Resident explains why Beard deserves re-election

---

Tweet

I am writing to support Kevin Beard for re-election to East Lansing City Council next Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Beard is a longtime advocate for and contributor to East Lansing and deserves to be returned to the council because he offers the city expertise in the areas of responsible growth and planning and has experience with the current budget woes the municipality currently is experiencing.

On Oct. 22, Beard was one of several hundred local government officials and employees who attended a rally on the Capitol steps imploring state legislators against further state revenue sharing cuts. According to The State News, cuts in revenue sharing by the state will result in a $600,000 reduction in the city’s 2010 budget.

Such a huge loss undoubtedly will require greater commitment to identifying and analyzing the community’s needs. Seasoned veterans of the municipal budgeting process must be retained for their experience in navigating the thorny financial and policy debates ahead.

Beard already has such experience. But even before he was elected to City Council, Beard developed insight into the community’s goals and values through unselfish service on several citizen boards and committees.

With this knowledge and devotion, Beard is well-situated to help the community develop in the interest of economic growth and sustainability while preserving its character.

Beard’s vision for East Lansing’s economic development capitalizes on already-existing platforms to take advantage of the ongoing shift to a knowledge economy. According to Beard, regional success can be achieved through the Technology Innovation Center and by leveraging the strength of MSU in public-private partnerships. Let’s use what we already have and expand on those native resources.

Beard’s support of wise land use also is reason to retain him. He’s a staunch supporter of protecting wetlands, which helps maintain the viability of our built infrastructure. His approach to long-range planning is informed and progressive and includes modern tools such as form-based zoning and an expanded transportation system emphasizing nonmotorized uses, which would help East Lansing become a more livable and vibrant community.

Beard has earned my vote for City Council on Nov. 3.

Mark Neisler

East Lansing resident

---