Tag Archives: General Elections

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 7: Take a look inside at your choices for Kentwood City Commission

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By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor

greer@wktv.org



On Tuesday, Nov. 7, local voters will get a chance to fill the open seats of the Kentwood City Commission. WKTV’s We The People program invited all Kentwood City Commission candidates to film a video. If they participated, their videos are linked here. All videos are 5-minutes or less devoted to the candidate, and were not edited in any way by WKTV.



Look here to find your polling location in Kentwood. For all you need to know about voting, absentee ballots, and much more, look here. View the City of Kentwood Ward and Precinct Map here.


Kentwood City Commission is made up of seven officials, including the Mayor, elected by the residents. It is the City Commission’s responsibility to set policy and provide financial oversight for the City. All Kentwood elected officials serve a term of four years. The City Commission generally meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at City Hall unless otherwise posted.


Kentwood City Commission At-Large Seat

The City of Kentwood Commissioner At-Large, one of two seats, is voted upon by the entire City of Kentwood. The non-partisan candidates listed in the Nov. 7 general election are incumbent Commissioner Maurice H. Groce and candidate Lily Cheng-Schulting. Betsy Artz is in the middle of her term.





Maurice H. Groce —  Incumbent Candidate,
Kentwood Commissioner At-Large

Why are you running for office?:

I am running for re-election to retain my seat as Commissioner At-Large. I have been involved with the City of Kentwood since 2007 serving on the Local Officer Compensation Committee, Housing Commission, Planning Commissioner, and three times as a City Commissioner.

My drive and commitment to serving the City of Kentwood are centered around championing public safety, safeguarding the city budget, promoting better communication, and planning for the future generations of our city.

Ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents is paramount. I am dedicated to working closely with our department leaders to implement effective strategies to prevent crime and enhance public safety. Responsible fiscal management is crucial for the prosperity of our city. I will work to safeguard taxpayer dollars by diligently examining the city budget, identifying areas of potential savings, and prioritizing essential services and infrastructure development. By promoting better communication channels, we can forge stronger partnerships, address community needs, and work collaboratively to make our city an even better place to live. I will work to plan for the long-term future, ensuring a balanced and inclusive growth that preserves our city’s unique identity and legacy.

I am devoted to upholding these values as your City Commissioner. I humbly ask for your support and trust as we work together to build a safer, prosperous and united City for ourselves and for the generations to come.

Two issues you are focused on:

1. Championing Public Safety

·Prioritizing funding for police and fire services to meet the needs of the community.

·Advocating for safe and healthy neighborhoods by supporting community policing efforts and building positive relationships between law enforcement and residents.

·Supporting initiatives such as crime prevention programs and neighborhood watch initiatives.

2. Safeguarding the City Budget

·Continue to be a driving force to keep Kentwood a city with a continually balanced and fiscally responsible budget.

·Committed to ensuring the city budget is allocated and spent efficiently without wasteful expenditures.

·Forecast budgeting assessments for future projects, challenges and liabilities to ensure the city’s financial stability.





Lily Cheng-Schulting — Candidate,
Kentwood Commissioner At-Large

Why are you running for office?:

I am running to represent all Kentwood residents as your servant leader. I will always remember that I work for you, regardless of your status, income, gender, age, race, skin color, cultural background, educational background, or abilities. 

As your Kentwood City Commissioner, I will listen to your concerns, advocate fiercely for you, and work together with you for positive changes and real solutions. 

If you have any local concerns, please call me. I will be your fiercest advocate, since I have been a successful, proven advocate for almost a decade. Many people already know about my leadership and advocacy in benefitting many thousands of students with disabilities, teachers, and staff at the KISD center-based (special education) schools, through systemic change, which led to better funding, resources, and accountability.  

Therefore, my mission is to dedicate my skills, experience, and energy to improve the quality of life for all Kentwood residents and to ensure a better, more accountable, inclusive, and responsive Kentwood City government.

Two issues you are focused on:

Many residents have expressed to me their strong concerns, if not disappointment, that they were not actively informed nor did they have a strong voice regarding recent major proposed changes and projects. You deserve better. I will, therefore, increase community engagement and uplift your voice, including by creating town halls and monthly office hours. 



I will champion public safety for all residents, including for people with disabilities and mental health challenges. I will listen to your concerns and work with you and your neighborhood associations to create real solutions, including ensuring the resources for effective public safety and exploring options, such as neighborhood watch and joint programs with social workers. 
 

I will also strengthen the economic development and resources for small businesses and start-ups. Small businesses and minority-owned businesses have been an integral part of the growth of Kentwood. I will aid and explore options with small business owners, including minority-owned small business owners, to ensure their success and that they have a strong voice.  

Most importantly, as a proven leader, I will listen to all concerns and advocate fiercely for all Kentwood residents. I love and respect each and every resident in Kentwood. I will work for all Kentwood residents, and I will be an active servant leader for you. 

For more information:  

Please visit my website at Lily4Kentwood.com or email me at lilyformichigan@gmail.com.  



Kentwood City Commission Ward 1

The City of Kentwood Ward 1, which has two commissioners, includes voting Precincts 1-9 and 17, roughly the southwest areas of the city. Incumbent 1st Ward Commissioner Robert Coughlin is running unopposed in the Nov. 7 general election in this non-partisan race, and Clarkston Morgan is in the middle of his term.

Kentwood City Commission Ward 2

The City of Kentwood Ward 2, which has two commissioners, includes voting Precincts 10-16 and 18, roughly the east and northeast areas of the city. David Moore II will run against incumbent candidate Ron Draayer in the Nov. 7 general election in this non-partisan race, while Jessica Ann Tyson is in the middle of her term.





Ron Draayer — Incumbent Candidate
Kentwood Commissioner Ward 2

Occupation: Kentwood City Commissioner (since 2019); Computer Science and Cyber-Security Professor — Davenport University (Emeritus)

Why are you running for office?:

I am running for office to ensure that our residents continue to receive top-quality service from our City workers and that our tax dollars are safe and well-utilized.

Two issues you are focused on: 

1. My top priority will continue to be the safety of our residents with strong support for our police officers, fire fighters and first responders.

2. Another priority will be to continue Kentwood’s strong financial position so that we can support and maintain our wonderful parks and trails along with city streets and other city facilities.





David Moore II — Candidate
Kentwood Commissioner Ward 2

Occupation: Self-employed Writer

Why are you running for office?:

Kentwood needs commissioners who will listen to its residents and invest in making their city feel like home.

Two issues you are focused on:

1. Overseeing that the voter-approved Parks and Recreation millage is spent as was promised.

2. Working closely with Mayor Stephen Kepley and other Kentwood commissioners to ensure Kentwood empowers and rewards its residents with clean and safe streets and responsible spending of city revenue and tax dollars.



We the People: Kentwood’s 1st Ward Commission Candidates

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WKTV takes seriously its role as a communications provider. We want our community to be well-informed and more involved in local matters.

 

 

In the city of Kentwood, residents will be heading to the polls on Nov. 7 to elect new city officers and city commission members. Of the six positions up for election, only two are contested, the Mayor position and a 1st Ward City Commission seat. Below are the candidates for the 1st Ward Commission seat.

 

 

Emily Bridson

Name: Emily Bridson

Challenger for the First Ward City Commission Seat

 

Why did you decide to run for election to this office? [After attending several city commission meetings, Bridson said] Mayor Kepley approached me after a city commission meeting and said, “You know, if you keep showing up, we’ll give you a job to do.” It was back then that I decided to part of the solution. I seized the opportunity to become a member of the Parks and Recreation Commission and also the Planning Commission. It was one of the best decisions I have made: I have learned a tremendous amount about how the city works with other municipalities, and the importance of being an effective member of a committee, of listening to my neighbor’s input, and of serving our city. I’ve learned that all of us, by getting involved with local government, can have a positive impact on our families, neighborhoods, parks and the future of our city.

 

As you are aware, the City of Kentwood just recently marked its 50th anniversary. What challenges/issues do you believe the city will need to address to continue to build upon its success? Based on the many conversations I have had with residents, my vision for our city includes: investing in education – so that every child has a well-funded, effective education; promoting equity and inclusion – Kentwood’s boards and commissions should reflect our community. When inclusivity connects our community, we all win; improving our public places – investing in parks and recreation enhances our residents’ lives through activities and green spaces; prioritizing public safety – for everyone…for a safer community.

 

 

Gerald DeMaagd

Name: Gerald DeMaagd,

Incumbent for the First Ward City Commission Seat

 

Current position: I retired from Steelcase in 2001 after 27 years. I was a data security team leader.

 

Why did you decide to run for election/re-election to this office? I decided to run for re-election to continue working on improving governance at the commission level. Governance describes how the commission itself is organized.

 

As you are aware, the City of Kentwood just recently marked its 50th anniversary. What challenges/issues do you believe the city will need to address to continue to build upon its success? The challenge for Kentwood in the coming years will be long-term fiscal sustainability after the city is fully developed. Currently our tax base is expanding as new commercial, industrial, and housing development occurs…providing a growth dividend. When fully built out, this revenue increase will plateau.

 

Those seeking re-election in uncontested City of Kentwood races are Dan Kasunic for City Clerk; Laurie Sheldon for City Treasurer; and Betsy Artz for City Commissioner-at-Large. Tom McKelvy is running unopposed as well for a 2nd Ward Commission seat currently held by Erwin Haas who is not seeking re-election.

 

We the People: Kentwood Mayoral Candidates

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WKTV takes seriously its role as a communications provider. We want our community to be well-informed and more involved in local matters.

 

In the city of Kentwood, residents will be heading to the polls on Nov. 7 to elect new city officers and city commission members. Of the six positions up for election, only two are contested: the Mayor position and a 1st Ward City Commission seat. Below are the candidates running for mayor.

 

 

Stephen Kepley

Name: Stephen Kepley

Incumbent

 

Current position: Mayor of the City of Kentwood

 

Why did you decide to run for election/re-election to this office? I believe it is a calling in my life and that there are definitely goals I want to accomplish in the coming years such as continuing the work on the Kentwood Community Foundation. This was a private foundation which we have worked to make public and are now focused on building an endowment.

 

As you are aware, the City of Kentwood just recently marked its 50th anniversary. What challenges/issues do you believe the city will need to address to continue to build upon its success? We have been celebrating our past this year and through that we have learned that our residents look to our city to have some of these special city events through our Parks and Recreation Department. These include the farmers market, the Ugly Sweater 5k run, and the outdoor concerts. The residents see added value to keeping these type of events going. We still have a strong work climate, and jobs where people can work remain important which is why Kentwood will always be “open for business.” Kentwood also has a lot of open space and there are needs for housing. We are planning that infrastructure, and while Kentwood still has room to grow, we need to be planning for long-term sustainability of revenue income.

 

 

Scott Urbanowski

Name: Scott Urbanowski

Challenger

 

Current position: President and founder of Humanoid Digital, a digital media company

 

Why did you decide to run for election/re-election to this office? Originally I had considered the city commission; however, there was a push for me to run for mayor because of my leadership and managerial experience. I know what it is like to struggle with economic difficulties, and having lived through that I feel I understand the needs of all the residents of our community.

 

As you are aware, the City of Kentwood just recently marked its 50th anniversary. What challenges/issues do you believe the city will need to address to continue to build upon its success? I have a platform of safer, stronger, more engaged and better-managed safety. I would like to see more police patrols and more Neighborhood Watch groups in areas of high crime. Budget sustainability is another key component. Also, I would like to focus on the process of appointments to city boards, making it a more formalized process along with increasing awareness and communication of the positions available within the city.

 

Those seeking re-election in uncontested City of Kentwood races are Dan Kasunic for City Clerk; Laurie Sheldon for City Treasurer; and Betsy Artz for City Commissioner-at-Large. Tom McKelvy is running unopposed as well for a 2nd Ward Commission seat currently held by Erwin Haas, who is not seeking re-election.