By K.D. Norris
The City of Kentwood, in a city-wide vote, returned incumbent Mayor Stephen Kepley to the city’s “strong mayor” leadership position in voting Nov. 2 as he defeated challenger and current Ward 1 city commissioner Emily Bridson.
With 100 percent of City of Kentwood precincts counted, Kepley defeated Bridson, 4,321 to 2,992, according to final unofficial results supplied by the Kent County Elections Office. The vote total of 7,366 was 18.7 percent of the 39,460 registered voters in the city.
“Thank you to all the Kentwood residents and friends who came together to vote for unity in our community with experienced servant leadership. I am honored and humbled by your support,” Mayor Kepley said in a statement to WKTV. “Our work continues as we unify our incredibly diverse community so that all residents know they belong. I look forward to serving with the new city commission to continue to ensure a high quality of service is provided for all of our residents and business community.”
Bridson, said she wishes the mayor the best and “hope he continues to move our city in a positive direction,” she said in a statement to WKTV.
“It has been an honor to serve as one of Kentwood City Commissioners and run for Mayor,” Bridson said. “Thank you to the residents that took the time to open their doors and share their vision for our city with me. Although my team and I hoped for a different outcome, we are proud of the work we have done and the goals for Kentwood that we have put forward.”
All City of Kentwood seats are for 4-year terms. The mayor, along with returning and new commissioners, will be sworn in on Monday, Nov. 8, at the regular City Commission meeting.
