Active Public Engagement

While all of the meetings of the Commission are required to be open to the public, I believe the public should be engaged in their decisions from the outset.. To that end, I will recommend the Commission meet in various places across our city and at different times to ensure, regardless of work or life schedules or mobility considerations, a process open and accessible to all.. We will be addressing the Charter that governs our and and should adequately reflect a governance structure under which Lansing residents want to live and work and thrive. This can be achieved by ensuring everyone has the opportunity to be heard.

Open and Transparent Process

The work of the Charter Review Commission will be an awesome responsibility, one that demands transparency and openness. Michigan’s Freedom of Information and Public Meetings Acts require that all Commission meetings are open to the public and the Michigan Campaign Finance Act similarly requires that every person who runs to serve on the Commission must publicly disclose who is contributing to their campaign. I believe candidates for the City Charter Commission should go further and not accept any funds from any current elected officials of the City of Lansing, family members of current elected officials of the City of Lansing, or people or businesses with contracts with the City of Lansing. I also think anyone serving on the Commission should not run for any city office for 6 years after the Commission has finished its work in order to avoid any appearance of impropriety, potential conflict of interest or personal benefit from participating on the Commission.

Checks and Balance and Equitable Outcomes

A strong and responsive democracy requires equal rights for all and adequate checks and balances that hold all branches of the government accountable to the people. I have heard from people who supported creating the Charter Commission about their frustration over our city government, its public bodies and their desire for greater accountability. I have also heard from opponents of the Commission and their concerns of costs and a process overrun by special interests and extreme agendas. I believe this Charter Commission can provide a positive return on the investment of our tax dollars by ensuring greater accountability and responsiveness from our elected officials and city government.

Vote for Ross Yednock: A New Chapter for Lansing's City Charter

Vote by May 7, 2024

On May 7, 2024, Lansing voters will elect nine Lansing residents to serve on our city’s Charter Revision Commission. Once elected, these nine people will have the responsibility of reviewing and considering revisions to the City of Lansing Charter, the document that establishes our city’s system of government and its responsibility to, and rights of, all Lansing residents.

My Candidacy for Lansing's City Charter Commission

This is one of the most important elections in our city’s history. It will have major consequences for all Lansing residents. Whether or not you voted to create this commission, it is happening and we need people who are committed to public service and care about our city, our neighbors, and a fair and just system of government to serve on this commission. That is why I am running for one of the nine seats on the Lansing City Charter Commission. I want to make sure the charter commission is guided by people who want to hear what Lansing residents and communities want to see changed and am committed to ensuring the commission prioritizes transparency in the process, actively engages residents and communities across the city and ensures that our charter has strong checks and balances that improve efficiency and provide a positive return on the investment of our tax dollars by ensuring greater accountability and responsiveness from our elected officials and city government.

I want to hear your thoughts and ideas on how to improve

Lansing’s government.

Please Contact Me

517-204-5200

Ross4Lansing@gmail.com

517-204-5200

Ross4Lansing@gmail.com

I hope to hear from you!

Why Ross?

When I moved to Lansing’s eastside 20+ years ago, I knew I was home. I loved the beautiful older homes, the walkable neighborhoods and unique and vibrant shopping and entertainment districts. Most of all, I loved the spirit of Lansing people, from all walks of life and the incredible sense of community and connection.

There have been many changes since then, both positive and negative. Revivals in REO Town and Old Town, the expansion of the River Trail connecting all four Wards of the city, new small businesses, restaurants, food trucks and festivals celebrating the incredible contributions made by Lansing's diverse communities brought Lansing closer. However, the Great Recession unemployment and foreclosure crisis and the Pandemic’s disproportionate impact exacerbated Lansing’s social and economic inequities. Through it all, the spirit of the people who call Lansing home has not wavered.

The Love of Lansing which I share with many of you is why I think the passage of the City Charter Commission comes at the right time in our history. It gives ALL Lansing residents an opportunity to look at what has worked with their local government and what has not. It is crucial to have Charter Commission members who believe in having open, honest and very much needed conversations to lay the foundation for a brighter, more prosperous and equitable future for all who love our city.

Why Ross?

About Ross Yednock

Ross has called Lansing homes since 2003, first living on Ferguson Street from 2003-2013 and now North Cedar Street since 2017. When not working for the State of Michigan, he enjoys helping people with home projects, volunteering at local nonprofits, and spending time with his two dogs, Mitt and Bella.

His experience includes:

Combined 13+ years at State of Michigan: Specialist at the Department of Insurance and Financial Services; Legislative Staff at Michigan State Senate and House of Representatives; and Executive Assistant to the Attorney General at Michigan Department of Attorney General
Policy advocate on financial empowerment at Community Economic Development Association of Michigan 2008-2021
Licensed Real Estate Agent since 2016
Part-owner of two licensed rental properties since 2010
Volunteer and supporter of organizations working on economic and social justice
Michigan State University Bachelor of Arts (1998)
Western Michigan University Master of Public Administration (2006)

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Ross Yednock for Lansing

Mail to:

3505 N Cedar Street, Lansing, MI 48906

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Contributions are NOT tax deductible. All money raised will go to informing Lansing voters about the importance of the Charter Commission Election and why they should vote for Ross Yednock by May 7, 2024.

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My Principles for the Commission

Active Public Engagement

While all of the meetings of the Commission are required to be open to the public, I believe the public should be engaged in their decisions from the outset.. To that end, I will recommend the Commission meet in various places across our city and at different times to ensure, regardless of work or life schedules or mobility considerations, a process open and accessible to all.. We will be addressing the Charter that governs our and and should adequately reflect a governance structure under which Lansing residents want to live and work and thrive. This can be achieved by ensuring everyone has the opportunity to be heard.
Open and Transparent Process

The work of the Charter Review Commission will be an awesome responsibility, one that demands transparency and openness. Michigan’s Freedom of Information and Public Meetings Acts require that all Commission meetings are open to the public and the Michigan Campaign Finance Act similarly requires that every person who runs to serve on the Commission must publicly disclose who is contributing to their campaign. I believe candidates for the City Charter Commission should go further and not accept any funds from any current elected officials of the City of Lansing, family members of current elected officials of the City of Lansing, or people or businesses with contracts with the City of Lansing. I also think anyone serving on the Commission should not run for any city office for 6 years after the Commission has finished its work in order to avoid any appearance of impropriety, potential conflict of interest or personal benefit from participating on the Commission.
Checks and Balance and Equitable Outcomes

A strong and responsive democracy requires equal rights for all and adequate checks and balances that hold all branches of the government accountable to the people. I have heard from people who supported creating the Charter Commission about their frustration over our city government, its public bodies and their desire for greater accountability. I have also heard from opponents of the Commission and their concerns of costs and a process overrun by special interests and extreme agendas. I believe this Charter Commission can provide a positive return on the investment of our tax dollars by ensuring greater accountability and responsiveness from our elected officials and city government.