Recently WKTV’s Donna Kidner Smith sat down with Kent County Commissioners Betsy Melton and Monica Sparks to talk about the challenges women face when running for public office.
Of the 19-member Kent County Board of Commissioners, six positions are held by women. The commission oversees services for about 660,000 people living in the county with a budget of around $444 million dollars.
Both the seats that Melton and Sparks currently have previously were held by men both of whom had served on the Board of Commissioners for a number of years. Harold Mast served in District 12 until 2018 when Sparks was elected to the seat. District 12 covers the western portion of the City of Kentwood and the eastern portion of the City of Wyoming. Dick VanderMolen served District 13 up until 2016 when Melton was elected to the seat. The 13th District covers the eastern portion of the City of Kentwood.
“I don’t think people really looked at it was a man and now it is a women,” Melton said. “I think it was who has more experience in Kentwood and, actually my opponent was a woman equally as qualified. It is how you bring your passion for where you are representing to the city is what I think people look at.”
Sparks said before running for any seat know the issues that impact that specific board or governmental unit.
“In this political climate, we want to fight for this or that and many of those things don’t affect us [on the Board of Commissioners),” Sparks said, adding that the main focus for the Kent County Board of Commissioners is to make sure it provides continued services for the county’s residents.
“So run on the platform of your passion but it has to meet with the job so you are not out here speaking about things that don’t really have anything to do with the position,” Sparks said.
Both Melton and Sparks will be up for re-election in 2020.
WKTV takes seriously its role as a communications provider. We want our community to be well-informed and more involved in local matters.
7th District
Kent County Commissioner District 7 includes the City of Grandville and the northern portion of the City of Wyoming, mostly the Godfrey Lee area. For specific borders, visit accesskent.com.
Why did you decide to run for the Kent County Commission 7th District?
“I have enjoyed serving on the various boards such as the Network 180 Board (Community Mental Health Authority Board), the Land Bank Authority and the Pension Board. They have really re-energized me and I would like to continue to work through on the projects these groups have to see them to their realization.”
What issues are a high priority to you?
“Taxation and the budget, obviously. Most of the county’s budget is flow through dollars designated by the state for certain projects. I think we need to consolidate where we can and generate new partnerships. The council has done a good job in building partnerships and we need to explore new ideas to foster other partnership opportunities.”
What are your thoughts on a central 911 dispatch for Kent County?
“The 911 dispatch is critical and we need to consolidate with the City of Grand Rapids as soon as possible. Having duplicates services is a waste of taxpayer money. As for adding more to the surcharge to pay for improvements. I am a no vote on that. We currently do not know if all of the current surcharge is getting to us. Why should we ask the taxpayers to pay more? 911 dispatch is a critical service and should be a priority in the Kent County general budget, not a ballot issue for the taxpayer. Taxpayers and businesses already pay enough in taxes.”
Logan Arkema – Candidate (D)
Occupation: Student at Georgetown University Residence: Grandville
Why did you decide to run for the Kent County Commission 7th District?
“The last couple election cycles have seen only one choice on the ballot. I feel the voters needed at least one more choice. I also want the county to embrace technology to be as optimal as possible.”
What issues are a high priority to you?
“I think the Rapid could use some improvement as the city’s main form of public transit. I would want to make sure the Sheriff Department has the training necessary to have positive interactions with the community.”
What are your thoughts on a central 911 dispatch for Kent County?
“I’m glad the issue is on the ballot. I still think there’s room for improvement. I think we can invest more in our 911 dispatch and I want to make sure the technology we have is the best possible to save lives.”
8th District
Kent County Commissioner District 8 covers the eastern portion of the City of Wyoming, including the pan handle. For specific boarders, visit accesskent.com.
Harold Voorhees – Incumbent (R)
Occupation: Owner at Cookies Unique Residence: Wyoming Pan Handle
Why did you decide to run for the Kent County Commission 8th District?
“To serve. I serve on the boards for the West Michigan Sports Commission and the John Ball Zoo.”
What issues are a high priority to you?
“I want mandated services to run in the most efficient way possible. I also want to continue to strengthen the quality of life on the cultural level here in West Michigan. I believe cultural aspects – sports, the zoo, Meijer Garden, etc. – boost the economy and quality of life for the residents in the area.”
What are your thoughts on a central 911 dispatch for Kent County?
“It’s a necessity! Public safety is necessary. There are places in the county where we can’t talk to each other. Our law enforcement and emergency services need to be able to talk to one another.”
Franklin Cornielle – Candidate (D)
Franklin Cornielle is the Democratic nominee for the 8th District Kent County Commission. He will be running against Harold Voorhees in the November 8 election.
9th District
Kent County Commissioner District 9 covers parts of southern Wyoming and also Byron Township. For specific boarders, visit accesskent.com.
Matt Kallman – Incumbent (R)
Matt Kallman is the Republican nominee for the 9th District Kent County Commission. He will be running against Keith F. Courtage in the November 8 election.
Keith F. Courtage – Candidate (D)
Keith F. Courtage is the Democratic nominee for the 9th District Kent County Commission. He will be running against Matt Kallman in the November 8 election.
10th District
Kent County Commissioner District 10 covers Gaines Township and the southern half of Caledonia Township. For specific boarders, visit accesskent.com.
Emily P. Brieve – Incumbent
Emily P. Brieve is the incumbent for the 10th District and is running unopposed in the November 8 election.
12th District
Kent County Commissioner District 12 covers the western portion of the City of Kentwood and the eastern portion of the City of Wyoming. For specific boarders, visit accesskent.com.
Harold J. Mast – Incumbent (R)
Occupation: Former Health Care Administrative at Pine Rest for 28 years. Ten years as executive director Genesis Non-Profit Housing. Residence: Kentwood
Why did you decide to run for the Kent County Commission 12th District?
“I’ve been a city commissioner for 14 years and a county commissioner for 18. I have an interest as a servant and the capability to work with people and solve the issues that face them.”
What issues are of high priority to you?
“I think we need to be focused on helping seniors as they age. Along with that, we need to provide adequate care to those with mental and physical disabilities.”
What are your thoughts on a central 911 dispatch for Kent County?
“A central 911 dispatch would enhance 911 capabilities throughout Kent County. Having a central location would increase the speed and effectiveness of the response.”
Christian Allen – Candidate (D)
Occupation: Assembly fitter for a UAW Shop Residence: Wyoming
Why did you decide to run for the Kent County Commission 12th District?
“I think there needs to be a change in Kent County as I believe some of the commissioners are becoming to comfortable. I think we need a more transparent Kent County Commissioner board and I think that I can make a difference.”
What issues are a high priority to you?
“My three key issues are to improve Kent County services, to progress the living wage, and to create a fair community for all.”
What are your thoughts on a central 911 dispatch for Kent County?
“I think that they are moving in the right direction with the central dispatch. I think that there are a couple of things that they could change. If I get elected, I would take a closer look at that and I think we could bring more technology and maybe a University to help organize it better.”
13th District
Kent County Commissioner District 13 covers the eastern portion of the City of Kentwood. For specific boarders, visit accesskent.com.
Jessica Ann Tyson – Candidate (R)
Occupation: Small business owner Residence: Kentwood
Why did you decide to run for the Kent County Commission 13th District?
“There is an open seat and I would like the opportunity to represent my city and community at the county level. I’m the state president of a political organization and ran before against an incumbent. I want to be able to affect policy.”
What issues are a high priority to you?
“Because there’s an open seat, I’d like to honor the past and keep Kent County at their Triple-A bond rating while also looking for new was to improve.”
What are your thoughts on a central 911 dispatch for Kent County?
“I’m all for advancing technology. I believe Kent County has done the homework to get the best price and technology for the residence.”
Betsy Melton – Candidate (D)
Betsy Melton is the Democratic nominee for the 13th District Kent County Commission. She will be running against Jessica Ann Tyson in the November 8 election.
All candidates were contacted and invited to participate in sharing their message to the voters.
The Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce and the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood host the second candidate forum at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22, at the KDL Kentwood Branch, 4950 Breton SE.
The forum is designed to allow residents to get to know the candidates who want to represent them. The forum is free to the public.
The event starts at 7:10 p.m. with the 12th District Kent County Commission candidates. The 12 District area covers part of the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming. The seat is currently held by Republican incumbent Harold Mast who is being challenged by Democrat Christian Allen. Both candidates are planning to be at Thursday’s forum.
At 7:50 p.m. will be the 13th Kent County Commission candidates. The 13th District area covers most of the eastern and northern portion of the City of Kentwood. Newcomers Democrat Betsy Melton and Republican Jessica Ann Tyson are seeking the seat being vacated by Richard Vander Molen. Both Melton and Tyson are planning to be at Thursday’s forum.
For more coverage on the candidates, make sure to check out WKTV’s We the People coverage.
