TCBA Queries the Candidates

The TCBA Advocacy Committee e-mailed surveys to forty-three candidates for local office (county level and lower). Twelve candidates responded for a rate of 27%.

         The results are compiled by county and are arranged by jurisdiction. The breakdown of responses by county are:

• Clinton--No elections for candidates
  
• Eaton      5
  
• Ingham   7
  

Much thanks to TCBA’s techno guru, Dan Stockwell, for setting up the survey and to Andy Barsom for compiling the Excel spreadsheet.

***EATON COUNTY***

CHARLOTTE
City Council
Branden Dyer

Will you support a state law or local ordinance mandating a 5-foot space between a bicyclist legally using a street or road and a passing motorist?

Yes, I would.

When streets and roads are being rebuilt, will you support the inclusion of accommodations for non-motorized users (Complete Streets), even though this means some added costs?

Yes, I would. Many residents can't use cars and their concerns should be considered in transportation planning

Will you support better education about non-motorized use of streets and roads for motorists and law enforcement officers?

Yes. We should all be safe on the roads.

Will you support building trails and pathways for non-motorized users?

Yes. Same statement as above.

Are there any comments you would like to add about topics related bicycling?

Bicycling is a healthy and environmentally friendly way to move around are cities and towns.

GRAND LEDGE
City Council
Keith Mulder

Will you support a state law or local ordinance mandating a 5-foot space between a bicyclist legally using a street or road and a passing motorist?

Yes.

When streets and roads are being rebuilt, will you support the inclusion of accommodations for non-motorized users (Complete Streets), even though this means some added costs?

Yes.

Will you support better education about non-motorized use of streets and roads for motorists and law enforcement officers?

Yes.

Will you support building trails and pathways for non-motorized users?

Yes.

Are there any comments you would like to add about topics related bicycling?

No

Thomas J. Sowle Jr.

Will you support a state law or local ordinance mandating a 5-foot space between a bicyclist legally using a street or road and a passing motorist?

It is only the safe and courteous thing to do, so I would support a law or ordinance.

When streets and roads are being rebuilt, will you support the inclusion of accommodations for non-motorized users (Complete Streets), even though this means some added costs?

Grand Ledge continues to work toward Complete Streets with bike lanes and wide walks.

Will you support better education about non-motorized use of streets and roads for motorists and law enforcement officers?

Yes.

Will you support building trails and pathways for non-motorized users?

Yes.

Are there any comments you would like to add about topics related bicycling?

Grand Ledge has been and continues to work on a Complete Streets initiative we adopted years ago. At this year’s strategic planning meeting we again put Complete Streets including bike lanes and sidewalks as a top priority.

Mayor
Michael Coll

Will you support a state law or local ordinance mandating a 5-foot space between a bicyclist legally using a street or road and a passing motorist?

For roads that are built going forward, I would support widening of the standard roads to permit space.  It is not feasible on all roads.

When streets and roads are being rebuilt, will you support the inclusion of accommodations for non-motorized users (Complete Streets), even though this means some added costs?

I would, but I also support registration requirements for bikes so that those who will use the non-motorized roads share in the costs.

Will you support better education about non-motorized use of streets and roads for motorists and law enforcement officers?

As a motorcycle rider, I strongly support education on the need for all drivers to pay more attention to two-wheelers on the road, be they bicycle or motorcycles.

Will you support building trails and pathways for non-motorized users?

I supported the effort to build a bike trail around Grand Ledge.

Are there any comments you would like to add about topics related bicycling?

None.

OLIVET
City Council
Pam Steward-Bess

Will you support a state law or local ordinance mandating a 5-foot space between a bicyclist legally using a street or road and a passing motorist?

Yes.

When streets and roads are being rebuilt, will you support the inclusion of accommodations for non-motorized users (Complete Streets), even though this means some added costs?

Yes, the safety of pedestrians is very important to me. Anything I can do for the safety of our citizens is of paramount importance and should be at the forefront.

Will you support better education about non-motorized use of streets and roads for motorists and law enforcement officers?

Yes, I always in favor of better education and helping law enforcement officers.

Will you support building trails and pathways for non-motorized users?

Yes.

Are there any comments you would like to add about topics related bicycling?

I am a former teacher and the education of motorized or non-motorized issues are important and it starts with our youth. I look forward to serving the Olivet Community.

***INGHAM COUNTY***
EAST LANSING
City Council

Ruth Beier

Will you support a state law or local ordinance mandating a 5-foot space between a bicyclist legally using a street or road and a passing motorist?

I will.  I have spoken in favor of this ordinance from the Council table.

When streets and roads are being rebuilt, will you support the inclusion of accommodations for non-motorized users (Complete Streets), even though this means some added costs?

I will, and I have.  I ride my bike year-round and I hate to have to jump on the sidewalk to keep from being hit.

Will you support better education about non-motorized use of streets and roads for motorists and law enforcement officers?

I will support more education about non-motorized transport.

Will you support building trails and pathways for non-motorized users?

I have and will always support building more trails and pathways for non-motorized transport.

Are there any comments you would like to add about topics related bicycling?

I just bought the most amazing bike.  It is an electric-assist mountain bike.  I love riding to work and to meetings, but I sometimes don't want to arrive all sweaty, and with this bike, I can take it easy when I want to.  My hard-core roadie friends will mock me, but I don't care because I love my new bike!  I think this is the future.

LANSING
City Clerk
Jerimic Clayborn III

Will you support a state law or local ordinance mandating a 5-foot space between a bicyclist legally using a street or road and a passing motorist?

Absolutely.

When streets and roads are being rebuilt, will you support the inclusion of accommodations for non-motorized users (Complete Streets), even though this means some added costs?

Absolutely.  This is extremely important.  The safety of all citizens should be our number one concern.

Will you support better education about non-motorized use of streets and roads for motorists and law enforcement officers?

Absolutely.

Will you support building trails and pathways for non-motorized users?

Absolutely.  Lansing has certainly come a long way with accommodating non-motorized users with trails, but there is still a lot to be done on several areas seen around the city.

Are there any comments you would like to add about topics related bicycling?

Again, safety is my number one priority. Bicyclists deserve to have adequate space while riding.  If elected as the next City Clerk, I will make sure to stress this to the proper authorities? within City Hall and beyond.

City Council At-Large
Peter Spadafore

Will you support a state law or local ordinance mandating a 5-foot space between a bicyclist legally using a street or road and a passing motorist?

Yes. I support the efforts of Senate Bill 123 and SB 170 currently sitting in the Michigan Senate.

When streets and roads are being rebuilt, will you support the inclusion of accommodations for non-motorized users (Complete Streets), even though this means some added costs?

I would support exploring this option in the discussion. I believe we need a comprehensive transportation infrastructure plan for the region, and that includes many forms of non-motorized methods of transportation as well as mass transit.

Will you support better education about non-motorized use of streets and roads for motorists and law enforcement officers?

Yes. I support efforts like those in Senate Bill 124, which would add that component to driver training courses.

Will you support building trails and pathways for non-motorized users?

Yes, I would support the expansion of our NMV path systems in the region. They would be part of the transportation infrastructure plan I hope to build with the rest of City Council and the Mayor.

Are there any comments you would like to add about topics related bicycling?

In general, I find bicycling to be a relaxing and practical way to get around and exercise. I wouldn't say I'm an avid cyclist, but I enjoy my cruiser as much as my road bike and look forward to the days when I can get in the saddle and get lost in my thoughts. I'd like to see our region become friendlier to cycling and have a more comprehensive plan for our transportation infrastructure that includes non-motorized vehicles.

City Council 4th Ward
Brian T. Jackson

Will you support a state law or local ordinance mandating a 5-foot space between a bicyclist legally using a street or road and a passing motorist?

Yes.

When streets and roads are being rebuilt, will you support the inclusion of accommodations for non-motorized users (Complete Streets), even though this means some added costs?

Yes.

Will you support better education about non-motorized use of streets and roads for motorists and law enforcement officers?

Yes.

Will you support building trails and pathways for non-motorized users?

Yes. As a young father, I enjoy biking on trails and pathways with my family. We would love to see more options for use.

Are there any comments you would like to add about topics related bicycling?

My family and I are very active. Bicycling is one of our favorite family activities. It is important that officials protect bicyclist and make it easier for a person to ride to school, work, or just for fun. I look forward to exploring new possibilities and modeling of other leading cities in biker safety and satisfaction.

Mayor
Judi Brown Clark

Will you support a state law or local ordinance mandating a 5-foot space between a bicyclist legally using a street or road and a passing motorist?

Yes.

When streets and roads are being rebuilt, will you support the inclusion of accommodations for non-motorized users (Complete Streets), even though this means some added costs?

Yes.

Will you support better education about non-motorized use of streets and roads for motorists and law enforcement officers?

Yes.

Will you support building trails and pathways for non-motorized users?

Yes.

Are there any comments you would like to add about topics related bicycling?

I support non-motorized transportation and safety measures to protect users of non-motorized modes of transportation.

Andy Schor

Will you support a state law or local ordinance mandating a 5-foot space between a bicyclist legally using a street or road and a passing motorist?

Yes. I am a sponsor of one of the bills in the House of Representatives and have indicated support for both the Senate and House bills. I was disappointed that the House leadership did not move the bills last session after they passed the Senate, and continue to support them in the 2016 session.

When streets and roads are being rebuilt, will you support the inclusion of accommodations for non-motorized users (Complete Streets), even though this means some added costs?

I am a supporter of Complete Streets and helped develop the state model policy laws as Assistant Director of Government Affairs for the Michigan Municipal League.

Will you support better education about non-motorized use of streets and roads for motorists and law enforcement officers?

I am happy to work with any of the bicycle advocates to better educate the public about non-motorized roads and their use.  Law enforcement should understand this as part of their training and Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards certification.

Will you support building trails and pathways for non-motorized users?

Yes, depending on the cost and where the money comes from. We should be applying for and using grants.  This includes the county trails millage, which passed overwhelmingly in Lansing and we should be using. It also includes the Natural Resources Trust Fund (NRTF). 

As a County Commissioner, we used the NRTF to help fund the river trail and many parks.  As a State Representative, I supported legislation distributing NRTF money to Lansing for parks and trails. We should continue to apply for and utilize these county and state dollars for our trails and pathways.

Are there any comments you would like to add about topics related bicycling?

I have always worked closely with the League of Bicyclists and other bicycle associations, and will continue that relationship as Mayor.

LESLIE
Mayor
Jennifer Shuster

Will you support a state law or local ordinance mandating a 5-foot space between a bicyclist legally using a street or road and a passing motorist?

I would support a local mandate to provide a 5-foot space as indicated. The City of Leslie is nestled in a rural area with many bicyclists who need this extra space. In addition, there are very few trail ways within our area that allow for a safer bicycling experience.

When streets and roads are being rebuilt, will you support the inclusion of accommodations for non-motorized users (Complete Streets), even though this means some added costs?

Absolutely! I have served on the Complete Streets Committee for the City of Leslie and this remains one of our priorities while going forward with street repair planning.

Will you support better education about non-motorized use of streets and roads for motorists and law enforcement officers?

I have and will continue to support education about non-motorized use of streets and roads. Our local police department in Leslie utilizes a bicycle for patrolling and I think this is amazing. Our officers even wear bicyclist-appropriate uniforms.

Will you support building trails and pathways for non-motorized users?

This has become a priority for the City of Leslie and Ingham County with the recently-passed Trails and Parks Millage. The City of Leslie has already been granted $4,000 for a trails project within our jurisdiction. We hope to eventually be connected to a county-wide trail system.

Are there any comments you would like to add about topics related bicycling?

I would like to thank you for giving me the opportunity to answer your questions. Please feel free to contact me anytime.