Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/VoteDeLay
Education
Bachelor's Degrees in Social Relations and Policy/Journalism from Michigan State University
Campaign Phone
734-558-0179
I have dedicated my life to public service, working to better the lives of others. I am a proud graduate of Michigan State University, where I earned bachelor's degrees in Journalism and Social Relations and Policy.
After graduation, I went to work in the Michigan Senate for four years in constituent services. In this capacity I worked to help those who were having issues with government services, such as food assistance, Medicaid, Unemployment, etc.
In 2015 I went to work in the office of U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, where he worked as a Constituent Services Representative. In 2016, while living in Lansing Township, I was appointed and later elected to the Lansing Township Board of Trustees. In 2019 he began working in Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s office as the Deputy Director for Constituent Services. Today I work as a Legislative Analyst with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. I also serve as a member of the East Lansing Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission.
Budget - East Lansing is facing a budget crisis. While the city has taken some steps to address its deficit, it remains a major issue. We should be conducting a detailed review of the city’s budget and contracted services. If East Lansing needs to make cuts and raise revenue, it needs to lead from the top. That is why I am proposing a four year pay freeze for members of council and top city staff.
Traffic - Residents have been asking council for improvements to the traffic conditions in neighborhoods such as Chesterfield Hills and Southeast Marble, and have sent the petitions with detailed requests of what they want to see happen. Instead of listening to residents, the city either ignores them or tells them the things they want, such as stop signs, won’t work. It is time to listen to our residents and tackle this issue head on.
Affordable Housing - I believe the city should embrace strategies to improve housing options for people and families who want to be a part of our community.
I am strongly opposed to the millage request. One thing to note about this flawed proposal is that, while it says it will "raise" $3 million for parks, the city will then immediately take away the $2.6 million in general fund dollars it gives to parks. This is NOT a parks millage; it's an attempt by the city to go back on the promise of the income tax and raise general property tax rates because it was caught trying to illegally tax residents through the BWL franchise fee. It was also put on the ballot without any input from the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission, of which I am a member.
If this proposal fails, my concern is that council will simply try again next year. If I am elected to council, I will OPPOSE any attempts to put this back on the ballot.
The city has oddly been dragging its heels on hiring. For example, the city clerk position has been vacant for nearly a year, despite the fact that the city received numerous applications and held interviews. Moving forward the city needs to prioritize replacing staff, because the longer it takes to replace staff, the more stress it puts on the remaining works, which in turn hurts retention.
I believe it is also important to ensure competitive pay and benefits to attract top talent. I think the city does this currently, but that needs to be maintained. Lastly, it is critical for city council members to show that the value city staff and the work that they do, as opposed to ignoring their recommendations or dismissing their work.
Facebook page
www.facebook.com/electkathedsall/
Education
Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine
Campaign Phone
517-214-0552
As an EL Board of Education Trustee for almost eleven years, I deeply understand local governance, finance, and policy. During my tenure, the board and community passed two bonds which remodeled/rebuilt our six elementary schools, will create a secure entrance to the high school and improve accessibility there and the middle school. As treasurer for nine years with an MBA in accounting, I understand fund balance accounting and will quickly assimilate municipal accounting. As Vice Chair to the EL Independent Police Oversight Commission, I have dedicated time to learning East Lansing’s codes, ordinances, and police policy. Since earning my Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine and my MBA from MSU, I am now a 47-year resident of the area as my wife and I run our business and continue to raise our family here. I have strong connections and deep attachments to this community. For all these reasons, I hope to make it a welcoming and inclusive place for everyone who lives in or visits East Lansing
Our challenges include addressing budgetary shortfalls without adding to the tax burden of East Lansing residents; developing a vibrant downtown for families and children while allowing students to participate in college life without one overshadowing the other or one being sacrificed for the other has been a long-term challenge; collaborating to develop after-school programming that meets the needs of middle/high school children which is more than the public library; increasing housing stock to address shortfalls and expand our tax base. Our opportunities lie in our strengths. We should elevate our trail system and parks to award winning levels. Our new elementary buildings surrounded by walk-able neighborhoods create strong community pride and engagement and show the commitment of our city employees who maintain and thus strengthen them. Lastly, adopting, with possible modifications, and utilizing the comprehensive plan to meet these needs is an opportunity for all of us.
I struggle with adding to the tax burden of East Lansing residents for what appears to be chronic fiscal mismanagement. Only a few years ago the city passed an income tax to address these shortfalls which now goes almost entirely to public safety, leaving Parks and Recreation underfunded. During the same time, the school district was able to build a 14-million-dollar fund balance. Legacy costs associated with defined benefit retirements are problematic as are other ways monies have been diverted from quality-of-life programs in our community. The result is community members now being asked to pay more to keep our parks and recreation opportunities. Municipalities across the county are struggling with ways that reduce crime, increase community engagement and overall citizen health and happiness without sacrificing one for the other. Those that have been the most successful on all fronts are those investing in mental, physical, and emotional health first.
As in most jobs, work/life balance is incredibly important to retaining employees. Feeling connected to the community and having a wiliness to serve the entire community are important traits of employees in a city like East Lansing. Leadership must emulate and model those values of service and set a daily example of being available to the entire community. When there is a disconnect between the morals and values of leadership and the community they serve, the city will always struggle with hiring and retention. Ways to gather information to understand the needs of employees could include a culture and climate survey, exit surveys, or encounter with city employees surveys as well as researching similarly sized municipalities on wages and benefits. Finally, creating a work force and culture that reflects the community at large is necessary to decrease tensions which may make daily work life more difficult.
Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/ChuckGrigsbyforEastLansingCityCouncil/
Education
Master of Arts in Criminal Justice (Criminology Concentration)
Campaign Phone
517-885-0432
I’ve spent years serving our community through leadership and collaboration. At the request of the City Council, I chaired the study committee that developed the framework for East Lansing’s Independent Police Oversight Commission, working closely with the police chief, city staff, and community members to ensure transparency and accountability. I also chaired the Human Rights Commission, where I focused on protecting residents’ rights and strengthening trust between the city and its people. My professional background in criminal justice and mediation has taught me how to bring diverse voices together and find solutions to complex challenges. Beyond policy work, I’m deeply rooted in East Lansing as a mentor, advocate, and community partner. I believe effective leadership means listening, collaborating, and creating policies that reflect the needs of every resident. My goal is to move East Lansing forward — together.
East Lansing faces real challenges, including rising costs, a structural budget deficit, and balancing essential services like public safety, infrastructure, and parks with limited resources. The parks millage highlights a deeper issue: we can’t keep relying on taxpayers to backfill budgets without a sustainable financial plan. We need stronger collaboration between the city, neighborhoods, and MSU to address housing, economic development, and quality-of-life concerns while securing more state and federal grants, attracting private investment, and recovering costs from large events. These challenges also bring opportunities to foster transparency, strengthen partnerships, and create innovative solutions that work for everyone. My platform focuses on fiscal responsibility, smart, balanced growth, and community-driven decision-making. I believe progress comes from listening to residents, bringing people together, and prioritizing investments that reflect our shared values while keeping E
I value our parks and recreation programs; they make East Lansing a great place to live and bring our community together. However, I would not have supported putting this millage on the ballot at this time. Residents were promised that the income tax would help address financial challenges, fund pensions, support parks, and enhance public safety. Seven years later, we’re being asked to raise taxes again just to maintain what we already have. That tells me we need a stronger, long-term financial plan before asking taxpayers for more. If voters approve this millage, I’ll push for full transparency and accountability for every dollar spent. But as a councilmember, my focus will be on developing sustainable solutions — including pursuing grants, attracting private investment, and recovering costs from large events — so we’re not putting residents in this same position again.
To attract and retain high-quality staff, East Lansing needs to ensure reliable and sustainable funding for essential positions. Competitive wages and benefits are important, but they must be backed by a long-term financial strategy, not short-term fixes. That means identifying new, stable revenue sources to support operational expenses while prioritizing efficiency and accountability in how funds are used. We should also invest in professional development and create a work culture where employees feel supported, valued, and connected to the community they serve.
Education
Michigan State University
Campaign Phone
5175994691
I graduated from MSU in 2023 with a degree in Social Relations & Policy, minor in Political Economy, and Secondary Social Studies Teaching Certification. During my time at MSU I spent two years working in the Michigan House of Representatives and completed a year of student teaching at East Lansing High School. I currently work for the State of Michigan in the Office of Retirement Services. I have an extensive resume in public service including the East Lansing University Student Commission, Bailey Community Association, East Lansing Community Development Advisory Committee, East Lansing Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission, East Lansing Comprehensive Plan Update Study Committee, Folk Festival Study Committee, Ingham County Family Center Advisory Board, and the Fenner Nature Center Board of Directors. In 2024, I earned a crystal award for community service.
The budget is the biggest single issue facing our community at the moment. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity, the challenge being going through the process of balancing the budget while the opportunity is finally being able to get the city on solid fiscal ground. Another large challenge for the city right now is development and balancing the need for growth without sacrificing the character of our community but the opportunity here is to help make our city more walkable and affordable for residents every background. Something that residents have been consistently voicing their opinions on is traffic safety and the need to reduce the threats that speeding and reckless driving pose in our community. We need to not just listen to these concerns but act upon them and create a wholistic plan to make our streets safer and building capacity to carry out enforcement.
The introduction of the parks and rec millage is in a way what kicked off this election cycle and at the start I was conflicted on how I was going to vote as I love our parks and the services they provide and would be happy to see them have a stable source of funding but the more I've been talking to people at the doors the more I'm hearing that people just cannot afford another tax increase right now. I do believe in supporting our parks but given the current economic climate I will be voting no on the millage both to save residents from an increase in property taxes but also to save our renters from an increase in their monthly payment as they are already struggling with making ends meet.
I believe that we are still somewhat suffering the aftershocks of the mass exodus two years ago and that in time it will cool down but one thing that needs to happen is the implementation of a yearly staff survey. This survey would be anonymous and ask staff to rate their current level of satisfaction with their employment, how they are being treated by leadership, and what the biggest current dangers to moral are. With this kind of data we will be better able to respond to staff needs and address problems before they spiral out of control.
Facebook page
www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577966980983
Education
Bachelors in Political Theory from James Madison College at Michigan State with Minor in Business
Campaign Phone
2489381486
I’m Liam Richichi, a recent MSU JMC grad with a major in Political Theory and minors in Business and Organizational Management, and leadership experience as President of the College Democrats—the largest chapter in the country. I’ve already worked hands-on in government as Constituent Services Director for State Rep. Jason Morgan, helping residents navigate issues like housing, healthcare, and employment. These, along with many other past community organizing roles, have given me real-world experience in public service, budgeting, and outreach. I’m running to bring transparent, responsive leadership to East Lansing—focused on quality, affordable housing, traffic safety for our families, sustainability, and student–resident collaboration. I know how government works, and I care deeply about making it work for everyone in our city.
East Lansing is facing real challenges—starting with a projected $3.1 million budget deficit that threatens vital services unless we act responsibly. Housing affordability is also a crisis: rents and home prices are pushing out young professionals, working families, and even longtime residents. We need smarter development that works for everyone. I also am concered about reckless driving and unsafe streets in some of our neighborhoods—treating incidents as preventable, not inevitable, is key to how we understand and change this issue, which must be a priority. City infrastructure is stretched thin, and trust in government has taken a hit after numerous unfortunate decisions on zoning, taxation, and funding. As someone who’s worked directly with residents on issues like housing, access to services, and civic engagement, I know we need leadership that’s proactive, transparent, and community-driven. I’m ready to tackle these challenges head-on and ensure East Lansing works for all of us.
I believe that the ballot proposal we have on the 2025 ballot, the "Parks and Recreation Millage," is simply dishonest to the residents of East Lansing. Finding a budget from the general fund that equals just nearly the structural deficit we have been facing, $3 million, and forcing the people of the city to decide whether or not they like parks enough to pay more money in property taxes, when there is already an affordability crisis making it nearly impossible for families, seniors, and our most vulnerable to get by, is dishonest and unfair. I will be voting NO on this proposal and have continued to encourage others to do the same. We need to figure out smarter, for pragmatic solutions to our city's budgetary issues that impact the least amount of residents possible.
For the time being, we should take a deeper look at the city's budget and decide which vacant positions are not immediately necessary, and how we can work to retain the great talent we already have, which means approving raises for the current staff and treating them with the dignity and respect they deserve. Over the last few years, there have been numerous accounts of city staff being mistreated, going unheard, and left in the dark. It doesn't take a long search on the internet to find a former city staff member's account that mirrors these unfortunate realities. I also believe that whoever the Mayor is should have a more active role in the day-to-day oversight of city staff, or at least act as a check-and-balance to the city manager. It is always better to have oversight over staff management and treatment than not.
Facebook page
Whelan for East Lansing
Education
BS in Business Finance. Missouri State University
Campaign Phone
517 281 7492
I have invested 29 years of living, serving and engaging in East Lansing. Having recently retired after 25 years with the East Lansing Police Department, I worked as a patrol veteran, detective, and school resource liaison.
I have been an advocate for child protection, human trafficking prevention, and supporting survivors of assault. I have also taught as an adjunct instructor at Lansing Community College for 23 years.
There have been many awards and recognitions throughout my career including East Lansing Employee of the Year, Officer of the Year, the MADD award, and a Distinguished Community Service award from the East Lansing Schools Educational Foundation.
For 25 years I have been actively involved in both neighborhood association of Brookfield and Whitehills. Helping to build neighborhood connections and the prevention and detection crime issues in the neighborhoods.
More personally my wife and I have raised 3 amazing children in East Lansing and now have 7 grandchildren.
East Lansing has a proud heritage of being a welcoming and inviting community to all. As we proceed into the future we can do better.
There needs be a smart approach at increasing our tax base through development while continuing to provide basic services.
We need to look at having a balanced budget without effecting critical services that every resident is expecting and deserves. Those services include a strong public safety response and a healthy infrastructure of roads, sewer, water and waste management.
There are also concerns with traffic. While there have been good improvements at several crossings, There needs to be a collaborative approach with design, staffing, and enforcement to keep our kids safe.
Other issues in our community involve working better with other invested parties, like MSU and ELPS.
City Council’s role is to listen to our community, assess the real needs, and be responsive to our residents.
The East Lansing Parks and Recreation Department have been a valuable part to our community. Due to the BWL situation, the city is now going to the same well to attempt to repair the situation. Even though the city has enough for the settlement, this presents a significant shortfall in budget.
I do see this as a way for the community to speak on the issue. Rather than candidates putting their thumb on the scale, I would like to see how the community responds.
Your vote matters!
My concern is that our property taxes are already very high and there was a promise that if the income tax passed there would not be any additional mileages brought before the city.
I do believe the city can bring in additional income through smart and needed new development projects.
Ultimately we can not spend more than we make. This is true in my home and needs to be true of the city.
The city has a history of having amazing staff, however, in the past 5 years, there have been challenges.
It is not just a paycheck that makes staff feel valued and driven to give and invest in their career and community. Challenging, empowering, and vision casting are critical aspects of a healthy working environment. Treating all with respect and appreciating each and every staff person is the role of the City Manager.
The city manager also needs to be transparent and hold people accountable in their roles. The community expects a responsive and transparent government.
Where this gets confusing is when City Council gets involved and oversteps their role with city staff as had happened in the past. City Council’s role is to oversee the city manager, develop or adjust city ordinances, and set policy.
City Council is also set to listen and assess the needs of the community, represent the community as ambassadors, and lead the city manager in building a healthy workforce.
