With supporters from the East Lansing community holding signs that read, ‘Reach Higher for Beier,’ and ‘Truth with Ruth,’ Ruth Beier announced her candidacy for the East Lansing City Council on Thursday morning at the East Lansing Public Library.
Beier is running for a four-year city council term. There are three seats, currently held by Kevin Beard, Vic Loomis and Kathleen Boyle, opening up this year. The election is Nov. 5.
If elected, Beier, who is an economist for the Michigan Education Association, said she would address the city’s financial hurdles, its attraction to diverse groups of people and parking accessibility in the downtown district.
“I love East Lansing — ever since I came here in 1978 as an undergraduate at Michigan State University, I’ve always felt at home here,” she said, addressing attendees.
“I want to live here forever and I want it to be a wonderful city.”
During the assembly, Penny Gardner, an assistant professor in the Department of Writing, Rhetoric and American Cultures, said she visits MSU’s campus every day, not often venturing into the city.
She asked Beier what she would do to mend this “imaginary barrier.”
Beier said merging the two communities is one of her top priorities and she hopes to bring in more businesses that are attractive to working professionals.
“We need to make it more attractive,” Beier said, addressing Gardner. “So you think, ‘I’ve got a party to go to tonight (and) I need to bring a gift — I’m not going to drive out to the mall, I’ll just walk across the street.’”
Former councilmember Don Power, said the city has roughly $250 million in debt, and having an economist who understands finances will help the city shave debt.
Beier also addressed parking and said East Lansing needs denser parking — building more ramps so people don’t have to cram onto the streets.
English senior Sharlyn Steyman said she has experienced the inconveniences of parking in East Lansing.
“There’s not that much room, it’s more of an urban (area) and it’s expensive,” she said, adding that it might be beneficial if the city installed more vertical parking structures.
East Lansing currently is redeveloping its long-term plan, which includes parking, retail and housing, Beier said. If elected, she said she would ensure the plan meets the criteria she’s addressed.
Beard said he knows Beier and believes she is a good candidate. When Beier applied to fill Power’s vacant seat when he resigned last fall and was not selected, Beard said many council members still thought highly of her.
“She has got great experience and a very professional background,” he said.
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