Wyoming City Council will be interviewing four candidates Monday night to fill a vacant council seat. (WKTV)
The Wyoming City Council will be interviewing four candidates for the open council seat vacated by John Fitzgerald.
In November, Fitzgerald was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives, serving primarily the City of Wyoming.
When taking his seat in December, Wyoming Mayor Kent Vanderwood said one of the first jobs the council had was to fill the vacant seat. The person selected to fill the council member-at-large seat would serve out the remainder of the term which ends in 2024.
Starting at 3:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 16, the council will be interviewing the four candidates. Interviews will last 30 minutes with a 10 minute break/transition period. WKTV will be airing the interviews starting at 3:30 p.m. on Channel 26 with the regular council meeting to follow at 7 p.m.
According to City Clerk Kelli Vandenberg, the city received 19 applicants to fill the vacancy. The Council narrowed those applicants to four candidates. All the candidates have served the city in various capacities.
The candidates are (They are listed in order of interviews.):
3:30 p.m. Andrea Boot was the city’s treasurer. She retired from that position this past summer. She also has served as a city election worker.
4:10 p.m. Gabriella De La Vega is the president of the Mexican Heritage Association of West Michigan . She is a language coordinator for Trinity Health. She has served the city on its Parks and Recreation Commission and the Greater Wyoming Community Resource Alliance.
4:40 p.m. Tommy Brann is a longtime business owner of Brann’s Steakhouse & Grille, 4157 Division Ave. S. Brann recently completed serving eight years in the Michigan House of Representatives, he was termed out, and in November, ran for a Michigan senate seat that was won by Senator Winnie Brinks.
5:20 p.m. Robert Kilgo is the assistant to the president of Grace Christian University and serves as a mentor to at-risk students in Wyoming. In November, Kilgo along with Rob Arnoys and Renee Hill ran for two council seats. Arnoys and Hill were elected to the seats.
According to the Council agenda, once the interviews are complete, the council will discuss and then appoint a candidate to the position who will take oath of office that night.
The last time the council had to fill a vacant seat was in 2018 when Bill Ver Hulst resigned from his First Ward seat. Sheldon DeKyrger was appointed to fill the term and then elected to the seat in the fall of 2018. He ran unopposed this past fall for the same seat.
The Wyoming City Council meets the first and third Mondays of the month at 7 p.m. in the council chambers located at Wyoming City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW. For more on the City of Wyoming, visit the city’s website, wyomingmi.gov.
For the November election, City of Wyoming residents will be voting on five Kent County Commission seats while the residents of the City of Kentwood will be voting on three.
There are a total of 21 commission seats, all of which are up for election this year. All the seats are for two-year terms with the four-year rotation set to start in 2024. Through the redistricting, two new districts have been added to the board, increasing the total number of districts from 19 to 21.
The new districts are District 20, which was designed to represent the Hispanic community and encompasses the northern portion of the City of Wyoming (the Godfrey Lee Public School district) and a southern portion of the City of Grand Rapids. The other district, District 21, covers the southeast corner of the county include the Village of Caledonia up past the Gerald R. Ford International Airport into Cascade Charter Township.
All candidates running for county commission seats in the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood were given the opportunity to do a We the People, where candidates may share why they decided to run, a little about themselves, and the issues the candidate feels are important.
All votes, in-person and absentee, must be cast by Nov. 8. Absentee votes must be received by 8 p.m. on Nov. 8. Those voting in-person at the polls have from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. to cast their vote. Remember to check your voter card or contact your local clerks office for you precinct since redistricting may have changed where you vote.
7th District Kent County Commission Seat
The 7th District encompasses most of the City of Grandville and a portion of the City of Wyoming with Burlingame Avenue, south of 28th Street is the eastern border and Wyoming Avenue, north of 28th Street, the eastern border. For a map of the district, click here.
Incumbent Stan Ponstein (R) is facing first-time candidate Sue Merrell, (D).
Stan Ponstein
Ponstein has been on the Kent County Board of Commissioners since 2008 and was recently elected to serve as president of the board of Michigan Association of Counties. He works for Costco.
The 8th District is contained in the City of Wyoming and includes the area between Burlingame and Clyde Park avenues south of 28th Street as well as the city’s panhandle area. For a map of the district, click here.
Incumbent Dan Burrill (R) is running for his second term on the Kent County Commission. He is facing challenger Jennie Chatman (D).
Dan Burrill
Before joining the Board of Kent County Commissioners, Burrill served on the Wyoming City Council. His occupation is a residential real estate and builder.
Chatman is the chair of the Michigan State Union Label & Services Trade Council.
Website: There is none.
9th District Kent County Commission Seat
The 9th District covers all of Byron Township and includes a section of the City of Wyoming between Clyde Park and Division avenues up to about Resurrection Life Cemetery, located north of 44th Street. For a map of the district, click here.
Incumbent Matt Kallman (R) is facing challenger Chip LaFleur (D).
Matt Kallman (R)
Kallman is the vice president of a Software Products at Compliance Systems, Inc.
Through redistrict, 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. For a map of the district, click here.
Running for the seat is incumbent Emily Post Brieve (R). She is facing first-time challenge Julie Humphreys (D).
Emily Post Brieve (R)
Brieve has been on the Kent County Board of Commissioners since 2014 and currently serves as vice chair. She currently helps manage her family’s small business, FastoolNow.com.
The 12th District encompasses a portion of the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood, which is mostly the Godwin Pubic Schools and Kelloggsville Public Schools. For a map of the district, click here.
Incumbent Monica Sparks (D) is seeking her third term on the board. She faces challenger Lee White (R).
Monica Sparks (D)
Occupation: Small business owner
Why did you decide to run for this seat? I love my community and I am not running to just sit in an office, however, I am running to continue as a servant leader; making sure all people living in Kent County have access to quality services and opportunities for a optimal future. I will continue to advocate for Veterans, Seniors, Children, Families and Individuals that live, work or play in Kent County.
What are a couple of issues you would want to address if elected? If elected by the people, I will continue as a servant leader to make sure the people that live work and play in Kent county have a quality of life and access to resources to reach their full potential with opportunities and resources everyone can access.I will continue to advocate for Veterans, Seniors, Children, Families and Individuals that live, work or play in Kent County. My priorities as a Kent County Commission are Mental Health care, Veterans and Senior Services and Early Childhood Readiness, Foster care and Adoption as well as Agriculture / Food Security for the future.
Lee White is a graduate of East Kentwood high School and has served many community organizations such as SKRA baseball, Wyoming, Grand Rapids, Kentwood and Michigan Jaycess and the West Michigan Veterans Branch.
The 13th District covers most of the City of Kentwood except for Districts 10 and 12 cover. For a map of the district, click here.
Incumbent Michelle McCloud (D) is seeking her second term on the board. She faces challenger Tom McKelvy (R).
Michelle McCloud
McCloud is an assistant dean in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Grand Valley State University and has volunteered with hospice, Meals-on-Wheels and on the board of directors for Court Appointed Special Advocates of Kent County.
Why did you decide to run for this seat? This was an opportunity to continue to serve the residents of Kentwood and to make sure their voice is heard at the county level. I believe that the role of a leader is to amplify the voices of the citizens and to find ways to empower them to improve their communities and their lives. I’m running to ensure that government isn’t the answer to the problems, but a resource to empower and support the residents of our communities.
What are a couple of issues you would want to address if elected? There needs to be a focus county-wide on improving safety in our communities. We need the leaders at the Kent County Commission to mobilize community leaders, citizens, and organizations to work in unison to address the increase in crime that all of us are witnessing. I also want to see a focus on long-term strategies that will prepare our young adults to be ready for the jobs of the future so that Kent County stays attractive to our youth for decades to come.
The 20th District is a brand new commission seat. It covers the northern portion of the City of Wyoming and a southern portion of the City of Grand Rapids. For a map of the district, click here.
The candidates are Ivan Diaz (D) and Eliza Rodriguez (R).
Ivan Diaz (D)
Diaz is a Grand Valley State University student who is from the Roosevelt Park neighborhood, which is represented by District 20.
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.
13th District Kent County Commission Seat
The 13th District covers the remaining portion of the City of Kentwood. For a map of the district, click here.
The two candidates seeking the Republican nomination are Thomas McKelvey and Nick Prill.
Thomas McKelvey has lived in the City of Kentwood for 32 years. He is an educator and small business owner and a former Kentwood City Commissioner.
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
Due to redistricting in the state, there have been several changes for House of Representatives and Senate races.
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 will be thrown out.
All absentee ballots must be received by 8 p.m. Aug. 2. In-person voters have from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. to vote in their precinct. Make sure to check your current voter registration card or verify your precinct through your local clerk.
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.
80th State House of Representatives
For the State House, all of the City of Kentwood is now part of of the 80th District which includes Cascade and East Grand Rapids.
Two candidates are seeking the Democratic nomination: Lily Cheng-Schulting and Phil Skaggs.
Lily Cheng-Schulting is an attorney known for her disability rights advocacy. She is the founder of the Disability A-TEAM of West Michigan.
Phil Skaggs is currently the District 19 Kent County Commissioner serving southeastern Grand Rapids and East Grand Rapids. He also was a city commissioner in East Grand Rapids for five years.
82nd District State House of Representatives
For the State House races, the City of Wyoming has been split between two districts. A portion of the City of Wyoming’s eastern border is part of the 82nd District, which falls in the Godwin Heights Public Schools area. For a map, click here.
Three candidates are seeking the Democratic nomination: Salim Mohammed Al-Shatel, Kristian Grant and Robert Womack.
Al-Shatel is a co-owner of My Barefoot Wedding, based in Spring Lake, and also a real estate investor.
Kristian Grant is born and raised in the Grand Rapids area and has spent the past 15 years in public service and community. She is a real estate developer and trustee on the Grand Rapids Public Schools Board of Education.
Robert Womack is currently the District 17 Kent Count Commissioner serving the southeast side of Grand Rapids and is CEO of 102.5 FM The Ride.
Republican candidates
Two candidates are seeking the Republican nomination, William Alexander and Ryan Malinowski.
William Alexander is born in Whitehall. He has lived in the Grand Rapids area for the last 28 years and is entrepreneur.
Most of the City of Wyoming will be part of the 83rd District. For a map, click here.
Two candidates are seeking the Democratic nomination, John Fitzgerald and Jose Flores.
John Fitzgerald is currently a Wyoming City Council member. He is a commercial insurance broker and has served on several community boards such as Ele’s Place West Michigan and The Clark Foundation Board.
Jose Flores is a former educator who currently serves on the Grand Rapids Public Schools Board of Education. He also is the owner of La Familia Market.
29th State Senate
The 29th State Senate race, which includes both the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming along with Grandville and East Grand Rapids, only has one candidate for each party nomination. The Republican candidate is Tommy Brann and the Democrat candidate is Winnie Brinks.
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
With the announcement that current City of Wyoming Mayor Jack Poll will be retiring from civic duty at the end of this year, three candidates have entered the election to be the city’s next mayor.
Poll has served the city as mayor for the past 13 years. Looking to fill his seat are current Mayor Pro Tem Sam Bolt, resident Cliff Tompkins, and council member Kent Vanderwood.
Along with council duties of adopting city ordinances, appointing members to boards and commissions, and approving an annual city budget, the mayor also serves as the the official head of the city, representing the city at various government functions on a local, state and national basis. The mayor position, which is a four-year term, is voted on by all registered voters in the City of Wyoming.
For information on voting in the City of Wyoming, click here.
Sam Bolt
Occupation: A retired finical advisor
Why did you decide to run in the position of mayor of the City of Wyoming?: I am running for mayor because I am very concerned with the financial future of Wyoming and with the other two people who are running.
In 50 word or less, please list up to two issues you wish to focus on as mayor: If elected, public safety will be my number one goal. I also will work to continue our progress on the 28 West project, and bringing jobs to the 36th Street property.
Why did you decide to run in the position of mayor of the City of Wyoming?: Per his website, “One of the reasons that triggered me into candidacy is that I could not believe what I was hearing and reading in the news. Our systems has lost control and our law enforcement is being seriously victimized. This will be a priority of mine, to help stabilize our Public Safety and work hard to bring in greater resources for our city, including stronger outreach programs.”
In 50 words or less, please list up to two issues you wish to focus on as mayor: Per his We the People video, Tompkins states that he would focus on public safety along with working to bring an e-government that is a full-time technology government that offers an array of services when the Wyoming City Hall is physically closed.
Occupation: I am semi-retired from my consulting company where I am still a partner. The Timothy Group provides fundraising consulting to non-profit organizations.
Why did you decide to run in the position of mayor of the City of Wyoming: This is a position being vacated by Mayor Jack Poll, but this vacancy is not the sole reason I am running. While Wyoming remains one of the preeminent cities in West Michigan, much remains to do. Born and raised in West Michigan, I have served the City of Wyoming for more than 16 years as council member-at-large. Every decision that I have made while in that role has been a result of my love for the city and desire to create an environment of good paying jobs and economic opportunity for our citizens. These decisions have always been based on the need for Wyoming to have modern infrastructure, a balanced tax and zoning environment, stable housing, low crime and quality schools.
In 50 words or less, please list up to two issues you wish to focus on as mayor: Maintaining our fiscal stability as a city, keeping our streets and neighborhoods safe, and supporting new business growth to fuel the economy and create jobs are issues that matter to all of us, and they are what motivate me to help lead Wyoming the next four years as your mayor.
The Kent County Board of Commissioners has 19 districts of which five represent portions of the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming. Here are those seeking to represent Wyoming and Kentwood residents at the county level.
7th District Kent County Commissioner
In the 7th District Kent County Commissioner race, Republican incumbent Stan Ponstein, of Grandville, will be facing off against Democrat challenger Jane Newton, of Grandville. The 7th District covers most of the City of Grandville and the northern portion of the City of Wyoming, most of which is in the Godfrey-Lee Public Schools district. For specific borders, visit accesskent.com.
Jane Newton – Candidate (D)
Occupation: Operations Manager at LaFleur Marketing
Why did you decided to run for the 7th District Kent County Commission seat?
I am running for Kent County Commission because people in our community are ready for real change and new leadership. I am passionate about how local government affects our daily lives and care deeply about equity, air and water protection, public health, accessibility, and supporting the community and small businesses. I’m a creative problem solver who brings a lens of sustainability, equity, and access to decision making.
If elected, what issue (s) would you want to focus on and why?
1) Water is our most valuable and irreplaceable natural resource. We must do all we can to protect it. For example, the county’s department of public works can help protect groundwater and our environment by building the sustainable business park to stop burying trash and drastically reduce what we send to the landfill. Protecting water and being on the cutting edge of sustainability creates jobs and makes Kent County a leader.
2) Make sure our health department has all the tools and resources it needs to respond to public health crises like COVID with a test, trace, and isolate strategy to protect the health of all individuals as well as our local economy and small businesses.
3) Build and create truly accessible county parks for kids and adults of all abilities. This year has shown us how valuable and essential the county’s outdoor spaces are for the physical and mental well-being of residents and how important it is to keep parks and trails maintained and updated.
Stan Ponstein – Incumbent (R)
Occupation: Works for Costco
Why did you decide to seek election to the 8th District Kent County Commission seat?
2020 has been an interesting year as we faced the challenge of COVID-19. I believe it is important to for the Board of Commissioners to have the experience and expertise on the board as we continue to maneuver through the next challenges to keep our county moving forward.
If elected, what issue (s) would you want to focus on and why?
COVID-19 showed some areas that we need to improve upon, mental health being one of them. As a board member of the Network 180 Mental Health Board and the Regional Substance Use Advisory Board, the shutdown affected the most vulnerable in our communities. We need to refocus and prioritize programs for mental health, substance abuse, and the mental and physical health so that those who are most vulnerable do not get left behind. Another area that stood out due to COVID, was our park system. Having the park system provided a place where people could get out of the house and socialize. I have always made our park system a priority so we can ensure that future generations will be ale to enjoy the beauty of nature in Kent County. The county has strong fiscal policies and has been able to maintain a AAA bond rating along with a fully funded pension program. Lastly, I fully support law enforcement in Kent County. We have partnered with communities and governmental agencies to deliver effective services at reduce costs and better outcomes. Our Sheriff Department is always looking at and challenging itself to deliver services with better outcomes for all people. Whether it’s partnering with Court officials, jail diversion programs or local community engagement, we have something we can be proud of in Kent County.
8th District Kent County Commissioner
There are two candidates seeking the 8th District Kent County Commission seat, which had been held by Harold Voorhees. Voorhees announced earlier this year that after more than 18 years as the 8th District Kent County commissioner, he would not seek re-election.
The candidates are Republican Dan Burrill and Sarah Chatterley, both of Wyoming. The 8th District Kent County Commission seat covers the eastern portion of the City of Wyoming, including the pan handle. For specific boarders, visit accesskent.com.
Dan Burrill – Candidate (R)
Occupation: Residential real estate and builder
Why did you decide to seek election to the 8th District Kent County Commission seat?
My desire to serve started back on the student council for middle school. When I was older, I served on the Grandville Public Schools Board of Education and continued that obligation to serve our community by first being on the Wyoming Zoning Board of Appeals and currently on the Wyoming City Council. I believe if you have the ability and willingness to serve that you owe it to the local community to offer your tools, talents and time to help make it a better place. With Harold Voorhees stepping down after 18 years of serving Wyoming at the county level, I was encouraged by others to run for the 8th District Commission seat and continue the great job that Harold Voorhees has done and the success at the county level.
If elected, what issue (s) would you want to focus on and why?
I want to continue to assure that we have clean water throughout the county. I would want to make sure that there is adequate funding for mental health services, especially since COVID-19 has heighten awareness of such issues as violence and mental health. COVID-19 has brought forth a number of issues for businesses and health which the county will need to continue to focus on.
Sarah Chatterley – Candidate (D)
Occupation: Candidate for Kent County Commission; Planning Commissioner for the City of Wyoming
Why did you decide to seek election to the 8th District Kent County Commission seat?
I am running for this seat because I am passionate about issues that are facing Kent County. I want to make sure that county government is adequately and equitably serving each of our residents – all 650,000 of them. I am excited to meet constituents, hear their ideas and concerns, and advocate for our community on a variety of issues, including health and economic inequities that existed before and were exacerbated by the pandemic. I look forward to engaging in a countywide effort to address disparities and making sure that our community has all that it needs to recover. This includes help for members of our community who are already struggling to make ends meet: vulnerable populations, including ALICE households (households that are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, & Employed), households experiencing poverty, and marginalized communities. Nearly one third of households across Kent County are ALICE households, struggling to afford the basic necessities. About 11 percent of Kent County households are living in poverty, and approximately one in every seven children in Kent County live in poverty (Source: https://poverty.umich.edu/data-tools-poverty-and-well-being-map-2020/). It will be important to pay attention to how these numbers change due to the pandemic and respond appropriately.
If elected, what issue (s) would you want to focus on and why?
I would like to focus on prioritizing people in various ways. Here are a couple of issues I would like to focus on: expand investment in early childhood learning and improve access to fair and affordable housing. Early childhood learning is important to creating the foundation of education and helps all of our community’s children get the best start in life. Fair and affordable housing is greatly needed throughout the county. I would also like to improve the transparency of the Commission by making meetings more accessible to the public. I believe that attendance could be improved by moving County meetings to the evenings, outside of most residents’ working hours.
9th District Kent County Commissioner
In the 9th District Kent County Commissioner, Republican incumbent Matt Kallman is being challenged by Democrat candidate Keith Courtade. Both are from Byron Center. The 9th District is all of Byron Center and a southern portion of the City of Wyoming east of Burlingame Avenue and west of Clyde Park Avenue to 36th Street and a portion that goes from north of 40th Street to Division Avenue. For specific boarders, visit accesskent.com.
Keith Courtade – Candidate (D)
Occupation: Worked for GM
Why did you decide to run for the 9th District County Commissioner seat?
I have a real passion for this and I miss not being able to represent and serve the people of Kent County. When I served as a Kent County Commissioner, I was a voice for the working families, the middles class, the poor and senior citizens – all the residents. I brought a commitment to fiscal responsibility, tax fairness and open government.
If elected, what issue (s) would you want to focus on and why?
I will put jobs first, working to find jobs and retaining laid-off workers; ease family burdens by helping them cope with the demands of caring for family members who are disabled; keep parks affordable by opposing park and recreation fees so no Kent County families would be priced out of county activities; push for local first purchasing to keep our tax dollars with local businesses; and defend the senior millage.
Matt Kallman – Incumbent (R)
Occupation: Software
12th District Kent County Commissioner
In the 9th District Kent County Commissioner, Democrat incumbent Moncia Sparks, of Kentwood, is being challenged by Republican candidate Ryan Malinoski, of Kentwood. The District 12 Kent County Commissioner seat covers the western portion of the City of Kentwood and the eastern portion of the city of Wyoming. For specific boarders, visit accesskent.com.
Ryan Malinowski – Candidate (R)
Occupation: Security guard
Why did you decide to run for the 12th District County Commissioner seat?
I’ve always been interested in running for office from a young age and feel it’s my time to serve the people by keeping Kent County going in the right direction.
If elected, what issue(s) would you want to focus on and why?
I think voters want to feel like the government is working with the health department to give the knock out punch to COVID and end the lockdown orders, and I believe most feel the defund the police movement is sending the wrong message.
Monica Sparks – Incumbent (D)
Occupation: Small business owner, State of Michigan licensed real estate broker and instructor
Why did you decide to run for the 12th District County Commissioner seat?
To become a policy maker that seeks to protect the services of our residents and ensure a quality of life for those living in Kent County.
If elected, what issue(s) would you want to focus on and why?
Too many uncertainties of the future with COVID for everyone, especially education.
Local Small businesses are suffering and closing affecting our local economy.
Access and barriers exist to mental health care services and stigma reduction.
Violence and crime rates rising.
13th District Kent County Commissioner
With the announcement that current 13th District Kent County Commission Betsy Melton would not seek re-election, two candidates are vying for the seat: Republican Levi Cipcic, of Kentwood, and Democrat Michelle McCloud, of Kentwood. The Kent County Commission District 13 covers the eastern portion of the City of Kentwood. For specific boarders, visit.accesskent.com.
Levi Cipcic – Candidate (R)
Occupation: Producer
Why did you decide to run for the 13th District County Commissioner seat?
I want to represent Kentwood in a way that brings the city to the forefront of thought when decisions are being made. In order to be effective, one needs to show up and communicate efficiently. I will do just that. Kentwood has a lot to be proud of and it’s time we position the city in a way that inspires the other districts around the county to be as equally exceptional.
If elected, what issue(s) would you want to focus on and why?
Health and wellbeing. Community safety and emergency preparedness. Fiscal responsibility.
Michelle McCloud – Candidate (D)
Occupation: Assistant Dean, Grand Valley State University
Why did you decide to run for the 13th District County Commissioner seat?
I’m running to serve as your Kent County Commissioner because I want to bring positive results to our community.
If elected, what issue(s) would you want to focus on and why?
Defending Public Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic. In collaboration with the county health department, ensure that the department is equipped with the resources necessary to test, trace and isolate COVID-19 cases. Our community’s essential workers deserve leaders that are willing to address the impact of COVID-19 today and in the future.
Invest in Early Childhood Education. Ensure children are kindergarten-ready through initiatives geared towards infants and toddlers, while ensuring that all children receive equal opportunities.
Support Our Neighborhood Businesses. Ensure that commercial property tax dollars are invested locally, so that we can prioritize smart economic growth for our local business. The City of Kentwood is an extremely vibrant community and local businesses are the heart of this great city.
All candidates were contacted and invited to participate in sharing their message to the voters.
Outside of the presidential candidates of Hilary Clinton and Donald Trump on the Nov. 8 ballot, there a number of others seeking your vote to represent you in state, county and local government.
To help area residents get familiar with the candidates who are running for these various offices, the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce along with the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood will be hosting candidate forums this week. These forums are for candidates who will represent residents of the Wyoming and Kentwood communities.
The first one is tonight, Sept. 20, and focuses on Wyoming candidates. The event is free to the public and starts at 6 p.m. at the KDL Wyoming Branch, 3350 Michael Ave. SW.
At 6:05 p.m. will be candidates for the 77th District State Representative. The 77th District includes Byron Township and the City of Wyoming. The seat is currently held by Thomas Hooker of Byron Township, who is vacating due to term limits. The candidates vying for the spot are Republican Tommy Brann and Democrat Dana Knight. Brann plans on being at the event.
At 6:30 p.m. will be the 8th District Kent County Commission candidates. This district takes in a part of the City of Wyoming. Currently holding the seat is Republican Harold Voorhees, who is seeking re-election. His opponent is Democrat Franklin Cornielle. Voorhees plans to be in attendance at tonight’s forum.
At 6:50 p.m. is the Wyoming City Council 2nd Ward candidates. The City of Wyoming’s 2nd Ward area covers the northern portion of the City of Wyoming from Chicago Drive in the north to Prairie Parkway down Burlingame Avenue over 36th Street and up along 32nd Street on the south. The 2nd Ward western border is Wentworth and the eastern border is the city limits. Running for the seat is incumbent Richard Pastoor and newcomer Marissa Postler. Both are planning to be at tonight’s forum.
At 7:30 p.m. is the Wyoming City Council 3rd Ward candidates. The City of Wyoming’s 3rd Ward area encompasses the city’s panhandle area that includes most of the western area of the city from Prairie Parkway on the north to 60th Street in the south. The 3rd Ward eastern border wraps around the city limits to Kenowa Avenue and its’ western border is Burlingame Avenue. Newcomers Rusty Richter and Robert Postema are seeking the seat being vacated by Joanne Voorhees. Both Richter and Postema are planning to be at tonight’s forum.
