Tag Archives: Harold Voorhees

Commissioner Harold Voorhees, soon to leave elected office, visits WKTV Journal In Focus

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By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

This fall the residents of the City of Wyoming will select a new 8th District representative on the Kent County Board of Commissioners. But before that happens, WKTV Journal In Focus sat down with Wyoming’s current commissioner, Harold Voorhees. But serving the local community on the county body is only latest of a nearly four decade career for the long-time public servant.

As he prepares to leave office — and we all find our what’s next in his public service life —  WKTV Journal In Focus sat down with Mr. Voohees. We talked about his last months of his nearly two-decade tenure serving Wyoming and Kent County, about his leadership work within City of Wyoming beginning in the late 1980s as a councilman and as the city’s mayor, and then his three terms in Lansing as a state representative.

While he will not be on the ballot this November, as he declined to seek reelection, he hinted about what’s next as we talked about his decision, his pubic service, and, of course, those cookies.

WKTV Journal In Focus airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (For dates and times on Channel 26, see our Weekly On-air Schedule. For dates and times on Channel 99, visit here). All individual interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.

Change coming in local county commission seats, state senator looking toward future, after candidate filing deadline

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The 2020 election cycle, the August primary and the November general elections, will have a wide spectrum of officeholders for Wyoming and Kentwood voters to decide upon.

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The 2020 election cycle, the August primary and the November general elections, will have a wide spectrum of officeholders for Wyoming and Kentwood voters to decide upon — from Kentwood’s District Court judge to President of the United States.

As the candidate deadline for the filing for partisan positions on the fall primary and November ballots passed today, April 21, at 4 p.m., a review of the Kent County Elections Office list also includes three local developments of special note.
 

Three candidates will vie for the Kent County Board of Commissioners 8th District seat, which is entirely in the boundaries of the City of Wyoming, but current commissioner and long-time public servant Harold Voorhees will not be one of them.

And current State Sen. Peter MacGregor (Republican, 28th District) is running for Kent County Treasurer, an action that if successful would require him to resign from his senate seat two years before term limits would force him to do so.

Both Commissioner Voorhees and Sen. MacGregor talked to WKTV briefly today about their decisions.

For Commissioner Voorhees, this is just the right time.

Commissioner Harold Voorhees

“At the end of 2020, I will have served 30 years in elected office. I think this is the right time for someone else,” Voorhees said. “I have been blessed to be able to serve people in three different elected offices … (and) my wife and I are in our 80s and we are blessed with good health. So why not spend more time with our six children, 19 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. We have lots of visiting to do.”
 

The new county commission’s 8th District commissioner, to be decided in November, will be either the sole Democrat to file, Sarah Chatterley of Wyoming, or the winner of an Aug. 2 Republican Party primary between current City of Wyoming City Council Member-at-large Dan Burrill and Grandville’s Denise Kolesar.

Additionally, in the county commission’s 13th District (Kentwood), incumbent Democrat Betsy Melton filed early but then removed her name late in the process, so fellow Democrat Michelle McCloud and Republican Levi Cipcic, both unopposed in the primary, will face off in November.

As far as Sen. MacGregor’s decision, he told WKTV that his love of public service — he has more than 11 years as a state representative and now state senator —  and looming term limits are what drove him to the decision.

State Sen. Peter MacGregor (R-28th District)

“I truly love serving the people” of Kent County, he said. “Maybe I can use my skill set to continue serving this way … (and) this is kind of a free shot to test that.”

If he does not win the treasurer seat, Sen. MacGregor would continue to serve his final two years in the senate.

Also seeking the county treasurer job, and running in the Democratic primary, are José L. Reyna and Beth White, the winner of which will face MacGregor in the general election.

City of Wyoming City Council

City of Wyoming voters will have three seats on the City Council to be voted on, all three on the November ballot and two of the three unopposed at this point. Incumbents Marissa K. Postler and Robert Postema have filed for the 2nd Ward and the 3rd Ward council seats, respectively. Rob Arnoys and John Fitzgerald have filed for a Commissioner-at-large seat.

Kent County Board of Commissioners

In other Kent County Board of Commissioners contests, in the 7th District (Grandville/part of Wyoming), Republican incumbent and Grandville resident Stan Ponstein and Democrat and Grandville resident Jane Newton will run unopposed in August and face off in November.

In the 9th District (Byron Twp./part of Wyoming), incumbent Republican Matt Kallman will be opposed by Keith Courtade (D) of Wyoming, while in the 12th District (Kentwood/part of Wyoming and Grand Rapids) incumbent Democrat Monica Sparks of Kentwood and Grand Rapids Republican Ryan Malinoski will run unopposed in August and face off in November.

Kent County-wide elections

Current Kent County District Attorney Chris Becker (R) will run for reelection unopposed this election cycle, but current Sheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young (R) will be opposed Democrat Marc Burns.

Current county Clerk/Register of Deeds Lisa Posthumus Lyons (R) will also be opposed, by Wyoming resident Devin Ortega-Furgeson (D). And current Drain Commissioner Ken Yonker (R) will be opposed by Elaine Isely (D).
 

Part of the Kent County Court System, Kentwood’s current 62 B District Court Judge William G. is bared from running again due to a state law setting an age limit of 70. Running for the non-partisan seat is Amanda Sterkenburg and Joe Jackson, both of Kentwood.

According to the Kent County Elections Office, local judicial candidates will only be on the November candidate listing unless they are forced into a primary (if more than twice the number of candidates file for the number of seats to be elected). If that happens, there will be a primary on the August ballot.

Wyoming’s and Kentwood’s state, federal elected positions 

In the Michigan State House of Representatives 72nd District, which includes Kentwood, incumbent Rep. Steven Johnson (R) of Wayland will run unopposed in the primary but in November will face the winner of a Democratic primary between Lily Cheng-Schulting of Grand Rapids and Cade Wilson of Kentwood.

The state house 77th District (which includes Wyoming) will have incumbent Tommy Brann of Wyoming running unopposed in the Republican primary and, in November, he will face the winner of an August Democratic primary field of Bob Smith of Byron Center and Dana Knight of Wyoming.

In Michigan’s 2nd U.S. Congressional District (which includes Wyoming and Kentwood) incumbent Rep. Bill Huizenga (R) and Rev. Bryan Berghoef (D)  will also run unopposed in August and face off in November.

Wyoming and Kentwood voters will in November also select between incumbent U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D) two Republicans running in the August primary, John James and Bob Carr.

According to the Kent County Elections Office, “Candidates without party affiliation have until 4 p.m. on July 16 to file petitions to appear on the November ballot.” So independents could still file for offices.


Lee high building update, County strategic plan on latest WKTV Journal In Focus

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By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

On the latest episode of WKTV Journal In Focus is an update on the June partial building collapse at Lee Middle and High School. District Superintendent Kevin Polston separates the facts from the fictions of the incident and the aftermath. Also, Kent County recently adopted an extensive Strategic Plan that not only sets out its mission and vision but also a set of values that will drive its priorities and goals. With us is both the county’s lead administrator and Wyoming’s own representative on the County Commission.

First In Focus is Godfrey Lee Public Schools Superintendent Kevin Polston, who’s summer took a hard turn in June with the collapse of a portion of the Lee Middle and High School complex of buildings. Recently, he has held a series of meetings to inform parents, the general public and the school district community about the collapse as well as where the district goes from here, both in the short and long term. We invited him into our studios to reach out to our WKTV audience with the information. See the In Focus Video here.

County Administrator Wayman Britt and County Commissioner Harold Voorhees on the set of WKTV Journal In Focus. (WKTV)

Then In Focus is Kent County’s new Strategic Plan, set to cover the years 2019 to 2023 and designed to establish and detail the county government’s, “mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities and goals.” With us is County Administrator Wayman Britt, who after serving as county controller was promoted to the dual role of administrator and controller in early 2018, also joining us is County Commissioner Harold Voorhees, whose District 8 is — as he likes to say “entirely within the City of Wyoming”. See the In Focus video here.

WKTV Journal In Focus airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (see our Weekly On-air Schedule for dates and times). All individual interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.

We the People 2018 Primary: Kent County Commission Candidates

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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.

 

https://youtu.be/9wHK43rNPOs

 

Name: Benjamin K. Franz

 

Party: Challenger, Republican

 

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.

 

https://youtu.be/60mhv0PryY4

 

Name: Harold Voorhees

 

Party: Incumbent, Republican

 

Occupation: Cookies Unique, president and owner

 

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.

 

https://youtu.be/19hDIRq964Q

 

Name: Katy Steele Barone

 

Party: Candidate, Democrat

 

Occupation: An office manager by trade, but I’m not working right now.

 

Why did you decide to run for the 12thDistrict Kent County Commissioner seat?

 

To amplify the voices of the working class and to instill confidence and interest (in county government).

 

If elected, what issues do you want to focus on?

In general, healthcare, immigration, clean water, and infrastructure.

 

https://youtu.be/Ml3P97IC_60

 

Name: Keith Courtade

 

Party: Candidate, Democrat

 

Occupation: Works for GM

 

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.

 

https://youtu.be/jNa1l0xyR34

 

Name: Monica Sparks

 

Party: Candidate, Democrat

 

Occupation: Small business owner

 

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.

 

https://youtu.be/kFQAywKPS_A

 

Name: Scott Urbanowski

 

Party: Candidate, Democrat

 

Occupation: Humoniad Digital, owner

 

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.

 

State, county candidates face off in Chamber hosted forum

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By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

The Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce will hosts its Wyoming candidate forum Wednesday, June 20, at the WKTV station, 5261 Clyde Park Ave. SW.

 

The forum will focus on candidates seeking to represent a political party in the state’s primary election set for Aug. 7. It is during a primary election that the field of candidates are narrowed to a single person to represent a political party during the general election. If there is only one candidate representing a political party that person automatically moves on to the general election.

 

For those living in the City of Wyoming, there will be three races to consider during the primary election, one for Kent County and two for the State of Michigan. Wyoming residents also will be voting on a permanent renewal of the city’s Public Safety Millage at the primary election.

 

The City of Wyoming is in the 8th District for Kent County, a seat currently held by Harold Voorhees. Voorhees will face off against Benjamin K. Franz for the Republication Party. The winner of the primary election will run unopposed in the general election on Nov. 6. The Kent County 8th District Commissioner forum is set for 6:15 p.m. 

 

In the State Senate, the City of Wyoming is represented by the 28th District, which covers 18 other communities such as Byron Township, the City of Grandville, the City of Walker and the City of Rockford. Republican Peter MacGregor currently holds the seat. MacGregor and Libertarian candidate Nathan Hewer are running unopposed for their parties.

 

There are three candidates vying for the Democratic Party’s spot for the general election. They are Craig Beach, Gidget Groendyk, and Ryan Jeanette. Beach and Jeanette will be at the 28th District State Senate seat forum which is at 7 p.m.

 

The last forum of the evening will be for the 77th District of the State House of Representatives. Republican Tommy Brann currently holds the seat. He will face off against Jordan T. Oesch for the Republication Party in the primary election. Dana Knight and Robert Van Kirk will face off for the Democratic Party. Brann and Van Kirk are scheduled to attend the 77th District State Representative seat forum which is at 7:45 p.m.

 

There will be no primary election for candidates running for the City of Wyoming offices. For the city to host a primary, there must be three or more candidates running for a seat. Currently only the Council Member Ward 1 seat has two people seeking it with the rest of the council positions only having one candidate. 

 

The Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce will host a second forum for the City of Kentwood on Thursday, June 28, at the KDL Kentwood Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. That forum will include candidates for the Kent County 12th District Commission seat, the 26th District State Senate seat, and the 72nd State Representative seat. The Kentwood forum is set to start at 6:15 p.m.

After city council, Joanne Voorhees plans to ‘stay involved’

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Joanne Voorhees expressed her gratitude to the public for allowing her to serve on the Wyoming City Council for nine years. (WKTV)
Joanne Voorhees expressed her gratitude to the public Monday for allowing her to serve on the Wyoming City Council for nine years. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

Joanne Voorhees has left the Wyoming City Council, having declined to run again for the 3rd Ward seat after nearly a decade of council service and decades of serving the community her and husband Harold call home. But don’t expect her to spend all her time with her grandkids and great-grand kids.

 

“As the mayor closes every session, he asks the citizens to stay informed and stay involved, so I plan to stay informed and stay involved,” Voorhees said Monday, Nov. 21, as she officially stepped off the council and the city welcomed two new members prior to its regular meeting.

 

“But I also have three children, 19 grandchildren and I have 14 great-grandchildren,” she said. “So I am going to spend time with family, but I will always be available and will do some volunteer work, hopefully, here in the city of Wyoming.”

To see a video, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnwpzjSYLus

At the Monday meeting, the council recognized Voorhees as well as long-time member Richard Pastoor for their service to the council and the city. The city also swore in returning member-at-larg councilman Dan Burrill, who ran unopposed in the Nov. 8 election for his second four-year term, and new council members Marissa Postler, elected to the city’s 2nd Ward seat, and Robert Postema, elected to the 3rd Ward seat vacated by Voorhees.

 

Wyoming City Manager Curtis Holt had nothing but praise for Joanne Voorhees' service to the city.
Wyoming City Manager Curtis Holt had nothing but praise for Joanne Voorhees’ service to the city.

“Rich and Joanne have been longtime fixtures in our community,” said Wyoming City Manager Curtis Holt. “They are known throughout the community for their good works in the community, whether it is working in the school districts, whether it is working as a state representative.

 

“Rich owned a radio station in our community and has that radio voice we all know. They are people who have dedicated their lives to our community and that dedication followed through to the city council, where they were always very supportive of the city and city projects. They were always dedicated to making our city better.”

 

Voorhees’ service includes much more than just a city council member, however. She previously served in the Michigan House of Representatives and joined the Michigan Republican Party leadership committee in 2011, to name just two high-profile positions.

 

“At one time I served as the chair of the Kent County GOP, before that I served six years as a state legislator, my husband was on there for six years and because of term limits I had the opportunity to run,” she said. “It was a natural fit for me, to not only serve the community as a state representative but then to serve the people here, in the city council room.

 

“The neat part about Harold and I is that he also served as mayor of the City of Wyoming. At that time, I could be called first lady, and I loved that position. … I have had very unique and very blessed opportunities.”

 

As you watched her talk to people before the ceremony Monday, at a reception in her’s and Pastoor’s honor, you could there was a sense of pride from Voorhees for being able to serve the city and the 3rd Ward.

 

“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve (the Wyoming community), it was a golden opportunity for me to be able to serve in this capacity,” she said. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my nine years. We, as a council, have worked together for nine years … We blended. We understood each other. We knew were we were coming from. We did not always agree, but we would disagree very agreeably.

 

“It has been a tremendous experience, I just can’t say enough about what a blessing it is to have served the residents of Wyoming, particularly the 3rd Ward, who I really represent. I have gone door-to-door, so many times. I know many of them personally. I know their feelings. I truly feel like I’ve been able to represent them to the city more than maybe the city to them.”

 

Holt may have summed up the feelings of many attending the ceremony, saying:

 

“The time she has given to our citizens is significant and I am sure at the expense of her own personal priorities in some cases. … You can’t help but admire that dedication and the time she has given to serve the citizens of the City of Wyoming.”

 

We the People: Kent County Commission Candidates

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We The People 2016WKTV takes seriously its role as a communications provider. We want our community to be well-informed and more involved in local matters.

 

7th District

Kent County Commissioner District 7 includes the City of Grandville and the northern portion of the City of Wyoming, mostly the Godfrey Lee area. For specific borders, visit accesskent.com.

 

Stan Ponstein – Incumbent (R)

Occupation: Costco Warehouse
Residence: Grandville

 

Why did you decide to run for the Kent County Commission 7th District?

“I have enjoyed serving on the various boards such as the Network 180 Board (Community Mental Health Authority Board), the Land Bank Authority and the Pension Board. They have really re-energized me and I would like to continue to work through on the projects these groups have to see them to their realization.”

 

What issues are a high priority to you?


“Taxation and the budget, obviously. Most of the county’s budget is flow through dollars designated by the state for certain projects. I think we need to consolidate where we can and generate new partnerships. The council has done a good job in building partnerships and we need to explore new ideas to foster other partnership opportunities.”

 

What are your thoughts on a central 911 dispatch for Kent County?

“The 911 dispatch is critical and we need to consolidate with the City of Grand Rapids as soon as possible. Having duplicates services is a waste of taxpayer money. As for adding more to the surcharge to pay for improvements. I am a no vote on that. We currently do not know if all of the current surcharge is getting to us. Why should we ask the taxpayers to pay more? 911 dispatch is a critical service and should be a priority in the Kent County general budget, not a ballot issue for the taxpayer. Taxpayers and businesses already pay enough in taxes.”

 

Logan Arkema – Candidate (D)

Occupation: Student at Georgetown University
Residence: Grandville

 

Why did you decide to run for the Kent County Commission 7th District?
“The last couple election cycles have seen only one choice on the ballot. I feel the voters needed at least one more choice. I also want the county to embrace technology to be as optimal as possible.”

 

What issues are a high priority to you?
“I think the Rapid could use some improvement as the city’s main form of public transit. I would want to make sure the Sheriff Department has the training necessary to have positive interactions with the community.”

 

What are your thoughts on a central 911 dispatch for Kent County?
“I’m glad the issue is on the ballot. I still think there’s room for improvement. I think we can invest more in our 911 dispatch and I want to make sure the technology we have is the best possible to save lives.”

 

8th District

 

Kent County Commissioner District 8 covers the eastern portion of the City of Wyoming, including the pan handle. For specific boarders, visit accesskent.com.

 

Harold Voorhees – Incumbent (R)

Occupation: Owner at Cookies Unique
Residence: Wyoming Pan Handle

 

Why did you decide to run for the Kent County Commission 8th District?
“To serve. I serve on the boards for the West Michigan Sports Commission and the John Ball Zoo.”

 

What issues are a high priority to you?
“I want mandated services to run in the most efficient way possible. I also want to continue to strengthen the quality of life on the cultural level here in West Michigan. I believe cultural aspects – sports, the zoo, Meijer Garden, etc. – boost the economy and quality of life for the residents in the area.”

 

What are your thoughts on a central 911 dispatch for Kent County?
“It’s a necessity! Public safety is necessary. There are places in the county where we can’t talk to each other. Our law enforcement and emergency services need to be able to talk to one another.”

 

Franklin Cornielle – Candidate (D)

 

Franklin Cornielle is the Democratic nominee for the 8th District Kent County Commission. He will be running against Harold Voorhees in the November 8 election.

 

9th District

 

Kent County Commissioner District  9 covers parts of southern Wyoming and also Byron Township. For specific boarders, visit accesskent.com.

 

Matt Kallman – Incumbent (R)

 

Matt Kallman is the Republican nominee for the 9th District Kent County Commission. He will be running against Keith F. Courtage in the November 8 election.

 

Keith F. Courtage – Candidate (D)

 

Keith F. Courtage is the Democratic nominee for the 9th District Kent County Commission. He will be running against Matt Kallman in the November 8 election.

 

10th District

 

Kent County Commissioner District  10 covers Gaines Township and the southern half of Caledonia Township. For specific boarders, visit accesskent.com.

 

Emily P. Brieve – Incumbent

 

Emily P. Brieve is the incumbent for the 10th District and is running unopposed in the November 8 election.

 

12th District

 

Kent County Commissioner District 12 covers the western portion of the City of Kentwood and the eastern portion of the City of Wyoming. For specific boarders, visit accesskent.com.

 

Harold J. Mast – Incumbent (R)

Occupation: Former Health Care Administrative at Pine Rest for 28 years. Ten years as executive director Genesis Non-Profit Housing.
Residence: Kentwood

 

Why did you decide to run for the Kent County Commission 12th District?


“I’ve been a city commissioner for 14 years and a county commissioner for 18. I have an interest as a servant and the capability to work with people and solve the issues that face them.”

 

What issues are of high priority to you?


“I think we need to be focused on helping seniors as they age. Along with that, we need to provide adequate care to those with mental and physical disabilities.”

 

What are your thoughts on a central 911 dispatch for Kent County?


“A central 911 dispatch would enhance 911 capabilities throughout Kent County. Having a central location would increase the speed and effectiveness of the response.”

 

Christian Allen – Candidate (D)

Occupation: Assembly fitter for a UAW Shop
Residence: Wyoming

 

Why did you decide to run for the Kent County Commission 12th District?
“I think there needs to be a change in Kent County as I believe some of the commissioners are becoming to comfortable. I think we need a more transparent Kent County Commissioner board and I think that I can make a difference.”

 

What issues are a high priority to you?
“My three key issues are to improve Kent County services, to progress the living wage, and to create a fair community for all.”

 

What are your thoughts on a central 911 dispatch for Kent County?
“I think that they are moving in the right direction with the central dispatch. I think that there are a couple of things that they could change. If I get elected, I would take a closer look at that and I think we could bring more technology and maybe a University to help organize it better.”

 

13th District

 

Kent County Commissioner District 13 covers the eastern portion of the City of Kentwood. For specific boarders, visit accesskent.com.

 

Jessica Ann Tyson – Candidate (R)

Occupation: Small business owner
Residence: Kentwood

 

Why did you decide to run for the Kent County Commission 13th District?
“There is an open seat and I would like the opportunity to represent my city and community at the county level. I’m the state president of a political organization and ran before against an incumbent. I want to be able to affect policy.”

 

What issues are a high priority to you?
“Because there’s an open seat, I’d like to honor the past and keep Kent County at their Triple-A bond rating while also looking for new was to improve.”

 

What are your thoughts on a central 911 dispatch for Kent County?
“I’m all for advancing technology. I believe Kent County has done the homework to get the best price and technology for the residence.”

 

Betsy Melton – Candidate (D)

 

Betsy Melton is the Democratic nominee for the 13th District Kent County Commission. She will be running against Jessica Ann Tyson in the November 8 election.

 

All candidates were contacted and invited to participate in sharing their message to the voters.

Candidate forum set for tonight at Wyoming library

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ballotOutside of the presidential candidates of Hilary Clinton and Donald Trump on the Nov. 8 ballot, there a number of others seeking your vote to represent you in state, county and local government.

 

To help area residents get familiar with the candidates who are running for these various offices, the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce along with the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood will be hosting candidate forums this week. These forums are for candidates who will represent residents of the Wyoming and Kentwood communities.

 

The first one is tonight, Sept. 20, and focuses on Wyoming candidates. The event is free to the public and starts at 6 p.m. at the KDL Wyoming Branch, 3350 Michael Ave. SW.

 

voting_united_statesAt 6:05 p.m. will be candidates for the 77th District State Representative. The 77th District includes Byron Township and the City of Wyoming. The seat is currently held by Thomas Hooker of Byron Township, who is vacating due to term limits. The candidates vying for the spot are Republican Tommy Brann and Democrat Dana Knight. Brann plans on being at the event.

 

At 6:30 p.m. will be the 8th District Kent County Commission candidates. This district takes in a part of the City of Wyoming. Currently holding the seat is Republican Harold Voorhees, who is seeking re-election. His opponent is Democrat Franklin Cornielle. Voorhees plans to be in attendance at tonight’s forum.

 

At 6:50 p.m. is the Wyoming City Council 2nd Ward candidates. The City of Wyoming’s 2nd Ward area covers the northern portion of the City of Wyoming from Chicago Drive in the north to Prairie Parkway down Burlingame Avenue over 36th Street and up along 32nd Street on the south. The 2nd Ward western border is Wentworth and the eastern border is the city limits. Running for the seat is incumbent Richard Pastoor and newcomer Marissa Postler. Both are planning to be at tonight’s forum.

 

At 7:30 p.m. is the Wyoming City Council 3rd Ward candidates. The City of Wyoming’s 3rd Ward area encompasses the city’s panhandle area that includes most of the western area of the city from Prairie Parkway on the north to 60th Street in the south. The 3rd Ward eastern border wraps around the city limits to Kenowa Avenue and its’ western border is Burlingame Avenue. Newcomers Rusty Richter and Robert Postema are seeking the seat being vacated by Joanne Voorhees. Both Richter and Postema are planning to be at tonight’s forum.