Six seeking party nominations for Kent County Commission seats

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org

Through redistricting, there have been some changes for residents in both the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming as they head to the polls for the primary vote.

All votes, in-person and absentee, must be cast by Aug. 2. Absentee votes must be received by 8 p.m. on Aug. 2. Those voting at the polls have from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. to cast their vote. Remember to check your new voter card or contact your local clerk’s office for your precinct since redistricting may have changed where you vote.

A primary is when voters can indicate their preference for their party’s candidate. Therefore, a voter may only vote on either the Republican ticket or the Democratic ticket. A ballot where a voter has voted in both parties may be thrown out.

For the Kent County Commission, all the commission seats are up for re-election this year. The seats will be four-year terms.

In WKTV’s We the People, we only reach out to candidates who are running opposed for their party’s nomination. Out of the seven Kent County Commission seats representing the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood, only three had more than one candidate running for a party nomination.

Note: In its We the People videos, WKTV invites all candidates to share why they decided to run and the issues the candidate feels are important. Below, are the candidates who participated.

10th District Kent County Commission Seat

Through redistricting, the 10th District is all of Gaines Township and a portion of the City of Kentwood that is bordered by Division Avenue to the west, Eastern Avenue to the east and 56th Street to the north.

Incumbent Emily Post Brieve is facing challenger Bill Hirsch for the Republican nomination for the 10th District.

Emily Post Brieve has been serving on the Kent County Commission since 2014.

Bill Hirsch is a longtime Kent County resident and farmer. He has served on the Kent County Commission in the past.

12th District Kent County Commission Seat

The 12th District encompasses a portion of the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood. For a map of the district, click here.

Two candidates are seeking the Republican nomination: Adam R. Palasek and Lee White.

Adam R. Palasek had no online platform.

Lee White is a graduate of East Kentwood High School and has served many community organizations such SKRA baseball, Wyoming, Grand Rapids, Kentwood and Michigan Jaycees and the West Michigan Veterans Branch.