Lansing’s Michigan Avenue to Get Makeover, Now Mayor’s Statement Needs One

My chosen route to the Lansing Center on Sunday was from 127 all the way down Michigan Avenue.  I love Michigan Avenue.  The view of the Capitol and just the idea that this is Michigan in the capitol city -- it's kind of a big deal.  To the point that I paused and snapped a photo as I was waiting to cross the street.  But, if you've traveled Michigan Ave. at any point in the last...long time... you know the street is complete crap.  Just horrid.

So it was fantastic news to me to read that a project to repair the road begins next week.

WILX-TV reports Mayor Virg Bernero's office responded to a request for action from 50+ business owners submitted by the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, saying "If the Chamber had taken the time to ask the city about our plans, they would already know that..."

Let me stop you right there.

Don't get sassy and don't attempt to elevate your position above those that truly drive the growth in this community.

Maybe plans were in the works, maybe they weren't.  Maybe they should have been in the works two years ago.  Regardless, the statement should have begun more like this: "We're appreciative that our community of business owners is seeking action on this important issue and we're happy to share the news that plans are in the works..."

I mean, honestly, where is the simple decency?!  Straight from the mayor's office, this is the kind of nasty response that the community can hope to expect when reaching out?

I recently saw these words: "When a toxic person can no longer control you, they will try try to control how others see you.  This misinformation will feel unfair, but stay above it, trusting that other people will eventually see the truth, just like you did."

When I saw those words, I shared them on Facebook, thinking about my past dealings with a specific non-Lansing city official.  The statement from Bernero's office to the Chamber and business owners is exactly the kind of response I have received from this other non-Lansing official in the past.  As such, those words can very much be applied in this situation as well.

Here, we have the Mayor's office saying publicly that the Chamber failed to do due diligence regarding this issue, instead of just killing them with kindness (like our mothers taught us to do).  In my opinion, the letter they submitted was due diligence.  But, again, even if the Chamber should have done more, sooner -- there's still absolutely no excuse for what amounts to public shaming of a local organization and local business owners to be made in a statement released by the mayor's office.

Cheers to one day being able to drive down Michigan Avenue without spilling your morning coffee.