Former East Lansing Mayor and candidate for state representative Sam Singh pitched restorative economic policy to a small group of students in Case Hall Tuesday night, one of the few chances left for him speak before the Democratic primary while the majority of students still are on campus.
As the end of the academic year draws nearer, the two Democratic candidates for state representative of Ingham County’s 69th district are getting their last shots to make their message resonate with MSU’s student body before thousands vacate the district for the summer.
At the event Singh outlined his platform to reinvest in higher education.
“There’s too many partisan games in Lansing,” Singh said, fielding a question asked by a student about his decision to enter the race. “There’s been a systematic disinvestment by our legislature.”
Once the school year ends, it will be a tougher road to gather student support on campus before a nomination is made in the August primary, said Steven Wooden, Singh’s campaign manager and a political theory and constitutional democracy senior.
Singh’s Democratic opponent Susan Schmidt echoed similar concerns.
“It’s hard; students are focused on trying to finish their term,” Schmidt said. “It’s a tough audience to try and get in tune for this.”
Singh tailored his message to the nine audience members at the Tuesday night question and answer session hosted by the MSU Roosevelt Institute, a progressive policy student think tank, arguing for further investment in Michigan’s education and infrastructure.
While Schmidt hasn’t hosted many presentations on campus — preferring to focus on smaller, more conversational events, she said — she hopes to draw more students by the end of the semester by making herself accessible through a nearby coffee talks and other similar events in East Lansing.
“The question of whether or not students vote here in East Lansing depends on where their home districts are,” Roosevelt Institute President Ashley Herzovi said.
Herzovi said she knows a mix of people who vote in their home districts and in East Lansing. She said often students choose based on the issues in their home districts when registering.
So far, the 69th district Democratic race has been one of similar platforms, making the decision in voters’ minds rest on candidate personality and experience.
A 1994 MSU graduate, Singh was elected to the East Lansing City Council at age 24, going on to become the youngest mayor in East Lansing history — although only for a two-year stint — during his 12-year service.
He also played a role in forming the University Student Commissions.
Schmidt, however, has current State Rep. Mark Meadows’ support. She served six years as his chief of staff, a position she gave up last year to run for office, and is the only candidate who has held a long standing position at the Capitol.
Former Meridian Township Supervisor Susan McGillicuddy is running unopposed on the Republican side, and most likely will face the Democratic nominee in November.
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