Heated debate over Charter Commission’s Lansing City Council seats

LANSING, Michigan (WILX)-The Mayor of the City of Lansing must act as the Chief Executive Officer of the City. The commission took its first vote Tuesday night, agreeing to continue the Strong Mayor model of government.

“The debate has been fueled by talk of ‘Should we use an all-ward system and eliminate them all, or perhaps have fewer?’ “This is where people had strong disagreements,” said Mark Skidmore, professor of economics at Michigan State University.

After voting for a strong mayor, the commission was left undecided on what to do with the city council.

“Right now, there are four members at large in Lansing, and city council members in general tend to think about policies in terms of how they will affect the entire city rather than a specific neighborhood, and there are also four members who are elected by their districts.” said Skidmore.

Commission and former ward council member Jody Washington said council members want to give up at-large seats and move to smaller districts, saying they can’t fully oversee such large districts.

“The argument is: ‘Oh, they’re looking at the city as a whole.’ All councilors are looking at the city as a whole. But if we had smaller wards, say 9 wards, everyone could have a representative who represents their lifestyle, no matter where they live,” Washington said.

Former at-large councilor and charter committee chairman Brian Jeffries says he makes a big exception, saying getting rid of at-large councilors allows more work to be done.

“Cut that stuff out. It’s not about whether you’re a ward councilor or at-large councillor, it’s about who’s in that seat and who’s going to do the job… I’m not done yet, don’t interrupt,” Mayor Brian Jeffries said.

The question is now left to Lansing residents; People are encouraged to attend charter commission meetings and tell them what you think about the local government model that will be in the City constitution for at least the next 12 years.

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