Wyoming Public Schools Superintendent Craig Hoekstra delivers an important message to the community on the eve of national, state and local elections.
Read Hoekstra’s letter to the community below:
Wyoming Public Schools Superintendent Craig Hoekstra (Supplied)
Dear Wyoming Public Schools Families and Community,
As we approach the upcoming national, state, and local elections, I want to highlight two important messages for our school community.
First and foremost, I encourage everyone to exercise their right to vote. This fundamental right is one of the most impactful ways we can shape our community, our state, and our nation. Voting not only allows us to have a voice in the decisions that affect us, but it also demonstrates to our children the value of civic engagement.
Secondly, as the election draws near and results unfold, it is vital that we, as a community, stay focused on our role as positive role models for our students. Regardless of the election’s outcome, our ongoing commitment must be to remain civil, respectful, and supportive of one another. Our actions and words will serve as powerful examples to our children on how to engage thoughtfully and constructively, even during challenging times.
Wyoming Public Schools is built on the strength of a supportive partnership between home and school. I am grateful for each of you and your dedication to fostering a positive environment for our students. Together, we can model the importance of kindness, empathy, and healthy discourse in all that we do.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support in helping us create a positive and respectful atmosphere within our schools and community.
Sincerely,
Craig Hoekstra
Superintendent
Wyoming Public Schools
WPS Superintendent Craig Hoekstra’s letter to the community (Courtesy, WPS)
LANSING — Michigan saw a dramatic increase in funding for school board races for the Nov. 8 elections, election watchers say.
Michigan saw quite a bit of money spent on local school board elections this year. (Pxhere.com)
“Normally school board races fly under the radar,” said Jennifer Smith, the director of government relations at the Michigan Association of School Boards. “This amount of attention is unheard of.”
One reason: Nationwide, conservative groups have called for more “parental rights” over what schools are teaching their children, Smith said. These same groups donated thousands of dollars to Michigan school board races. These groups, or political action committees, do not normally pay that much attention to school board races.
For example, this is the first year that the Great Lakes Education Project has spent money on school board races, Beth DeShone, executive director of GLEP, told the Detroit News. The group spent about $100,000 this year across 20 races.
The group, formed by Betsy DeVos, a former U.S. Secretary of Education and prominent Republican donor, usually donates to statewide races, but is now involved in local races to “‘empower these citizens’ voices and take a chance to engage on these races to create a more transparent system,” according to DeShone.
GLEP could not be reached for additional comment.
More attention could be a good thing
“Previously, these races were community funded,” Smith said. “A candidate would fund themselves, or fundraise with other community members.”
More attention to school board races can be a good thing, said Thomas Morgan, a spokesperson for the Michigan Education Association.
“But this election, the attention we saw was largely spreading conspiracies and misinformation,” Morgan said. “Luckily, these candidates largely were not successful, and voters chose candidates who would be best for improving children’s education and collaborating with teachers.”
One of the biggest polarizing issues was the belief that schools indoctrinate children by teaching critical race theory and gender theory, he said.
Such beliefs can drive attention in local campaigns.
“Some parents are scared that schools are teaching their children things that they themselves do not believe in,” said John Lindstrom, a former publisher at Gongwer News Service Michigan, a news organization focusing on state politics.
Candidates are nonpartisan, causes are not
“More money than ever before is going towards supporting these candidates,” said Lindstrom, a board member of the Michigan Campaign Finance Network. “Now that people know these races matter, I don’t see an end to the increase in money.”
School boards have little authority over curriculum which is set at the state level. (Pxhere.com)
Although school board candidates are nonpartisan, the causes they may champion are not.
But school board members lack the power to do a lot of things candidates ran on, Smith and Morgan both said. Their main duty is to select a superintendent.
Curriculum standards are set at the state level, and enforced by curriculum directors at schools.
It’s unclear if political action committees funding school board candidates were aware that school board members have little authority over what schools teach children, Morgan said.
“These groups may have just been trying to get attention on fake issues in order to distract from real ones,” Morgan said. “However, the large majority of voters are focused on the truth and what’s best for their children, and that’s what we saw in this election.”
Tracking finances not easy
Tracking who finances a school board candidate can be difficult, according to Morgan.
While some county clerks post the information on their websites, that is less common in areas with fewer resources to do so.
“It comes down to how well-staffed a county clerk’s office is and what their IT department can do if these records can be searchable online,” Morgan said.
Improvements in finance tracking might be necessary if the trend of spending a lot of money on school board races continues, Morgan said.
But Smith says that this attention might not continue into the future, especially after how so few candidates funded by political action committees won. She argues that since these races are so local, local community members should be the ones financing them.
“I hope the attention goes away soon,” Smith said. “It’s a distraction and the hyper-politicization of schools is not what we need.”
Sarah is a junior at Michigan State University double majoring in Social Relations & Policy and Journalism. She is interested in writing about how politics affects local communities and making information accessible for everyone. In her free time, she likes boxing, yoga, and spending time with friends, family, and her dog.
With Wyoming City Councilmember John Fitzgerald securing a state House of Representatives seat in the 2022 elections, it means there will be three new faces on the Wyoming City Council.
Fitzgerald, the Democratic candidate for the 83rd District, received 15,318 votes with Republican candidate Lisa DeKryger receiving 12,963 votes. He will be vacating his seat on the Wyoming City Council in order to fulfill his role as the 83rd District House Representative.
One of the tasks for the new Wyoming City Council, which will take office later this year, will be appointing a person to fill Fitzgerald’s seat.
At the November 2022 elections, residents did fill two vacant council member at-large seats and the first ward seat on the Wyoming City Council. Councilmember Sheldon DeKruger ran unopposed for the first ward seat. Three candidates sought the two council at-large seats. The top two vote getters for the race were Dr. Renee Hill, 12,045 votes, and Rob Arnoys, 10,462 votes. The third candidate, Robert Kilgo, received 8,600 votes.
US House of Representatives 3rd District
As predicted by many, Kent County flipped blue as Democratic candidate Hilary Scholten was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives Third District seat. She was about 40,000 votes ahead of the next candidate, which was Republican John Gibbs. For full election results, click here.
State House and Senate races
John Fitzgerald and who wife Kellie after voting in Tuesday’s midterms. (Courtesy, John Fitzgerald)
For the 29th State Senate Senate, which included both the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming, Democratic incumbent Winnie Brinks secured she would be returning to Lansing with 59,400 votes. Republican candidate Tommy Brann received 39,115 votes.
In the state House of Representative races, Democratic candidate Phil Skaggs with 23,762 votes secured the 80th District seat over Republican Jeff Johnson, who received 18,441. The district includes all of the City of Kentwood.
In the 82nd District, which includes an eastern portion of the City of Wyoming, Democratic candidate Kristin Grant took the seat with 23,972 votes to Republican candidate Ryan Malinoski’s 7,945 votes.
As mentioned earlier in this article, Fitzgerald won the 83rd District seat, which covers most of Wyoming, with 15,318 votes to Republican candidate Lisa DeKryger’s 12,963 votes.
Kent County races
In the Kent County Commission races, all of the incumbents took back their seats:
7th District, which covers most of the City of Grandville and a portion of the City of Wyoming: Republican incumbent Stan Ponstein received 7,312 to Democratic challenger Sue Merrell’s 6,053.
8th District, which covers a portion of the City of Wyoming: Republican incumbent Dan Burrill received 7,383 votes to Democratic challenger Jennie Chatman’s 5,994.
9th District, which includes a southern portion of the City of Wyoming: Republican incumbent Matt Kallman received 9,801 votes to Democratic challenger Chip LaFleur’s 4,664.
10th District, which includes a southern portion of the City of Kentwood: Republican incumbent Emily Post Brieve received 7,977 votes to Democratic challenger Julie Humphrey’s 5,230.
12th District, which includes both the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood: Democratic incumbent Moncia Sparks received 6,037 votes to Republican challenger Lee White’s 4,034.
13th District, which covers a large portion of the City of Kentood: Democratic incumbent Michelle McCloud received 7,054 votes to Republican challenger Tom McKelvy’s 4,769.
In the newly created 20th District which includes the northern portion of the City of Wyoming (mostly the Godfrey-Lee Public Schools district), Democratic candidate Ivan Diaz will be the first to hold the seat as he received 3,565 votes to Republican candidate Elisa Rodriguez’s 1,977 votes.
School Boards of Education
Godfrey-Lee Public Schools: Josephine Coleman and Lynn D. Velthouse ran unopposed for two six-year terms on the school board.
Godwin Heights Public Schools: There were four candidates seeking two six-year terms on the board. The top vote getters were Kathy Crow DeYoung, 1,367 votes, and Megan Erskine, 1,048 votes. Colleen Anderson was the only candidate seeking one of the two partial terms that will end on Dec. 31, 2024. The board will fill the remaining position.
Grandville Public Schools: There were five candidates seeking two six-year terms. The top vote getters were Bob Wondergem, 6,203 votes, and Trent Joseph Taylor, 5884 votes.
Kelloggsville Public Schools: Crystal Reidzas and Gladys Townsend ran unopposed for two six-year term seats.
Kentwood Public Schools: There were four candidates seeking three four-year term seats. The top vote getters were Sylvia A. James, 12,917 votes; Kim Taboada-Arzate, 9,505 votes; and Pete Battey, 9,404 votes. Tanya Powell-May was running unopposed for the two-year term seat.
Wyoming Public Schools: Jeff Norton and Audrey L. Zapata. Norton ran unopposed for the two six-year term seats. Two candidates were running for the four-year seat ending in 2026 with Lisa Manley taking the seat with 6,330 votes.
With the midterm elections tomorrow, the WKTV Journal offers a look at the local candidates running for seats on local school boards, Wyoming City Council, and state seats.
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
This fall, the residents of the City of Wyoming will decide who will fill two open spots on the Wyoming City Council.
Current Mayor Pro Tem Sam Bolt announced he would not seek re-election to his at-large council seat. Current Council Member-at-Large Kent Vanderwood was elected mayor during the August primaries as he received more than 50 percent of the overall vote.
Three candidates, Robert Arnoys, Renee Hill and Robert Kilgo, are seeking to fill those seats. Also, Sheldon DeKryger is running unopposed for his First Ward seat.
Robert Arnoys
Occupation: A life-long resident of the City of Wyoming, Arnoys is the vice president of treasury management for Lake Michigan Credit Union. Along with having more than 30 years of banking experience, Arnoys has served on a number of community boards and is currently on the City of Wyoming Planning Commission.
Tell us a couple of issues you want to focus on if elected: If elected, Arnoys will focus on public safety, working with officers in providing them the resources needed to keep Wyoming safe. Because of his background in finances, Arnoys plans to help keep Wyoming fiscally responsible. He also will focus on planned development, ensuring the city has a strong master plan that will put the right uses in the right places as well as supporting an environment for small businesses to prosper.
Occupation: Hill has lived in the City of Wyoming for more than 27 years. She is a doctor of physical therapy. She does home care. She also served on the city’s Enrichment Commission.
Tell us a couple of issues you want to focus on if elected: Hill’s main concern is the wise use of citizen’s tax money and is dedicated to making sure every dollar honors the trust of the citizens. She also supports prudent property management and keeping Wyoming residents safe.
Website: There is no website for this candidate.
Robert Kilgo
Occupation: Kilgo moved to the City of Wyoming when he decided to attend Grace Christian University. He now is the assistant to the president of Grace Christian University. He also has served as a mentor to at-risk students in Wyoming.
Tell us a couple of issues you want to focus on if elected: Kilgo believes that the city is in a good position financially and he wants to continue that for the future. He also recognizes the need for a well-funded public safety initiative and safe neighborhoods and is looking to help add to the public safety department and reduce the city’s dependence on its neighbors especially for fire services. He also wants to work on addressing the housing shortage, expand access to city services and focus on maintaining the city’s parks.
With less than two weeks remaining until the statewide primary election on Tuesday, Aug. 2, Michigan voters who have not returned their absentee ballot are encouraged to hand deliver it to a local drop box or their clerk’s office to avoid postal delays.
The City of Wyoming drop box (and usually drive-up) for absentee ballots. (WKTV)
“Drop boxes continue to be among the safe options that voters have to return their ballot securely this year, in addition to hand-delivering their ballot to their clerk’s office, voting early at their clerk’s office, or voting at their polling place on Election Day,” said Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson.
Eligible residents who have not yet registered to vote can do so in person at their city or township clerk’s office now through 8 p.m. on Election Day. They also can request and submit an absentee ballot at the clerk’s office in the same trip. Citizens who still need to register must do so in person at their clerk’s office if they wish to vote in the August primary, as online and mail registration is not permitted within 14 days of an election.
Voters can check the status of their absentee application or ballot online at Michigan.gov/Vote or by contacting their local election clerk. Voters who already received an absentee ballot should complete it, sign the envelope and mail it or drop it off at their clerk’s office or drop box as soon as possible.
Citizens also can vote in person at their polling place on Election Day, Aug. 2. Polls will be open 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Election Day.
City of Wyoming
City of Wyoming Clerk Kelli VandenBerg said the city has about 5,700 registered voters and her office is working to do the best to serve all of them for the election.
For absentee ballots, her office has seen an increase since the change was made in 2018. For elections, the city is seeing about 62 percent absentee ballots with about 38 percent voting in-person.
VandenBerg said the city has mailed out about 6,000 ballots with 2,400 having been returned.
“While right now mail is feeling OK, but as we get closer to election day, I will be getting more and more inclined to encourage voters to come visit us,” VandenBerg said. The city has a dropbox located at City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW, or bring the ballot to the clerk’s office in city hall.
The clerk’s office also will be hosting a public voting test at 9 a.m. July 26 in the council chambers at city hall. Area residents can see how ballots are tabulated and the process for counting ballots.
City of Kentwood
If returning absentee ballots by mail, Kentwood City Clerk Dan Kasunic recommends putting it in the mail by Monday, July 25 to ensure a timely delivery for the August election.
Residents also can hand-deliver absentee ballots to the Clerk’s Office at Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE, during regular business hours or use one of the 24-hour drop boxes located outside City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE, and the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE.
The City Clerk’s Office, located in City Hall, will be open for voter registration and absentee ballot requests from 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, July 30.
More information about the Aug. 2 election, absentee ballots and voter registration is available at kentwood.us/elections.
Michigan law regarding primary ballots requires voters to cast votes for only one party’s candidates. Votes for candidates in multiple parties on the same ballot will not be counted.
Absentee ballot request data shows more than 1.1 million Michigan citizens have now requested their ballots, and the vast majority have already received them. A side-by-side comparison of current absentee ballot request numbers, compared to the same time ahead of the 2018 statewide primary, is below. A breakdown of the numbers by jurisdiction is available online.
14 Days Before Election Day(July 18, 2022)
14 Days Before Election Day(July 23, 2018)
Number of Applications Received
1,167,369
588,909
Number of Ballots Issued
1,163,659
589,042*
Number of Ballots Returned
398,756
260,017
The Michigan Voter Information Center at Michigan.gov/Vote provides important information for voters ahead of Election Day, including a sample ballot and information about how to use voting equipment, and how to contact your local clerk.
*The number of ballots issued is greater than the number of applications received as it represents all ballots issued, including replacement ballots for those who requested to spoil their first.
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.
LANSING – Regardless of which candidates win the November election for Michigan’s congressional seats and which party secures control of Congress, two important changes will be visible on Capitol Hill in January with serious implications for the state’s national clout.
First, Michigan’s delegation will shrink by one seat – from 14 to 13 – due to redistricting.
That’s because Michigan’s population stagnated during the past decade while the population of other states grew. In total, seven states are each losing one seat, including neighboring Ohio, with their reallocation to states in the West and South.
That grim reality sets a messy stage for the second major change: the departure of at least three familiar faces.
U.S. House of Representatives: U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, Michigan’s longest-serving representative, will not run for another term.
Redistricting led U.S. Rep. Benda Lawrence, a liberal Democrat from Southfield, to retire rather than seek a fifth term. She’s the only African American in the Michigan delegation and a member of the powerful Appropriations Committee.
“As we have a new redistricting map, a new generation of leaders will step up,” Lawrence said in announcing her decision.
Redistricting also induced U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, the state’s longest-serving member, to withdraw from a contentious primary with fellow U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga of Zeeland. Redistricting put the two conservatives into the same district.
Upton, now in his 18th term, chaired the Energy and Commerce Committee when the GOP controlled the House.
But he faced a steep uphill battle to stay in Congress because of his vote to impeach then-President Donald Trump, who has endorsed Huizenga.
Announcing his retirement on the House floor, Upton said, “Even the best of stories has a last chapter.
“This is it for me. I’ve done the zillions of airline miles back and forth, have signed ‘Fred’ to over a million letters, cast more votes than anyone in this chamber while here and, by most accounts, have succeeded in making a difference accomplishing what I have set out to do with more unfinished work still yet to come.”
In suburban Detroit, liberal U.S. Reps. Haley Stevens of Rochester Hills and Andy Levin of Bloomfield Township are fighting each other in the Aug. 2 Democratic primary. Both chair subcommittees, Stevens in the Science, Space and Technology Committee and Levin in the Foreign Affairs Committee.
Only one will survive the primary.
Bill Ballenger, the publisher of the political newsletter “Ballenger Report” and a former state legislator and Cabinet member, said the changes will make it tougher for Michigan when it comes to federal appropriations, COVID relief and other aid from Washington.
U.S. House of Representatives: U.S. Rep. Brenda Lawrence, D-Southfield, will not seek a fifth term after redistricting.
“It’s got to hurt the state’s ability to leverage influence in the Congress in the state’s direction,” said Ballenger, who once ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. House in a Republican primary.
He said the state’s clout is already much weaker than in the 1990s and early 2000s when the delegation contained long-serving members who chaired powerful committees and subcommittees, U.S. Reps. John Dingell of Trenton, Dale Kildee of Flint and John Conyers Jr. of Detroit.
Upton and Lawrence are far from alone in stepping down. As of April 6, 48 House members had announced they aren’t running again, according to Ballotpedia.org.
The average two-year election cycle sees 71 House members leaving, the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service said in a recent report.
“Members leave for a variety of reasons,” the report said. “Those could include resignation, death or chamber action,” a reference to expulsion for misconduct. The number includes defeated incumbents and ones who opted to seek other offices.
In addition, there’s no guarantee that voters will return all the state’s other incumbents to Washington.
Incumbent Democratic Rep. Rashida Tlaib of Detroit and GOP Reps. John Moolenaar of Midland, Peter Meijer of Grand Rapids, Tim Walberg of Tipton and Lisa McClain of Romeo all face primary opponents.
Neither of the state’s Democratic senators, Debbie Stabenow of Lansing or Gary Peters of Bloomfield Township, are up for reelection this year.
Eric Freedman is professor of journalism and former associate dean of International Studies and Programs. During his 20-year newspaper career, he covered public affairs, environmental issues and legal affairs for newspapers in New York and Michigan, winning a Pulitzer Prize for coverage of a legislative corruption scandal. He teaches environmental journalism and serves as director of the Knight Center for Environmental Journalism. He also teaches public affairs reporting, international journalism, feature writing and media law and serves as director of the school’s Capital News Service
Tuesday, April 19, was the last day for candidates to file for the upcoming fall elections with the residents of both the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming have several new faces, and a few familiar ones, to consider for federal, state, and local government positions.
City of Wyoming
Wyoming City Hall. (WKTV)
With Mayor Jack Poll’s announcement that he would be retiring at the end of his term, three candidates have put their hats in the ring for the City of Wyoming’s mayor position, which is a nonpartisan four-year seat. Two of the candidates are long-time council members, Kent Vanderwood and current Mayor Pro Tem Sam Bolt and the third is a newcomer, Cliff Tompkins, who owns the Wyoming business Hair by Cliff.
The top two candidates from the Aug. 2 primary will face off in the Nov. 8 general election. Also in November, Wyoming residents will be selecting two Council Members at Large, four-year terms, from three candidates, Robert A. Arnoys, Renee Hill, and Robert Kilgo. First Ward Council Member Sheldon DeKryer is running unopposed for his four-year term.
City of Kentwood
While there are no City of Kentwood seats open for this year’s election cycle, the city is seeking a permanent recreation and trails millage of one mill in the Aug. 2 primary. If levied, the additional 1.0 mill is estimated to raise $2,345,537 in the first calendar year of the levy.
Kent County Commissioners
The Kent County Board of Commissioners (from a 2019 meeting). (Supplied/Kent County)
Like the federal and state governments, the Kent County Board of Commissioners also completed a redistricting.
The redistricting adds two new district to Kent County for a total of 21 districts. One of those new districts, District 20, would encompass the norther portion of the City of Wyoming (Godfrey-Lee Public Schools area) along with some southern portions of the City of Grand Rapids, such as Roosevelt Park, Black Hills, and Burton Heights. It has been indicated by officials that the goal was to create a largely Hispanic district (the area is more than 50 percent Hispanic) to provide a voice to the county commission of the area’s largest minority group.
There are five candidates vying for the 20th District spot, two Democrats and three Republicans. The Democrats are Ivan Diaz and Charles Howe. The Republicans are Elisa Rodriguez, Alan Bolter, and Walter Bujak.
Other Kent County Districts that will be on the Aug. 2 Primary will be the 10th District, which through redistricting now includes a portion of the City of Kentwood, will be Republicans Emily Post Brieve (incumbent) and Bill Hirsch. The winner of the Republican race will face Democrat Julie Humphreys in November.
In the 12th District, Republicans Lee White and Adam R. Palasek will face off in the primary with the winner then moving on to face Democrat Monica Sparks (incumbent) in November.
The other Kent County district races within the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood have only one Democrat and Republican which means all those races will go straight to the November ballot. Those districts are:
7th District, which includes a western portion of Wyoming along with Grandville. Candidates: Republican Stan Ponstein (incumbent) and Democrat Sue Merrell.
8th District, which covers most of Wyoming. Candidates: Republican Dan Burrill (incumbent) and Democrat Jennie Chatman.
9th District, which includes a portion of southern Wyoming along with all of Byron Center. Candidates: Republican Matt Kallman (incumbent) and Democrat Chip LaFleur.
For a look at the district map of state and county, click here.
State House of Representatives and Senate
Both the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming will be under the 29th District for the state Senate. (Supplied)
Redistricting has changed both the state’s Senate and House of Representative seats for the two cities.
For the Senate, both the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood will be part of the 29th District state Senate seat which also includes Grandville and East Grand Rapids along with portions of Grand Rapids Township and Grand Rapids east of the Grand River and south of Fulton Street. Two Republicans have put in their names, Tommy Brann, who is terming out this year from the 77th District state House seat, and Andrew Kroll. The winner of the Aug. 2 primary will face Democratic incumbent Winnie Brinks in November.
For the state House, the City of Wyoming is split between two districts. Most of the City of Wyoming will be part of the 83rd District along with a north portion of Grand Rapids (the Roosevelt Park area) and the Cutlerville area. There are three Democrats and one Republican vying for the seat. In the Aug. 2 primary, the Democrats, John Fitzgerald, Jose Flores, and Keith Courtade will compete to advance to the November election, where the winner will then run against Republican Lisa DeKryger.
A portion of the eastern border of Wyoming is part of the 82nd District of the House of Representatives. There are three Democrats and two Republicans seeking nomination in the Aug. 2 primary. The Democrats are Salim Mohammed Al-Shatel, Kristian Grant, and Robert Womack. The Republicans are William Alexander and Ryan Malinoski.
The City of Kentwood will join Cascade and East Grand Rapids for the 80th District House of Representative seat. Two Democrats will be competing in the Aug. 2 primary, Lily Cheng-Schulting and Phil Skaggs. The winner will then run against Republican Jeffrey Johnson in the Nov. 8 election.
Voter Information
For more information on voter registration, absentee ballots, voting locations and how to apply to be an election worker in Kentwood, visit kentwood.us/elections or contact the City Clerk’s Office at elections@kentwood.us or 616-698-9610.
In Wyoming, visit click here or contact the City Clerk’s office at clerk_info@wyomingmi.gov or call 616-530-7296.
Residents of the City of Wyoming joined those in northern Kent county to determine the next 28th District state senator. In the unofficial results, Republican Mark Huizenga took the seat with 25,735 votes, which was about 10,000 more than his closet competitor, Democrat Keith Courtade, who had 15,683 votes. Libertarian Alex Avery received 611 votes and U.S. Taxpayer candidate Theodore Gerrard received 420 votes.
District 28 encompasses the townships of Plainfield, Byron, Alpine, Algoma, Cannon, and Sparta and the cities of Grandville, Rockford, Walker, Wyoming and the Village of Cedar Springs. Kent County is reporting about a 20% turnout of it registered voters, which is higher than the 12.24% in 2019, the last non-president and non-governor election.
Within the City of Wyoming, which had a voter turnout of about 7,000 out of its 55,703 registered voters (12.57%), Huizenga was the top pick receiving about 800 votes more than Courtade.
Huizenga officially takes over the 28th District senate seat on Jan. 1. Formerly held by Peter MacGregor, who vacated the seat when he became the Kent Country Treasurer last year, Huizenga will fill the remaining one-year of MacGregor’s term. Huizenga has indicated that after the districts are redrawn, he does plan to run again for a senate seat in the Walker area.
Huizenga has served as the mayor of Walker and currently is the 74th District State Representative, which covers Rockford, Cedar Springs, Algoma Township along with the cities of Walker and Grandville. His state house representative seat would be up in the 2022 elections. State house representative seats are two-year terms with a term limit of three terms. The state senate seats are for four-year terms with a term limit of two terms.
Huizenga owns Mark Huizenga Systems Consulting, a consulting firm, and is the managing partner for Key Green Solutions, a software company.
From left: Mark Huizenga, when serving as mayor of Walker with Wyoming Mayor Jack Poll, Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley, and Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss at a previous National Night Out event. (WKTV)
Four candidates are seeking the the 28th District Senate seat in the fall election set for Nov. 2.
The seat was vacated by Peter MacGregor last year when he took over the position of Kent County treasurer. Four candidates have put their names in the ring for the seat: Libertarian Alex Avery, Democrat Keith Courtade, U.S. Taxpayers Theodore Gerrard, and Republican Mark Huizenga.
The 28th District of the State Senate includes the City of Wyoming as well as the cities of Walker, Rockford, and Cedar Springs, For a district map, click here.
The election will be open form 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Nov. 2. Those voting by absent ballot have until 8 p.m. on Election Day to complete the ballot and return it to the clerk’s office.
In its We the People videos, WKTV invites all candidates to share why they decided to run for the 28th District seat and issues the candidate feels are important. Below, are the candidates who participated.
Keith Courtade – Democrat
Occupation: Retired UAW Skills Trades
Why did you decide to run for the District 28 Senate seat?
I feel important things are going on and I have a passion for it. I have always had a passion for it and I want to help people. I’ve been a voice for the middle class and have a passion to help people.
What are the key issues you are focused on?
The biggest issue is the right to vote. I believe all people should have the right to vote. The next one, and the one closer to Michigan, is cleaning up and protecting our groundwater. I’ve seen firsthand what happened in Flint as I was working at the GM plant there at the time. More needs to be done to fix the problem not just in the in the Flint area but all of Michigan as contaminated groundwater is a statewide issue.
Theodore Gerrand – US Taxpayers
Occupation: Electrician
Why did you decided to run for the District 28 Senate seat?
I watched the two major parties, which are dragging us down, pushing us away from the congressional process and truth. I believe we need to get back to the truth and freedom.
What are the key issues you are focused on?
I believe we need to focus on education and that we need to break free of the U..S. Department of Education and return the course of school to teachers and parents. I think the STEM program is very exciting and we need to be pushing that out more to students. We have a huge group of people who will be retiring from the trades, about a 2 to 1 radio, so we need to be supporting new people to move into the trades.
Mark Huizenga – Republican
Occupation: The current 74th District State Representative, which covers Rockford, Cedar Springs, Algoma Township along with the cities of Walker and Grandville, Huizenga owns Mark Huizenga Systems Consulting, a consulting firm, and is the managing partner for Key Green Solutions, a software company.
Why did you decide to run for the District 28 Senate seat?
I have always been involved not because of the campaigns or the politics, but because I have been asked to. My past background includes serving the state and mayoral experience with the City of Walker. I offer transparent accountability and am known to respond to all questions. I also make a point of meeting with people and talking about the issues that impact them.
What are the key issues you are focused on?
Currently there is no formula for state funding of higher education with some institutions receiving more than others. I sit on the Higher Education Committee and have been working toward creating a more equability funding system. Other issues are mental health, especial in our schools and I have worked to help launch a new hotline through the Department of Health and Human Services. Also, we need to look at gun violence.
Last year, Peter MacGregor stepped away from the 28th District Senate seat to take over the position of Kent County treasurer, leaving the 28th District Senate seat open. Five candidates, two Democrats and three Republicans are seeking the nomination from their respective parties in the Aug. 3 primary. The top vote getters in each of the party elections will face off in the general election for the seat. This is for one year with the seat returning to its regular election cycle in 2022. Note, voters may only vote for a Republican or Democrat candidate.
The 28th District of the State Senate includes the City of Wyoming as well as the cities of Walker, Rockford and Cedar Springs. For a district map, click here.
Democrats
Keith Courtade
Occupation: Retired UAW Skills Trades
Why did you decide to run for the District 28 Senate seat?
I feel important things are going on and I have a passion for it. I have always had a passion for it and I want to help people. I’ve been a voice for the middle class and have a passion to help people.
What are the key issues you are focused on?
The biggest issue is the right to vote. I believe all people should have the right to vote. The next one, and the one closer to Michigan, is cleaning up and protecting our groundwater. I’ve seen firsthand what happened in Flint as I was working at the GM plant there at the time. More needs to be done to fix the problem not just in the in the Flint area but all of Michigan as contaminated groundwater is a statewide issue.
Gidget Groendyk
Occupation: Hobby farmer and home remodeler
Why did you decide to run for the District 28 Senate seat?
My family has always been committed to serving the community which started with my grandfather who the day after the Pearl Harbor attack joined Patton’s army.
What are the key issues you are focused on?
I am a grassroots activist, environmentalist, advocate for social justice, nonviolent resister and regular citizens who’ve had enough of corporate-dominated politics. I would look at infrastructure, the PFAS contamination, and work on reopening small businesses.
Republicans
Tommy Brann
Occupation: The current 77th District State Representative, serving the City of Wyoming and Byron Township, Brann is a restaurant owner and president of the Division Avenue Business Association.
Why did you decide to run for the District 28 Senate seat?
My restaurant business is a small business and I will have been there 50 years. I see so much at my restaurant. My experiences at the restaurant I take to Lansing such as homelessness, something that I often witness. I fought hard to get $1.9 million to get homeless shelters up to $18 per bed. I also have given half of my salary, about $60,000, back to the community.
What are the key issues you are focused on?
I will continue to be focused on housing and homelessness. Also we need to be supporting family businesses and I want to work to get our K-12 education in the top 10 of the nation.
Kevin Green
Occupation: Green is the Algoma Township Supervisor and has served as a Wyoming City Council member and 77th District State Representative.
Why did you decide to run for the District 28 Senate seat?
I felt that the Legislature was not being effective in stopping the Governor on her mandates. I feel that my voice could be a lot more effective in carrying what the people want and I believe I have shown that in my past history in public service.
What are the key issues you are focused on?
Election integrity is an important issue. We need to follow that chain of custody, following the vote and making sure it matches with the signature. We also need to focus on our businesses as they slowly reopen. Lastly, I have worked on legislation for Count the Kicks, which is a a stillbirth prevention campaign that encourages expectant parents to track their baby’s movements during the third trimester of pregnancy.
Mark Huizenga
Occupation: The current 74th District State Representative, which covers Rockford, Cedar Springs, Algoma Township along with the cities of Walker and Grandville, Huizenga owns Mark Huizenga Systems Consulting, a consulting firm, and is the managing partner for Key Green Solutions, a software company.
Why did you decide to run for the District 28 Senate seat?
I have always been involved not because of the campaigns or the politics, but because I have been asked to. My past background includes serving the state and mayoral experience with the City of Walker. I offer transparent accountability and am known to respond to all questions. I also make a point of meeting with people and talking about the issues that impact them.
What are the key issues you are focused on?
Currently there is no formula for state funding of higher education with some institutions receiving more than others. I sit on the Higher Education Committee and have been working toward creating a more equability funding system. Other issues are mental health, especial in our schools and I have worked to help launch a new hotline through the Department of Health and Human Services. Also, we need to look at gun violence.
Thirteen Michigan residents will be coming together to draw the lines — the lines for the state’s U.S. Congressional district and Michigan’s House or Representative and Senate seats.
The 13 members are part of the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission, a group that was formed when Michigan voters passed Proposal 2 in 2018. The proposal stated voters and not legislators would be responsible for nonpartisan redistricting. The result was the 13-member commission, most of whom hail from the east side of the state with the closest West Michigan person from Battle Creek.
“Wow. We lost that lottery,” said Wyoming City Council Member Kent Vanderwood during the city’s April 19 Wyoming City Council meeting. “Kent County is a big place. This is the second largest part of the whole state and to have nobody west of Battle Creek is unfortunate.”
Edward Woods III
The council received the presentation about the Commission or MICRC from the MICRC Communications and Outreach Director Edward Woods III. Woods noted that the selecting of the 13-member commission was done by lottery performed by a third party. There was 9,367 applications received for the commission with 627 applicants from Kent County. The largest applicant pool came from Oakland County with 1,777. Wayne County had 1,450 applicants.
Woods said the selection process was completely random and that there was no consideration made for geographical and ethnicity representation. He said there has been comments made about the fact that there are no Hispanics or African-American males on the commission as well as geographical representation.
The commission is made up for four Democrats, four Republicans and five Independents, all of who went through that random selection process.
Redistricting is done every 10 years after the U.S. Census has been completed. The commission started its work in September, scheduling its required meetings to receive public input before any redistricting plans can be drawn, according to Woods. The commission is required to have 10 public meetings and is planning to host 16 in total which includes a July 1 meeting at DeVos Hall with a second meeting planned for Grand Rapids in the fall. The group also will host meetings May 13 in Kalamazoo and June 29 in Muskegon.
The MICRC is responsible for redistricting the U.S. Congressional districts, In 2010, the U.S. Congressional districts had about 711,000 people in each district. Currently, Michigan has 14 U.S. Congressional districts.
“It is being reported that Michigan may lose a seat for the fifth time in a row,” Woods said.
The commission also is responsible for redistricting of the Michigan Senate and House of Representatives. There are currently 38 state senate districts which have about 212,400 to 263,000 people in each district. There are 110 state House of Representative districts, with each having between 77,000 to 99,000 people.
“The concern is how do you want your lines drawn,” Woods said. “Obviously with the congressional district, those are a little bit bigger, but when it comes to the state house and the state senate, that is a little bit different. Are we keeping municipalities together? Are we keeping counties together? Do we split along a business district or an art district or on waterfront communities?”
This is the type of information that the commission will be seeking from residents, Woods said, adding the commission also will be sharing information about the redistricting process which includes the criteria for redistricting such as equal population, the Voting Rights Act, geographically contiguous, no disproportionate advantage to any political party, no favor or disfavor to an incumbent, elected officials or candidates, reflect consideration of county, city and township boundaries, and reasonable compact.
Woods said the commission encourages residents to present ideas, send questions and engage in the process by email redistricting@michigan.gov or mail to MICRC, P.O. Box 30318, Lansing, MI 48909.
Learn more about Michigan’s new redistricting process or to obtain more information about the upcoming public hearings, visit www.michigan.gov/MICRC.
The Commission must adopted the new election district maps by Nov. 1, 2021 with the maps becoming law Dec. 31, 2021. The new districts would be for the 2022 election.
The Kent County Board of Canvassers announced it has certified the Kent County results of the Nov. 3, 2020 General Election.
“The work that the canvassers do is critically important as it’s the final checks-and-balances in our process,” said Kent County Clerk Lisa Poshumus-Lyons. “I want to commend our Board of Canvassers for their diligent work and dedication to reaffirming that Kent County’s election was secure, accurate, and transparent.”
Lisa Posthumus-Lyons
The Board of Canvassers convened on Thursday, Nov.5, meeting each weekday, open to the public, until completing the canvass Tuesday, Nov. 17. The law requires the canvass to be completed no later than two weeks after each Election Day. The official county canvass documents will be delivered Wednesday to the state Bureau of Elections for inclusion in the statewide canvass. With the canvass concluded, candidates have until Monday, Nov. 23, to request a county-level recount.
Now that the canvass is completed, and after statewide certification, the County Clerk’s office will conduct the legally required post-election audits in randomly-selected precincts to perform a number of additional measures to verify that the election was administered correctly and that results were accurate. Among those additional steps is the conduct of manual hand-recounts of the ballots in two contested races
“Michigan’s process of conducting elections is deliberative and extensive. Counting every legal vote accurately is our number one priority, and we spend a month after every election to ensure that Kent County elections are secure, transparent, and fair,” Lyons said.
The election is over, so now what do you do with all those Trump and Biden signs?
Well, you could keep them as a memento or use them in an art project or you could just recycle them.
If you are planning to recycle, there is only one place to recycle corrugated plastic and the metal stands, which is what most election signs are made of, and that is at the Kent County Recycling and Education Center, 977 Wealthy St. SW.
Because the signs and metal stands need to be separated, the county has set up the the election sign recycling site, according to county staff. If the signs are placed in the recycling bins and go into the sorting machines, they may jam up the machines, staff said.
The bins are located in the back parking lot in the big blue barn. There is a bin designed for the corrugated plastic sign part and another bin for the metal stand. The site is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The site will be open through the end of November.
The new face on the Wyoming City Council will be John Fitzgerald.
John Fitzgerald will be the next Wyoming City Council member. (WKTV)
Fitzgerald had about 3,000 votes more than candidate Rob Arnoys. The unofficial final count is 13,657 for Fitzgerald and 10,679 for Arnoys with Wyoming reporting that 100 percent of the city’s votes have been counted.
“The voice of Wyoming was heard and people believed in the work and mission that they heard in my campaign,” Fitzgerald said.
Fitzgerald said he appreciated Arnoys for a well run campaign and for his work on the City of Wyoming’s Planning Commission.
Arnoys responded that he wanted to “congratulate John for his successful campaign.
“This has been a great opportunity and I have learned so much,” Arnoys said. “We have a great city and I feel John will do a great job representing us and I look forward to supporting the city as we move forward.”
Fitzgerald, who is a commercial insurance broker, replaces Dan Burrill on the council. Burrill did not seek re-election to the council, but instead sought and won the Kent Country 8th District Commission seat.
“The next step will be getting to work,” Fitzgerald said. “The city has a number of challenges and a number of issues that we will need to make decisions and I look forward to serving our community and keeping my mission of representing the citizens of Wyoming equably.”
Also running unopposed for Wyoming City Council was Marissa Postler for the city’s 2nd Ward and Rob Postema for the 3rd Ward.
Even though election results are still being counted in Kent County, there are not much in the way of surprises in the county’s unofficial results.
Dan Burrill was elected to fill the 8th District Kent County Commission seat left vacant by Harold Voorhees, who early this year announced he was retiring. (WKTV)
About 60.5 percent of the county’s total registered voters voted in this year’s 2020 election. About 85 percent of the 303,039 total votes have been counted as of late this morning.
Even with 15 percent left to count, in many of the county races, the leaders have maintained large point leads.
This was the case for Republican Incumbent Michelle LaJoye-Young for Kent County Sheriff. Throughout the night, LaJoye-Young maintained a lead over Democratic challenger Marc Burns and Liberation candidate John Glen Stedman. Today, she was still 60,000 votes ahead of Burns, her closet challenger. Republican incumbent Lisa Posthumus Lyons for Kent County Clerk also maintained a lead over challengers Devin Ortega (D) and Jamie Lewis (L) and so did Republican incumbent Ken Yonkers for Kent County Drain Commissioner who stayed ahead of challengers Elaine Isely (D) and Alex Avery (L). With 85 percent of the votes counted, these candidate seem to continue to keep that lead. Republican incumbent Chris Becker was the only person seeking the Kent County Prosecuting Attorney position.
With the announcement that current Kent County Treasurer Keith Parrish would not seek re-election, two newcomers, Peter MacGregor (R) and Beth White (D) put their hats in the ring for the position. For most of the night, MacGregor held a solid lead with morning numbers showing he was about 42,000 votes ahead.
The cities of Kentwood and Wyoming and surrounding communities of the City of Grandville, and the townships of Byron Center and Gaines have 100 percent fully reported which means commissioner races for those communities have unofficial results.
For county commission seats, the following incumbents retained their seats: Stan Ponstein for the 7th District, Matt Kallman for the 9th District, Emily Post Brieve for the 10th District and Monic Sparks for the 12th District. Both the 7th and 9th districts have portions of the City of Wyoming and the 10th District has a portion of the City of Kentwood. The 12th District is divided between the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood.
Kent County 7th District Commissioner Stan Ponstein won his re-election bid. (WKTV)
“Words can not express my gratitude to the voters of District 7,” said Commissioner Stan Ponstein in a Facebook post. “Whether you voted for me when I was first elected to the Grandville Board of Education at the age of 19, supported me over the years, or this is your first time voting for me. I want you to know I take public service seriously, I will never forget who I serve and have always believed that where you live should not dictate the level of service you recieve from government.”
In the 8th District, which covers the eastern portion of the city of Wyoming, including the pan handle, Republican candidate Dan Burrill, who is currently on the Wyoming City Council, maintained a steady lead against Democratic candidate Sarah Chatterley. When counting was done, Burrill had 9,165 votes to Chatterley’s 7,765.
“It feels like I have been running for forever since I have been campaigning from about March through the primaries to November,” Burrill said, adding that he was appreciative for the help of the Kent County GOP, Kent Vanderwood and Rusty Richter.
While sad about leaving the Wyoming City Council, Burrill said he is looking forward to being apart of the Kent County Commission.
“I am ready for another chapter to lean about how the county operates and to represent the citizens of Wyoming at the county level,” he said.
In the 13th District, which covers the eastern portion of the City of Kentwood, Democratic candidate Michelle McCloud was able to push past Republican candidate Levi Cipcic by more than 4,000 votes.
The Kent County Board of Canvassers will review the general election on Nov. 17 with the state board of canvassers reviewing the statewide election on Nov. 23.
While all the seats for the Kent County Commission are up for election, there are only a few with more than one candidate seeking a specific party’s spot for the general election. In Michigan’s primary, you may only vote for candidates in one party. The primary election is Aug. 7.
8thDistrict Kent County Commissioner
Kent County Commissioner District 8 covers most of the City of Wyoming, from its western border, heading east. For specific borders, visit accesskent.com.
There are only the two Republican candidates on the ballot for the 8thDistrict Kent County Commissioner seat. The candidate who wins the primary will run unopposed in the general election on Nov. 6.
Occupation: Leasing agent for Byron Lakes Apartments
Why did you decide to run for the 8thDistrict Kent County Commissioner seat?
I really love this area and where it is headed and I do feel that things are pretty good. Everything is booming and we have had a lot of competent people leading the way. I don’t want to lose that. So, I decided to challenge myself because I really wanted to give back to this place I fell in love with.
If elected, what issues do you want to focus on?
Being that I don’t have a l long resume into this, I want to talk and review meticulously before approval to any issues. I am elected official who actually speaks to the people. So I want to sit and talk to the residents and let the people tell me which issues are important to them.
Why did you decide to run for re-election for the 8thDistrict Kent County Commissioner seat?
Because I enjoy public service. I also I think I am needed as we transition with new leadership and there is still work to be done.
If re-elected, what issues do you want to focus on?
I will be focusing on the financial area. We have a triple A bond rating and I want to see that the county maintains that. I also know that the people work hard for their tax dollars and I want to assure them that those tax dollars are working for them.
12thDistrict Kent County Commissioner
The 12th District Kent County Commissioner seat covers the western portion of the City of Kentwood and the eastern portion of the City of Wyoming. For specific borders, visit accesskent.com.
With Harold Mast’s announcement that he would not seek re-election, several candidates have put their names on the ballot for the 12thDistrict Kent County Commissioner seat. There are four Democrats seeking the Democratic Party spot. Whoever wins the primary will face Republican Jill Martinez in the general election on Nov. 6.
Why did you decide to run for the 12thDistrict 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 issues do you want to focus on?
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.
Why did you decide to run for the 12thDistrict County Commissioner seat?
So, in March of this year, I was selected as one of the 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan by the Grand Rapids Business Journal. I know that with influence it is not something you use for yourself but others. I filed in March, like the next day. I decided to run because I want to see that we have continuous services. We need to make sure that such services as mental health continue because a healthy mind leads to a healthy community.
If elected, what issues do you want to focus on?
Mental health services is one along with fair affordable housing. People say there is only so much land, but there are other options such as there are a number of abandoned buildings that we could tap into for fair housing services. Also, having a father who is a Korean war veteran and received the Purple Heart, making sure our veterans are taken care of and receiving the services they need along with services to those with special needs.
Why did you decide to run for the 12thDistrict Kent County Commissioner seat?
When I heard Harold Mast was retiring, I considered it but it wasn’t until over the holidays that I made the decision to run. I am running for three reasons. The first is to rebuild trust between the public and government. The second, my promise to serve the less fortunate and our veterans, and third is what I can bring to the county commission, that millennial voice. I am a person who has faced economic challenges and am able to give the ordinary resident a voice at the table.
If elected, what issues do you want to focus on?
I have a four-part platform: opportunity for all, giving a voice to the less fortunate; government for all, making it more transparent and open to the residents it serves; health and safety for all, as we deal with PFAS issues and trying to address chemicals left in the ground and preventing things like that from happening; and service to all, working on service to help the underserved and less fortunate by looking at issues such as consolidating 911 into one dispatch and seeing if that will provide the quality of service for all.
Wyoming City Council member Kent Vanderwood said he is planning to seek re-election in the fall for for his fourth term as a council member-at-large.
Vanderwood’s seat is one of four seats that will be up for election in the fall. The other three are another council member-at-large seat held by current Mayor Pro Tem Sam Bolt, a 1st Ward Council member seat currently held by William Verhulst, and the city mayor seat currently held by Jack Poll.
Verhulst, who is currently the longest serving member of the Wyoming City Council, announced at the Jan. 11 City Council work session that he would not seek re-election due to health concerns. Poll announced during his State of the City Address at the Jan. 18 meeting that he would seek another term. Poll has served as mayor for the City of Wyoming since 2009. Before that, he served on the Wyoming City Council from 2001-2005 and 2007-2009. After the Jan. 18 meeting, Bolt said he too planed to run for re-election. He is seeking his fourth term on the council.
Poll, Bolt, and Vanderwood were re-elected in 2013 but served an extra year in office when, in a cost saving measure, the city decided to move its elections to even years when the state and federal elections are held.
Vanderwood said he was currently working on his petition for re-election with the intent of being on the fall ballot.
Those interested in running for any of the council or mayor seats need to file with the Wyoming City Clerk’s Office by 4 p.m. April 24. The clerk’s office is located in the Wyoming City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW. Candidate packets are available at the front desk.
The primary election is set for Aug. 7 and the general election is set for Nov. 6.
At the January Wyoming City Council work session this week, 1st Ward Councilmember William VerHulst announced he would not be seeking re-election this fall.
VerHulst said due to health issues, which caused him to miss the Jan. 2 meeting, he has made the decision to not run for his current seat. VerHulst has served as the city’s 1st Ward Councilmember since 1993.
Wyoming’s First Ward encompasses Precincts 1 – 9. That area covers most of the eastern edge of the city which is Clyde Park Avenue to Eastern Avenue north of 36th Street and from Burlingame Avenue to Eastern Avenue south of 36th Street.
Mayor Jack Poll
Besides the 1st Ward Councilmember seat, seats also up for election will be the mayor’s, currently held by Jack Poll, and two council-member at large seats currently held by Kent Vanderwood and Sam Bolt. Bolt also is currently serving as mayor pro tem. Vanderwood and Bolt have not made any announcements on whether they will seek re-election. Mayor Jack Poll is expected to make an announcement on if he seeks to run for re-election at his State of the City Address set at the next council meeting Monday, Jan. 15, at 7 p.m. at Wyoming City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW.
Those interested in running for any of the council or mayor seats need to file with the Wyoming City’s clerk office by 4 p.m. April 24. The clerk’s office is located in the Wyoming City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW. Candidate packets are available at the front desk.
The primary election is set for Aug. 7 and the general election is set for Nov. 6.
“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!“
Celebrating their year abroad in America are, from left, Natale Aurtenetxe, Elisabeta Karlin, Hang Thi Minh Ha, Triet Vu, Yuka Nagai and Ayaka Kawasaki.
In his year of study at Wyoming High School, Triet Vu learned a lot of things about America and its education system that were much different from his home in Vietnam: the easier curriculum, the pervasive technology, the intensely controversial election. But what he valued most? His fellow students.
“I really like the people,” said Triet, a senior. “It’s so nice. I can just say hi to a random person, have small talk and we’ll be friends. I can feel like I’m getting more sociable and mature.”
Triet is one of 57 students who attended Kent County schools this year through the Educatius Group, a foreign-student exchange program operating in more than 230 U.S. high schools. It also works with some 120 universities to help students like Triet access higher education here; he has been accepted by Grand Valley State University to study nursing next year.
Ayaka Kawasaki, left from Japan, and Hang The Minh Ha and Triet Vu, of Vietnam, were impressed by how engage Americans were in the election.
The foreign-exchange experience has enriched the lives of students and their host families for generations, thanks to a variety of agencies. Boston-based Educatius has provided that experience for students from more than 50 countries in the past 10 years, an increasing number of them in West Michigan. With an office in Grand Rapids, it has grown from 39 students attending area schools in 2014 to 92 this year.
School News Network invited a half-dozen Educatius students to come together in mid-April and compare notes on their school year, which just happened to coincide with one of the most divisive presidential elections in American history. Here they weigh in on that and other, less controversial topics.
What Was Weird?
“I’m really surprised by how much you guys eat fast food,” said Triet, who as he said has become very sociable. “We had a lot of pizza, like, a LOT of pizza.”
For Elisabeta Karlin of Wiesbaden, Germany, who goes by Lisa, it was what she called “spray cheese,” better known here as Cheez Whiz. “I haven’t tried it, but I thought it was weird,” said Lisa, who attends the Rockford Freshman Center.
Ayaka Kawasaki, a junior at Wyoming High School, thought it was weird that students eat in the classroom, something never done at her school in Tokyo.
“We don’t use so many cars as you,” said Natale Aurtenetxe, a sophomore at Rockford High School. “We use more public transport” back home in Bilbao, Spain.
For Yuka Nagai, a sophomore at Catholic Central, it was weird not having the steering wheel on the right side, as in Japan. But it was much easier to get to school than in Tokyo, where it took her 30 minutes by bike, 30 minutes by train and 30 minutes walking – yes, that’s 90 minutes total.
Triet Vu
What Was Hard?
Lisa and Natale were both thrown by how often classes change. Back home they spent most of the school day with the same students.
“I like that you switch and can meet new people,” said Lisa, whereas always being with the same group, “You get annoyed with some people.”
Just physically changing classes at 1,800-student Rockford High was a challenge, added Natale: “It’s like if your locker’s downstairs and you need to go upstairs, it’s really difficult. There’s a lot of people.”
Although he found his studies “pretty easy,” Triet also found the constant class changes at Wyoming High disconcerting. “Teachers ask us to pair up and I’m like, ‘Oh crap, I don’t know anyone!’”
Yuka was taken aback by how much American students discuss topics with their teachers, so unlike the sit-quietly-and-take-notes norm of Japanese students. “If I could speak English more, I’d prefer the American style,” she said.
Hang The Minh Ha
Hang Thi Minh Ha was unnerved by having to give class presentations at Wyoming, which was way out of her comfort zone compared to students’ passive routine in Vietnam. “I was so scared,” Hang said. “I tried my best. It was good for me.”
What Did You Most Appreciate?
“The teachers were really nice to you and really helpful,” Lisa piped up immediately.
For Yuka, it was the ready availability of technology, whether working from an iPad, emailing a teacher or using Google Translate. “In Japan, we have to carry a bunch of textbooks every single day,” she said. “I thought my back was going to be broken.”
For Hang, it was being able to know more people and ask teachers for help after school. That’s not easy in Vietnam, where she said she attended school six days a week until 5:30 p.m., and sometimes evenings if she needed more help.
Ayaka appreciated the diversity of students in Wyoming. “Everybody’s different,” she said. “I like that. Japan’s so boring. Everyone’s the same.”
And What about That Election?
To a person, the students were impressed with how intensely engaged the public was in the showdown between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump.
“It’s crazy how you guys have all different opinions,” Triet marveled. “American people kind of put me to shame. I know literally nothing about Vietnamese politics. We just can’t have opinions.” On the other hand, he saw here “so much protesting and so much hate. I don’t like that.”
Lisa was also fascinated by Americans’ “strongly different opinions of things. In Germany, you don’t have such a strong opinion about politics.” However, she also sometimes found the election “kind of scary,” like when she heard of people beating each other up.
Hang went to the polling place with her host father, Eddie Tauler, and was impressed. “I saw how Americans care about their government and their president. They have freedom to speak about what they think.” In Vietnam, she added, “You have to be careful what you say.”
“In Japan, I never saw government as interesting,” Ayaka said. Yuka agreed, adding, “I was so impressed that even younger people (in America) have interest in their government and politics.”
What Was Most Special?
All agreed it was the people – new friends at school and at home, with their host families.
Lisa traveled with her host parents, Shannon and Sara Moore, to see their daughter Michelle compete in Color Guard. She and Natale played on the Rockford tennis team, and Natale went camping with her host family, Matt and Karyll Russell, and helped daughters Karys and Jocelyn with their Spanish Immersion studies.
Hang and Ayaka, who both stayed with Eddie and Jamie Tauler, laugh about eating Eddie’s macaroni and cheese – “The American food I will never forget,” Hang said.
And that’s definitely not all.
“It’s really tough on them to leave, and leave the friends they made,” said Laurie Ledesma, who hosted Yuka and helps coordinate Educatius locally.
Triet agreed. “Basically, friends is what makes the year really special.”
Check out School News Network for more stories about students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan.
Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez from Democracy Now! Photo courtesy of Democracy Now! by Steve J. Sherman
For its election coverage, WKTV will host a live broadcast of the independent news program Democracy Now! Tuesday Nov. 8, on WKTV Government Channel 26.
The five-hour broadcast will start at 5 p.m. and will feature Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez who will be co-hosts for the special election night coverage.
The program will include real-time results from presidential, gubernatorial and congressional races as well as state and ballot initiatives from around the country.
The co-hosts will look at what the election results mean for war and peace, climate change, income inequality, racial and economic justice, LGBTQ rights and the global issues.
Democracy Now!’s election night special will feature unique interviews and perspectives. The program will include the voices of activists, analysts and grassroots leaders discussing how the movements on ground will go forward following this historic election.
When I was a kid, I read a lot of biographies – explorers, sports heroes, presidents. Somehow, reading about those outstanding individuals of the past gave me pride and hope for the future. Dave Dempsey’s new biography of William G. Milliken evoked that same kind of feeling.
Milliken became Governor of Michigan in 1969, when then Governor George Romney left for Washington to take a post in President Nixon’s Cabinet. Milliken was subsequently elected to three consecutive four-year terms when he retired in 1982, he had served longer than any previous individual as the state’s chief executive. These were not easy years. Riots had scarred Detroit, the automobile industry was battered by foreign competition disrupting the state’s economy, and the battle to protect the environment was just beginning.
Through it all, Milliken acted with confidence, optimism and a spirit of conciliation. He stood, and still stands, as an example of the decency and civility that raises politics from the level of mud-slinging to the high plain of public service. Like all good writers, Dempsey uses many specific examples to paint a clear picture of Milliken’s general character. He describes the time when the Governor and his wife were taken on a hiking tour to film the television program “Michigan Outdoors” and 60-year-old Gene Little was lugging a huge TV camera on his shoulder. Dempsey lets one of the hikers, David Smethurst, tell the story:
“. . . we walked on and on. Pretty soon Gene is huffing and puffing. We stop more often for him. I walk ahead with Ned and Mrs. Milliken and look behind. Gene is still slogging along, but the Governor is now carrying his TV camera . . .I made up my mind about the Millikens that day. Good people make good leaders.”
The book is filled with these firsthand observations from friends of the Governor and his political adversaries, from newspaper editorials, journalists and reporters. Dempsey has done an excellent job of weaving this material into his text which provides a broader historical perspective. It’s like being there and then stepping back to reflect on the impact of major events form the time period. Often he lets Milliken speak for himself as in these words from his first speech as the acting Governor:
“[I hope my administration] is known for its compassion, its idealism, its candor and its toughness in pursuit of public ends.”
This high standard is the Milliken legacy something we citizens can hold up with hope and pride for our future political leaders.
At the Aug. 2 primary, Gaines Township residents will be heading to the polls to elect all of their township officials as every single office – supervisor, treasurer, clerk and trustees – are up for election.
Three of the offices have candidates running unopposed. Rob De Ward is seeking the Gaines Township supervisor position. Incumbent Crystal Osterink is seeking the position of clerk and Incumbent Laurie J. Lemke is running for township treasurer.
Current Gaines Township Supervisor Don R. Hilton Sr. is one of six people seeking the four township trustee positions. Also running are current township trustees Eric Fouch, Dan Fryling, Tim Haagsma, and Angela Burnside and newcomer Kathy Vander Stel.
Gaines Township is broken into nine precincts. Percent 1 and 2 will vote at the Gaines Charter Township Offices, 8555 Kalamazoo Ave. SE. Precinct 3 is at Gaines Branch Library, 421 68th St. SE. Precinct 4 and 5 voters will head to Heritage Baptist Church, 1570 60th St. SE. Precinct 6 will vote at Hillside Community Church, 1440 68th St. SE. Precinct 7 is at Providence Christian Reformed Church, 7730 Eastern Ave. SE and Precincts 8 and 9 will head to Ada Bible Church, 2045 68th St. SE.
For each precinct’s area visit the Gaines Charter Township website and look for the precinct map under the Office of the Clerk in the category of Departments. All precincts are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
At the Aug. 2 primary, Gaines Township residents will be heading to the polls to elect all of their township officials as every single office – supervisor, treasurer, clerk and trustees – are up for election.