Expand representation, get new communications team

Friday, Feb. 21 — State Rep. Sam Singh says it’s “imperative” for the Lansing City Council to move on a City Charter amendment that would expand representation on the Board of Water and Light’s governing board.

The East Lansing Democrat is keeping the pressure on for changes that would include outlying communities on the eight-member board appointed by Lansing officials.

Another East Lansing official, Mayor Nathan Triplett, offered a proposal last week that would expand the board to 13 members, adding two representatives from East Lansing and Delta Township and one from Meridian Township.

“I think it’s a great starting point for the conversation,” Singh said of Triplett’s proposal.

State Rep. Andy Schor, D-Lansing, agreed: “I believe other communities should have a voice” on the board.

Singh and Schor discuss the BWL on this week’s edition of “City Pulse Newsmakers,” which airs at 9 a.m. on MY-18 TV.

Singh also is keeping pressure on wholesale changes to the BWL’s communications staff. “They do need to clear house over there and make some significant changes.”

Singh declined to name any BWL officials specifically, such as communications director Steve Serkaian. He said that should be left to the BWL board and management.

“If you don’t make very dramatic changes in communications and who’s doing communications,” Singh said, “I don’t think you’re going to get a lot of trust.”