The Lansing Charter Commission meeting on January 7, 2025, featured a passionate public comment from Leslie Arnell, who expressed frustration with the commission's engagement with the community and the handling of local issues. Arnell criticized the commission for deferring to Chris Swope, a non-elected official, and called for greater accountability from the elected commissioners. She highlighted a lack of responsiveness to concerns about repeat offenders of trash violations in her neighborhood, emphasizing that residents feel ignored by those in power.

Arnell's remarks underscored a broader sentiment among Lansing citizens who feel that their voices are not being heard. She urged the commissioners to engage more directly with the public and to take their responsibilities seriously, stating that the community is tired of decisions being made without proper consideration of their impact on residents' lives. She concluded her comments by thanking two commissioners, Jody and Jasmine, for their efforts, expressing a desire for more representatives like them.

Following the public comments, the meeting transitioned to officer reports, with no significant updates from the chair or vice chair. The session then moved to presentations, including one from former Mayor Hollister, who joined via video call. The meeting highlighted ongoing concerns about community engagement and the need for elected officials to prioritize the voices of their constituents.