Michigan voters will go to the polls Tuesday, Aug. 7, with several local primary races on the ballot, among them is the Republican nomination for 72nd District State House seat. WKTV has what you need to know about the race between incumbent Rep. Steve Johnson and challenger Jennifer Antel.
Rep. Johnson is completing his first term representing the 72nd District, which includes Kentwood as part a far-flung district including portions of Kent and Allegan counties. He lives in Wayland Township, is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, and readily identifies himself as a Christian conservative.
Antel is currently a Wayland City Councilor and has served 13 years on the council, currently as Mayor Pro Tem. She has a Masters in Public Administration from Grand Valley State University, has worked as the Downtown Development Director for the City of Otsego, and Assistant to the City Manager in the City of Kalamazoo. She is a mother of five, and is a guest teacher and track coach at Wayland Union Schools.
Signed into law in 1965 by President Lyndon B. Johnson, Medicare provides health care coverage to seniors and individuals with disabilities. For most older adults, it is a benefit they have been paying for their entire working lives. Medicare insures older adults have basic healthcare coverage. Many older adults are surprised to discover though, that dental care is not a benefit included in Medicare coverage. There is a campaign underfoot to change this.
The original version of Medicare included oral health, but like all bills, in order to become law Medicare went through several revisions. The thought at the time was that a majority of Americans lost all of their teeth by age 65, so dental care was unimportant. Today, thanks to better oral health and fluoridated water, many of us are holding onto our teeth for our entire lives. The ability to care for our teeth is integral to healthy aging.
Our mouths have a direct impact on our health. Tooth decay or loss directly affects our ability to take in proper nutrition. The ability to eat and swallow are imperative to maintaining good health as we age. Maintaining adequate nutrition is often key to remaining independent.A decline in oral health also affects our self-esteem and willingness to communicate, leading to social isolation and loneliness. Poor oral health can also have a negative impact on our general physical health. Periodontal disease has been shown to affect blood glucose levels in people with diabetes and has recently been associated with cardiovascular disease. Receiving basic oral health services helps prevent these outcomes.
Led by Oral Health America, Demand Medicare Dental is a national campaign to improve oral health (and overall health) for older adults by adding a dental care benefit to Medicare. Right now, they are working in several states and partnering with local organizations to raise awareness of the issue and to encourage legislators to begin having the conversation about including dental benefits in Medicare. Demand Dental Care has recently partnered with Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan and the Tri-County AAA in Lansing to bring their Brush Brigade to local events, asking people interested in this issue to sign their name on a toothbrush, which will be delivered to legislators this fall. It is important for lawmakers to know this issue is important to their constituents.
If you’re interested in learning more about their efforts or volunteering for the campaign, you can visit their website at www.DemandMedicareDental.org. On the website, you can also choose to send your legislator a toothbrush to let them know – “I Have Teeth and I Vote!”
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park will bloom of a rare Amorphophallus titanum, commonly known as a corpse flower, a bloom 18 years in the making.
GRandJazzFest seeks volunteers for August event
GRandJazzFest presented by the DTE Energy Foundation seeks volunteers to help at the festival Aug. 18 and 19 at Rosa Parks Circle in downtown Grand Rapids.
You can help create the change you want to see by holding your local and state officials accountable — but to do that, you must first be registered to vote; then, you must actually vote. The deadline for registering to vote in Michigan’s Aug. 7th primary election is Monday,July 9th.
Not sure you’re registered? There’s an easy way to find out. According to Robert J. Macomber, Chief Deputy County Clerk, residents can visit www.Michigan.gov/vote to check their registration, find the address of their local clerk or obtain the mail-in voter registration application. It will also tell you your polling location.
Fun fact: Women suffragettes were jailed and force fed for 3 weeks for the right to vote.
“First-time voters who register by mail must vote in person in their first election, unless they hand-deliver the application to their local clerk, are 60 years old or older, are disabled or are eligible to vote under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act,” says Macomber.
Click on Kent County’s Elections page https://www.accesskent.com/Departments/Elections/ to learn more about the August Primary here in Kent County, view your sample ballot, or find your polling location.
Stay informed… and be involved. Don’t miss your chance to have a say in how your state government represents you.
On the latest episode of WKTV Journal: In Focus, WKTV caught up with U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, a Republican who represents both Wyoming and Kentwood in Washington, D.C.
Huizenga has been a strong supporter of the Republican-led federal tax cuts, which he said is good for West Michigan businesses large and small, and the state’s workers. He is also a strong supporter of President Donald Trump, but has disagreed with him on several issues, including trade tariffs. In the special “on the scene” interview, Rep. Huizenga addresses those issues as well as Michigan’s recreational marijuana ballot measure.
Also on the episode, In Focus is James R. Gill, President and CEO of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority. Since coming to Grand Rapids, in January 2017, he has seen many changes, both large and small, in the airport. We talk about those, and what is coming in the future.
The entire episode of “WKTV Journal: In Focus” airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel.
The episode will debuted on WKTV cable channels on Tuesday, June 26, and will again air on Thursday, June 28, also at 6:30 p.m., and will continue on the same days and times the week of July 2. But all interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal: In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.
Wyoming: Roadwork, and delays, coming to 56th Street in early July
If 56th Street is one of your favorite routes to take to the RiverTown Crossings or to Maple Hill Golf Course, be warned: starting July 9 you will need to find a different route. 56th Street will be closed between Ivanrest Avenue and 56th Street for reconstruction that includes the road being widen to three lines.
Kentwood and Wyoming: Citizens invited to talk with Sen. Gary Peters
S.S. Sen. Peters will be in Grand Rapids on Saturday, June 30, at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. (Supplied)
U.S. Sen. Gary Petters (D-Michigan) has announced that he will be traveling to four Michigan cities this summer for community meetings, and he will be in Grand Rapids on Saturday, June 30, for a 10 a.m. meeting at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, 303 Pearl St NW.
WKTV on YouTube: U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga talks tax cuts, recreational marijuana
U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-District 2) was the special governmental guest Monday, June 11, at the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters Committee’s monthly forum at Kentwood City Hall. WKTV’s Ken Norris caught up with him.
U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-District 2) was the special governmental guest June 11 at the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters meeting. (WKTV)
By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org
U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-District 2) was the special governmental guest Monday, June 11, at the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters Committee’s monthly forum at Kentwood City Hall.
The monthly forum is free and open to the public, and allows public questions — which Rep. Huizenga, in the start of a reelection campaign season, faced during his visit.
The Government Matters meeting brings together representatives from the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood, Kent County commissioners, local Michigan state senators and representatives, as well as often representatives of Michigan’s U.S. senators and U.S. congressman who represent the Wyoming and Kentwood area.
The meeting for July will be at the Wyoming City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW, from 8 a.m. to 9:15 a.m.
The intergovernmental discussion hosted by the chamber focuses on issues that effect residents and businesses in the two cities.
For more information about the chamber and Government Matters visit southkent.org .
The meetings are on the second Monday of each month, starting at 8 a.m. WKTV Journal will produce a highlight story after the meeting. But WKTV also offers replays of the Monday meetings on the following Wednesday at 7 p.m. on Comcast Cable Government Channel 26. Replays are also available online at WKTV’s government meetings on-demand page (wktvondemand.com) and on the chamber’s Facebook page.
On the latest episode of WKTV Journal: In Focus is James Carmody. After an award-winning career spanning more than four decades, Wyoming Director of Police and Fire Services Chief Carmody retired a few weeks ago. Before he did so, WKTV’s Joanne Bailey-Boorsma walked with “The Chief” as he talked about his career and the Wyoming department he led.
Also on the episode, In Focus is Jennifer Antel, currently a Wayland City Councilor who is running in the Republican primary for the 72nd District state representative seat currently held by fellow Republican Steven Johnson. The 72nd district includes parts of Allegan and Kent counties, including the city of Kentwood.
The entire episode of “WKTV Journal: In Focus” airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel.
The episode will debuted on WKTV cable channels on Tuesday, June 12, and will again air on Thursday, June 14, also at 6:30 p.m., and will continue on the same days and times the week of June 4. But all interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal: In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.
U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-Mi.) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) joined thousands of veterans on May 27 to observe Memorial Day, May 28, at Washington, D.C.’s annual Rolling Thunder First Amendment Demonstration Run. (Supplied/David Bohrer)
By Sen. Gary Peters Office
U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-Mi.) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), co-chairs of the bipartisan Senate Motorcycle Caucus, joined thousands of veterans on Sunday, May 27, to observe Memorial Day at Washington, D.C.’s annual Rolling Thunder First Amendment Demonstration Run.
The nationwide motorcycle ride events brings together over one million riders and spectators combined to honor service members killed in action (KIA), those still missing in action (MIA) and prisoners of war (POW). Both Peters and Ernst serve on the Senate Armed Services Committee and are former servicemembers: Peters is a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve and Ernst is a former Lt. Colonel in the Iowa Army National Guard.
“Generations of American military men and women have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country, and we owe them and their families our deepest gratitude,” said Sen. Peters, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve. “I was honored to join Senator Ernst and veterans from around the country at Rolling Thunder to pay tribute to the fallen and those who have yet to return home from their service.”
“Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. As a nation, we can never repay what was given, or ever say thank you enough. I am proud to join my colleagues at Rolling Thunder today to honor these Americans, and those who were killed in action or became prisoners of war,” said Sen. Ernst.
“America’s POW/MIA mission is very important to the VFW and our nation’s veterans, service members and families. It is a promise to those serving in uniform today that no matter what, we will travel to the ends of the Earth to return you home to your families,” said VFW National Legislative Service Director Carlos Fuentes. “The VFW thanks Senators Peters and Ernst for their leadership in making certain the brave men and women who have make the ultimate sacrifice are never forgotten.”
“Rolling Thunder was born out of the efforts of Vietnam Veterans to ensure no generation of veterans is ever forgotten again,” said John Rowan, Vietnam Veterans of America National President. “I thank Senator Peters and Senator Ernst for their steadfast dedication to all of America’s veterans, and for joining veterans from around the country to observe Memorial Day by remembering those who gave their lives in service to our country and those who are still missing in action.”
Rolling Thunder began in 1988 as a response to the Vietnam War era. Led by Vietnam veteran Ray Manzo (CPL, USMC), a group of veterans organized the first run to raise awareness of the significant numbers of American service members missing in action or left behind as prisoners of war. According to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), there are more than 82,000 Americans still missing from WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War, and the most recently concluded Gulf Wars.
Longtime motorcyclists, Peters and Ernst launched the bipartisan Senate Motorcycle Caucus in 2017 to facilitate discussions on a range of issues on behalf of both motorcycle riders and manufacturers.
Wyoming: City hires Scott Smith as new city attorney
Scott G. Smith
The Wyoming City Council has hired Scott Smith as its city attorney. Smith will serve as the city’s chief legal advisor, responsible for providing legal services to the City Council, city manager, all departments, and city boards and commissions. He will render legal opinions, prepare contracts, ordinances, resolutions, leases and other documents, and assist in drafting proposed legislation on matters of interest to the City.
Kentwood: The Vibe parks and rec gala coming this week
Katelyn Bush
Community members and friends are invited to attend The Vibe, a Parks and Recreation gala benefiting Kentwood’s Adaptive Sports programs, which provide recreation opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The celebration will take place on Friday, May 18 from 6-10 p.m. at Stonewater Country Club, located at 7177 Kalamazoo Avenue SE in Caledonia.
Government Matters: Ballot measures are headed to a voting booth near you, maybe
Possible Michigan legislative action driven by probable fall ballot measures on prevailing wage and recreational marijuana use was a key part of the discussion Monday, May 14, as part of the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Government Matters meeting held at Kentwood City Hall.
WKTV programs: WKTV Journal offers Newscast and in-depth interviews
WKTV Journal is not only online/print but video programs as well. On the latest episode of WKTV Journal’s newscast, voters for Godfrey-Lee Public Schools pass a sinking millage for the district and the 28th Street Metro Cruise Dust-Off took place. The local farmers markets are preparing to open with Metro Health Farm Market underway and the Kentwood Farmers Market set to start in June.
On the latest episode of WKTV Journal: In Focus is Dr. Rob Davidson, Democratic candidate for Michigan’s District 2 U.S. House seat currently held by Republican Rep. Bill Huizenga. That district includes both the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood.
West Michigan: Meijer Gardens Tuesday evening concerts plays it local
Kathy Lamar and Robin Connell, taken at J D Reardon’s. (Supplied)
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park has announced a nine-show lineup for the Tuesday Evening Music Club with a diverse two-month program of live bands ranging from jazz to indie, rock to folk. Taking place on the Gardens’ 1,900-seat amphitheater stage, the Tuesday concerts are free to Meijer Gardens members and include admission throughout July and August.
On the latest episode of WKTV Journal: In Focus is Dr. Rob Davidson, Democratic candidate for Michigan’s District 2 U.S. House seat currently held by Republican Rep. Bill Huizenga. That district includes both the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood.
Davidson was born and raised in Michigan, and is married with 3 children in Spring Lake Public Schools, were he is a school board trustee. As part of his discussion with In Focus host Ken Norris, Davidson talks about being an emergency physician for 20 years, currently at a small hospital in Newaygo County, and why it is no surprise he believes that health care is a right not a privilege.
Also on the episode, In Focus is Kentwood City Commissioner Emily Bridson. Bridson won a seat on the commission last year, but she is no stranger to city governance as she previously served on the Planning Commissioner, the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Kentwood 50th anniversary Celebration Committee, as well as at the Kent County level and for local non-profits. Bridson talks about her first months on the job and why she is committed to public service.
The entire episode of “WKTV Journal: In Focus” airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel.
The episode will debuted on WKTV cable channels on Tuesday, May 15, and will again air on Thursday, May 16, also at 6:30 p.m., and will continue on the same days and times the week of May 21. But all interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal: In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.
WKTV offers on-demand viewing of the Wyoming and Kentwood high school sports, community events, and government meetings. (WKTV)
By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org
Possible Michigan legislative action driven by probable fall ballot measures on prevailing wage and recreational marijuana use was a key part of the discussion Monday, May 14, as part of the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Government Matters meeting held at Kentwood City Hall.
After the topic was raised as to which ballot measure proposals were likely to be approved for public vote this fall, a representative of the Michigan Secretary of State’s office confirmed that the ballot proposal to legalize recreational use of marijuana was approved and a proposal to eliminate current prevailing wage laws was likely.
(A proposal to change the way state voting districts are drawn — which is driven by a petition drive led by a group called Voters Not Politicians — has enough signatures to be on the ballot but is currently facing opposition in the state’s courts.)
State Sen. Peter MacGregor (R-28th District) then took center stage when discussing possible state legislative action that could impact the ballot measures.
Sen. MacGregor said there is currently discussion in Lansing on the idea of the legislature (both the state Senate and House of Representatives) voting to approve the recreational marijuana proposal, an action which according to state law would then allow the legislature to impose certain rules (and possible restrictions) on the state’s recreational marijuana laws with a simple majority vote in the two chambers and without the signature of the governor.
He — and State Rep. Steven Johnson (R-72nd District) — explained that if the proposal went to the voters and passed, it would require a 3/4 majority of the legislature to change it.
“I have voted against every marijuana proposal,” Sen. MacGregor said. But “if we pass it, we can come back and revisit it.
“I want to make it clear that if the legislature decides to vote on any of the citizens’ initiated ballot proposals, we must vote and accept the language as written, within 40 days of certification,” he later said to WKTV. “We can’t change anything until it becomes a statute. Both accepting language and any future changes can be done by a simple majority vote.”
A more detailed discussion on the issue, along with discussion on other issues such as the federal deficit, funding problems with Kent County’s mental health programs, and business news from Kentwood and Wyoming were also part of the latest Government Matters meeting.
The monthly meeting brings together government leaders of all levels to discuss issues of importance and presents those discussions through WKTV’s live, delayed and on-demand broadcasts.
The Chamber’s Government Matters meetings include representatives of the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming, Kent County, local Michigan House of Representatives and Senate, and, often, representatives of other regional, State of Michigan and Federal elected officials. The next meeting will be June 11 at Kentwood City Hall.
The meetings are on the second Monday of each month, starting at 8 a.m. WKTV Journal will produce a highlight story after the meeting. But WKTV also offers replays of the Monday meetings on the following Wednesday at 7 p.m. on Comcast Cable Government Channel 26. Replays are also available online at WKTV’s government meetings on-demand page (wktvondemand.com) and on the chamber’s Facebook page.
On the latest episode of WKTV Journal: In Focus, new volunteer host Keith St. Clair, an instructor at Grand Rapids Community College, talks conservatism and the state of Michigan state politics with Bob Genetski, a Republican who is running for the 26th State Senate district seat currently held by Tonya Schuitmaker.
Genetski served the Michigan House of Representatives from 2009 through 2014, when he was elected as Allegan County Clerk. He is both a one-time public school teacher and was named one of the Michigan House’s most conservative elected officials.
Also on this episode of In Focus today is Kathey Batey, a key volunteer with the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce, a domestic relations mediator, and accomplished author and sought-after speaker, as well as corporate trainer specializing in conflict communication. She talks with In Focus host Ken Norris about her work with the chamber, in the community and a new book she has written.
The entire episode of “WKTV Journal: In Focus” airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel.
The episode will debuted on WKTV cable channels on Tuesday, April 24, and will again air on Thursday, April 25, also at 6:30 p.m., and will continue on the same days and times the week of April 30. But all interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal: In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.
WKTV offers on-demand viewing of the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters program. (WKTV)
By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org
While there was discussion ranging from Kent County mental health care to a new brewery in Wyoming presented Monday, April 9, as part of the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Government Matters meeting, a nuanced difference of political opinion on the federal level lead off the morning program.
Local representatives of U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI) and U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-Michigan 2nd District)— Sen. Peter’s West Michigan Regional Director Peter Dickow and Rep. Huizenga’s District Director Greg VanWoerkom — offered differences of opinion on the politically changed debate on gun control and student protests in the wake of the Florida school shooting.
In response to a topic introduction by the meeting moderator, Dickow and VanWoerkom expressed not only their bosses’ stand on the issue but, subtly, their own.
“The question about the most recent energy being driven from the students or from adults, personally I don’t know if the senator has an opinion on that directly,” Dickow said. “… (but) it has been pretty impressive to see the energy from the students, nationwide. I know that the senator and his wife were among those that did actually march in Washington (D.C.) recently. … Whether that is going to result in congressional changes? I think that remains to be seen.”
VanWoerkom, however, wanted to talk more about how Rep. Huizenga is more focused on school safety overall rather than a focus on gun control as the only answer.
“We are trying to see it as … How do we ensure our schools remain safe, what are the resources they need,” he said. “We all want our kids safe and that is kind of what I am focusing on from a personal level, as a school board president, and then from a legislative perspective. What are the tools, resources, that schools need to ensure parents feel safe sending their kids there.”
VanWoerkom, incidentally and in addition to his work as district director for Rep. Huizenga, is running as a Republican for the Michigan 91st District State Representative seat currently held by Rep. Holly Hughes, also a Republican.
The monthly meeting brings together government leaders of all levels to discuss issues of importance and presents those discussions through WKTV’s live, delayed and on-demand broadcasts.
The Chamber’s Government Matters meetings include representatives of the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming, Kent County, local Michigan House of Representatives and Senate, and, often, representatives of other regional, State of Michigan and Federal elected officials. The next meeting will be May 14 at Kentwood City Hall.
The meetings are on the second Monday of each month, starting at 8 a.m. WKTV Journal will produce a highlight story after the meeting. But WKTV also offers replays of the Monday meetings on the following Wednesday at 7 p.m. on Comcast Cable Government Channel 26. Replays are also available online at WKTV’s government meetings on-demand page (wktvondemand.com) and on the chamber’s Facebook page.
On the latest episode of WKTV Journal: In Focus, two members of the Kent County Lead Task Force, a group which studied the issue of rising levels of childhood lead poisoning in Kent County, talk about a report recently presented to the County Commission which included a list of recommendations to combat the problem.
And just in case you think lead poisoning is only a problem of heavily urban areas such as Flint, consider that in 2016 the county being statistically the third worst in the state.
In Focus host Ken Norris talks with Kent County Commissioner Emily Brieve and Adam London, the Health Officer for the Kent County Health Department. And, at one point, Brieve discussed the role of local city governments and individual rental property owners as part of the solution.
“Each municipality, each city has different rules, different regulations for rental properties, and rental inspections,” Brieve said. “So one of the things that was part of our recommendations was to gather that information, to see what a good practice would be, going on, and what we could recommend to those municipalities, how they should address lead in their communities. … I think it is a multi-facetted effort. There is an awareness on behalf of the renter and also the property owner. It is an awareness of how to take care of the property, how to fix it up. And also local government, keeping an eye, making sure the rules are followed.”
Also on the episode, The Rev. Dr. Weldon Frederick Wooden, just Fred to his friends and congregation at Fountain Street Church, who is one of currently two Democratic candidates attempting to unseat Republican U.S. Congressman Justin Amash in Michigan’s District 3.
The entire episode of “WKTV Journal: In Focus” airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel.
The episode will debut on WKTV cable channels on Tuesday, March 13, at 6:30 p.m., will again air on Thursday, March 15, also at 6:30 p.m., and will continue on the same days and times the week of March 19. But all interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal: In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVVideos.
State Sen. Tonya Schuitmaker on the set of WKTV Journal: In Focus.
WKTV Staff
news@wktv.org
On the latest episode of WKTV Journal: In Focus, State Sen. Tonya Schuitmaker, a Republican who currently represents the 26th District, which includes the City of Kentwood, talks with program host Ken Norris on a wide-range of topics, including the opioid crisis and her coming effort to become Michigan’s next Attorney General.
But in the wake of last week’s mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, Sen. Schuitmaker also talks about her support of 2nd Amendment gun rights in general but also Senate bills she voted for in 2017 which, if approved by the state House of Representatives and Governor, would allow guns in gun-free zones such as schools and daycare centers.
“When you look at mass shootings, the good majority of them happen in gun-free zones,” Sen. Schuitmaker said to WKTV. “No amount of laws every really enforces these mass shootings from happening, because murder is against the law and we still see it every single day.
“I do support the 2nd Amendment and I am a CPL holder myself. I certainly believe I should be allowed to take precautions and protect myself, and my family and my home. As you saw, down in Texas, in that awful, terrible church shooting, it was a 2nd Amendment holder, a CPL holder, that actually stopped that gunman from more carnage. I certainly supported the legislation (Senate bills) that you referred to because I believe that if teachers that are certified and go through additional training, that they won’t be helpless in a classroom, and that in certain circumstances they might be able to prevent such carnage as what we saw there (in Florida), because our kids lives are at risk.”
Also on the episode, Kevin Polston, Superintendent of Godfrey-Lee Public Schools, talks about his school district’s upcoming request for public support of an extension of an existing sinking fund millage — an effort to improve safety, security and technology while allowing more general fund dollars to be spent in the classroom.
The entire episode of “WKTV Journal: In Focus” airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel.
The episode will debut on WKTV cable channels on Tuesday, Feb. 27, at 6:30 p.m., will again air on Thursday, March 1, also at 6:30 p.m., and will continue on the same days and times the week of March 5. But all interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal: In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVVideos.
Michigan State Sen. Peter MacGregor (R-28th District, which includes the City of Wyoming) has a business background, being a former small business owner and having graduated from Michigan State University with a business degree. So one thing he hates is late payment for work performed, a problem often faced by the state’s foster care providers.
During a visit to the set of WKTV Journal: In Focus early this month, MacGregor talked with host Ken Norris about his work for efficient funding for the state’s foster care system as well as subjects ranging from the state’s term limits law to his volunteer work for “Volley for Mitchell”, a charity volleyball tournament which has raised more than $100,000 for Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy.
Also on the latest episode of In Focus, the Grand Rapids based Migrant Legal Aid organization, specifically director/attorney Teresa Hendricks and attorney Ben O’Hearn, discuss their group’s work to protect migrant workers’ legal rights and to give voice to a sometimes silent portion of our community.
The episode will debut Tuesday, Jan. 16 , at 6:30 p.m., and will again air on Thursday, also at 6:30 p.m., and again next week on the same days and times on WKTV channels but all interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal: In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVVideos.
The entire episode of “WKTV Journal: In Focus” airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel.
Taking advantage of changes in state rules on how schools can spend sinking fund millage requests, and after unanimous approval by the Godfrey-Lee School Board this week, the district will put before voters on the May 8 ballot a 3-mill sinking fund request to address safety, security and technology issues.
An 2016 amendment to the state’s School Code allows expenditure of up-to-10-year, 3-mill maximum, sinking fund millage increases for additional school infrastructure uses such as technology and security upgrades in addition to building repairs and renovations.
Godfrey-Lee Public Schools Superintendent Kevin Polston, center, speaks to the State Board of Education recently. (Supplied)
Approval of a new sinking fund would “ease the general fund to allow as many dollars as possible to stay in the classroom,” Superintendent Kevin Polston said to WKTV. “A new eligible area of the sinking fund is technology. We currently use general fund dollars to pay for technology devices. As we know, general fund dollars fluctuate and there is no guarantee as to what we will get from year to year. Much less keeping up with inflation. The sinking fund will provide a sustainable means to provide current technology devices for our students across our K-12 system.”
The 3 mills would be collected for 10 years — 2019 to 2028 — and generate approximately $315,000 the first year. Polston said 2 mills would go toward maintenance, energy and safety and security, with 1 mill for technology.
Polston said a series of community meetings will be scheduled to discuss the tax request with residents.
“In regards to maintenance, as stewards of our taxpayers dollars, we need to maintain our buildings to provide the best learning environments we can for our students. If we do not follow a regular maintenance schedule, it will result in higher costs and less dollars going to the classroom,” Polston said.
“In addition, there are new technologies that have lower operating costs, but have an initial up front cost. An example is through the sinking fund we will install LED lighting in all of our buildings. LED lighting provides an enhanced learning environment at a significantly reduced operating costs and longer lifespan.”
The district’s previous sinking fund levy, 1.9976-mill, approved by Godfrey-Lee voters in 2009 is expiring.
According to the district, the average home value for a residence in the district is $67,169 and a homeowner with a homestead exemption is currently paying $67 per year and with the extra mill requested would see an increase of $34 for a total of $101.
Wyoming and Kentwood’s local state government representatives were busy in Lansing in 2017, often on legislative action they felt passionate about. (Michigan Municipal League)
When it comes to working on public policy in Lansing, Michigan state legislators try to vote knowledgeably on wide range of issues. But they often have focal points for their efforts; legislative bills which they champion because they consider them uniquely important or, often, have a personal connection.
As 2017 comes to a close, WKTV asked the two state senators and two representatives who represent the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood to tell us about one of their legislative efforts that rose above the routine job of public policy and governance.
The answers ranged from combating the state’s opioid epidemic to supporting foster care parents, from protecting people by protecting their pets to a deeply held belief in the sanctity of the unborn.
Sen. Schuitmaker seeking an decline in opioid abuse
For Sen. Tonya Schuitmaker — Senate President Pro Tempore, R-26th District, which represents the city of Kentwood and Gaines Township in Kent County — a chance meeting with a constituent who lost her child to opioid abuse led her to focus on the issue and to work on several fronts to combat what some call an epidemic.
State Sen. Tonya Schuitmaker (R-26th District)
First, Schuitmaker sponsored legislation to allow law enforcement and first responders to carry the life-saving Naloxone, a medication designed to rapidly reverse opioid overdose. Then, in 2015, she was appointed to Gov. Rick Snyder’s Prescription Drug and Opioid Abuse Task Force, which issued several recommendations including the use of the Michigan Automated Prescription System to deter over-prescription problems such as so-called “doctor shopping” and “pill mills.”
Senate Bills 166 and 167 are expected to be signed by the governor soon.
“Every community across our state has experienced the devastating effects of prescription drug and opioid abuse,” Schuitmaker said to WKTV. “My colleagues and I have heard from parents of victims, individuals who have suffered from addiction, medical specialists, law enforcement and many others.
“Though many tragedies have happened in recent years, Senate Bills 166 and 167 are a culmination of hard work from every end of the spectrum to help put an end to this crisis. … This legislation will put an end to pill mills and other illegal operations by creating a paper trail for every Schedule 2 through Schedule 5 controlled substance. A quick, three-second search gives health care professionals a complete outline of a patient’s controlled substance prescription history; allowing them to see if something doesn’t look right.”
Rep. Brann takes love of animals to legally protected level
Anybody who knows Rep. Tommy Brann — R-77th District, including the City of Wyoming and Byron Township — knows he often explains his stands on issues with stories about people in his community if not in his restaurant. In this, his first year working in Lansing, he says one of his “pet” efforts was the introduction of House Bill 4332 and House Bill 4333, which increases the penalties of animal cruelty.
“I call HB 4332 the ‘Howie Bill’ because it changes the definition of animals to reflect them as companions in law, which is how I saw my dog Howie,” Brann said to WKTV. But the bill really has more of a backstory than just the legislator’s dog.
State Rep. Tommy Brann (R-77th District)
“While clearing tables at my restaurant and I overheard at booth #99 customers talking about the best way to get revenge on someone was to kill their dog,” Brann said. “This had a major impact on me, because of how much pets mean to me. Animal abuse should not be tolerated, and the proper, humane treatment of animals is good for society. According to multiple studies, there is a correlation between animal abuse and domestic violence.”
According to Brann, HB 4332 and 4333 make it a crime to knowingly kill, torture, or mutilate a companion animal, knowingly administer poison to a companion animal, or threaten to do any of those things, with the intent to cause mental suffering or distress to a person or exert control over a person. The bill also increases penalties for some existing animal abuse crimes, and expands some existing crimes. The legislation keeps some penalties against animal abusers the same but adds three tiers to the sentencing guidelines, and there is no minimum sentencing guidelines.
The House passed HB 4332 (92-15) and 4333 (90-17) and are currently in the Senate Judiciary Committee for review, he said.
Rep. Johnson follows his beliefs with anti-abortion effort
Rep. Steve Johnson — R-72nd District, which includes the City of Kentwood — is also in his first year in Lansing. And while he has had a busy year and been active on many issues, he was Christian conservative before he was elected and will be whenever he finally leaves state government. So his support of right-to-life issues are strong.
State Rep. Steven Johnson, left, talks with WKTV Journal: In Focus host Ken Norris during a 2017 interview. (WKTV)
“The first piece of legislation I introduced that I’m very passionate about is HB 4221, which would prohibit the state from sending money to clinics in Michigan that provide elective abortion services,” Johnson said to WKTV. “Protecting the sanctity of life is a responsibility I take very seriously. Our budget in Michigan should not be used to fund abortion clinics, whether directly through state-generated revenue or indirectly with money we receive from the federal government.”
HB 4221 is currently awaiting a vote in the House Appropriations Committee, he said.
Sen. MacGregor works to support child care efforts
As chairman of the Department of Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee, Sen. Peter MacGregor — R-28th District, which includes the City of Wyoming — has been working to reform the Child Care Fund for several years, most recently and specifically through Senate Bills 529 and 530.
State Sen. Peter MacGregor (R-28th District)
MacGregor has “worked closely with the Child Care Fund and the groups involved with taking care of this vulnerable population of children for over five years,” according to a statement from his office to WKTV. “What started out as a meeting to examine slow payments to counties and non-profit service providers from the state, eventually morphed into a two-year workgroup with the goal of changing the Child Care Fund payment system.”
Michigan’s Child Care Fund (CCF) provides financial reimbursement to counties for community-based programming and placement costs for youth with an annual budget of approximately $400 million. The workgroup included the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, county courts and other county representatives, and non-profit child placing agencies.
SB 529 and 530 amend the Social Welfare Act to improve the reimbursement process. The Child Care Fund pays for costs associated with foster care/child welfare and the juvenile justice services.
“Currently, it’s a convoluted system both in function and process where there is a 50-50 cost sharing between the state and counties,” according to the statement. “The goal of this legislation, which will transition to a state pays first system, is to make the system more efficient and to clarify the process relative to what is reimbursed.
“It’s been a delicate balance because separately each member of this group plays a different role in caring for the children and in how they use or oversee the fund. However, the communication, commitment to work on solutions and the time put into the proposed solution has really been amazing.”
SB 529 and 530 had overwhelming support in the Senate and are expected to gain a positive the state House of Representatives vote January 2018.
What do you do when your running for a seat on the Kentwood City Commission and then your opponent drops out? Tom McKelvey, who in November won the 2nd Ward position, tells WKTV Journal: In Focus host Ken Norris what he did — still get out and meet people, and try to get up to speed on city matters as quickly as possible.
Also on the latest episode of In Focus, Madeline Schaab, a project specialist for local non-profit Disability Advocates of Kent County, discusses what her group does to promote accessible and welcoming communities, and what the public can do — including just keeping snow off the sidewalk in front of your house.
The episode will debut Tuesday, Dec. 19 , at 6:30 p.m., and will again air on Thursday, and again next week on the same days and times on WKTV channels but all interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal: In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVVideos.
The entire episode of “WKTV Journal: In Focus” airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel.
In Michigan politics two almost conflicting aspects of our election system are coming into conflict as the current politically directed voting redistricting system — often called gerrymandering — is being opposed by a group seeking to place a ballot initiative before the voters in 2018 which would change the system.
On the latest episode of WKTV Journal: In Focus, a public affairs talk program hosted by Ken Norris, he speaks to the leader of the ballot initiative group Voters Not Politicians.
Katie Fahey, president and treasurer of Voters Not Politicians, a non-partisan ballot committee seeking to put before voters in 2018 a proposal to end gerrymandering in Michigan, talks about the state’s current system of drawing election district maps, and how and why the plan Voters Not Politicians is advocating for would change the redistricting system.
Network 180’s director of network services Ross Buitendorp talks with program host Ken Norris. (WKTV)
Also on the latest WKTV Journal: In Focus, a new county Mental Health Court program — involving law enforcement, courts and the county’s pubic mental health and substance use disorder services provider, Network 180 — aims to change the system for the betterment of all. So also on the latest WKTV Journal: In Focus, Network 180’s director of network services Ross Buitendorp talks about the effort.
The episode will continue airing Tuesday, Dec. 12, at 6:30 p.m., and will again air on Thursday at the same time on WKTV channels but all interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal: In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVVideos.
The entire episode of “WKTV Journal: In Focus” airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel.
One of the unique aspects of the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Government Matters meetings is that you sometimes get differing views on the same issue — for instance, local city and state leaders in a debate on the current difficulties for local governments dealing with inequities in state revenue sharing.
The monthly meeting brings together government leaders of all levels to discuss issues of importance and presents those discussions through WKTV’s live, delayed and on-demand broadcasts.
At the Monday, Dec. 11, meeting at Kentwood City Hall, City of Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley and City of Wyoming City Manager Curtis Holt offered their assessment of state government actions when it comes to an abundance of regulations and a lack of consistency and clarity when it came to historic and current state revenue-sharing.
“There was a promise made on state revenue-sharing … (now) we can’t count on that,” Holt said at one point. “We used to have a partner in the state” government.
Among the other multi-level government discussions topics at the meeting — and available on the WKTV video — were the status of federal tax reform, the impeding Kent County action to hire a new top administrator, and economic development Wyoming’s 28th Street areas, including the old Klingman’s building.
The Chamber’s Government Matters meetings include representatives of the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming, Kent County, local Michigan House of Representatives and Senate, and, often, representatives of other regional, State of Michigan and Federal elected officials. The next meeting will be Jan. 8, 2018 at Wyoming City Hall.
The meetings are on the second Monday of each month, starting at 8 a.m. WKTV Journal will produce a highlight story after the meeting. But WKTV also offers replays of the Monday meetings on the following Wednesday at 7 p.m. on Comcast Cable Government Channel 26. Replays are also available online at WKTV’s government meetings on-demand page (wktv.viebit.com) and on the chamber’s Facebook page.
Kent County has a new elections director, and he comes to the post from a company which this year was hired to provide election services to the county.
Gerrid Uzarski, who served as a regional representative for ElectionSource, a company based in Grand Rapids, will take over for the recently retired Susan deSteiguer. DeSteiguer served the county for 16 years and — coincidentally — came to the position after working for an elections equipment vendor.
“Through three county clerks and 16 years, Sue deSteiguer has led the county, and local clerks, through many elections and numerous transitions,” Lisa Posthumus Lyons, Kent County Clerk and Register of Deeds, said in supplied material. “She leaves very big shoes to fill.”
Posthumus announced Wednesday, Nov. 28 that Uzarski will “fill” those shoes.
Technically, ElectionSource is not a contractor for the county, but is a co-contractor for the company which is providing the county with new election hardware and software — equipment and systems which made its county debut on Nov. 7.
“ElectionSource is Dominion Voting Systems contracted local service provider for their equipment,” Robert J. Macomber, chief deputy county clerk, said to WKTV. “That is a contract executed between those two companies, and not with, or by, the county.”
Selection came after standard hiring process
Macomber said Uzarski was hired through the standard countywide hiring process.
“In September the position was posted via accessKent and publicized throughout Michigan and national, resulting in 40 applicants,” he said. “There was/is no concern with Gerrid joining the county’s team having worked for a vendor. In fact, there is precedent for the hire as prior to becoming Kent’s elections director, Sue deSteiguer worked for an elections equipment vendor.”
And Lyons had even more praise for the hiring.
“After an extensive search and interviews with several very well-qualified individuals, Gerrid’s expert knowledge of our new voting equipment, reputation for top-notch customer service to county and local clerks, and professional approach was of great value to me in making this decision.” Lyons said in supplied material. “My focus is on ensuring and improving upon elections that are secure, efficient, and transparent, and Gerrid brings the right combination of knowledge, experience, and can-do attitude to accomplish this job.”
Gerrid Uzarski, new Kent County elections director
A native of Kent County, Uzarski graduated from Lowell High School and Western Michigan University, according to supplied material. In his role at ElectionSource, Uzarski was charged with implementing stringent accuracy and reliability testing of the company’s serviced voting systems; developing and implementing election day training programs for poll workers; and maintaining communication between vendors and local election administrators.
“I couldn’t be more excited to continue my work in elections with Kent County, and I look forward to serving the voters by maintaining elections to a standard of integrity set by the professionals before me,” Uzarski said in supplied material. “I will work to further the goals of clerk Lyons by ensuring timeliness, transparency, and accuracy in our elections.”
Macomber said he and Lyons are already seeing positive reaction from local election officials to the hiring of Uzarski.
“Since yesterday’s announcement several local clerks have reached out to clerk Lyons to express support for the decision, excited that Gerrid’s expert knowledge of our new equipment will continue to be of great benefit for the local clerks and the county,” he said.
10-years county contract with state grant paying initially
Uzarski will also be a key player in the continuing relationship between the county and Dominion Voting Systems/ElectionSource.
According to Macomber, in this initial phase of implementation, most of the county’s interactions are with the Dominion team directly, whereas the interaction with ElectionSource will be on election days and over the life of the equipment, when scheduled maintenance and updates need to occur.
The county’s financial contract with Dominion Voting Systems/ElectionSource runs ten years, Macomber explained to WKTV, with years 1–5 (the purchase and initial implementation of the equipment) paid for by state grant through a contact between the State of Michigan and Dominion. The county is then responsible for maintenance of the equipment in years 6–10, in the amount of about $30,000 per year to Dominion.
In order to implement the new equipment, there was also an upfront cost to the county of approximately $130,000, Macomber said. Of that, roughly $110,000 will be paid to Dominion for the computer hardware housed at the county that programs the ballots and receives the results from the precincts on election night. About $20,000 will be paid to ElectionSource for development of the online results reporting feature.
It is not that the Kent County Clerk’s office, or city clerks in both the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood, were expecting issues with the county’s new election equipment in the system’s debut Nov. 7 — an election dominated by local millage requests and city elections of little controversy.
But the election day did produce the as-expected small voter turnout while also revealing a few issues with the new equipment now easily remedied before elections of more state and national interest, and higher voter volume, come in 2018.
“Any time there is a transition as large as this — the first change in equipment and learned practices and procedures in over a decade — there are going to be challenges and areas to improve upon,” Robert Macomber, Chief Deputy County Clerk, said to WKTV Friday, slightly more than a week after the recent voting day, and after that day’s meeting between the county clerk’s office and local city clerks. “This ‘off-year’ election offered the county a tremendous opportunity to implement the changes when turnout was smaller, but still having elections in a large number of precincts and varying size of municipalities.”
Vote turnout was small, with only 11.2 percent of Wyoming’s 49,658 registered voters doing so, and 12.8 percent of Kentwood’s 35,178 registered voters doing so.
The voting system issues exposed on Nov. 7 were also small, according to Macomber, City of Wyoming City Clerk Kelli VandenBerg, and City of Kentwood City Clerk Dan Kasunic — most notably delays in reporting results from the precinct level to the county level, and inability of some voters to use new “adaptive” ballot marking devices.
Voting machines in the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood looked similar to ones voters were used to. (Supplied)
After more than a year review and selection process, Kent County Clerk and Register of Deeds Lisa Posthumus Lyons early this year selected Dominion Voting Systems, Inc. as the vendor for Kent County’s new election equipment and local firm ElectionSource for associated software. The plan for the new voting machines was to have them used by all voting bodies in Kent County starting with the November election.
Some clerks across the state planned to use their new machines at the August 2017 election, and all municipalities are required to have the new machines in place by the August 2018 election.
Some experiences familiar, some were new
It appears the new machines — which still feature individual manual voting cards and stand-alone tabulators not connected to the internet — worked as expected and it was pretty much the same voter experience as with the old equipment. But a new system by which precinct totals are uploaded to a new county-controlled interactive precinct map experienced some delays, and, at least in Wyoming, special needs voters experienced some issues.
“Anytime you have change, there will be some reconciliation between what you expect to happen and what actually happens,” VandenBerg said to WKTV. “The equipment is new, but the concept or function of the new equipment is essentially the same. I think our poll workers responded very well and I did not receive any complaints from voters.
Kent County’s new voting machines operated much like the ones the public is familiar with — and they are never connected to the internet. (Supplied)
“For the average voter who marks and casts a ballot in the tabulator, I doubt their experience differed from previous elections. For voters using the adaptive equipment — ballot marking device, the difference would have been more notable. I am aware of a couple of instances where the selections made by voters or poll workers did not enable the audio on the adaptive devices. Based on required testing before each election, I know the audio works and so I know this is a topic that we will spend more time on in future trainings.
VandenBerg said she has “shared some recommendations (with the county on the issue) … but also have some training strategies in mind if those recommendations cannot be incorporated.”
In Kentwood, Kasunic also saw and dealt with a few small issues.
“As with any new equipment, it is expected to have some challenges, all of which were dealt with quickly and without any interruption of the election process,” he said to WKTV. “All of these have been addressed with the state, county and vendor.”
Kasunic added that he thought “all of the reporting went better than we thought, with a couple slowdowns because we have new equipment and procedures.”
Those “slowdowns” in reporting are probably getting the most attention by the clerks.
“One area that I thought might be problematic was the transmission of results at the end of election night,” VandenBerg said. “This equipment allows each precinct to modem results directly to Kent County and only 2 of Wyoming’s 26 tabulators were unable to modem results. Neither was the result of equipment failure, but rather an oversight by the poll workers adapting to a new process. In these cases, each (local) clerk has been provided equipment to allow for the transmission of results and I did so within a few minutes of receiving the necessary information from the precinct.”
New county system for rapid reporting of results
The changes to reporting are part of a new county system of quickly getting results out the public as well as to county, state and — eventually — federal officials.
“Election night reporting is the area where we’ve made the most noticeable change to the public,” Macomber said. “In previous elections, Kent County voters would often not have access to complete results in some instances until midnight, and that data was in non-interactive form. With our new equipment, the precincts modem the results to the county and on election night we had our first results within minutes of the polls closing.”
The new reporting system allows for public access through an interactive, map-based reporting feature developed by ElectionSource and accessible via the county’s website: accesskent.com.
“For this past election we unveiled an initial version, with the fully-functional version being ready for 2018’s elections,” Macomber said. “The public response to the faster, user friendly reporting feature has been very positive.”
But, VandenBerg added, it is not just night-of reporting which should be looked at: “I do think there is room for improvement on the reporting side, especially as it relates to canvassing and archival purposes. … I have shared some recommendations on that as well.”
And, Kasunic also advocated for a reporting tweak: “The county is working with the vendor to add features to the reporting to provide percentage of turnout of voters on election night.”
The lessons learned from the Nov. 7 election, and the results of the meeting with local clerks, will likely lead to some changes at the county level.
“This election provided the county and local clerks the ability to implement and identify the ways our internal procedures and controls conform to — or are challenged by — the new system,” Macomber said. “Where there were challenges, we’ll be working with our vendors, the state elections bureau, and our local clerks to implement changes that ensure consistency, security, and transparency.”
State Rep. Steven Johnson, left, talks with WKTV Journal: In Focus host Ken Norris during a recent interview. (WKTV)
K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org
First-term State Representative Steven Johnson, whose district includes the City of Kentwood, wears the title of being a Christian conservative with pride — both because he was elected to a conservative state house district because of his views and because, when you talk with him, that is who he is.
Rep. Johnson (R-District 72) recently visited WKTV Journal: In Focus, WKTV’s public affairs show and talked with its host about his first month’s in Lansing, his views on what he calls “corporate welfare” — state and local government incentives to attract businesses — as well as his effort to introduce a bill which would strip funding from the state’s abortion clinics.
And on the issue of his right-to-life politics, Johnson says even if his efforts fail he will have done what he and a majority of his constituents believe is right.
“Obviously we want to see it pass, that is number one,” he said. “For me, I believe abortion is a terrible evil. And I believe, at the very least, what I don’t want to be doing, when I get done here and go home, I don’t want to say ‘I did not do anything.’ I want to be able to say, ‘Look, I tried’. You lose the fight, but at least you fought. The battles that will be won or lost, that is in God’s hands.”
Rep. Johnson district includes much of Allegan County and portions of Kent County.
Also on this episode, Kent County director of Veterans Services, Carrie Anderson, about the problems faced by our region’s veterans and the county, state and federal efforts to provide possible solutions.
As part of the discussion with Anderson, a veteran herself, she discusses the alarming statistic that each day 20 veterans commit suicide in this country, available services — including help for homeless vets — and why her job is more than just a job.
The entire episode of “WKTV Journal: In Focus” airs Tuesdays and Thursdays, at 6:30 p.m., on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel. This episode will have a special airing on Wednesday, Nov, 15, at noon on Comcast Channel 25.
Thanks to a large part to overwhelming support in the cities of Grand Rapids and East Grand Rapids, The Rapid transit system will continue to collect a property tax millage for 12 more years after the current one expires in 2018. Wyoming and Kentwood city voters also approved the millage request, but both by much closer margins.
Voters in Grandville also approved the millage request, but City of Walker voters turned it down.
The final numbers had the six-city total, according to the Kent County Clerk’s office, were 22,146 yes and 13,937 no. The City of Wyoming was 2,838 yes and 1,695 no. The City of Kentwood was 1,559 yes and 1,258 no. In contrast, Grand Rapids was 13,150 yes and 6,598 no; East Grand Rapids was 1,667 yes and 520 no; and Walker was 1,811 no and 1,581 yes.
“We are very pleased that voters have once again supported a vibrant public transit system in our region,” Michael Bulthuis, marketing & communications manager for The Rapid, said to WKTV Wednesday. “This renewal will allow us to maintain the outstanding service we provide to residents, businesses and visitors in the greater Grand Rapids area and continue to innovate to meet the needs of our community. It’s also a vote of confidence from taxpayers who clearly value a well-run, financially-responsible public transit system.”
The Rapid, which is directed by the Interurban Transit Partnership Board, will continue to collect a 1.47-mill tax until 2029. That millage is expected to total about $15 million in 2018. The millage will be used for operating service costs including labor (wages), fuel, tires, utilities, etc., essentially variable or day-to-day costs.
The tax revenue accounts for about one-third of The Rapid’s operational budget. Its other income includes Michigan Department of Transportation funds (about 33 percent), passenger fares (about 16 percent), contracts for service (about 14.5 percent) and other revenue (about 2 percent)
The millage will neither raise nor lower the current approved millage. The current millage of 1.47 mils is set to expire July 2018. The approved millage of 1.47 will run 2018-29. According to The Rapid, the cost to property tax payers will be $73.50 per year for a $100,000 home with a taxable value of $50,000.
For a more detailed story on the The Rapid, its millage renewal request, and its services, see a WKTV Journal story here.
There as likely a sigh of relief, and finally an eye for the future, as Wyoming Public Schools district voters Tuesday approved what is essentially a $79.5 million school improvement plan by allowing the district to continue to collect the same level of millage into the future.
With 23 of 23 precincts reporting in the Nov. 7 general election, the vote was 2,377 yes and 1,075 no. The approved millage request comes after the district’s voters rejected millage increases in the spring and fall of 2013, each of which would have raised about $50 million. The last significant bond passage was in 1997, for about $41 million.
On Wednesday, district Superintendent Dr. Thomas Reeder told WKTV why this millage request was different from previous ones, and what the district’s move to modernize itself will mean to students.
“This request was significant in two ways,” Reeder said. “First, it involved no increase in the current tax levy, but extends it.
“What this will mean for students in elementary school is they will be able to see the final renovations of the high school as they complete their schooling, or before,” he added. But “current students in elementary will not see any changes at (their) elementary (schools) as this will be a 7-8 year work in progress to significantly redo all our buildings and grounds.”
The millage would pay for bonds which would be used to upgrade every district buildings, and improve safety, security and transportation systems. But the majority of the funds, about $40 million, will be spent on the high school’s two-phase makeover, including a 30-classroom addition to allow the movement of freshmen students back to the high school, as well as other building and athletic facility upgrades.
For more details on what the Wyoming Public Schools district plans to do with the approved millage, see a previous WKTV story here.
“I am a man who likes to cross the t’s and dot the i’s,” said Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley as he watched the poll numbers roll in from the 2017 election results at his evening campaign headquaters at Kentwood’s Paris Cafe & Desserts.
By 8:30 p.m., Kepley had a secure lead of 3 to 1 to his challenger Scott Urbanowski. It was a lead that Kepley never relinquished with him winning his bid for a second term with 2,116 votes to Urbanowski’s 696.
“I am really excited about the next four years,”Kepley said. “I truly love serving the citizens. I love the city, the residents and the neighbors.”
Kepley said he believes it is a team effort of the city managers and department heads who have made the positive decisions to push the city forward and he is excited about seeing the “positive changes we can make in Kentwood” over the next four years.
“Ultimately, I did not convince enough people that Kentwood needed change in the Mayor’s Office and that I was in the best position to make that change,” Urbanowski said in a released statement. “Nevertheless, I’m grateful to everyone who voted, volunteered, or donated in support of this young person with no elected experience or establishment support.
“I am glad that I was able to spark conversations about issues that matter; to help boost interest in local government; and to get to know Kentwood and its people even better.”
1st Ward City Commission Candidate Emily Bridson takes photos with supporters.
Challenger Emily Bridson had to wait a little longer before celebrating her victory last night. Bridson held a 2-to-1 lead over incumbent Gerald DeMaagd for most of the night with her winning the 1st Ward City Commission seat with 890 votes to DeMaagd’s 451.
“I am really excited about this opportunity,” Bridson said from her campaign celebration at Peppino’s South. “I have met so many people and made a lot of new friends. I have a greater understanding of a lot of priorities from what they love about our city and what they would like to see changed. I am going to work on a strategic plan to address those changes.”
Bridson said she is very honored to have gone through this process. “I want to thank Jerry for his service,” Bridson said. “I am excited and looking forward to to working with Mayor Kepley and the commission.”
In statement released this morning, incumbent DeMaagd said:
“Emily Bridson has won the Kentwood 1st Ward City Commission seat by substantial margins. She conducted a textbook campaign, and executed well. She is smart, capable, and deserves the win based on her efforts.
“I think there is a further story here though, given the level of outside influence on both the mayoral and commission races which are officially non-partisan. The pre-election campaign reports filed with Kent County show that 53 of Bridson’s contributors were from other cities outside Kentwood, and only 5 from Kentwood (plus herself). Post-election campaign reports aren’t due until Dec. 7. Allegedly she was endorsed by the UAW (United Auto Workers), although she did not advertise it. On the other hand, the mayoral candidate, Scott Urbanowski’s campaign literature does state that he was ‘ENDORSEDby the Kent County Democratic Party’.
“Although these actions are perfectly legal, it does show the amount of outside interest in what is essentially a local race.
“As a candidate, I received several calls from voters about my position relative to national issues. They say all politics is local… but I think that for Kentwood it’s actually the reverse: All local politics is now national!“
The House of Representatives defeated an overhaul of Michigan’s no-fault auto insurance system on a 45-63 vote Thursday night after 90 minutes of debate on the House floor but months of political bickering and conflicting advertising efforts.
The Nov. 2 defeat of the house bill also brought conflicting reactions from local and statewide officials.
Wyoming- and Kentwood-area representatives Tommy Brann (R-77th District) and Steve Johnson (R-72nd) split their votes on the issue, with Johnson voting in support and Brann in opposition.
“Tonight, I voted in support of reforming Michigan’s no-fault insurance system,” Johnson wrote in a supplied Facebook post explaining his vote. “Michigan drivers pay the highest rates in the nation for car insurance, which is why this is one of the top issues many of you discuss with me all across the district. While the proposed plan wasn’t perfect, it was a step in the right direction to provide coverage choice, reign in fraud, and lower rates for Michigan drivers. Unfortunately, a majority of my colleagues did not vote in support … (however, I) … look forward to seeing the conversation on this important and meaningful topic continue in the future.”
State Rep. Tommy Brann
While Brann said he thought “90 percent of the bill was good” he said the three-tiered approach to medical coverage limits was just not something he could go along with. “I have the obligation to my constituents,” Brann said to WKTV Friday. “An obligation to protect them and make the right decisions for them.”
He said he thought that if some families chose the lower medical limits and then were in an accident, it could be disastrous. “I’m thinking about the parent with a little girl, and they are in an accident and that little 10-year-old girl needs rehabilitation for the rest of her life.”
“This is important, and I hope we will continue to work on this,” he said. “But I just do not think it (this bill) would protect my constituents.”
Michigan’s high insurance rates in the nation, according to most critics, are because of the current no-fault insurance system’s unlimited medical benefits for people injured in car accidents, as well as insurance companies’ ability to charge different rates based on where people live — a particular problem for urban areas such as Detroit.
Few believed the packages of changes, House Bill 5013, was a complete fix for the many problems of the existing system, but some viewed it as a start in providing rate-payer relief from the highest auto insurance rates in the nation.
Supporters of the bill, including the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, said the bill “could” save motorists and businesses as much as $1 billion a year by allowing persons buying insurance choices on what amount of medical coverage they need buy. It also would have imposed price limits on medical providers who care for auto accident victims.
In general, the bill was also supported by auto insurance providers, but opponents often pointed out that there were not guarantees that insurance rates would go down — something one local insurance agent did not agree with.
“While there are no guarantees, anytime you install a reimbursement schedule that caps charges at a lower rate than today it would seem a good thing” for rate payers, Pat Curran, managing agent of Wyoming’s Precision Insurance Agency, said to WKTV. “One of the hardest parts in insurance pricing is knowing what your costs are going to be. Under the current system there is no such pricing structure.”
In general, the bill was opposed by the state’s medical providers and trial lawyers, but it also was opposed by lawmakers and others who pointed out that there was no guarantee that insurance providers would lower rates as a result of the changes.
“The Michigan Health & Hospital Association has been adamantly opposed to House Bill 5013 throughout deliberations on the bill, and we are encouraged by the fact that the Michigan House of Representatives opted to vote down what was simply a bad bill,” Brian Peters, CEO at the MHA, said in a statement released on their website Thursday night.
“We know that Michigan drivers want lower rates when it comes to their auto insurance premiums, and we would welcome the opportunity to work with legislators if and when they decide to go back to the drawing board when it comes to meaningful rate relief for drivers that protects benefits available to those seriously injured in auto accidents.”
The Michigan Chamber of Commerce also reacted to the defeat of the bill, saying in a statement that it was disappointed in the “63 of the 110 members of the Michigan House who turned their backs on Michigan drivers today and voted ‘no’ on reforms to the state’s broken and costly auto insurance system.”
“Lawmakers had a real opportunity today to drive down Michigan’s highest-in-the-nation auto insurance premiums,” Rich Studley, chamber president & CEO, said in the statement. “Unfortunately, 63 members of the Michigan House chose to turn their backs on their constituents and the state’s 7.1 million drivers and side with a handful of greedy ambulance-chasing personal injury attorneys and hospitals that profit from the status quo.”
“Even though the vote today failed, these lawmakers will need to explain their no vote to their constituents,” Jim Holcomb, general counsel for the chamber, said in the statement. “We remain confident that the drivers of our state won’t find these lawmakers’ excuses acceptable and force them back to the table to tackle the very real problem of Michigan’s highest-in-the-nation auto insurance costs and its primary cost-drivers.”
Wyoming Public Schools, shown here in a photo supplied by the district. (Supplied)
WKTV Staff
news@wktv.org
On the latest episode of WKTV Journal: In Focus, WKTV’s public affairs show, program host Ken Norris talks with Wyoming Public Schools Superintendent Tom Reeder about a Nov. 7 local ballot measure that would modernize district infrastructure and radically alter the high school. Then a representative of The Rapid public transition system talks about the importance of his organization’s request for continued public support.
Wyoming Public Schools superintendent Thomas Reeder’s district is seeking to modernize its buildings and other infrastructure. (WKTV)
Reeder’s district is asking for voter support for what will eventually be an investment of about $79.5 million into district infrastructure. The current approved millage would not increase or decrease, but passage of the request would extend the current millage rate for 18 more years — and would “set up the district for the next two decades,” Reeder says.
Michael Bulthuis of The Rapid public transit system. The Rapid is seeking a renewal of the system’s current 1.47 mil local property tax millage. (WKTV)
Michael Bulthuis, Marketing and Communication Manager for The Rapid public transit system, talks about the request to voters in Wyoming and Kentwood for renewal of the system’s current 1.47 mil local property tax millage. Wyoming and Kentwood are two of the six greater Grand Rapids community which are provided public transit and which would pay the millage. Mr. Bulthuis talks about his organization’s current services provided, its funding sources, and to give us some details on the renewal request.
The episode will air twice this week on WKTV channels but all interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal: In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVVideos.
The entire episode of “WKTV Journal: In Focus” airs Tuesdays and Thursdays, at 6:30 p.m., on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel.
Wyoming Public Schools superintendent Thomas Reeder’s district is seeking to modernize its buildings and other infrastructure.
By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org
Wyoming Public Schools superintendent Thomas Reeder is to-the-point when asked to explain the need for his district to modernize its buildings and other infrastructure, which is what the district’s $79.5 million millage extension request on the Nov. 7 ballot is all about.
“At some point, whether it is your home or your car, the number of things going wrong, breaking down, becomes overwhelming … we need a huge overhaul of our buildings,” Reeder said in an interview on WKTV Journal: In Focus. “We have about 18 years of renovations that we want to be able to do … what I mean by that is we have to be able to set our schools up for the next couple of decades.”
He is just as direct when it comes to why district taxpayers should trust that his school system will spend the money wisely — pointing out that his district is the only one of out 20 Kent County school districts to have has balanced its budget in the 5-year period from 2012-2016, and that it has the 14 lowest total millage rate out of those 20 county school districts.
“We have tried to prudent with the dollars (the voters) have given us with our bond requests,” he said. “And we have made necessary cuts, whether it be in administration, maintenance or other things in order to ensure we stay ahead of the curve” when it comes to a balanced budget.
Wyoming Public Schools, which has about 4,300 students, is asking for voter approval to continue the current millage rate for 18 more years — an action which would neither increase or decrease what property tax payers would pay.
The current debt rate of 5.65 is projected to be levied through 2025. It will taper off after that as these bonds are paid off through 2043. If the millage request is passed, the first series bonds (projected for 2018) would be repaid over 21 years, by 2039. A second series of bonds (projected for 2022) would be retired by 2043 at the latest.
The district’s current total property tax base millage is 6.145 mills: 5.65 mills in debt and .495 mill for a sinking fund. Its last big bond measure was passed in 1994. District currently has three bond measures being paid off, and this new millage request would allow for the continued funding of new bonds as each of the three existing bond measures are paid off. The sinking fund is separate, for $400k per year and is in the 2nd year of a 10-year sinking fund request passed in 2015.
By state law, school bonds can only be utilized to fund capital improvement projects, new construction, technology and transportation. The proceeds cannot be used for routine repair or maintenance costs; teacher, administrator or employee salaries; or other operating expenses.
The expenditure of any bond proceeds must be audited annually during the construction period by an external CPA firm. Those audits are transmitted annually to the Department of Treasury.
The breakdown of how the $79.5 million would be spent is:
High school: $40 million in two segments (two phases: 2018 and 2022)
Huntington Woods Early Childhood Center: $1.5 million
Administration Building: $950k
Regional Center and Adult Education: $830k
Bus Garage: $400k
Most of the building and site improvements to be done would be items such as roof replacements, mechanical system upgrades, classroom and building renovations. There would also be safety and security improvements — including playground safety improvements.
“It has been a couple of decades since we passed our last millage,” Reeder said. “So since 1994 all of the HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), roofs, etcetera, have not been done. Parking lots. The parking lots have not had any major work since that time.
“Those all need to be upgraded, to be redone. There is a significant cost in doing that, well beyond an operating millage. In addition, our buildings were built in a very different era. All of our buildings are approximately 50 years or more old.”
The largest single expenditure would be to restructure the high school to again house 9-12 grades. The design would allow for a freshman wing to keep these students together during what the district calls “their important transition year into high school.”
Upgrades to the high school would occur over two phases, starting in 2018. Among the work to be done is construction of two-story, 30 classroom addition, as well as athletic upgrades, and cafeteria and kitchen upgrades for 9th grade student addition.
“The high school gets a total remodel,” Reeder said. “All the other buildings and sites get a significant remodel. But we are not adding on and moving things around as we would at the high school.”
The move to separate the 9th grade students into the middle school was originally done as a cost-saving measure. But “our parents have requested, our staff have overwhelming said: ‘We fully understand why you did that, but at some point we’d love to have the 9th grade back in the high school, with the flow, the way the curriculum works, in this day’,” Reeder said.
In Focus today is Michael Bulthuis of The Rapid public transit system. The Rapid, on November 7, will be asking for renewal of the system’s current 1.47 mil local property tax millage. (WKTV)
By Hannah Haviland, WKTV Editorial Assistant
news@wktv.org
At the upcoming Nov. 7 election, residents of the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood are being asked to consider a 1.47 millage rate so that The Rapid can continue serving these cities along with four other municipalities in the greater Grand Rapids area.
The millage request, which is listed as the Interurban Transit Partnership Board Transit Millage Ballot Proposal 2018-2019 on the Nov. 7 ballot, is not an increase, but rather would replace the current Rapid millage of 1.47 mills which is set to expire in July of 2018.
According to information supplied by The Rapid, for a $100,000 home with a taxable value of $50,000, the homeowner would continue to pay around $73.50 a year for the millage. The millage, which has been active for the past seven years, is about a third of The Rapid’s total budget of $44 million, covering about $15.5 million. The majority of the rest of the budget comes from the Michigan Department of Transportation’s local bus operating assistance and passenger fares.
Because the millage makes up such a large percentage of The Rapids’ operational expenses, without the renewal, most of the fixed route services that the millage helps fund would not be be able to operate, according to The Rapid Marketing and Communications Director Michael Bulthuis, who sat down to talk about the millage in a recent WKTV Journal: In Focus segment.
“Most of our riders are using the bus at least once a week, if not every day, for a work related activity,” Bulthuis said. “If you consider that we have between 11 to 12 million rides every year, 80 percent of those rides are work related trips.”
Each of the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood have nine Rapid routes not counting the Silver Line. These are among the 22 routes that would potentially be shut down if the millage doesn’t pass.
“You would start to see service cuts, frankly, because you’re not getting that $15.5 million in millage funding,” Bulthuis said. “That millage funding also helps leverage state funding so you’re losing millions of dollars in state funding as well.”
The millage has been active for the last seven years, and if it passes, will continue at the same rate of 1.47 for twelve more years. If, however, it doesn’t pass, all of The Rapids’ normal bus routes would cease. The Rapid would only be able to operate on a contractual basis for entities that would entirely cover the cost of its service. Go!Bus, the service for the elderly and disabled, would also be drastically decreased, putting people in that demographic at risk of missing doctor’s appointments or other needed services.
The millage funds are only used for everyday expenses such as wages for employees, fuel, tires, and other essential needs. It is not used for other projects such as new buses, buildings, or project construction. The Silver Line, which operates along Division Avenue connecting downtown Grand Rapids to the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming, would also not be affected since it is funded by state and federal grants.
The WKTV Journal: In Focus episode including the discussion about The Rapid millage, and a discussion with Wyoming Public Schools Superintendent Thomas Reeder on his district’s millage request, will air twice this week on WKTV channels but all interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal: In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVVideos.
“WKTV Journal: In Focus” will air on Tuesdays and Thursdays, at 6:30 p.m., on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel.
U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mi.), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, in an Oct. 5 press release, announced more than $1.8 million will be come to the state to support specialty crop growers who produce fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, nursery plants, and flowers.
The funds come from a U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Specialty Crop Block Grant Program award of $1,805,339 million to support 19 projects throughout the state.
“Michigan-grown fruits and vegetables are not only a source of great pride — they are also critical to our state’s diverse agricultural economy,” Sen. Stabenow said. “This new support will help Michigan farmers get their products off the farm and onto our plates.”
Each of the 19 projects are targeted to help specialty crop growers sell more products locally and globally, protect crops from pests and diseases, and market products to be competitive. Grant recipients include the Cherry Marketing Institute, Michigan Apple Committee, Grow Eastern Market, Michigan Carrot Committee, Michigan Vegetable Council, and Michigan Wine Collaborative, among others.
In 2008, Senator Stabenow authored the first ever fruits and vegetables section of a Farm Bill to provide support for so-called “specialty crops” which includes fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, nursery products and floriculture. These crops are critical to the state’s diverse agricultural economy, as Michigan leads the nation in producing a wider variety of crops than any state other than California.
Rep. Huizenga touts his vote on balanced federal budget plan
U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, shown on the set of “WKTV Journal: In Focus” recently. (WKTV)
U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-2nd District) released the following statement on Oct. 5 after voting to balance the federal budget in 10 years, reduce the deficit by $6.5 trillion, and lay the groundwork to provide tax relief for hardworking families and small businesses in West Michigan:
“With our nation’s debt surpassing a whopping $20 trillion, not only do we need to cut spending and reform government, we must also grow our economy. The budget passed today by the House achieves all three of these objectives by balancing in 10 years, reducing the deficit by $6.5 trillion, and laying the groundwork to enact tax relief for hardworking families,” Rep. Huizenga said in the statement.
“By reforming our nation’s outdated tax code small businesses can create more jobs, employees can receive bigger paychecks, and we can reduce our debt and deficits faster. Lastly, this budget seeks to reduce waste by eliminating $700 billion in improper payments made by the federal government with instructions for Congress to identify an additional $203 billion in mandatory savings and reforms.”
Sen. Peters supports review of IRS’s contract with security-marred Equifax
U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mi.)
U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mi.), ranking member of the Subcommittee on Federal Spending Oversight and Emergency Management, in an Oct. 5 press release, announced he had joined eight of his colleagues in a letter demanding further scrutiny of the Internal Revenue Service’s decision to award Equifax a sole-source contract to verify taxpayer identities and help prevent tax fraud. This, despite the company’s recent disclosure of a massive cybersecurity breach exposing the personal information of as many as 145.5 million Americans.
“By awarding this no-bid contract, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is paying Equifax $7.25 million in taxpayer money to protect the very same taxpayers from an identity theft risk that Equifax helped create,” the letter stated. “The decision to award this contract to protect the identities of taxpayers and the integrity of federal tax dollars in light of Equifax’s recent and severe breach of the public trust is highly concerning.”
In September, Equifax disclosed a cybersecurity breach that potentially exposed the sensitive personal information of more than 145 million consumers, including Social Security numbers, home addresses, and driver’s license numbers. Equifax had known about the breach for months, but did not publicly disclose it until September.
In the interest of protecting taxpayers’ money, the senators urged IRS Commissioner John Koskinen to explain why Equifax was awarded the sole-source contract in light of this cybersecurity breach.
From left to right, Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley, Chamber forum moderator Kathy Bates, Chamber President Bob O’Callaghan and mayoral candidate Scott Urbanowski . (Supplied)
While there are actually six City of Kentwood elected positions on the Nov. 7 ballot, only the position of mayor and one of the 1st Ward commissioner seats find incumbents facing challenge.
But the candidates for those seats were face-to-face recently as the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual candidate forum at the Kentwood City Library — and WKTV was there, covering it all, and now those forums are available to the public either on our cable channels or on-demand over the Internet.
During the candidate forum, Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley and challenger Scott Urbanowski answered questions selected by the chamber and the audience, as did incumbent commissioner Jerry DeMaagd and challenger Emily Bridson.
WKTV’s initial rebroadcasts of the Sept. 21 candidate forum will be on Comcast Channel 26 and AT&T Channel 99 Government Friday, Sept. 29, at 7 p.m., with the commissioner forum first, then again on Saturday, Sept. 30, at noon, with the mayoral forum first.
Both programs are available on-demand over the internet at wktv.viebit.com.
Jerry DeMaagd.
At the candidate forum, Commissioner DeMaagd, who is running for a second term, touted his being a longtime Kentwood resident as well as his efforts for long-term city planning — “I have a passion for organization,” he said at one point.
Emily Bridson
Bridson, who said she moved to the city in 2011 and bought a home two years ago because “I have a passion for this city”, stressed her work for the city as a planning commission member, a park and recreation commission member, and on the current 50th anniversary committee.
Scott Urbanowski
During the mayoral forum, Urbanowski introduced himself by saying he has “worked, studied, lived and prayed in this city,” and repeatedly stated that “the city could be better managed.”
Stephen Kepley
Mayor Kepley, as part of his discussion, said that he is proud of his and the city’s accomplishments during his tenure — “We have a great report card.” And he pointed out that in a strong mayor governing system, as Kentwood has, “This is a big job. There is no learning curve.”
The mayor and the 1st Ward positions are each 4-year terms. Also on the ballot for new 4-year terms are Commissioner Member At Large incumbent Betsy A. Artz, Commissioner 2nd Ward incumbent Tom McKelvey, incumbent city clerk Dan Kasunic and incumbent city treasurer Laurie Sheldon.
Also on the ballot in Kentwood will be the renewal of The Rapid’s operating millage which funds the greater Grand Rapids public transportation system.
A status report on a planned millage renewal for The Rapid regional public transit system took centerstage at the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Government Matters meeting, which brings together government leaders of all levels to discuss issues of importance and presents those discussions through WKTV’s live, delayed and on-demand broadcasts.
At the Monday, Sept. 11, meeting at Wyoming City Hall, representatives of The Rapid explained some of the details of its millage renewal request set to appear on the Nov. 7 ballot. Among the points made were that it is not a new millage — increasing local property taxes — but the renewal of an existing millage which was passed in 2011; that the transit system, like may systems nationwide, is experiencing a decrease in ridership; and that the loss of local financial support would lead to the loss of state matching-funds support.
The bottom line, as explained by Peter Varga, Chief Operating Officer of The Rapid, is that “there is no good recovery” from the service cuts required due to the loss of local and state funds.
“We would start thinking about cutting services radically,” Varga said. “We would start having public hearings on how much service would be lost. Frankly, the prospect would be dissolution of the regional framework for transit.”
Among the other multi-level government discussions topics at the meeting were the value of the $30 million spend annually for the Pure Michigan tourism advertising program, the county Friend of the Court system and its working with child support problems, and the Secretary of State’s new efforts to implement the Federally required “Real ID” compliant state drivers licenses.
The Chamber’s Government Matters meetings include representatives of the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming, Kent County, local Michigan House of Representatives and Senate, and, often, representatives of other regional, State of Michigan and Federal elected officials. The next meeting will be Oct. 9 at Kentwood City Hall.
The meetings are on the second Monday of each month, starting at 8 a.m. WKTV Journal will produce a highlight story after the meeting. But WKTV also offers replays of the Monday meetings on the following Wednesday at 7 p.m. on Cable Channel 25. Replays are also available online at WKTV’s government meetings on-demand page (wktv.viebit.com) and on the chamber’s Facebook page.
