Elections

Image: East Lansing City Council’s first of two meetings this week

This Tuesday, there were two Council meetings, one “work session” and a “regular session.” This Council Capsule combines the two.

Present: Mayor Nathan Triplett, Mayor Pro Tem Diane Goddeeris, and Councilmembers Ruth Beier and Kathy Woods were present, with Beier arriving about ten minutes late to the work session. Councilmember Susan Woods was absent from both meetings.

Image: Courtesy City of East Lansing

The question this week: Who funded Diane Goddeeris’ last campaign for City Council?

The quick answer: Nobody. Goddeeris raised no money and spent no money on her last campaign (for November 2011). If you want to see a direct comparison of the campaign financing for all five of our current City Council members, click here.

Image: Courtesy City of East Lansing

The question this week: Who funded Kathy Boyle’s campaign?

Image: Courtesy City of East Lansing

The question this week: Who funded Nathan Triplett’s campaign?

Image: Courtesy City of East Lansing

The question this week: Who funded Ruth Beier’s campaign?

Image of Susan Woods is courtesy City of East Lansing

A reader asks: Who funded Susan Woods’ campaign?

Some background: The reader who asked this question did so because he was frustrated with Susan Woods’ voting record on major redevelopment projects that have come before City Council since she was elected on November 4, 2013. A resident of the Bailey neighborhood and the Director of the East Lansing Film Festival, Woods has consistently voted in support of developers.

This Tuesday, May 5, registered voters in East Lansing can vote on two possible amendments to the City Charter. Last week we provided voters information on the land sale charter amendment. This week we bring you information on the charter amendment regarding marijuana, specifically in terms of what it might mean legally in East Lansing.

Above: Library Director Kristin Shelley presenting to City Council and the Board of Education last night.

The first half of this week’s City Council meeting was dedicated to a joint meeting with the East Lansing Public Schools Board of Education and was held at the Hannah Community Center. The meeting consisted largely of presentations and involved no apparent points of disagreement among or between the two governing bodies. Topics included the future of the Red Cedar School, enrollment levels, and the proposed City Charter amendment on public land sales.

Image: Centennial sculpture, courtesy City of East Lansing

Present: Mayor Nathan Triplett, Mayor Pro Tem Diane Goddeeris, Councilmember Kathy Boyle

Absent: Councilmembers Ruth Beier and Susan Woods