Letter from 4th Ward Councilmember Tim Kaltenbach

Dear Neighbor:

I am supporting Jessica Yorko for the 4^th Ward  City Council seat that I am vacating, because of  increased family commitments – a daughter and grandkids in Arizona and a son in Washington D.C. I would like to tell you why. 

I worked with Jessica for the past four years on a number of projects, and was taken by her energy, enthusiasm and ability to mobilize folks and get things done. She is amazing.

Several times a year you will see Jessica, her son, Nick, and a squad of volunteers picking up trash, sweeping sidewalks, trimming lawns and planting flowers along Saginaw Street from our Western city limit to the Grand River.  She raised funds to purchase and install the large concrete flower planters along Saginaw Street.  You will see a couple of them at Pine and Saginaw. 

She organized a paint-blitz in the neighborhood to repair and paint homes and commercial buildings in need of attention.  And, last December she and her son strung garland on the light poles along Saginaw to decorate our neighborhood for the holidays. 

Check out the beautiful mural celebrating African-American history on the side of Shanora’s at the corner of Saginaw and Butler Streets.  Jessica raised funds, recruited artists and partnered with Black Child and Family Institute on the project.  She has also been working to bring new businesses to the Westside, such as Sawyer’s Gourmet Pancake House.

Jessica has been very active in protecting Lansing’s natural resources, improving our parks, and is spearheading efforts to make Lansing a walk-and-bike friendly city.  And, this is just a small sample of what she’s been doing. 

Jessica truly “walks-the-talk.”  She is a consensus builder, a problem solver, and a hard worker. As a councilperson, I know Jessica will put her experience and demeanor to work for Lansing. 

Jessica will put her time, energy and enthusiasm into improving our neighborhoods and our city.

I strongly support Jessica Yorko, and I hope you will join me.

Sincerely,

Tim Kaltenbach

Councilman, 4th Ward

Letter from Pat Lindemann, Ingham County Drain Commissioner

Dear Resident of Lansing’s 4^th Ward:

Jessica Yorko is a candidate for Lansing ’s 4^th Ward City Council, and I am supporting her in this effort. Jessica has been a tireless advocate to protect and improve the quality of life throughout Lansing, not just in the 4^th Ward.  Her efforts have fostered many positive changes in the way City leaders view Lansing's future.  With her help and advocacy Lansing residents enjoy an cleaner Grand and Red Cedar River, as well as a healthier Sycamore Creek.  She has worked on issues with a commitment and energy that is seldom seen from individual citizens. 

I have given much of my time to protecting our water resources and making sure that the environment is clean and secure for many generations to come. Jessica has been with me in most of these efforts.  Her efforts lobbying for and getting people organized on behalf of these important issues, give her a unique and valuable perspective for serving as your next 4^th Ward Councilmember.  She knows the needs of your neighborhood and can get the work done necessary to move Lansing forward and improve the quality of life for all Lansing residents, particularly those in Lansing’s 4^th Ward.  I know what it takes to be a City Councilmember having represented Lansing’s 1^st Ward for 12 years. Jessica has what it takes.

I have known and worked with Jessica for many years.  I can attest to her qualifications and strongly encourage you to make Jessica your next 4^th Ward Councilmember by voting for her in the August 4 primary election.  I am confident that she will serve you with the same energy and commitment she has in the past, but with even more impact as your 4^th Ward Councilmember.

Sincerely,

Patrick Lindemann

Ingham County Drain Commissioner

Jessica is endorsed by:

4th Ward Progressives

Greater Lansing Labor Council

Chris Hollister

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 352

Tim Kaltenbach, 4th Ward Councilmember

Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce

Pat Lindemann, Ingham County Drain Commissioner

Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 333

United Auto Workers Region 1-C