About the position
What they do
Village Trustees initiate, consider, and vote on issues that affect life in Lansing—economic development, public safety, roads and infrastructure, finances, and property. Trustees make their decisions by listening to resident concerns, asking for staff recommendations, and considering long-term impacts.
What they’re paid
$13,000/year
Terms and meetings
The Village Board consists of six Trustees elected to four-year terms. The usual meeting schedule is twice a month.
About the 2019 candidates
Lansing voters can vote for 3 of these 4:
- Saad Abbasy (Village Voice Party)
- Mike Fish (Village Voice Party)
- Larry Thomas (Independent candidate)
- Jerry Zeldenrust (Village Voice Party)
A short bio of each candidate appears below.
Saad Abbasy
Resumé highlights
- Chair of Planning & Zoning Board
- Certified Fraud Examiner and Senior Compliance Analyst
- Alumnus of Oak Glen School, Memorial Junior High, TF South
Saad Abbasy: “I understand what young families are looking for when they decide where to shop, or where to go out to eat. I understand the need for fun and affordable entertainment options for families. As a Trustee I can offer ideas on how to attract young families—ideas such as creating programs to attract or even assist first-time home buyers. Voters can also know that I will be a Trustee that prepares, and that I’ll faithfully do my homework and research.”
Mike Fish
Resumé highlights
- 30 years in Lansing’s Public Works Department, retired as Interim Superintendent
- Planning & Zoning Board member
- Former Park Board President
- Former LARC Board President
Mike Fish: “Voters need Trustees that listen to all concerns and then actively engage in seeking solutions. Experience in the workings and best practices of municipal government is helpful in easing the transition of these types of elected positions. A sound sense of fiscal responsibility is essential in determining what solutions to village issues are both productive and yet affordable.”
Larry Thomas
Resumé highlights
- Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice
- Licensed Restorative Justice Counselor
- LACE member
- Lansing Lions Club member
Larry Thomas: “I’m running for all of Lansing. We are all Lansing. And Lansing voters should be looking for a candidate that can provide transparency and dedication to the people they serve. Lansing deserves that. Especially in a Trustee. I’m not interested in creating waves or in changing Lansing from what it is. I want to enhance what we already have.”
Jerry Zeldenrust
Resumé highlights
- Village Trustee, 2 years
- Chair of Finance Department and Police Department
- 29 years in the Lansing Police Department, retired as Commander
- Love for Lansing liaison
Jerry Zeldenrust: “Voters in Lansing should seriously consider who they choose to have lead their village for the next four years. My hope is they research who they are confident putting their trust in as individuals: candidates who will make informed, responsible decisions about matters that will affect all our lives in many ways. That is a huge responsibility for us as Trustees and one that should not be taken lightly.”
