Yonkus Withdraws from City Council Race; Will Support Gregg and Babcock as Candidates

Audrey Yonkus has withdrawn from the race for East Lansing City Council, leaving six candidates for the three open seats.

Yonkus made the announcement today, saying in a press release, “I decided to run for City Council with the goal of making our city a better place through green thinking, smart development, and of course, transparency. Now that I have had a chance to meet and talk with the other candidates who have filed to run, I believe that those ideals are being well represented by some of the other candidates.”

Yonkus is part of the family-run business of Sundance Jewelers in downtown East Lansing and has served as a volunteer in City government.

In the announcement, Yonkus writes that she will support challenger candidates Jessy Gregg and Lisa Babcock. She also indicated a possible run for Council in 2021, when the terms of Ruth Beier and Aaron Stephens will expire.

Yonkus closed her statement by writing, “I am young, but passionate about change in our city. I really appreciate all of the support I have received over the last couple of weeks and I will come back as a stronger candidate when the time is right for the city, and for myself.”

Besides Gregg and Babcock, the remaining candidates are incumbents Erik Altmann and Mark Meadows and challengers Warren Stanfield and John Revitte. Read more.

Photo by Raymond Holt.