Note: For the Michigan Aug. 4 primary, WKTV’s We The People program invited participation from all candidates for any seat where there is a contested primary in either party. For the general election, all candidates will be invited to record a We The People.

Kent County Treasurer

There are three candidates, one a two-term Republican state senator and two in the Democratic primary, seeking the Kent County Treasurer position. They are State Sen. Peter MacGregor of Rockford, and Democratic primary candidates José L. Reyna of Ada and Beth White of Grand Rapids.

Note: Neither MacGregor nor White were available for a We The People video recording prior to the primary. The Republican and Democratic primary winners will be invited to participate after the August primary.

 

Peter MacGregor – Incumbent State Senator and county treasurer candidate

Party: Republican

José L. Reyna – County treasurer primary candidate

Party: Democrat

Occupation: Consultant/semi-retired

Why did you decide to run for the 72nd District House of Representatives seat?

I grew up in Grand Rapids/Kent County and have dedicated my professional career to public service. I decided to run for the office of Kent County Treasurer with the interest of continuing my service to the community that I love and use my professional experience of over 30 years for the benefit of the Kent County community. My experience includes decades of financial management including serving as a director of departments with the responsibility of developing and managing budgets. My tenure with the City of Grand Rapids as Assistant to the City Manager and Fiscal Services Manager/Purchasing Agent provided me with extensive experience with public finance from developing and administering the City’s Fiscal Plan, departmental budgets, and oversight of the City’s procurement process.  Additionally, I served as acting Director for the City’s Assessor’s Department and led the transformation of the department and its function to bring it into compliance with State law. I am eager to serve as Kent County Treasurer and apply my extensive experience in public finance in combination with my commitment to the people of Kent County.

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

The incumbent Kent County Treasurer has done an outstanding job in leading the financial management and operations of the County.  It is my interest to build on the County’s strong financial position and legacy of service.  I do have several areas of priority that I would like improve for the benefit of the County and its residents, including financial management, public outreach and engagement, and customer service focused innovations.

Beth White – County treasurer primary candidate

Party: Democrat