MICHIGAN
Mark Meadows has been with East Lansing City Council since 1995.
In 1997 he was elected by council to take the gavel at their meetings as mayor.
This spring, Meadows hopes to change the process of who takes the gavel next.
By allowing East Lansing citizens to vote for their mayor hell not only change the citys charter, but the role the people in East Lansing play in their government.
I think the mayor, for good or bad, tends to be a representative of the city, he said.
If the election system does change, Meadows said there will still be a city manager and the city council will carry on the same.
Hed just like to give the people in East Lansing a stronger voice, Meadows said.
For the most part in East Lansing, you can knock on any door and be treated with respect here, he said.
Having a role in government was not new to Meadows when he took center seat at the council meetings.
Meadows serves as assistant attorney general for the state of Michigan.
But he still finds time to enjoy being an East Lansing official.
Its nice to be able to make decisions and to interact with citizens in the community, he said.
While Meadows is a popular figure among the citys officials, the change has met with some different opinions.
I dont always agree with him and he doesnt always agree with me, but he has done a good job, Councilmember Bill Sharp said.
One issue Sharp doesnt agree with Meadows on is the citys election process.
It would make it too political, it is supposed to be nonpartisan, he said.
Councilmember Beverly Baten said it is no secret why the mayor has been effective.
He has done an excellent job with organization abilities and bringing people together and the leadership he has exemplified, the council member said.