School Board Candidate Profile: Kath Edsall | ELi Archives

2024 Recipient Bios | East Lansing, MI - Official Website

Kath Edsall is from East Lansing, Michigan, where she still lives today with her wife and their 8 children. She holds a master of business administration degree and a doctorate degree in veterinary medicine from Michigan State University.  She serves as vice chair of the East Lansing Independent Police Oversight Commission. 

Kath Edsall | City Pulse

Kath manages business with her wife, Alice. 

Edsall, DeLay to Run for City Council, Growing Field of Candidates ...

Kath currently serves as a member of the East Lansing Board of Education. She was first elected in 2013 and served for one term until 2017. She was re-elected in 2019 and is serving her third full term. She previously served as president of the school board. 

East Lansing City Council candidates share views, lansing city pulse

Plans to "look at the city’s finances holistically and with the entire community’s best interest in mind."

Plans to take a holistic approach to city finances with the community’s best interests in mind.

Plans to explore options to increase affordable housing in East Lansing.

Plans to explore ways to expand affordable housing in East Lansing. 

Said, "Our challenges include addressing budgetary shortfalls without adding to the tax burden of East Lansing residents... and increasing housing stock to address shortfalls and expand our tax base."

Sees closing budget gaps without raising taxes as a key challenge.

- Plans to take a holistic approach to city finances with the community’s best interests in mind.
- Plans to explore ways to expand affordable housing in East Lansing. 
- Sees closing budget gaps without raising taxes as a key challenge.

Economy

Sees creating a vibrant downtown that serves families and children while preserving a strong college experience a key challenge.

- Sees creating a vibrant downtown that serves families and children while preserving a strong college experience a key challenge.

Housing & Urban Development

As a school board member, approved hiring of a DEI & Social Justice Director, HR Director, and a safety and security team.

- As a school board member, approved hiring of a DEI & Social Justice Director, HR Director, and a safety and security team.

Public Safety

As of August 14, 2025, Kath Edsall’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Healthcare

As a school board member, passed two major bonds: an Elementary School Bond and a Safety, Security & Accessibility Bond.

Updated sex education curriculum to comply with state law and include LGBTQIA+ and disabled students.

Worked to reduce disparities in disciplinary policies.

Began addressing inequities related to protected class, race, and sexual status.

Wrote an inclusive policy on gender identity and expression

Supports preserving and expanding parks and recreation programming to enhance the community.

Wants to preserve and expand parks & recreation programs to strengthen and enhance the community.

Believes in collaborating with the City Manager to address the needs of the diverse community.

Wants to work with the City Manager to address community needs..

Sees expanding after-school programs beyond the public library for middle and high school students as a key challenge.

- As a school board member, passed two major bonds: an Elementary School Bond and a Safety, Security & Accessibility Bond.
- Updated sex education curriculum to comply with state law and include LGBTQIA+ and disabled students.
- Worked to reduce disparities in disciplinary policies.
- Began addressing inequities related to protected class, race, and sexual status.
- Wrote an inclusive policy on gender identity and expression
- Wants to preserve and expand parks & recreation programs to strengthen and enhance the community.
- Wants to work with the City Manager to address community needs..
- Sees expanding after-school programs beyond the public library for middle and high school students as a key challenge.

Public Services

Energy & the Environment

Transportation & Infrastructure

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Kath Edsall

Kath Edsall is from East Lansing, Michigan. She holds a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine and a master of business administration from Michigan State University. She lives with her wife, Alice Parr, and their eight children in East Lansing.

Kath is currently a member of the East Lansing Board of Education. She has served on the board since 2019 and previously served from 2013 to 2017. She is also the vice chair of the East Lansing Independent Police Oversight Commission, a position she has held since the commission's creation in 2021.

As of August 14, 2025, Kath Edsall did not have a website or any information online.

Supports addressing how police policies have historically harmed marginalized communities.

Kath Edsall is from East Lansing, Michigan. She has a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine and a master 
's degree in business administration from Michigan State University. She lives with her partner, Alice Parr.

Kath is currently a member of the East Lansing Board of Education. She was first elected in 2013 and served until 2017. She was re-elected in 2019 and is currently serving her second term. She has also served as president of the board. Edsall is vice chair of the East Lansing Independent Police Oversight Commission, a body she has served on since it was created in 2021.

Supports the establishment of the Independent Police Oversight Commission to enhance police accountability and community trust.

As vice chair of the East Lansing Independent Police Oversight Commission, advocated for equitable policing and raised awareness of how police policies have historically harmed marginalized communities.

Kath Edsall is from East Lansing, Michigan. She has a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine and an MBA from Michigan State University.

Kath is a veterinarian. She holds both a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine and an MBA from Michigan State University. 

Kath is currently a member of the East Lansing Board of Education. She was first elected in 2013 and served until 2017. She was re-elected in 2019 and is currently serving her second term. She has also served on the East Lansing Independent Police Oversight Commission since its creation in 2021 and is currently its vice chair.

Supports addressing how police policies have historically harmed communities of color, disabled people, and other marginalized groups.

Buket Urgen

Adam DeLay running for East Lansing City Council

Adam is from Romulus, Michigan. He has a bachelor's degree in journalism from the Michigan State University. He currently resides with his family in East Lansing.

Adam is a legislative analyst at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. He previously worked as the deputy director for constituent services in Governor Gretchen Whitmer's office and as a constituent services representative in U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow's office. 

Meet East Lansing City Council Candidate Adam DeLay – East ...

Adam previously served on the Lansing Township Board of Trustees from 2016 to 2019. He previously ran for East Lansing City Council in 2021 but did not win. Adam currently serves on the East Lansing Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission.

Plans to address the city’s $2 million structural deficit by reviewing contracts, streamlining employee searches, and encouraging development.

Opposes the city council's decision to ask voters for a property tax increase, believing it goes back on the city's promise not to raise property taxes while the income tax is in place.

Proposes a four-year pay freeze for council members and top city staff to set an example for the city.

- Plans to address the city’s $2 million structural deficit by reviewing contracts, streamlining employee searches, and encouraging development.
- Opposes the city council's decision to ask voters for a property tax increase, believing it goes back on the city's promise not to raise property taxes while the income tax is in place.
- Proposes a four-year pay freeze for council members and top city staff to set an example for the city.

Supports encouraging development to grow the city’s tax base, including a proposed project by the owners of the Student Book Store to build a large apartment complex downtown.

- Supports encouraging development to grow the city’s tax base, including a proposed project by the owners of the Student Book Store to build a large apartment complex downtown.

Wants to close the City jail and direct the City Manager to terminate officers that no longer maintain the trust of the community.

- Wants to close the City jail and direct the City Manager to terminate officers that no longer maintain the trust of the community.

Supports reinvesting 25% of the East Lansing Police Department budget into a new community services department that will address poverty, mental health, and other related issues.

- Supports reinvesting 25% of the East Lansing Police Department budget into a new community services department that will address poverty, mental health, and other related issues.

As of August 14, 2025, Adam Delay’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Supports transitioning to 100% renewable energy and investing in electric vehicles.

- Supports transitioning to 100% renewable energy and investing in electric vehicles.

Supports improving traffic conditions in neighborhoods like Chesterfield Hills and Southeast Marble.

- Supports improving traffic conditions in neighborhoods like Chesterfield Hills and Southeast Marble.

Adam Delay

Adam is from Romulus, Michigan. He has a bachelor\u2019s degree in journalism from the College of Communication Arts and Sciences and a bachelor\u2019s degree in social relations and policy from James Madison College at Michigan State University. He lives with his family in East Lansing\u2019s Northern Meadows neighborhood.

Adam is a legislative analyst at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. He previously worked as the deputy director for constituent services in Governor Gretchen Whitmer's office and as a constituent services representative in U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow's office. Earlier in his career, he worked in the Michigan Senate. 

Adam previously served on the Lansing Township Board of Trustees from 2016 to 2019. He was appointed to the seat in 2016 and then ran for election, winning a four-year seat in Nov. 2016. He resigned that position when he moved. Adam also previously ran for East Lansing City Council in 2021 but did not win. He currently serves on the East Lansing Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission, including as chair and vice chair.

Wants to establish a Community Service Department using 25% of the police department's budget to house social workers.

Supports government transparency and making more information available to the public, especially as it relates to the city’s budget.

Chuck Grigsby running for East Lansing City Council

Chuck earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Grand View University and a master's degree in criminal justice from Arizona State University. He lives with his wife and son in East Lansing.

Linkedin

Chuck currently works as an advisor for the National Center for Education Statistics. 

Meet East Lansing City Council Candidate Chuck Grigsby – East ...

Chuck Grigsby is currently an elected member of the East Lansing City Council. He was elected in 2021 and is serving his first term. He previously served as Chair of the East Lansing Human Rights Commission and Chair of the Study Committee on an Independent Police Oversight Commission.

Believes addressing pension debt will require "diverse and creative" solutions.

Supports community involvement in the budgetary process to increase public trust.

- Believes addressing pension debt will require "diverse and creative" solutions.
- Supports community involvement in the budgetary process to increase public trust.

Supports development that generates new revenue and maintains strong, stable neighborhoods.

- Supports development that generates new revenue and maintains strong, stable neighborhoods.

Supports the establishment of an Independent Police Oversight Commission.

Believes in "strengthening public safety through transparency, accountability, and collaboration."

- Supports the establishment of an Independent Police Oversight Commission.
- Believes in "strengthening public safety through transparency, accountability, and collaboration."

As of August 14, 2025, Chuck Grigsby’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Wants to improve the City’s relationship with neighboring municipalities.

Said he would be interested in bringing his background of youth mentorship to council and create an Emerging Leaders Program for youth.

- Wants to improve the City’s relationship with neighboring municipalities.
- Said he would be interested in bringing his background of youth mentorship to council and create an Emerging Leaders Program for youth.

Believes East Lansing must address aging infrastructure, flexible housing, and a budget that generates new revenue while protecting essential services.

- Believes East Lansing must address aging infrastructure, flexible housing, and a budget that generates new revenue while protecting essential services.

LinkedIn

Chuck Grigsby

Chuck Grigsby holds a master’s degree in criminal justice from Arizona State University and mediator and restorative justice certifications from Central Michigan University. He also attended Grand View University in Des Moines, Iowa. He lives with his wife and son in East Lansing.

Twitter

Meet Joshua Ramirez-Roberts: East Lansing City Council Candidate

Joshua is from East Lansing. He has a bachelor's degree in Social Relations and Policy from Michigan State University. He is currently pursuing certification in Secondary Social Studies Education.

Joshua Ramirez-Roberts | City Pulse

Meet East Lansing City Council Candidate Joshua Ramirez-Roberts ...

Joshua is a teaching intern at East Lansing High School. He previously worked as a legislative aide in the Michigan House of Representatives and spent two years as a student history teacher at East Lansing High School. 

Joshua ran for a seat on the East Lansing City Council in 2023 but did not win. He has served on the city’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission, Community Development Advisory Committee, University Student Commission and the Bailey Community Association.

Supports developing downtown to diversify business and attract professionals.

Believes the city budget allocates too much to public safety, with 60% going there, and wants more transparency on how funds are used, especially regarding the $80 to $100 million in unfunded pension debts.

Said, "We can work towards decreasing that income tax. We can work towards eliminating that income tax."

Opposes the development of large chain businesses in the community, advocating for more small businesses.

- Supports developing downtown to diversify business and attract professionals.
- Believes the city budget allocates too much to public safety, with 60% going there, and wants more transparency on how funds are used, especially regarding the $80 to $100 million in unfunded pension debts.
- Said, "We can work towards decreasing that income tax. We can work towards eliminating that income tax."
- Opposes the development of large chain businesses in the community, advocating for more small businesses.

Supports building starter homes and mixed-use condos to economically empower new demographics and help graduates settle in East Lansing.

Supports increasing low to moderate income housing in East Lansing.

- Supports building starter homes and mixed-use condos to economically empower new demographics and help graduates settle in East Lansing.
- Supports increasing low to moderate income housing in East Lansing.

Meet the eight candidates running for East Lansing City Council ...

Supports filling all vacant positions in the Police and Fire Departments.

Supports the implementation of community policing strategies and changes recommended by the Police Oversight Board.

Believes East Lansing should collaborate with Lansing to secure federal and state funding for business opportunities to address violence.

- Supports filling all vacant positions in the Police and Fire Departments.
- Supports the implementation of community policing strategies and changes recommended by the Police Oversight Board.
- Believes East Lansing should collaborate with Lansing to secure federal and state funding for business opportunities to address violence.

As of August 14, 2025, Joshua Ramirez-Roberts did not have a website or any information online.

Supports improving recreation and cultural opportunities.

Believes in aggressively recruiting to fill city positions, but also recruiting experienced staff to lead departments.

- Supports improving recreation and cultural opportunities.
- Believes in aggressively recruiting to fill city positions, but also recruiting experienced staff to lead departments.

Supports climate action and believes "every unit of government has an obligation to reduce carbon emissions."

Supports installing solar panels on municipal buildings and transitioning to electric vehicle fleets.

Supports sustainable landscaping practices.

Supports sustainable landscaping practices to combat the population decline of many species.

Supports planting native fruit trees and berry bushes.

- Supports climate action and believes "every unit of government has an obligation to reduce carbon emissions."
- Supports installing solar panels on municipal buildings and transitioning to electric vehicle fleets.
- Supports sustainable landscaping practices to combat the population decline of many species.
- Supports planting native fruit trees and berry bushes.

Supports developing a plan to bury power and utility lines.

Supports upgrading infrastructure to address severe weather events.

- Supports developing a plan to bury power and utility lines.
- Supports upgrading infrastructure to address severe weather events.

Joshua Ramirez-Roberts

Joshua Ramirez-Roberts is from East Lansing. He has a bachelor's degree in Social Relations and Policy from Michigan State University. He is currently in a year-long teaching internship at East Lansing High School while pursuing certification in Secondary Social Studies Education.

Joshua's campaign for East Lansing City Council Member is his second entry into politics. In 2023, he ran for a seat on the East Lansing City Council but did not win. He has served on the city’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission, Community Development Advisory Committee, University Student Commission and the Bailey Community Association.

Supports restoring police and fire department positions.

Recent MSU graduate Liam Richichi launches bid for East Lansing ...

Liam is from East Lansing, Michigan. He has a bachelor's degree in political theory and minors in business and organizational leadership from Michigan State University. He currently serves as the Second Vice-Chair of the Ingham County Democratic Party. He previously served as the president of the MSU College Democrats, where he led the organization to become the largest chapter in the nation.

ELi's Very Early Election Story: Who's Running for City Council (So ...

Liam is the constituent services director for State Representative Jason Morgan. He also has a professional background in finance, association management, and fundraising.

Recent MSU graduate announces run for East Lansing City Council ...

Liam Richichi's campaign for East Lansing City Council Member is his first entry into politics. 

Supports fiscal responsibility and transparency in city government.

Supports clearer budget reporting, public engagement in funding decisions, and participatory budgeting tools.

- Supports fiscal responsibility and transparency in city government.
- Supports clearer budget reporting, public engagement in funding decisions, and participatory budgeting tools.
- Supports the use of union labor.

Supports increasing the tax base through more student housing, affordable and workforce housing, and incentivizing commercial development in downtown corridors.

Supports building highrises for students, like The Hub and Landmark, to prevent landlords from buying single-family homes and renting them at above-market rates.

Wants to build highrises for students, like The Hub and Landmark, to prevent landlords from buying single-family homes and renting them at above-market rates.

Supports encouraging mixed-income developments through inclusionary zoning incentives.

- Supports increasing the tax base through more student housing, affordable and workforce housing, and incentivizing commercial development in downtown corridors.
- Wants to build highrises for students, like The Hub and Landmark, to prevent landlords from buying single-family homes and renting them at above-market rates.
- Supports encouraging mixed-income developments through inclusionary zoning incentives.

Supports adopting Vision Zero principles to eliminate serious traffic injuries and fatalities by designing safer streets for pedestrians and cyclists.

- Supports adopting Vision Zero principles to eliminate serious traffic injuries and fatalities by designing safer streets for pedestrians and cyclists.

As of August 14, 2025, Liam Richichi’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Believes issues like infrequent yard waste pickup and affordable housing are "universal" concerns and hopes to encourage more young residents to engage in local politics.

Believes issues like infrequent yard waste pickup and affordable housing are "universal" concerns.

- Believes issues like infrequent yard waste pickup and affordable housing are "universal" concerns.

Supports community engagement to address local environmental concerns such as recycling, sustainable development, union labor inclusivity, and waste management.

Supports community engagement to address local environmental concerns such as recycling, sustainable development, and waste management.

- Supports community engagement to address local environmental concerns such as recycling, sustainable development, and waste management.

Liam Richichi

Liam Richichi is from East Lansing, Michigan. He has a bachelor%E2%80%99s degree in political theory and minors in business and organizational management from Michigan State University. He lives in East Lansing.

Liam is the constituent services director for State Representative Jason Morgan. He previously served as the president of the MSU College Democrats, where he led the organization to become the largest chapter in the nation. He also has a professional background in finance, association management, and fundraising.

Liam Richichi's campaign for East Lansing City Council Member is his first entry into politics. He currently serves as the Second Vice-Chair of the Ingham County Democratic Party. 

As of August 14, 2025, Liam Richichi did not have a website or any information online.

Steve earned a bachelor's degree from Missouri State University. He currently resides in East Lansing. 

Steve previously worked for the East Lansing Police Department for over 20 years. 

Steve Whelan Looks Back as Next Chapter Begins | ELi Archives

Steve Whelan's campaign for East Lansing City Council Member is his first entry into politics. 

Believes a safe and vibrant downtown is essential for a strong community and plans to attract new businesses, support local entrepreneurs, and create a welcoming atmosphere for shopping and dining.

- Believes a safe and vibrant downtown is essential for a strong community and plans to attract new businesses, support local entrepreneurs, and create a welcoming atmosphere for shopping and dining.

Believes in balancing economic development with preserving green space, protecting natural resources, and maintaining quality of life.

Believes addressing housing insecurity requires expanding public and private partnerships, and supports the work of Police Social Workers in helping vulnerable residents, especially those facing homelessness due to mental health or substance use challenges.

- Believes in balancing economic development with preserving green space, protecting natural resources, and maintaining quality of life.
- Believes addressing housing insecurity requires expanding public and private partnerships, and supports the work of Police Social Workers in helping vulnerable residents, especially those facing homelessness due to mental health or substance use challenges.

Believes safety is essential for a healthy community and plans to prioritize partnerships between police, residents, and community organizations to prevent crime and ensure security.

- Believes safety is essential for a healthy community and plans to prioritize partnerships between police, residents, and community organizations to prevent crime and ensure security.

As of August 14, 2025, Steven Whelan’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Supports programs like Safe Routes to School to enhance street safety.

Supports adjusting local ordinances to allow police to enforce Michigan’s Motor Vehicle Code, including regulations on loud exhaust and window tinting, to improve public safety and quality of life, particularly in areas near Grand River and downtown.

- Supports programs like Safe Routes to School to enhance street safety.
- Supports adjusting local ordinances to allow police to enforce Michigan’s Motor Vehicle Code, including regulations on loud exhaust and window tinting, to improve public safety and quality of life, particularly in areas near Grand River and downtown.

Steven Whelan

Steve Whelan's campaign for East Lansing City Council Member is his first entry into politics. He officially retired from the East Lansing Police Department on July 29, 2025, after serving for 25 years. 

As of August 14, 2025, Steven Whelan did not have a website or any information online.

- City council members in Michigan help make city-level laws, approve budgets, and oversee city services to serve the community’s needs. 
- Council members attend regular meetings, listen to public concerns, and vote on city issues like zoning, public safety, and spending. They also appoint and direct officials, like the city manager.
- City council members may be elected in partisan elections or nonpartisan elections, depending on the city. They may represent either the whole city or residents of a specific district. 
- Terms for city council members often last two or four years, depending on the city.