Good morning, East Lansing,

In the last 10-12 hours I have received a few calls, texts, and emails regarding the sudden change to our City Council, with Mayor Aaron Stephens announcing his plans to step down from his seat during the East Lansing City Council meeting last night.

One of my core reasons to run in the City Council November 2nd election, is my desire to be a stable, consistent, and reliable presence to represent your vote, and the voice of the people of East Lansing, Michigan. The news of last night’s change has only further strengthened how important it was for me to have chosen to run for one of the open seats with the four-year term (versus the 2-year term) in the 2021 election. I believe this important commitment to the City, and the people of East Lansing should be what you expect with your representation from your elected officials going forward. Please join me at the November 2, 2021 election to represent you as your next East Lansing City Council member.

#EastLansingWhatsNext
#ChuckGrigsbyforEL

I would like to take a moment to thank the City of East Lansing for the Special Recognition Crystal Award I have received recently. This award is a testament to all of the hard work that the Commissioners on both the Human Rights Commission as well as the Study on an Independent Police Oversight Committee that I had the honor and opportunity to work with on (sometimes) very complex and sensitive issues in our mandates. The people

 I have had the privilege to work with are passionate, highly skilled and experienced individuals who participate as an integral piece to our city government work.

To all of the Commissioners who serve on all of our city commissions, sacrificing their time and generously lending their expertise- YOU are the ultimate award winners, and I dedicate this award to you.

As I have said in the past, it has been such a pleasure to work with all of you on so many important community initiatives on behalf of our great City. I also want to acknowledge the incredible support of our city staff as our go-between to getting our work to the forefront of the administration and community.

Thank you!

#EastLansingWhatsNext
#ChuckGrigsbyforEL

Recently, I had the opportunity to meet with Mikayla Temple of Fox News to discuss some of the initiatives of my campaign as an East Lansing City Council Candidate in the upcoming November 2, 2021 election. One central question the media and community members often ask me is “Why you?” “What separates you from the other candidates in this election?” My answer is simple- Strong Leadership. I have demonstrated my experience the last few years by working on updating and modifying several primary policies and practices of East Lansing city business. I have been responsible for being the Chairperson of two East Lansing City Commissions simultaneously. My previous experience working for the Department of Justice for the Iowa Attorney General’s Office provided me with great understanding of how to be a leader that drives motivation in others, while influencing critical thinking that guides to results that are often complex and reflective of many different opinions and perspectives. I am proud of my work on the Human Rights Commission and the Study on an Independent Oversight Commission along with many other city-wide initiatives the city has undertaken, such as working on amending the Disorderly Conduct Code in our city, working on the resolution declaring Racism a Public Health Crisis in East Lansing, working on the city’s re-envisioning and realignment of our Public Safety department plan with our City Manager are a few areas that demonstrate my relationships with community members, city staff and with past and current Council members of this city that have given me the experience to know that I will be the right choice for you to vote for me November 2nd, so I can keep working on behalf of you, our community and the city of East Lansing.

Why I’m voting for Chuck Grigsby:

I have known Chuck for several years through our mutual activities at Glencairn Elementary School. In that time, I have found Chuck to be a tireless and enthusiastic advocate for the city of East Lansing. He has worked hard to improve the relations with law enforcement in the city and increasing our commitment to human rights. I am grateful for his strong environmental commitment and his willingness to put even more time into our great city.

Karessa Weir Wheeler
Resident of East Lansing and former Historic District Commissioner from the Oakwood Neighborhood