Judi Brown Clarke

2017 candidate for Lansing Mayor

In July of 2017, the State Journal asked eight questions of Lansing's mayoral
candidates. Answers were limited to 100 words.

1) What would be your top three priorities if elected?

Clarke: Infrastructure improvements specifically roads and sidewalks; education and

workforce development; neighborhoods and business corridor development.

2) What should the city do to fix its pension and health care shortfall?

Clarke: Lansing's unfunded pension and health care shortfall is well over $600 million.
Bankruptcy is a possibility if we do not continue the fiscal prudency of the Hollister and Bernero
administrations. I would not sell the BWL because we would be sacrificing a long-term,
sustainable revenue source for a short-term, one-time payment. Lansing hired the Segal
Consulting firm to conduct a comprehensive study that identified potential cost-saving solutions.
Working with Segal Consulting and the Financial Health Team, the city will assess the different
solutions and create an effective strategic plan that addresses the shortfall.

3) What is your stance on commercial and residential regulations for medical marijuana?

Clarke: Every city that addresses the medical marihuana industry needs to respect the vote
that made this market possible. As a city council member, I proposed a medical marihuana
ordinance that aligns with current state laws and reflects best practices of other national cities. It
is my desire to create a safe and fair process that provides Lansing's patients access to quality
businesses and safe products. Key aspects include the establishment/oversight of a Lansing
Medical Marihuana Commission, reduction of dispensaries from 75 to 25, and buffering zones
aligned with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.

4) How would you improve relationships among the citys elected officials?

Clarke: Since the city council members and city clerk are my current colleagues, I already have
relationships with each and look forward to continuing to work positively with them. There will be
times of disagreement; however, it will always be about the issues and not personal attacks.
The bottom line is that neither the mayor, city council members, nor the city clerk can effectively
and efficiently serve the community working alone. It is important to keep the "community first"
in all matters, and ensure that the lines of communication remain open and receptive to
discourse.

5) How can the city improve its infrastructure given funding limitations?

Clarke: Due to inadequate levels of state infrastructure funding, estimates are that it will cost
over $211 million to restore Lansing's streets to just an average condition. Mayor Bernero
recommended a ballot measure be taken to the voters this November to provide a 1.0 dedicated
millage for additional road funding. I support this millage. If passed by the residents, as mayor, I
will ensure these funds are added to our limited state funds and used specifically for road
repairs. While this funding is not adequate to repair all roads, but it will make a significant and
positive impact with the city.
6) Whats your take on tax breaks/incentives for businesses or developers?

Clarke: I believe a key component of an economic development strategy is to use tax

incentives as an economic development tool to compete against other states and globally for
investment, jobs and income. Additionally, we need to diversify our efforts and provide incentive
opportunities that include small businesses and corridor/neighborhood development.

7) Do you support efforts to increase shared services across the region?

Clarke: Yes. I value regionalism and some shared services. I am fortunate to have been
supported by my tri-county regional colleagues, who voted me as the current chair of the Tri-
County Regional Planning Commission and the current chair of the Capital Area Michigan
Works Administrative Board. Both leadership roles have provided me with valuable insight and a
tremendous vantage point on key regional challenges (e.g., transportation planning,
environmental planning, economic development, land-use management and education and
workforce development) requiring collaborative partnership leveraging/blending of funds, and
opportunities for shared services.

8) Are you current on all city, county and state taxes?

Clarke: Yes.