By RAUL GARCIA JR | Lansing News Wire
The Lansing News Wire had a chance to catch up with Mitch Rice, candidate for the City of Lansing City Charter General Revision Commission election slated May 7. Here is what he had to say in Meet the Candidate Q&A:
Q: Can you briefly introduce yourself and provide some background on your qualifications for this office?
A: I am 66-years-old. I am a good reader, listener, able to study charter documents and focus on the work a commission requires. I do well in group engagement and leadership. Employment: Retired mental health and addictions counselor for 35 years. Education: Undergrad Spring Arbor University minor in Political science. Masters in Counseling at MSU. Residency: Lived in Lansing 12 years. Personal info: Now that I’m retired, I volunteer for City Rescue Mission, Salvation Army, Fenner Nature Center, and RSVP and am active at Holt Christian Church.
Q: What professional or community experience do you bring to the table that makes you well-suited for this role?
A: I have been an elected City Council member for the City of Coldwater. Have been on the Lansing Board of Zoning Appeals, appointed by the Mayor for 10 years. I make it a priority to faithfully attend City Council meetings, Council Committee meetings, and individual City Council members constituent meetings. I’ve taken advantage of training for City Planning and Elected Officials Academies.
Q: What motivated you to run for this office?
A: After we voters approved a City Charter Review, I considered running for one of the 9 City Charter Commissioners. I believe our City Charter should reflect the current needs of our city and culture. I believe I have the skills, focus and time to devote to this role. I see this as a 2 ½ year commitment for the people and have no other political ambitions.
Q: Can you articulate your vision for the city and the key issues you hope to address if elected?
A: Form of government: planning & collaboration between administration & legislative body, balance of power, strong Mayor or City Manager; at large city council seats verses Wards only, training for boards & commissions. Elected offices verses appointed.
Q: What are the top three priorities you would focus on if elected?
A: How and what a Charter Commission can do; complete a thorough review of the current charter, enhance checks and balances in local government.
Q: How do you plan to address specific challenges facing the city, and what are the relevant issues from your point of view?
A: I plan to seek and engage citizens for input, listen to other professionals and current city staff, seek input from current elected officials. Relevant issues Are: Good citizen engagement, unsheltered people, LGBTQ discrimination, affordable low to middle income housing, bringing in and retaining a diversified and skilled workforce, effective city services, appropriate cooperation and coordination between city administration and city council, voting rights, and fair treatment for all citizens.
Q: How do you plan to engage with and involve the community in decision-making processes?
A: Hope to have town hall type meetings, visit neighborhood organizations and meetings, use social media to provide information and engagement, all of the decision-making the Charter Commission does is at an Open Meeting, promote citizen attendance.
Q: Can you provide a brief overview of the current city charter and its key provisions?
A: Under the State of Michigan Home Rule Act and the current Lansing City Charter that has been in place since 1978 here key areas: Government & City powers, Officers & elections, Legislative Branch, Executive Branch, Boards & Commissions, City Employees, Taxation & Finance, Regulatory Powers & Contracts.
Q: What specific aspects of the city charter do you believe need updating, and why?
A: Since this is a process that the Commission would determine, I have no comment at this time.
Q: Can you discuss any experience you have had with drafting or amending legal documents, such as ordinances or charters?
A: I was a Coldwater City Councilmember 2005-2009, I regularly read and study Lansing City Ordinances and give public comment.
Q: How would you approach analyzing the potential impacts of proposed charter changes on the community?
A: Read and study, seek other commissioners’ input in meetings, use other professionals for guidance, discuss, process and deliberate in meetings.
Q: How would you handle conflicting viewpoints within the charter update committee or the broader community?
A: As a retired professional Counselor I am very experienced in handling conflict. Also I would listen & consider other input, respond kindly and empathetically. Seek a compromise when and where possible depending upon the legal charter process.
Q: How familiar are you with local government laws and regulations?
A: Very familiar, previously served as a city council member, have been on a BZA or ZBA more than 20 years. Highly trained through MSU Extension Citizen Planner programs, many Master Citizen Planner workshops and trainings, completed other Michigan Municipal League trainings and conferences.
Q: Can you highlight any specific innovations or improvements you would like to see in the updated charter?
A: None at this time. I would decide about this after the Charter Commission had been meeting since this is its role not mine alone.
Q: What are your favorite hobbies:
A: Community Theater, reading, volunteering, camping, hiking, fishing
Q: Favorite Book:
A: The Bible
Q: Favorite Movie, or TV Show:
A: Star Trek original series from late 1960’s
Q: What are your favorite notable personal achievement:
A: 35 years as a Professional Counselor now retired, volunteering for 45 years
Q: What is your favorite food:
A: Coffee
Editor’s Note: All of the candidates on the ballot for the City of Lansing Charter Revision Commissioner have been asked the same questions and have been invited to participate in the Lansing News Wire Meet the Candidate Q&A. The responses will be published as they are received until the election.
Tanya Garcia