Professor runs for E.L. City Council election as write-in
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An MSU professor officially has submitted his intent to run as a write-in candidate for the East Lansing City Council election, scheduled for Nov. 3.
Phil Bellfy, an associate professor in writing, rhetoric and American cultures, announced Sunday he will run as a write-in candidate for one of the two open council seats. Bellfy, an East Lansing resident, has been involved in local politics for more than 30 years and said he decided to run this year because of encouragement from members of the community.
“People were encouraging me to run and I thought about it and decided that I would do it,” he said. “Running a write-in campaign is not the easiest way to get elected, but people said they would support me.”
With only two council seats up for re-election, Bellfy joins East Lansing resident Hans Larsen against two incumbents, Councilmember Kevin Beard and Mayor Vic Loomis.
Bellfy is the only candidate actively running as a write-in candidate. City Clerk Nicole Evans said one other person, Cory Savino, an MSU student, had submitted an application to run but the public administration and public policy senior said he no longer is considering candidacy because of scheduling conflicts.
Evans said any East Lansing residents considering write-in candidacy have until Oct. 23 to apply.
Write-in candidates are uncommon, she said.
“We normally don’t see write-ins for any general election,” she wrote in an e-mail. “Write-ins are more common in even-year August elections.”
Bellfy said he is focusing on transparency in the government. He said he wants the relationship between city government and the public to be more open.
“There are certain issues that the public cares about,” Bellfy said. “I am capable and willing to get out there and talk about these things with people.”
Despite the possibility of both incumbent seats going to newcomers, Loomis said he is not worried about his potential re-election.
“I’m running for re-election based upon the support and encouragement I’ve had from many people, both internal and external from the city, to do so,” Loomis said. “I’m running on my record and the record of the city, so if people want to run against that, that’s fine. It’s up (to) the voter to decide.”
Commentary
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Bert Seyfarth
(10/20/09 7:41am)Report
As an outspoken opponent of CC2 who based his opposition on hours of research which exposed misinformation and council’s willingness to ignore intelligent citizen comment, professor Belfy deserves a council seat.
Phil Bellfy
(10/20/09 12:22pm)Report
I have two problems with Mayor Loomis’ comments. First, I hope State News readers will recall his Op-ed of a year ago (http://www.statenews.com/index.php/article/2008/10/future_city_plans_hurt_by_petitions) wherein he states that city voters should not have the right to vote on the City Center II bond issue. Now, when it comes to his re-election, “it’s up to the voters to decide.”
The second issue revolves around his claims of “external support.” Just who are these “supporters,” Vic? It’s obvious they are NOT East Lansing Voters.
So, on one hand, the mayor tells the voters that he doesn’t believe they should vote on the local bond issue. Then, on the other hand, East Lansing residents should vote for him, because “external” non-voters have encouraged him to run.
Phil Bellfy
(10/20/09 12:34pm)Report
Try this link —the one above doesn’t work: “Future city plans hurt by petitions”
http://tinyurl.com/yjx35yr
James Cuddeback (Public Response)
(10/20/09 2:51pm)Report
I will have to agree with the above statement by Bert Seyfarth in support of write-in candidate PHIL BELLFY.
To see why -Go to http://publicresponse.com/?page=article&cid=516 and see the thoughtful work Mr. Bellfy has being doing to inform and educate community members. We need Mr. Bellfy on City Council. You will find his essays well written and well worth your time, if you want to know and understand this candidate, Phil Bellfy.
Eliot Singer
(10/20/09 8:33pm)Report
I am delighted to hear Phil Bellfy is running as a write-in. He has my vote.
It is time for Loomis to go. I am still furious with Loomis for doing a song and dance instead of listening to me at a neighborhood picnic when I tried to get some attention about the mistimed walk light at Harrison and Michigan (which I wrote a letter about a few weeks ago, concerning the freshman on her bike who got hit by a car, because that light is a license to kill for reckless drivers).
Not listening is what the people currently running this city are all about (Loomis and Ted Staton, first and foremost). I have a long list of easily solvable (for little of no cost) endemic problems in this city, but we can complain until we are blue in the face and nothing ever gets done.
We need good listeners in City Council, not to mention good thinkers.
Mike
(10/21/09 3:37pm)Report
Phil has my vote!
Plan ahead
(10/23/09 12:07pm)Report
If Prof. Bellfy thinks he is ready to be a city councilman, why did he not plan ahead to get is name on the ballot?
Medlin
(10/23/09 6:43pm)Report
I don’t get it. Bellfy is upset about the City Center II project & thinks the city’s planning has been poor. It’s been going on for years.
Bellfy can’t plan ahead to run for office and starts at the last minute? Doesn’t sound like much of a planner, himself.
Great. Another crackpot runs for office from the fringe. We don’t need this in East Lansing. Think ahead next time Bellfy.