Faces in the Community

Deyanira Nevarez Martinez will be running for the 2nd Ward Seat left vacant by Jeremy Garza. Currently Deyanira sits on the Lansing School Board and will be facing off against one other candidate for the right to serve Lansing for the next four years until the end of 2030.

From the Deyanira Nevarez Martinez website: Deyanira Nevarez Martinez is a mother, educator, and community advocate running for Lansing City Council to bring bold, people leadership to Ward 2.

Deyanira is a proud Lansing resident, the daughter of farmworkers, and a first generation college graduate who understands firsthand the challenges working families face. She brings a deep commitment to equity, justice, and community empowerment – values shaped by her lived experience and her years of service in both academia and public life.

Deyanira serves as an Assistant Professor in the Urban and Regional Planning Program at Michigan State University, where her research and teaching focus on housing justice and planning with and for historically marginalized communities. Prior to joining MSU, she worked in California as a researcher focusing on housing and homelessness – efforts rooted in her dedication to making sure everyone has access to safe, stable, and dignified housing.

Her academic work has been published in national journals, and she is a sought after voice on issues of housing justice and planning. In addition to her teaching and scholarship, Deyanira serves on the Lansing School District Board of Education, where she has fought for investments that meet the needs of all students.

Deyanira believes local government should be transparent, accountable, and focused on delivering real results for the people it serves. She’s running for City Council to fight for affordable housing, safer more family friendly parks and neighborhoods, and more opportunities for Lansing’s youth and working families. At the heart of everything she does is her family. Deyanira lives in Lansing’s Ward 2 with her husband Richard and their two sons, Carlos and Juan. They are the reason she fights- for a future where every family has the support they need to thrive.

Deyanira Nevarez Martinez website: https://dnmforlansing.com/

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574021612863

Elections will be held Tuesday, November 4, 2025 and YOUR VOTE COUNTS!

TO FIND OUT IF YOU ARE REGISTERED TO VOTE: https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/Voter/Index

TO REGISTER TO VOTE AT HOME (MAIL IN VOTE): https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/Home/VoteAtHome

TO REGISTER TO VOTE: https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/Home/RegisterToVote

VOTE IN PERSON (WHERE DO YOU GO?): https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/Home/VoteInPerson

Meet Clara Martinez as she is running for a Lansing City Council seat. Clara, in her first try for the Lansing City Council is hoping to win one of two At Large seats available this year. The term will run until 2030 and she will facing off against three other candidates on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.

From her website: Clara Martinez is a Lansing public school teacher, proud union member, and passionate community leader. As Dance Director at Everett High School, Clara inspires every day through creativity, movement, and mentorship. A lifelong advocate for education and the arts, she has dedicated her career to uplifting young people and strengthening our neighborhoods.

Her leadership extends beyond the classroom. Clara serves as a Commissioner on the City’s Arts & Culture Commission and as a Board Member for All of the Above Hip Hop Academy. She’s also been recognized nationally for her work in arts education, equity, and leadership development.

Clara is running for Lansing City Council At-Large to bring fresh energy, collaborative leadership, and a deep commitment to Lansing’s future.

I believe Lansing should be a city where every resident, regardless of background or income, has the opportunity to thrive. That means investing in safe and affordable housing, ensuring strong city services, and creating pathways for our children to succeed. It means building safer neighborhoods, enhancing public spaces, and making it easier for families to access the resources they need.

But this vision isn’t just about policy – it’s about people. By fostering a culture of inclusivity, respect, and collaboration, we can create a Lansing where every voice is heard, and every community is valued. Together, we can build a city that works for all of us.

Clara Martinez Website: https://www.claraforlansing.com/

Clara Martinez Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/claraforlansing

Elections will be held Tuesday, November 4, 2025 and YOUR VOTE COUNTS!

TO FIND OUT IF YOU ARE REGISTERED TO VOTE: https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/Voter/Index

TO REGISTER TO VOTE AT HOME (MAIL IN VOTE): https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/Home/VoteAtHome

TO REGISTER TO VOTE: https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/Home/RegisterToVote

VOTE IN PERSON (WHERE DO YOU GO?): https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/Home/VoteInPerson

Jeremy Garza, after serving two terms as the City of Lansing’s 2nd Ward Council member, will be running for one of two open At Large seats on the Council. As the first place finisher in the August primary, Jeremy hopes to beat out three other candidates for the right to serve this four year term as an At Large Council member.

From his website: A Lansing native, Jeremy embodies hard work, grit and determination — values that define our city. He’s put those values to work for us in his two terms on the City Council, providing a strong voice for regular working families and seniors, who are too often overlooked by politicians and lobbyists.
 
Throughout his time on the Lansing City Council, including during his tenure as president, Jeremy has developed a reputation as a bridge-builder who casts politics aside and instead brings people together to solve the challenges facing Lansing citizens. He’s grounded in the community — someone who listens, shows up and works hard to deliver real results for all of Lansing.
 
As a Councilmember, Jeremy has led key investments in public safety — including funding for speed radar trailers, additional officers and community policing, social workers to assist in high-stress calls and life-saving equipment for our firefighters. Public safety isn’t just a talking point for Jeremy — it’s been a cornerstone of his work.
 
Jeremy has also pushed for stronger infrastructure and increased funding for street reconstruction and sidewalk repairs — particularly in underserved areas. In addition, he’s successfully advocated for modern equipment and traffic calming strategies to improve safety in our neighborhoods.
 
Jeremy has been a United Association Local 333 member for 25 years, working as a journeyman plumber and pipefitter and serving as his union’s safety director. He is a graduate of J.W. Sexton High School and Eastern Michigan University, as well as UA Local 333’s apprenticeship program at Lansing Community College and the UA instructors’ training program at Washtenaw Community College.
 
Jeremy’s wife of 20 years, Alicia, is a registered nurse at McLaren Greater Lansing. They are the proud parents of Calla, 15, and Eva, 12.
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Garza for Lansing website: https://www.votejeremygarza.com

Garza for Lansing Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/votejeremygarza

TO FIND OUT IF YOU ARE REGISTERED TO VOTE: https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/Voter/Index

TO REGISTER TO VOTE AT HOME (MAIL IN VOTE) : https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/Home/VoteAtHome

TO REGISTER TO VOTE: https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/Home/RegisterToVote

VOTE IN PERSON (WHERE DO YOU GO?): https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/Home/VoteInPerson

Elva Reyes, “keeps her community in mind with everything she does” is the opening line on her website. As someone who has watched her, walked alongside her and worked with her on various projects for the past 3 decades, this actually might be an understatement.

Elva has worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life around her and others as she has always sought to make those around her better. The writer can’t begin to imagine the volunteer hours she has put in just trying to make a difference.

Election Date: Tuesday, November 5, 2024.

To Donate to the Committee to Elect Elva Reyes: Elva Reyes — Donate via ActBlue

Congrats go out to Judge Anthony (Tony) Flores who went from being the first ever sitting Judge for the City of Lansing to the becoming the first ever elected Hispanic Latino Judge in the City of Lansing!

From Alicia: It has been an honor and privilege to serve our community as a member of the Waverly Community Schools Board of Education. This November, I am asking for another 4 years to build on the accomplishments and to address the outstanding issues you’ve raised.

I have dedicated my life—personally and professionally—to ensuring that all children and families thrive and have the opportunities to reach their potential.

If given another term, I will continue to work to raise the voices of our students, families, teachers and staff in decision-making.

Vote on November 8th.

Alicia Guevara Warren Facebook Page: Alicia Guevara Warren, Waverly Schools Board of Education | Facebook

Deborah Moreno Lopez has announced her candidacy for the Waverly Community School Board. She is intends to advocate for students, staff and the community by ensuring the communities values, beliefs, and priorities are reflected in the decisions that are made.

She received a key endorsement from both the Waverly Education Association and the Waverly Education Support Professionals Association.

Remember to vote on November 8th.