officials understand the student perspective on issues can help them make better decisions.

Another ongoing discussion revolves around the future of the Michigan Avenue/Grand River corridor — an area with a high volume of transportation for students and residents alike. The current plan — still in its infancy — is to do away with the current bus on Grand River to introduce modified bus rapid transit, which requires a reduction of the Grand River Avenue median and reduces left turns into downtown.

This potential plan affects pedestrians, cyclists and drivers in the area. Students need to be heard in the discussion of the project’s future whether it supports or criticizes the plan.

City council isn’t a bunch of stuffy bureaucrats sitting on pedestals smoking cigars, rather it’s people trying to make an educated decision to benefit the people they serve — and that includes MSU students.

In my time at council meetings and work sessions, I only recall a few students at the meetings who were not there for class, and that’s a shame. Although there are limited issues affecting students, those are the issues in which students need to be a large part of the discussion.

City officials usually are begging to hear more opinions and there are plenty of avenues to contact them. It’s easy enough to call, e-mail or make an appointment with officials. Council members and other officials are willing to explain a particular ordinance or simplify incredibly complex problems.
City council agendas are available on the city’s website and a quick perusal of agenda items will yield the basics of the current issues.

Take a minute to see what’s going on in the city. Read the paper to get the latest updates and don’t be afraid to get involved.

Alanna Thiede is the State News East Lansing Reporter. Reach her at thiedea1@msu.edu.