Elections 2022: Candidates for Ingham County Board District 2 in their own words

On this year's ballot are candidates for the Ingham County Board of Commissioners (15 seats). If you are unsure which county district you vote in, visit the Ingham County website to find more information.

Whether you choose to vote absentee or in person, get to know the candidates before you vote by reading their responses to key issues facing Ingham County residents.

Here (below) are candidates in their own words. To return to the main election package, click here.

Meet the candidates

Rita Leolani Vogel (Democrat): Currently serving my second four year term as a city council person for the residents of Mason. Our rural communities for District two, and their markets, workforce, natural resources, and industry are vital to our longevity. District two continues to face unique opportunities and challenges, which is why I am running for this seat. I have the passion, persistence and established relationships creating a friendlier environment to represent this district.

Karla Ruest (Republican): Having spent most of my career in public service, I want to continue the commitment to service as an elected official. Giving is part of my nature and ensuring that county resources are distributed equitably, helping vulnerable and at-risk children obtain needed services, and being a good steward of the taxpayer dollar is my goal. I have pledged my support for the unborn and our most vulnerable. I have worked as a staff member for the Michigan Legislature for more than 20 years. I was the Director of Government Affairs for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for nearly 9 years. I believe in good government and have volunteered on numerous campaigns and contributed to candidates.

On systemic racism

Rita Leolani Vogel (Democrat): BIPOC, face higher rates of arrest, conviction, and incarceration than the general population. One example, the use of criminal history information in housing decisions can have a disproportionate negative affect on these protected groups. The Fair Housing Act of 1968 prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, and disability. I would like to explore an ordinance that would expand this list to include source of income and/or criminal history.

Karla Ruest (Republican): Both the County and City of Lansing can do three things to improve our community and address racism. Our government should reflect our community – that includes diversifying our workforce. This can include providing better training and resources for our law enforcement such as additional social services and conflict resolution training. Studies have shown that a diverse community leads to greater economic benefit for all.

On the COVID-19 response

Rita Leolani Vogel (Democrat): I am proud of the work our County has done with COVID-19. I was present at our fair grounds and the MSU pavilion helping with vaccinations. They did a phenomenal Job organizing and creating various options for Ingham County residents and their loved ones. 2020 will always be the year of the health and care worker, in my opinion. These were/are incredible people doing incredible Jobs under incredible circumstances. Linda Vail, Ingham County Health Officer and her team excelled and our families are healthier for it today. Grateful.

Karla Ruest (Republican): The County did an admirable job communicating the crisis response and keeping the public informed about the prevention and treatment of Covid.

On economic stability and inflation

Rita Leolani Vogel (Democrat): Evaluate costs vs taxes collected to ensure that needs are met. Evaluate business tax vs residential property tax to ensure rates track with inflation.

Karla Ruest (Republican): The County should partner with LEAP, the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, and the Capital Council of Governments for more effective economic development. The County should support efforts to attract new jobs to the region and help our current job providers grow. The County should also partner with skilled trades to increase job opportunities for those who want apprenticeships and work with area job providers to help place those apprentices into jobs.

On election security

Rita Leolani Vogel (Democrat): I served as the City of Mason liaison for our Election Commission. We appoint the election inspectors for each precinct, establish the absent voter counting board, appoint the receiving board members, and certify the public accuracy test of the election equipment. I am proud of the diligent and thorough work our election officials, volunteers, City and County Clerk have consistently demonstrated. I fully accept the election results of 2020.

Karla Ruest (Republican): The election of 2020 is over and we should be focused moving forward. Is there room for improvement in our voting processes? Yes. We should be seeking common ground with both parties that everyone can support. Our clerks are the front-line in this effort – their input will be critical to ensure that elections are safe, secure, and efficient.

On public safety

Rita Leolani Vogel (Democrat): Whenever we hear about another tragedy involving gun violence, we grieve along with our fellow citizens and community members impacted by it. Gun violence is a public health crisis that impacts everyone socially and economically. The Ingham County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously in February for a new program called the Advance Peace program. It provides mentorships, job training, education and therapy for people who may be at risk for getting into trouble. The Advance Peace program is expected to reduce gun homicides by 22%. This is a proactive and positive first step. I look forward to working with community partners to bring meaningful solutions to protect our children and strengthen our communities throughout Ingham County. This includes making it possible for law enforcement to act on credible community and family concerns in circumstances where people are at high-risk. Rural and urban gun owners, differ in many ways. Our conversations are different out here. In District 2 we have more exposure to, and experience with guns at a much earlier age than those who live in densely populated areas. Guns are part of our culture and that needs to be protected. Conversations for District 2 should focus on gun safety education, and suicide awareness and prevention. Keep the Country, Country.

Karla Ruest (Republican): Given the resources they have, our law enforcement are doing a great job and should be commended! There is a great need for criminal justice reform in our state! We should focus on providing appropriate mental health services - we have too many people who need mental health services and there are not enough providers. Our law enforcement are often tasked to deal with “offenders” who in reality, need mental health services rather than being locked up. We should also provide better resources for our law enforcement. This can include additional officers, equipment, better training, and funding for mental health services.

Other issues of import

Rita Leolani Vogel (Democrat): Property taxes fund essential services in the county. Ingham County, unfortunately, has large areas of property that are untaxed because they are owned by either governmental units or MSU. This places a greater burden on businesses and property owners. We must be Judicious in our application of property taxes. The use of these taxes should be more equitable for rural Ingham County. Mason, the county seat, the home of the Ingham County Fairgrounds, seems to be less of a priority. We should be leveraging our tax dollars to improve services across the county, not just in the densely populated areas.

Karla Ruest (Republican): The County’s long-term debt is an issue that needs to be tackled. It’s not a sexy issue but we spend far too much on debt payments. Imagine if we paid down some of that debt and could use those savings to provide better services – including better funding for law enforcement, greater economic development, and mental health services?

This story was assembled from email questionnaires managed by LSJ news assistants Jayne Higo, Veronica Bolanos and Jack Moreland. Contact them at LSJ-EAs@lsj.com or 517.377.1112.

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Election 2022: Ingham County Board candidates in their own words