A recent survey of Lansing residents likely to vote in November would give the current Lansing City Council a D+ for handling issues voters view as most important for the city. About 64 percent of voters believe the City Council is “out of touch” with voters’ priorities and 60 percent believe the Lansing City Council is uncooperative. Lansing’s Marketing Resource Group, in partnership with the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC), conducted the telephone survey of 300 city residents from June 9-12.

“The voters are sending a message to the Lansing City Council that they are failing when it comes to handling important issues,” said Kristin Beltzer, LRCC senior vice president of Government Relations and Public Affairs. “Voters are looking for fresh faces with new ideas. The Lansing City Council could be in for some changes when it comes time for the November election.”

Voters surveyed also gave the Lansing City Council a D+ for balancing the budget and setting the right priorities for spending tax dollars, and a C- for being tough on crime and keeping city government and services functioning well.

Survey respondents said their top priorities are: tough on crime (22 percent); fiscal responsibility (21 percent); roads, bridges and sidewalks (18 percent); balancing the budget (16 percent); attracting new jobs (14 percent); and City services (4 percent).

Despite the failing grades given to the Lansing City Council, Mayor Virg Bernero received a 57 percent approval rating from survey participants.