Green - WKTV Journal

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

University of Michigan Health-West celebrates veterans by participating in Operation Green Light. (Courtesy, University of Michigan Health-West)

In observance of upcoming Veterans Day, the University of Michigan Health-West has joined Kent County by changing its illumination of its hospital tower to green for this week.

The project is part of Operation Green Light, which runs through Nov. 13 residents, business and organizations are encouraged to change their exterior lighting to green. The new national initiative of the National Association of Counties is to show support of military veterans and to raise awareness about the resources available to them through the Kent County Veterans Services.

“There are nearly 40 thousand veterans in Kent County who deserve to be recognized and honored for their sacrifices and services to our country and community,” says Martha Burkett, manager of Kent County Veterans Services. “We want our veterans to know that their service mattered, and there are available resources to assist them and their families.”

There is a connection University of Michigan Health-West to veterans as it shares its hospital campus with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Wyoming outpatient clinic. The VA clinic provides primary care and specialty health services, including mental health services, treatment for hearing loss, cardiology, dental care, gastroenterology, pain management, physical therapy, podiatry, women’s health services, and more.

“We are proud to show our support for the many veterans we serve as patients — and those we work with as colleagues,” said Steve Polega, chief nursing officer at University of Michigan Health-West and a military veteran. “Respect for veterans runs deep in our culture.

“Our hope is that Operation Green Light helps raise awareness about services from the VA and others, including Kent County Veterans Services, just as we send a message of respect to all veterans.”

Many veterans struggle with the transition from military life to becoming a civilian. Kent County Veterans Services serves as a connector to programs and services that can help address everything from housing insecurity to applying for benefits to providing financial assistance in times of crisis. While every program has different qualification requirements, many veterans who honorably served qualify for programs after the completion of their service. Unfortunately, many veterans and their families do not know that the programs exist, or they have never inquired about them. Operation Green Light hopes to illuminate this issue and encourage more veterans to use the programs that best their needs. Green was chosen for the initiative because green is the color of hope, renewal, and well-being. The term “greenlight” is also commonly used to activate forward movement. The simple act of changing one light bulb signifies that movement.

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

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.