The document summarizes responses from candidates running for Lansing City Council on key issues like priorities, budget cuts, police reform, and recovering from COVID-19. For their priorities, candidates listed issues like eliminating bail for misdemeanors, developing affordable housing, addressing poverty, and investing in community centers. Regarding budget cuts, most said they would protect public safety funding while one mentioned human services. On police reform, candidates expressed support for accountability, social workers, and alternative emergency response models. To aid COVID recovery, candidates proposed supporting businesses and seeking grants.

1. WKAR CANDIDATE SURVEY
WKAR surveyed all Lansing City Council candidates. Below are their responses to some key questions.
The answers appear as submitted with the exception of some copyediting and formatting changes.
At-large race, elected citywide
What top three priorities will you accomplish by the end of your four-year term?
Linda Appling:
A) Eliminate bail for misdemeanor crimes
B) Reconfigure CATA so that people can get to work by 4 to 5 a.m. (that’s starting time for a
number of fast food places)
C) Develop vacant buildings/schools into lofts to for housing.
Grant M. Blood II:
1. Police Reform
2. Gun Violence
3. Poverty
Jeffrey Brown:
1. Stable and Safe Neighborhoods
2. Equitable Economic Development and Opportunities
3. Transparency and Collaboration
Claretta Duckett-Freeman:
I plan to push the council left so that they invest more of our money in community centers. I plan to
establish ward meetings similar to the People’s assembly so that more people have a voice. I will
investigate racial discrimination in our city departments and demand accountability. People will be fired
and replaced.
Linda Keefe:
I intend to maximize Lansing’s resources to improve our quality of life for ALL of our residents, and to
talk with my residents about issues that affect them, so that they may become part of the solution,
because they know what needs to be done. Minimizing the 17,000 yearly electricity shutoffs by
encouraging Lansing Board of Water and Light to create a Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) is a
goal to help create financial stability in a city where one out of four residents lives in poverty. Lessening
violence and solving cold cases is also top priority.
Peter Spadafore:

2. First and foremost, I will continue my track record of thoughtful, collaborative, and transparent
governance. The Lansing City Council needs to be a partner – not an adversary – to others.
Second, I will make sure that economic opportunities are available to all our residents, not just a few. To
move our city from surviving the pandemic to thriving, I will ensure economic opportunity reaches every
neighborhood in our city, from clean parks and good quality of life to easy access to services and support
for small businesses.
Third, I will continue to focus on the basics: good roads, clean water, nice streets, and parks. I’m
committed to making sure city services measure up to resident expectations, because we all deserve to
live in a city we feel proud of.
D. Taft:
A) Establish City sponsored youth talent showcase(s), basketball and boxing teams with annual city
championships for each to provide alternative for inner city youth to compete and challenge each other
without violence
B) Establish a year-round city flea market/ swap meet for entrepreneurs to have a platform to sell goods
and services.
C) Compartmentalize Lansing Police Department into specialized divisions.
Rachel Willis:
• Economic Development - this includes supporting/sustaining existing business and bringing in more
diverse economic drivers, this leads to goal of financial stability
• Community cohesion and collaboration - this includes addressing the divide between the
community and police. Focus on increased support of local public schools, health, welfare and
community wellbeing through quality services. I would include placemaking in this goal
• People over politics- the wellbeing of people and the community should take precedence over any
individual political motivations- we need to hear from the community and govern in a way that makes
people feel valued and heard
If successful in my campaign, I plan to attain my top priorities by working with my colleagues on the
council to assess the programs that we already have in place and determine what is working and what
may need to change. I welcome the voice of the business community into each step of my process,
especially looking at ways they can support the employment opportunities for citizens. Stable
employment and income opportunities leads to stable health and wellbeing, which leads to stable
education, which leads to stable long-term success. It is all interconnected.
If forced to make budget cuts, what’s the last thing you would cut from Lansing’s budget? (i.e.
What spending do you think is most important to protect?)
Linda Appling:
The last programs I would cut are those directly impacting the citizens of Lansing. Housing, water, heat,
food would be priorities. Prior to that decision I would seek input from the citizens on what programs
they viewed as critical. To avoid layoffs, I would reduce the number of hours worked, offer early
retirement to employees, eliminate all but essential purchases and travel. I would also seek
development of a long-term strategic change plan for the city. Employees would be offered the
opportunity for retraining in jobs we would have available.

3. Grant M. Blood II:
The Public Safety budget, that is both Police and Fire should be the last thing to be cut.
Jeffrey Brown:
If forced to make budget cuts, I would certainly look to protect public safety, basic public services, parks,
neighborhoods, human services and infrastructure. In cutting items like discretionary spending while
making sure the foregoing continues to be prioritized, we would be positioning ourselves to successfully
attract and retain citizens and employers and ensuring a safe, livable community.
Claretta Duckett-Freeman:
Community centers for children and seniors
Linda Keefe:
It is imperative to protect and enhance funding for the city’s Human Relations and Community Services
Department. This department provides grant assistance to 56 agencies such as Advent House Ministries,
Cristo Rey Community Center, Legal Services of South Central Michigan, Hospice of Lansing, the Refugee
Development Center and Tri-County Office on Aging. This department provides utility assistance - which
I would like to see enhanced with my utility Percentage of Income Payment Plan, eviction prevention,
and food assistance, which includes a mobile food truck.
Peter Spadafore:
Residents deserve the services they pay for and expect. In lean budget times. it’s incumbent upon us as
policymakers to find ways to ensure those services are delivered. I would protect most our
infrastructure and public service resources (roads, sidewalks, snow removal, trash and recycling) and our
police and fire services.
D. Taft:
With the rise in violent gun crimes and unsolved murders I would protect the budget for the
police department.
Rachel Willis:
One of the last things I would cut/fully eliminate is public safety funding - this would include
anything pertaining to roads, infrastructure, fire safety, code enforcement, mental health
services.
How should policing be reformed in the city? Do you support defunding the police/cutting
police funding?
Linda Appling:
A) Qualified immunity for police officers should be eliminated. B) Lansing should pass an ordinance
creating a duty for police officers to intervene when observing force being used beyond what is
reasonable. C) Students should be ticketed for violations of law not arrested.
Grant M. Blood II:

4. The Lansing Police Department should be dissolved and the policing of the city would be done
by a new department overseen by the Ingham County Sheriff with a chief being appointed by
the sheriff. This has occurred in other cities and freed up money that could be utilized in social
services. (Camden, New Jersey & Indianapolis, Indiana). This is called regionalization and would
include the absorption of all departments in Ingham County over the next few years. This is not
a hostile takeover but would be a better option instead of all departments in the area fighting
over candidates and managing large budgets and legacy costs.
Jeffrey Brown:
I believe police reform begins with accountability, transparency, policy reform, and true community
engagement and collaboration. I do not support defunding the police but do support continued efforts
to make our police department the best, most productive department in the state.
Claretta Duckett-Freeman:
You cannot reform something that works exactly as it was designed. You have to create something
better. I support defunding the police and creating public safety that actually protects citizens.
Linda Keefe:
Defunding the police is a process of moving certain resources to a non-carceral means of crisis response,
such as to a community based mobile crisis response team. If required, I support funding for Lansing
Police Department to partner with the Detroit Police Commission, so that Lansing may solve decades old
cold cases and give a semblance of closure to family and friends of those victims.
Peter Spadafore:
Due to staffing levels, our public safety efforts are too one-dimensional, focusing solely on call response.
To reform policing, we need a tiered approach to public safety that includes social workers, expanded
resources available when calling 911 and investments in violence prevention programs like Advance
Peace that will hopefully help shift our focus from law enforcement to a more preventative and holistic
strategy.
D. Taft:
The police department should be reformed into specialized divisions led by detectives and
investigators.
Rachel Willis:
There are currently two social workers employed by the LPD. In lieu of defunding police, I would support
increasing the use of social workers on the force, but beyond that, the city needs more cohesion among
its social services array and availability to the community to prevent citizens from having to engage with
the police.
What will you do to help the city of Lansing and its residents recover financially and socially
from the COVID-19 pandemic?
Linda Appling:
A) Work with area business partners to help maintain current partnerships and to jump start new
business adventures that will hire/add new employees to payroll.

5. B) Seek grant funding to support current and new services to offset the City’s current budgetary items.
C) Reduce redundant services and collaborate with area municipalities to reduce service cost delivery
were appropriate
D) Determine/review areas in City government that can restructured to low costs.
Grant M. Blood II:
The next step is to work on the violence, poverty, and the pandemic. The city needs to work on all of
these, neither is more important than the other. The key thing is to listen to our citizens and understand
what they need from the city to live a better life after all that has occurred.
Jeffrey Brown:
I believe we have to look at the new normal and make the necessary financial adjustments, as well as
seek out new and innovative opportunities, as an effort to grow our city and strengthen our financial
position. Socially, I believe creating new social engagements and supporting entrepreneurs and creative
groups throughout the city is important.
Claretta Duckett-Freeman:
I would propose we incentivize any prospective developers to hire a certain percent of Lansing residents
at the starting rate of at least $15, provide training and invest in our community centers. Also I would
search for grants to bring more therapists to the city.
Linda Keefe:
Current funding through the American Rescue Plan (ARP) provides funding for the city to invest in
infrastructure, including water, sewer and broadband services. The ARP also targets 40% of the benefits
of climate and clean infrastructure investments to disadvantaged communities. The plan will create
green jobs in building; rehabilitating and retrofitting affordable, energy efficient housing; commercial
buildings; schools; childcare facilities; and federal facilities. Green jobs tend to be good, family-
sustaining, living wage jobs that promote environmentally friendly practices.
To fill green jobs, workers should include those from low income, minority, and underemployed
communities, as well as communities that have been impacted by climate change. Women are less than
20% of the green energy workforce, and Hispanics and Blacks are 10%. This equity screen should also
accompany all proposed local actions, including ordinances and permitting and planning decisions.
Peter Spadafore:
The pandemic has been so hard on so many, especially those that lost loved ones to the disease. It’s
time to get the city back to full strength, offering residents social activities and things to do, and
supports like rental assistance and small business grants. Utilizing money from the American Rescue
Plan, we can invest in city services to help residents and businesses recover from the pandemic and
prosper.
D. Taft:
The citywide flea market will help residents recover financially and talent showcases and sports teams
will help residents recover socially.
Rachel Willis:

6. One thing that is under the control of the City Council is to relieve fines and fees for ordinance violations
or late tax collection fees. A lot of employers struggled with assisting employees with their income tax
calculations and payments- it may seem like a small thing, but alleviating tax liabilities and fines could go
a long way with assisting residents with their financial situations. Currently there are opportunities from
the use of CARES funds that can be allocated directly to businesses including incentivizing them to rehire
staff that may have been laid off.
Ward 2 race, southeast Lansing
What top three priorities will you accomplish by the end of your four-year term?
Jeremy A. Garza:
I'm a strong advocate for getting back to basics and spending taxpayer dollars wisely on infrastructure
improvements that improve the quality of life for everyone. We must invest in South Lansing’s priorities:
• Fixing our roads
• Improving public safety
• Cleaning up our neighborhoods
Oprah Revish:
First, I will work to expand our definition of public safety beyond policing. Lansing can move public
safety from being reactive to proactive by providing Lansing schools with a strong curriculum that
centers mental health practices and investing in community spaces and resources. I will lead an initiative
to research the rising gun violence rates in Lansing and ask those impacted the most what changes they
would like to see to address this growing problem.
Second, enhance the streets and parks in Ward 2 and ensure they receive regular and deserved
upgrades. Ward 2 does not have a community center and we know community centers are a touchpoint
for citizens to access resources and build community.
Third, I will prioritize building relationships with the residents and businesses in Ward 2. People should
know the officials representing them in local government, and more importantly, elected officials must
know their constituents. I will meet regularly with Ward 2 citizens, so they know I am working for them.
One person doesn't have all the answers, but collectively we do!
Nicklas Zande:
Lowering the police budget, increasing the neighborhood budget and converting the City Attorney's
Office into an elected office
If forced to make budget cuts, what’s the last thing you would cut from Lansing’s budget? (i.e.
What spending do you think is most important to protect?)
Jeremy A. Garza:
Road funding
Oprah Revish:

7. We need to give youth opportunities and I will advocate for budget line items which
directly invest in our youth. We need strong educational infrastructure and after school
programs. We need accessible mental and physical healthcare. We need to get our
children excited about their futures and ensure they have the tools to achieve their
dreams. Putting money into our schools and mental health resources is vital. I will
prioritize youth in our city.
Nicklas Zande:
Definitely the Department of Neighborhoods and Citizen's Engagement. It only takes up 1% of the
budget, and it should be higher.
How should policing be reformed in the city? Do you support defunding the police/cutting
police funding?
Jeremy A. Garza:
I support increased funding for LPD with more community policing and additional training on bias,
handling crisis situations, use of force and more. To do this, we cannot slash police funding or “defund
the police.” Instead, we need to spend more money on public safety, so we can invest in training as well
as to offer higher wages to job recruits so we can attract more talented and qualified officers.
Oprah Revish:
We should begin to divest from police and reinvest those funds into several key priorities proactively,
rather than using policing as a punitive reaction. These priorities include job creation, community
centers, education, mental health resources, addressing gun violence, hiring social workers, hiring
counselors for our schools and housing our citizens experiencing homelessness. “Defunding the police”
does not mean dissolving our police departments. Nor does it mean when there is an emergency and a
citizen calls 911, they will get a busy signal. It means that we need to expand our definition of public
safety and focus on proactive services that provide resources for all citizens to be safe. I want Lansing to
move in the direction of supporting citizens and not punishing them because of historical and present-
day oppression that limits their options.
Nicklas Zande:
The police budget should be cut by 45%, as it currently takes up 26% of the budget, which is
approximately $47 Million. We need to spend that money on the DNCE and on social programs
What will you do to help the city of Lansing and its residents recover financially and socially
from the COVID-19 pandemic?
Jeremy A. Garza:
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Lansing has lost many small businesses, which are the backbone of our
local economy. Helping save our small businesses and helping them rebuild will be our biggest challenge
on council.
Oprah Revish:
Every person in Lansing and around the world was affected by the pandemic, and people were affected
differently. We need to address debt from back rent, we need to address ongoing issues of
houselessness, we need to address hunger and access to healthcare. If the past 18 months has taught us
anything, it has taught us these are basic human needs and rights which the government should ensure

8. its citizens can access. I’m running because there are many individuals who do not feel connected to
their local government and local government is not working for all its people. Having citizens see
themselves represented in local government and that government investing in them will help the
citizens recover, and at the same time, help the city recover. We need a government that works for the
people, especially in times of crisis.
Nicklas Zande:
I think spending money on housing as well as our parks should be a top priority, as those fields
desperately need funding.