Virg Bernero Announces Re-Election Bid for Lansing Mayor

May 1, 2009 - PRLog -- Mayor Virg Bernero said today that he will formally announce his candidacy for re-election tomorrow, Saturday, May 2, from the banks of the Grand River across from the Ottawa Street Power Station in downtown Lansing.

“My Administration still represents the change Lansing needs,” Bernero said. “In times like these, we can't afford to take our foot off the gas pedal or slow down our efforts to grow this economy. Creating new job opportunities for our citizens is still Job One.”

Bernero said he would run on his record of accomplishments over the last four years, especially his successful efforts to eliminate more than $20 million in recurring structural budget deficits without raising taxes and without laying off city employees.

"We have charted a course of fiscal responsibility that has relied on making the tough choices necessary to live within our means," Bernero said. "We have maintained our reserve funds despite efforts by some to fritter them away, and we have found innovative ways to save money by regionalizing key assets like the Potter Park Zoo."

Strengthening public safety, improving city neighborhoods and rebuilding Lansing's aging infrastructure will continue to be prominent themes in his campaign, Bernero said. "Over the last four years, not only have we avoided slashing police and fire budgets like other cities, we have actually added five new community police officers to help keep our neighborhoods safe," Bernero said.

"And, this year we will invest a record $16.5 million in rebuilding our major roads and neighborhood streets. I think Lansing voters appreciate the fact that we have made these key areas our top priorities and will support keeping our city on the right track for the next four years," he said.

Bernero noted that his campaign will continue to emphasize an optimistic outlook for Lansing's future. “I still believe in Lansing," Bernero said. "I believe in our people and in our potential to be one of the great Midwestern capital cities. Thanks to the groundwork we have laid over the last four years, when the national economy emerges from its current slump, we will be in a strong position to do exactly that.”

Bernero, 45, was elected to his first term as Lansing Mayor in 2005, defeating incumbent Mayor Tony Benavides by a wide margin. He previously represented Lansing in the Michigan House of Representatives and Senate, as well as serving for eight years on the Ingham County Board of Commissioners. He is married to Teri Bernero, principal of Lansing’s Lewton Elementary School, and has two daughters.

http://www.votevirg.com