By Joe Walker
Lansing residents want answers. They hope to get them by voting for Lansing City Council At-Large on August 4. For Council candidate Rina Risper, the road to office will not come without answering tough questions. She begins answering them here.
TNCP: Rina, many residents feel this city is dying. In the position of Lansing City Council At-Large how can you convince it still has life?
Rina Risper: People need to be motivated to stay in Lansing. I have some fresh, new innovative ideas that can augment current City Council ideals. Some will say Lansing is a great place to raise children, but the young and single professionals say there is not enough cultural and fun entertainment. We need to bring some new innovative projects to the table and let the people in the city help decide in the process whether they want it. There also has to be a sense of transparency and an ability to be proactive by closing the gap between those who know the rules of engagement and those who don’t, the struggle between the haves and the have-nots; the disconnect between the struggling mom-and-pop shops and larger business issues.
TNCP: What do you see as proof Lansing still lives?
Rina: The bright spots are that Lansing is a diverse city. We are the capital. We are also heavily reliant on manufacturing, and we must explore ways in which we can supplement the industry. We have Thomas M. Cooley Law School, Michigan State University, Lansing Community College, Michigan government, a strong health care network that includes Sparrow Health Care system. We are also the seat of government in our great state.
TNCP: People out there are feeling defeated. Lansing has many challenges right now. How can people win?
Rina: Our challenges are ones we can overcome only with a cohesive City Council that is willing to work in the best interest of the people of Lansing. While we are working on Lansing we must also consider that we are the main hub for cities, townships and the municipalities that surround our great city. We must work together to overcome challenges that will ultimately affect an entire region if we don’t start now.
TNCP: How do you intend to unite communities in a city that’s very much divided?
Rina: I will unite these communities by listening to all sides and giving individuals an opportunity to provide solutions to rectifying that perception. It is truly about getting residents who are not currently involved in their communities more involved. Neighborhoods benefit from a sense of cohesiveness. There are issues regarding class lines, race, education, and City Council which all involve complex solutions for each.
TNCP: Solutions start young. What are your goals as they relate to our youth – the decision makers of the future?
Rina: I’ve been very proactive in this area. I began to ask high school students a long time ago what their issues are. Most of the high schoolers indicated that the three most prominent things that would make them stay in Lansing are: decent jobs, better schools and more entertainment.
TNCP: But what makes information from high school students so vital?
Rina: Taking information from those who are two years away from voting allows them to feel as though they have a responsibility to fill their own wants and needs for the city they live in. They will be more apt to involve themselves in the political process. Transformational change in a city begins with acknowledging the unfettered potential of our youth.
TNCP: What qualifies you for such a responsibility?
Rina: I’ve been working in this city for many years. I’ve owned and operated a newspaper for 8 years. I have seen a lot, heard a lot and helped a lot. In my position, I get to see the city from many different perspectives. Being involved with community events, community forums, and visiting dozens of community churches prior to thinking about becoming a City Councilperson.
TNCP: How did your experiences dealing with differing social perspectives influence your decision?
Rina: I began to feel as though normal everyday people were getting left out of the process. I own a newspaper and I felt left out of the process. It is time for us conscious thinking people to look at the political landscape and assess our motivation to change. Not only to change one side of the city, but include all sides of the city. If we don’t… the cost is a city divided. We need better relationships in this city.
TNCP: Are you prepared for the pressure coupled with remaining positive while handling negatives throughout this city?
Rina: Of course. I have positive transactions with city personnel. It is easy to distinguish between who is productive and who is unproductive. I am motivated for change. I evaluate the potential for Lansing as very high. I have hope that we will prevail. The economic situation is tough. Right now there are feelings of anxiety, anger and helplessness for many people. People don’t want extra conflict from government, especially local government. They want a feeling of transparency, and that there will not be so much red tape in solving a problem. People want to know they have a local government that is working in their best interest.
TNCP: How is the community responding to your desire to be elected to this position?
Rina: The response has been overwhelming. I’ve received a lot of positive feedback, which has also accompanied some negative I’ve gathered as I’ve crisscrossed Lansing for the last 8 years.
TNCP: That hasn’t swayed your approach?
Rina: I really have taken a proactive approach and solved problems quickly, or have given people the necessary information needed in order to be successful. In my current position I’ve always done that, so it is not foreign to me. I also tell them if they don’t get a response to call me back.
TNCP: So you’re accessible?
Rina: Yes. It is really about being able to talk to youth and adults; novices and experts; store owners and store customers about what would make Lansing a better place. It has been a profound experience.
TNCP: Rina, what needs to happen for you to be victorious? And not just in the voting booths.
Rina: People need to wade through the nonsense. Being on City Council is about helping people succeed in Lansing. People of the city need to have leadership they will not be afraid of suffering negative consequences if they are not in agreement. People need to know that my perspective for being on City Council is about helping people and businesses succeed. This opportunity offers me more tools to provide opportunities to move forward regardless of the challenges. At the end of the day, I will know I did the best I could within the parameters available. There are rules, laws and ordinances for a reason. People need an explanation though, and solutions to their problems.
TNCP: One last time, why are you running for city council?
Rina: I can make a difference in everyday people’s lives. I am independent of any one person or group. I believe in the creativity of our city, the inspiring communities, and the progress of the people.
VOTE August 4, 2009
