Bill Matt

Yes, I am getting surprised looks at doors when I ask residents to consider voting for me next week. Next Week!?

The Primary is August 7, and regardless of who you plan to vote for, I encourage you to get out and vote. Local politics probably have more to do with impacting your day to day life than national politics, but hardly anyone pays attention to when local issues come up and who is running and representing them in office. While the attention getting headlines of pro-life Supreme Court nominees, the War in Iraq, and and even now, Presidential debates get all the major media attention, the local issues hit us personally everyday.

Crime

Taxes

Roads

Parks

Still, if you browse the LSJ comments section, 25 letters to the editor about local candidates doesn't generate as much response as a single pro or anti conservative or liberal letter.

I like to follow national politics too, but I also take time to learn about local issues. I am a political and news junkie!

The last major city election a year and a half ago generated the largest turnout in a number of years, maybe even decades. Along with these mundane city issues, we also had a very partisan Presidential election, along with 6 or so major State wide proposals, and the Granholm-DeVos race to vote on. The highest turnout in any of my 3rd Ward precints was just above 50%. Many areas hovered around 30%, and these are registered voters, not counting people who did not even register. And this was the BEST turnout in years!

For this years primary election, I predict under 20% turnout of registered voters. As I talk to neighbors who are likely to vote, I tell them they are not really voting for themselves, but are voting and representing their whole block of neighbors who don't vote. One house out of five will vote next Tuesday. Do you really want your neighbor down the block making decisions for you and your family?

While knocking on doors, one of the most frequent comments I get from my neighbors in the 3rd Ward is how fast traffic travels on their street. It doesn't matter if they are on a major street, or a one block side street. Speeds of cars seem to be at an all time high everywhere, and what can we, and by we, I mean I, do about it, they ask.

Well, a couple years ago City Council did some MAJOR traffic calming projects, most evident on Mary Street, in Colonial Village, and on Moores River Drive. Some of these projects were done in conjuncture with the CSO projects, so as you can imagine, when the road is tore up anyway, it is cheaper and faster to istall traffic calming methods as they go along in the construction process.

The problems and complaints soon followed. Many people were opposed to lots of the devices that were installed. People in particular hated the traffic circles in intersections, followed by traffic islands, and curb extensions. Snow plows and emergency vehicles had trouble manuevering around the devices. They were expensive. In fact, virtually the entire traffic calming budget was used up, and we ran out of money doing just a few neighborhoods. To top it all off, the devices didn't seem to work. With public outcry, no money, and dubious results, City Council passed a moratorium on traffic calming projects while the Transportation Department did some more studying.

That brings us to where we are today. Most statistics show that speeds did in fact slow down around calming devices. Two things though are noted. One, people's perception of speed reductions were off. This means that we thought calming devices would work better than they do, so we were disappointed with the results. Secondly, in between speed calming devices, where many of the people live, traffic sped up again. In addition, we found that the most effective speed reduction devices were, drum roll please, the cheapest.

Speed Humps. These simple bulges in the pavement are the most cost effective and efficient use of dollars. Traffic circles, with their concrete curbs, brick inlays, and flower beds have a nice asthetic appeal, but are not very effective, and are outrageously expensive. Plus they are confusing for both drivers and pedestrians.

Tim Kaltenbach has mentioned the very same concern among his area residents that I had been hearing, speed on the residential streets. Both Tim and I serve on the Public Safety Committee, Chaired by Sandy Allen. We both felt that it was time to lift the moratorium on traffic calming. There are several reasons why this is the right decision at the right time. One, the Mayor publicly spoke about high speeds in Churchill just this week. Seeing is believing! Also, our Trasportaion Engineer Andy Kilpatrick was in our committee this week talking about a couple other projects. He had provided us with the statistic studies, before and after, from calming in neighborhoods, earlier this year. We have proof it works, and we can show what devices work best, and are most cost effective. There is also a little bit of money left for these projects, about $30,000 right now. With signs, traffic humps cost about $2,000 each. The traffic department also knows how best to communicate with the public what to expect. As Andy said, they "learned a lot" from the earlier projects. Finally, even if you, me, and our whole block wanted a couple speed humps and were willing to pay for them ourselves, through a special assessment of a couple hundred dollars each, with the moratorium on, we couldn't get it done. How crazy is that?

So in two weeks, Tim, Sandy, Andy and I will meet again and consider offering a motion to the full council lifting the moratorium on traffic calming. If all goes well, coming soon to a street near you, will be a couple little speed humps. Hopefully this will help neighbors feel that City Council is doing something positive for the residents we serve, and out number one complaint will go down a little.

Labels: speed humps, traffic, traffic calming, transportation

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

Labels: Carol Wood, Genesee, lansing, Ruth Hallman

Just a short post. Finally, my signs are in. Please let me know, by posting or sending me an email, if I can put a bright, shiny, handsome yard sign up in your yard. I promise to remove it promptly after the election.

Labels: 3rd Ward, lansing city council, yard signs

Tom Lambert did a quick phone interview with me this morning as part of a profile on the 3rd Ward Primary Election. It may run this weekend, but really, they stay flexible depending on any other breaking news. Last week the LSJ did an article on Harold Leeman and the 1st Ward, along with his challengers.

We talked about the vision and plan I have for the 3rd Ward, and things I've already accomplished. There is really so much to say, that only a snippet of information will probably be in the article. Tom does a nice job, and has always treated me fairly. He must balance the coverage from many clamoring sources, so I don't envy him at all. then his work is probably edited, much beyond his control. He complimented me an speaking so frankly and hinted that sometimes politicians are guarded when talking to reporters. Tom, I'm not a politician! I'm just a neighbor and father looking to help the community and represent your views downtown. The reason some people are guarded is because they try not to offend people, and maybe sometimes are not completely forthright and honest. I don't have a problem being honest, so I can speak freely. If I change my mind or make a mistake, I won't be afraid to admit it. I've already heard from one office holder who was offended by one of my posts. Tough. I stand by what I say. I don't expect that being an office holder will change me, and if it does, please let me know!

In the article I talked about the NAN project in Churchill Downs neighborhood, and rallying MSU resources for Lansing. I talked about how Lansing's Southwest has a negative perception that is entirely false,a nd how I want to change that. I mentioned the way I arranged for the Michigan PSC to send engineers to volunteer at the Boys & Girls club for 240 hours a year tutoring, but that part will probably get cut at least until the General Election. I also talked about how I'd like to work with Planning, Parks, and EDC to focus on the Risdale Park-Pleasant View Magnet School-Boys and Girls club as a hub of prosperity and how I want to connect Washington Park, through Victor Woods, Ingham Park and Francis Park and the river trail with trails and bike lanes. I think I have accomplished a lot, and have some exciting ideas for Lansing.

Are there any ideas that you have for improved living and development in Lansing?

Labels: 3rd Ward, lansing city council, Lansing State Journal, LSJ, Tom Lambert

Today's Lansing State Journal (LINK) has two articles about a large block party that took place on Saturday, and the city response.

Two things become evident in talking about the issue. One, the city block party authorization form was a mere formality and didn't have much input from neighbors or oversight by the administration. The Mayor has taken steps to eliminate this problem by asking Planning & Neighborhood Development to oversee a new process for approval which will include the Neighborhood Association and Police Department. The old method was simply a rubber stamp process primarily used to have public works deliver road barricades. What had been an easy yet lax application process will have much better oversight.

From what I've heard from residents involved in the neighborhood association was that this event was condoned and approved by the city, and in essence they are right.

The second thing that became evident to me was the lack of communication tools available to residents and how information is shared and responded to by the police department.

When I became aware of the block party plans Friday night, I tried to navigate the South Precinct phone system. A message from one supervisor indicated he was off work until December of 2006. I left a message and asked for a call back from another supervisor. When Saturday morning rolled around and I hadn't been contacted, I called central dispatch and spoke to a real person. I told them of the neighbor concerns, and was told that this was an authorized block party. Later Saturday afternoon I spoke to two officers in person at another neighborhood picnic. I told them of the party in Churchill, and asked that they share this information with their shift supervisors and pass it on to the next shift.

I felt like I had to jump through some hoops to share this information and then felt that my concerns were taken lightly. If the police had responded with some visable coverage at the block party earlier in the day, neighbors would have felt more secure, and maybe the crowd would not have grown so large and been kept under control. Where was the Community Policing officer? Instead of being proactive we ended up being reactive, having to call neighboring law enforcement agencies and brining out canine units to get the situation under control.

I voiced my concerns Monday to the Police Chief and the Mayor. Chief Alley indicated all communications should be directed to 483-4600 which is a number answered 24/7/365.

Enough bitching and moaning. where do we go from here?

As the title indicated, there are two directions. One, we continue the young versus old, black versus white divide, or two, we use this experience to come together and bridge these gaps. I will be actively pursuing option two. My hope is that tonight, after the block party permit and communications issues are addressed, we engage in a dialogue with all parties in the neighborhood. Communication is key, and I won't let one generation disrespect another, nor will I allow one group to stifle another. We are all in this as a community, and only by listening to each other will we be able to live together. We as a city have to do a better job, and we will.

Please click on the comments button below this post to tell me what you think.

Labels: block party, Churchill, police

Tuesday night by unanimous vote of the association, Churchill Downs neighborhood voted in favor of participating in a pilot program for enhanced communications. Neighborhood Association Network (NAN)™

A program being developed by Professor Thomas Muth, Ph.D., J.D., from the Michigan State University Department of Telecommunications, Information Studies & Media will work with the Churchill Association to implement this ground-breaking program in South West Lansing.

According to Muth "the objective is to assure all neighbors who are, wish to be or should be members or affiliates of the noted neighborhood association have ongoing interactive communication and information access on all issues concerning the neighborhoods and association. It will assure similar communication is open to and with other entities of the larger Lansing community as are needed and desired for continuing and ongoing community enhancement."

Several observations and related notes I wanted to personally share on this exciting project. Dr. Muth and I met with a number of 3rd Ward neighborhood association leaders back in June. Churchill offered what we considered a unique opportunity, in that they were in the midst of changing leadership with a new President (Kathy Tobe), and a new Secretary (Yolanda Thomas) who both already had been making plans for enhanced neighborhood communication. They were both excited and energized by the possibility presented. A second meeting between Dr. Muth and the rest of the Churchill executive staff reinforced this decision. I also note that the neighbors themselves are open to improved communications and are very ready to embrace this opportunity. You sometimes hear complaints about how scarce resources rarely make it to the South or South West side of Lansing, and this is a chance to be on the cutting edge of communication methods for them. They recognized this opportunity, and instead of hurdles or indifference, there was very positive support. This pilot program will seek resources to invest in the community. Lastly, this collaboration between MSU and Lansing will serve as a model for other associations, and eventually the rest of the city, state and nation wide.

Special thanks to Dr. Muth and the Churchill Neighborhood Association for this remarkable collaboration!

Labels: Churchill, Muth, NAN, Neighborhood Associations

Of all the groups that endorse candidates, it is said that the Fire Fighters is one of the most important. I am proud to announce Lansing IAFF 421 (LINK) has endorsed me for the 3rd Ward City Council race!

Citizens expect certain things from their government. First and foremost is public safety. We expect that the response time will be quick, and that the professionals that respond are well trained and have the best technology and equipment available. Here in Lansing, we are fortunate to have an outstanding force of 200 Fire Fighters to respond to any emergency. These brave men and women risk their lives to respond to emergencies, and help save lives of those who are in trouble. We owe a sincere debt of gratitude to them for their selfless actions.

It was clear during the interview process with IAFF 421 President Brian Epling, that Fire Fighters are politically active, but they also understand that Council Members need to represent many different constituents. We agreed to sometimes disagree, but also to always be honest and forthright, and give fair consideration to each others point of view. I expect that our relationship will grow even stronger over time, and that we will work together to make Lansing stronger and safer.

Labels: endorsements, fire fighters, iaff 421, lansing city council

The Labor Council of Greater Lansing (LINK), Mid-Michigan Democracy for America (LINK), and American's in Solidarity (LINK) have all added their support and endorsements to my campaign! Of course I'm thrilled to have as much support as I can get. Working families are a core asset to Lansing, and all of these organizations are big on supporting the "little guy", just like I am.

Some of the key issues include how I stand on Universal Health Care (for it), Right to Work (against it), Living Wages (for it), and Outsourcing (against it). This is probably why I didn't win the Chamber endorsement! Well, if I have to choose between working families and big business, I'll go with the families every time. Business is in the business of making money, which is great for the employees and the economy in general. I'm not anti-business. I just want to see responsible business, and I think businesses can be very progressive in their support of their employees and their communities. I think this long range view is actually a good business decision, rather than short sighted efforts to boost profits in the short term. Happy and healthy employees are productive employees that remain loyal to their companies. That seems like the smartest decision a company can make.

On the trail. Yesterday was a busy day of running around and catching up. Here is how it went:

Left the house at 7 a.m., and unlocked the MSU Museum (LINK), my day job. Retrieved messages and then proofed a copy of the new program book for the Great Lakes Folk Festival (LINK).

Left the museum at 8:45 a.m. to meet with people at ACD.net who have graciously agreed to allow me to use their building for a fundraiser next week. Yes, I do need money for the campaign. So far I have applied my extra income from the City Council to fund the campaign expenses, which have roughly totaled $5,000...mostly in printing and mailing costs. So next week I'll be rolling out a campaign kick off-fundraiser-website launch.

After this meeting I stopped by Soup 2 Nuts, a downtown Lansing eatery to get a quote on desserts and coffee for the event.

At 9 a.m. I met with the Lansing Fire Department Union Executive Committee asking for their endorsement. The meeting went pretty well, since I had laid some ground work with President Brian Eppling during the City budget hearings and the Save Fire Station #3 campaign. We'll see how that turns out.

I returned back to work to finish more work for the GLFF program guide, mostly updating the Staff, Sponsors and Great Friend donors.

After Lunch I worked on cleaning up email and phone messages from my vacation. During the course of the afternoon, I fielded calls about the GLFF from sponsors and vendors and attendees. I also worked on some text for our invitation for the September Museum fundraiser.

After work I dashed to Lansing Township for a Committee of the Whole JOINT meeting with Township supervisors and their DDA liaison Steve Heywood. It seems that Lansing Township feels that Mayor Bernero is politically blocking a permit approval for sewer lines off Lake Lansing Road. The plan calls for a neighborhood community of 2,000 homes! I would proceed deliberately too, especially with the North tier flooding in the past few years. Either way, City Council can only offer moral support as the Mayor directs the staff activities. On a personal note, the Treasurer for Lansing Township seemed VERY defensive and frankly pretty mean spirited. It set the tone of a very negitive meeting, but everyone else was very cordial.

***CORRECTION ISSUED***Initially I posted that the first speaker was the Township Clerk, when in fact it was the Township Treasurer. This mistake has now been corrected, and I apologize for my mistake!

After this meeting I proceeded directly to our City Council Meeting. Fortunately with the holiday week, it was pretty short. I declined an invite from Derrick and Harold to go over to Common Ground and I arrived home around 9 to help cover the pool and put the boys to bed. It is rare that I see them on Monday's anymore, so it was nice.

Please click the comment button below this message to leave your thoughts on anything at all!

Labels: great lakes folk festival, lansing city council, lansing township, msu museum

Well, as our vacation week winds down I wanted to share a couple unique experiences I've had this week. After cleaning out our basement for a garage sale and having some books left over, we were looking for a place to drop them off. A friend recommended Everybody Reads (LINK), a new(er) book store on Michigan Avenue just East of the Green Door Lounge. It was a really great experience, just dropping off books. I dreaded going because of thoughts of people who would be rude, but boy was I pleasantly surprised! The owner was very excited to receive six boxes of used books! He helped tote them into the store from our van, and his own enthusiasm made me very happy we donated to their community share program. So the next time you have a few books lying around, I highly recommend Everybody Reads!

Earlier this morning, I packed Nicholas and Avery into our Grand Am (we call it "The Golden Bullet") and we headed out to the just-opened-today Sycamore Golf Range. The prices were reasonable ($9 for extra large, $7 for large buckets), and the range is beautiful and quiet. Plus we were hitting off natural grass rather than hitting mats with rubber tees. I hit the ball pretty well considering I haven't played in YEARS! Nicholas was the very first customer to tee off at this fine new Lansing Parks and Recreation (LINK) facility. Sorry, no direct link. The First Tee program should be running with lessons in August. I hope everybody supports these Lansing programs.

Labels: Books, Everybody Reads, Golf, Sycamore Driving Range

A few things going on this past weekend that I wanted to share:

First, my family and I attended the Potter Park ribbon cutting ceremony Sunday and then stayed in the park for a few more hours. Free events are great and the weather was perfect. I introduced my family to Mayor Bernero and the boys were very excited to meet him. I am happy that the region stepped forward to financially support the zoo. It is a great hometown attraction! My favorite exhibit? I like the Otters. Look for the new Bald Eagle exhibit to open later this year. In addition, I am up for appointment tonight to the Zoo Board. I know one council member will not support this appointment, however I respect her decision.

Monday brought the tragic news of another Lansing shooting death. The State Journal article can be found by clicking here.

My heart felt condolances go out to this young man's family and neighbors.

Sunday the LSJ reported on a lack of police communication signals in South West Lansing. We have over 95% coverage in the city, and the plan is for an additional radio tower in SW Lansing to help alleviate this problem. We are concerned, and working on fixing the problem.

On Saturday, there was a story on census statistics and how Lansing is again losing population. Why do people leave a community? My own personal experience is that it is do to parents looking for better educational opportunities for their kids. Maybe the older housing stock drives people to look for newly built houses. Maybe they desire larger properties and a little personal space. Maybe reports of crime and violence drive people away. I'm sure many factors play into these decisions. One thing I would like to see happen in Lansing is a U-Promise type scholarship like they arranged for in Kalamazoo. Kids graduating from K-zoo public schools are awarded college scholarships, and people are actually moving back into the city now! The issue is huge, but certainly not unique to Lansing. What do you think? Click on the comment link and leave your comments!

Labels: crime, lansing, news, population, potter park zoo