Farewell to Ted Staton

Yesterday, the City of East Lansing bid farewell to Ted Staton, who has been City Manager of EL for the past 16 years. Below is a letter from the CRC's Board of Directors expressing their appreciation for all of Ted's hard work toward better university-community relations over the years. We will be sorry to see Ted go, but look forward to working with Interim City Manager George Lahanas, and the new City Manager once he or she is selected!
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Dear Ted,

As you leave East Lansing for your home state of Ohio, we wanted to take this opportunity to tell you how much the Community Relations Coalition has appreciated your support over these many years. We truly believe that having champions like you and the City Council has allowed this fledgling organization to grow and to really make a difference in the lives of the residents of East Lansing.

Born out of riots and deteriorating relationships, the CRC has faced the tough task of breaking through stereotypes and barriers to build trusting relationships in our community. Without support from the top, demonstrated in so many ways, it is hard to imagine how we could have gained the trust of the community so quickly. We will always appreciate your presence at events, your family’s participation in the CRC’s “Adopt a Floor” program, and your enthusiastic championing of the work of the CRC interns.

The interns are the heart and soul of the CRC, and it is significant that throughout the years they all knew you by name, and felt comfortable asking you questions and for advice. We are sure that their view of city government will be forever changed by knowing that good cities are led by good people.

We want to join in with your many friends and colleagues in thanking you for all that you have done to make East Lansing a wonderful place to live, to work, and to go to school.

With best wishes always,

The board of directors of the Community Relations Coalition
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Here is a photo of the cake from Ted's Farewell Celebration yesterday - Sparty eating a buckeye!