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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
