Dana Watson for City Council

My name is Dana Watson (she/her) and I am running for a four-year term with East Lansing City Council. I’ve appreciated the opportunity to fill a city council seat with my appointment in 2020 and I have much more work to do. With your support, I’d like to continue serving the East Lansing community.

My issues are born in several different ways. Constituents have brought issues to my attention that I have been able to act on as a City Councilperson. I have my own ideas on how our city can be better. I ask hard questions and advance community issues. Individually and collectively, our city staff, councilmembers and community eagerly make our city better. Please allow me to be your avid representative.

Go Green! Michigan State University is my Alma Mater. I came back to raise my family in East Lansing because of what our city and schools offer academically and the diversity. I am well-rounded, in my experience, as a person who lives and has been a student within East Lansing. Also, as former commissioner for the Human Rights Commission, I value the voice and thoughts of the young people in our community.

I am a current City Councilmember. I continue to gain more experience with our budgets. I was able to make recommendations and support the work and money that needs to go into so many parts of East Lansing. Revenue should not be built on fees and fines, and they should never be unfairly doled out or priced inappropriately to the disadvantage of people who live, work and play in East Lansing. Our city income tax is a far better approach than fining to fund the city.

I enjoy working within my community. As a City Councilmember, I will listen and secure the good. I seek an opportunity to improve East Lansing, in more ways with more time.

I will serve with my humanity and respect for the earth. I’ll look for ways toward peace and fostering harmony with our neighbors. My public health background allows me to understand the health of our community at a deeper level and I champion harm reduction.

Paid for by Check Dana Watson, 563 North Hagadorn Rd., East Lansing, MI 48823

Issues

Equitable practices - Supporting equity in actions is crucial. I look for opportunities to nourish equity, social justice, inclusivity and diversity. The work I do and decisions I make are with an equity lens, this builds a stronger community. I continue to understand the impact, I can make as a change agent, in these matters.

Housing - Student housing is plentiful. The next goal is affordable housing to meet the needs of more income brackets this pressing need deserves our immediate attention. Our city is comprised of all types of workers with differing incomes. All types should be able to live here too. This, coupled with a property tax structure that is a boon and not a bane to homeownership, will help make East Lansing a growing, increasingly diverse community.

Affordability - Whether we are parking downtown, driving a moped, renting in East Lansing, trying to buy a home, or maintaining a business, it should be economically feasible. I am sensitive to multiple angles and understand what might be easy for one individual can be harder for another due to finances, getting an education/being a student, employment, relationship changes, health, and what we have survived. Access to equitable resources and fair treatment is ideal for people who live, work and/or play in East Lansing.

Environment - I have been proud to support East Lansing’s environmental positions. We are progressive. I seek opportunities to strengthen our pollinator community, explore composting, renewable energy and expanding recycling. Our carbon footprint takes both an individual and a collective effort.

Public Safety - I continue to support the vital role that our Police Oversite Committee will play in how East Lansing is policed. Seeing through the blue wall and securing good police officers who serve our community with the integrity that anyone who lives, works, or plays here deserves is vital.

Paid for by Check Dana Watson, 563 North Hagadorn Rd., East Lansing, MI 48823

Donate

You can donate in multiple ways.

Venmo: @DanaWatsonCheck

Checks: Payable to Check Dana Watson

Other Cash App options are available. Text or call: 517-214-8902

Non-monetized help is needed, too. Please contact me at watsond9@yahoo.com (or text/call)

Paid for by Check Dana Watson, 563 North Hagadorn Rd., East Lansing, MI 48823