Tag Archives: primary

Kentwood voters approve funding for parks, trails and recreational improvements

August 3, 20223-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Election, Recreation, West MichiganCity of Kentwood, election, primaryCris Greer

Kentwood voters approved funding to improve the City’s parks, trails and recreational facilities and programming in the primary election Tuesday.

By WKTV Staff

Kentwood voters approved a permanent dedicated millage that will provide funding to improve the City’s parks, trails and recreational facilities and programming in the primary election Tuesday.

The measure passed with 6,005 yes votes, compared to 3,495 no votes (unofficial results).

Will generate approximately $2.3 million first year

The millage will be levied starting July 1, 2023, and is expected to generate approximately $2.3 million in the first year. In addition to the millage funds, the City will contribute up to $22 million through public and private sources for park, trail and recreation improvements outlined in its investment plan.

City leaders and staff will immediately begin planning projects based on the following tentative timeline:

All parks will receive improvements to address the most immediate needs within the first five years, with all remaining improvements completed within 10 years.
Trail improvements and construction planning will be prioritized in the first year, followed by ongoing trail repairs and expansion to enhance the trails for all users.
Construction of park amenities and a multigenerational community recreation center on the City campus will begin in the second year.

“Kentwood residents have spoken through this ballot proposal to invest in our parks, trails and recreation,” Mayor Stephen Kepley said. “We will ensure this millage will provide dedicated funding for needed repairs today and improvements, operations and maintenance of these invaluable amenities and services for generations to come.”

Kellogg Woods Park improvements will include restrooms, softball/baseball field, new sports fields, lighting and landscaping. (Courtesy)

The millage was recommended by parks advisory committees that included residents and other stakeholders, as well as extensive community engagement and an in-depth review of the City’s current parks, trails and programming, its projected growth and community needs.

The millage will support Americans with Disabilities Act upgrades and a variety of other improvements and developments, including:

Bowen Station Park: Restroom, playground equipment, signage, landscaping and other amenities.
Burgis Park: Trail and sidewalk improvements and a new drinking fountain.
City campus: Splash pad, playground, plaza, shelters, stage, event lawn, parking, restrooms and other amenities, transforming the area around City Hall into a community gathering space.
Community recreation center: Approximately 50,000 square feet of year-round indoor and multigenerational programming and recreation space on the City campus.
Covenant Park Phase 1: Trails, sports fields, event lawn, lighting and infrastructure to support future phases.
East Paris Nature Park: Trail improvements, signage and other amenities.
Home Acres Park: Skate park improvements, shade shelters, lighting, signage, landscaping and other amenities.
Jaycee Park: New restroom/program building, additional parking, disc golf improvements and other amenities.
Kellogg Woods Park: Restrooms, softball/baseball field improvements, new sports fields, lighting and landscaping.
Northeast Park: Restrooms, playground, splash pad, landscaping and other amenities.
Old Farm Park: Parking improvements, playground, shelter and other amenities.
Paris Park: Trail improvements and signage.
Pinewood Park: Splash pad improvements, pickleball courts, a new restroom, shade shelters, landscaping and other amenities.
Rondo Street Station Park: Playground, bicycle rack and repair center, signage, landscaping and other amenities.
Stanaback Park: Playground, parking improvements, signage, pickleball courts, landscaping and other amenities.
Stauffer Station Park: Kiosk, bicycle rack and repair center, signage, lighting, landscaping and other amenities.
Summerwood Park: Playground and landscaping.
Trails: Repairs, replacement and new connections.
Veterans Memorial Park: Shelter, additional parking and other amenities.

Updates on the construction process will be shared on the City’s website, social media pages and in its monthly eNewsletter.

Kentwood is home to 15 parks that cover more than 400 acres and more than 13 miles of non-motorized trails that are used year-round by residents and visitors. Numerous community events and more than 700 recreational programs are offered annually for people of all ages and abilities through the Parks and Recreation Department in the Kentwood Activities Center, on City campus and other locations.

More information about the Parks and Recreation Department is available at kentwood.us/parks.

Nine candidates seek nominations for state house in primary

July 20, 20223-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Election, We The People, West MichiganAug. 2, candidates, Elections, primary, State HouseJoanne

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

Due to redistricting in the state, there have been several changes for House of Representatives and Senate races.

A primary is when voters can indicate their preference for their party’s candidate. Therefore, a voter may only vote on either the Republican ticket or the Democratic ticket. A ballot where a voter has voted in both parties will be thrown out.

All absentee ballots must be received by 8 p.m. Aug. 2. In-person voters have from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. to vote in their precinct. Make sure to check your current voter registration card or verify your precinct through your local clerk.

Note: In its We the People videos, WKTV invites all candidates to share why they decided to run and the issues the candidate feels are important. Below, are the candidates who participated.

80th State House of Representatives

For the State House, all of the City of Kentwood is now part of of the 80th District which includes Cascade and East Grand Rapids.

Two candidates are seeking the Democratic nomination: Lily Cheng-Schulting and Phil Skaggs.

Lily Cheng-Schulting is an attorney known for her disability rights advocacy. She is the founder of the Disability A-TEAM of West Michigan.

Phil Skaggs is currently the District 19 Kent County Commissioner serving southeastern Grand Rapids and East Grand Rapids. He also was a city commissioner in East Grand Rapids for five years.

82nd District State House of Representatives

For the State House races, the City of Wyoming has been split between two districts. A portion of the City of Wyoming’s eastern border is part of the 82nd District, which falls in the Godwin Heights Public Schools area. For a map, click here.

Three candidates are seeking the Democratic nomination: Salim Mohammed Al-Shatel, Kristian Grant and Robert Womack.

Al-Shatel is a co-owner of My Barefoot Wedding, based in Spring Lake, and also a real estate investor.

Kristian Grant is born and raised in the Grand Rapids area and has spent the past 15 years in public service and community. She is a real estate developer and trustee on the Grand Rapids Public Schools Board of Education.

Robert Womack is currently the District 17 Kent Count Commissioner serving the southeast side of Grand Rapids and is CEO of 102.5 FM The Ride.

Republican candidates

Two candidates are seeking the Republican nomination, William Alexander and Ryan Malinowski.

William Alexander is born in Whitehall. He has lived in the Grand Rapids area for the last 28 years and is entrepreneur.

Ryan Malinowski

83rd District State House of Representatives

Most of the City of Wyoming will be part of the 83rd District. For a map, click here.

Two candidates are seeking the Democratic nomination, John Fitzgerald and Jose Flores.

John Fitzgerald is currently a Wyoming City Council member. He is a commercial insurance broker and has served on several community boards such as Ele’s Place West Michigan and The Clark Foundation Board.

Jose Flores is a former educator who currently serves on the Grand Rapids Public Schools Board of Education. He also is the owner of La Familia Market.

29th State Senate

The 29th State Senate race, which includes both the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming along with Grandville and East Grand Rapids, only has one candidate for each party nomination. The Republican candidate is Tommy Brann and the Democrat candidate is Winnie Brinks.

Three seek Wyoming mayor position along county and state candidates

April 20, 20223-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Our Cities, We The People, West MichiganAug. 2, County Commission, Elections, Mayor, primary, State House, State Senate, WyomingJoanne

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Tuesday, April 19, was the last day for candidates to file for the upcoming fall elections with the residents of both the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming have several new faces, and a few familiar ones, to consider for federal, state, and local government positions.

City of Wyoming

With Mayor Jack Poll’s announcement that he would be retiring at the end of his term, three candidates have put their hats in the ring for the City of Wyoming’s mayor position, which is a nonpartisan four-year seat. Two of the candidates are long-time council members, Kent Vanderwood and current Mayor Pro Tem Sam Bolt and the third is a newcomer, Cliff Tompkins, who owns the Wyoming business Hair by Cliff.

The top two candidates from the Aug. 2 primary will face off in the Nov. 8 general election. Also in November, Wyoming residents will be selecting two Council Members at Large, four-year terms, from three candidates, Robert A. Arnoys, Renee Hill, and Robert Kilgo. First Ward Council Member Sheldon DeKryer is running unopposed for his four-year term.

City of Kentwood

While there are no City of Kentwood seats open for this year’s election cycle, the city is seeking a permanent recreation and trails millage of one mill in the Aug. 2 primary. If levied, the additional 1.0 mill is estimated to raise $2,345,537 in the first calendar year of the levy.

Kent County Commissioners

The Kent County Board of Commissioners (from a 2019 meeting). (Supplied/Kent County)

Like the federal and state governments, the Kent County Board of Commissioners also completed a redistricting.

The redistricting adds two new district to Kent County for a total of 21 districts. One of those new districts, District 20, would encompass the norther portion of the City of Wyoming (Godfrey-Lee Public Schools area) along with some southern portions of the City of Grand Rapids, such as Roosevelt Park, Black Hills, and Burton Heights. It has been indicated by officials that the goal was to create a largely Hispanic district (the area is more than 50 percent Hispanic) to provide a voice to the county commission of the area’s largest minority group.

There are five candidates vying for the 20th District spot, two Democrats and three Republicans. The Democrats are Ivan Diaz and Charles Howe. The Republicans are Elisa Rodriguez, Alan Bolter, and Walter Bujak.

Other Kent County Districts that will be on the Aug. 2 Primary will be the 10th District, which through redistricting now includes a portion of the City of Kentwood, will be Republicans Emily Post Brieve (incumbent) and Bill Hirsch. The winner of the Republican race will face Democrat Julie Humphreys in November.

In the 12th District, Republicans Lee White and Adam R. Palasek will face off in the primary with the winner then moving on to face Democrat Monica Sparks (incumbent) in November.

The other Kent County district races within the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood have only one Democrat and Republican which means all those races will go straight to the November ballot. Those districts are:

7th District, which includes a western portion of Wyoming along with Grandville. Candidates: Republican Stan Ponstein (incumbent) and Democrat Sue Merrell.

8th District, which covers most of Wyoming. Candidates: Republican Dan Burrill (incumbent) and Democrat Jennie Chatman.

9th District, which includes a portion of southern Wyoming along with all of Byron Center. Candidates: Republican Matt Kallman (incumbent) and Democrat Chip LaFleur.

For a look at the district map of state and county, click here.

State House of Representatives and Senate

Both the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming will be under the 29th District for the state Senate. (Supplied)

Redistricting has changed both the state’s Senate and House of Representative seats for the two cities.

For the Senate, both the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood will be part of the 29th District state Senate seat which also includes Grandville and East Grand Rapids along with portions of Grand Rapids Township and Grand Rapids east of the Grand River and south of Fulton Street. Two Republicans have put in their names, Tommy Brann, who is terming out this year from the 77th District state House seat, and Andrew Kroll. The winner of the Aug. 2 primary will face Democratic incumbent Winnie Brinks in November.

For the state House, the City of Wyoming is split between two districts. Most of the City of Wyoming will be part of the 83rd District along with a north portion of Grand Rapids (the Roosevelt Park area) and the Cutlerville area. There are three Democrats and one Republican vying for the seat. In the Aug. 2 primary, the Democrats, John Fitzgerald, Jose Flores, and Keith Courtade will compete to advance to the November election, where the winner will then run against Republican Lisa DeKryger.

A portion of the eastern border of Wyoming is part of the 82nd District of the House of Representatives. There are three Democrats and two Republicans seeking nomination in the Aug. 2 primary. The Democrats are Salim Mohammed Al-Shatel, Kristian Grant, and Robert Womack. The Republicans are William Alexander and Ryan Malinoski.

The City of Kentwood will join Cascade and East Grand Rapids for the 80th District House of Representative seat. Two Democrats will be competing in the Aug. 2 primary, Lily Cheng-Schulting and Phil Skaggs. The winner will then run against Republican Jeffrey Johnson in the Nov. 8 election.

Voter Information

For more information on voter registration, absentee ballots, voting locations and how to apply to be an election worker in Kentwood, visit kentwood.us/elections or contact the City Clerk’s Office at elections@kentwood.us or 616-698-9610.

In Wyoming, visit click here or contact the City Clerk’s office at clerk_info@wyomingmi.gov or call 616-530-7296.

More election information is available at michigan.gov/vote.

We the People 2021 Primary: State of Michigan 28th District Senate Seat

July 13, 20213-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming2021, Brann, Courtade, Elections, Green, Groendyk, Huizenga, primary, senate, stateJoanne

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.

New faces move on for general election in Gaines Township

August 4, 20163-bottom, ElectionAug. 2, Don Hilton, Gaines Township, primaryJoanne

Current Gaines Township Supervsior Don Hilton, Sr. lost his bid for a seat as a township trustee at the Aug. 2 primary.

Hilton, along with five others, was seeking one of the four trustee spots on the board. Kathy Vander Stel received 1,655 votes; Tim Haagsma received 1,588 votes; Daniel Lee Frying had 1,405 votes, Angela Burnside had 1,178, Hilton had 1,064 and Eric Fouch had 984. All candidates are listed as Republicans. The top four vote getters move on to the November ballot.

The rest of the Gaines Township board positions were uncontested. Rob DeWard ran for supervisor. Crystal Asterisk ran for clerk and Laurie Lemke ran for treasurer. They were all listed as Republicans and will move on to the November election.

Currently no Democratic candidates have come forth for the township election.

Marge’s Donut Den to host ‘Coffee with The Candidates’ on July 27

July 27, 2016Citizen Journalismcoffee with the candidates, Marge's Donut Den, politics, primary, Victoria MullenJoanne

Coffee with The Candidates Phase II is Wednesday evening, July 27th from 5-8 pm.

With the August 2 primary election just around the corner, we ask you this: Who are the candidates for Judge? Who is running in the local city commissioners’ race in the August primary? What about State Reps?

No clue?

Fear not. There’s still time to get informed, and here’s a great way to meet the people who are running for office. Don’t miss your chance to hear directly from the candidates and come face-to-face with our future, six days prior to the August 2 primary election. And be sure to bring family and friends with you.

Marge Wilson will provide her world-famous Marge’s Donut Den‘s cake, donuts, ice cream and other awesome and amazing goodies courtesy of her 41-year local business.

“It’s a great way to get informed,” said Marge Wilson, who got the idea for Coffee with the Candidates from the Chamber of Commerce. “Nobody speaks or makes a speech. Just come in and meet the people who are running for office. At the first meeting, I learned so much about the county clerk office. Before, I had no idea what the position involved. It was really interesting.”

Everybody is welcome to attend and all candidates are invited.

You’ll meet Stan Ponstein, Curt Benson, Thomas P. Murray Jr., Joe Rossi, Marissa Postler, Thurston Willoughby, Rusty Richter, Tommy Brann, Jon Hess, Christopher Reader, Rachel Hood, Dana Knight, Deborah Myers McNabb, and maybe even more!

Be there… and know who you’re voting for!

We the People: Gaines Township Office and Board candidates – 2016 Primary

July 8, 20163-bottom, Election, Hard NewsAug. 2, Elections, Gaines Township, primaryJoanne

At the Aug. 2 primary, Gaines Township residents will be heading to the polls to elect all of their township officials as every single office – supervisor, treasurer, clerk and trustees – are up for election.

Three of the offices have candidates running unopposed. Rob De Ward is seeking the Gaines Township supervisor position. Incumbent Crystal Osterink is seeking the position of clerk and Incumbent Laurie J. Lemke is running for township treasurer.

Current Gaines Township Supervisor Don R. Hilton Sr. is one of six people seeking the four township trustee positions. Also running are current township trustees Eric Fouch, Dan Fryling, Tim Haagsma, and Angela Burnside and newcomer Kathy Vander Stel.

Gaines Township is broken into nine precincts. Percent 1 and 2 will vote at the Gaines Charter Township Offices, 8555 Kalamazoo Ave. SE. Precinct 3 is at Gaines Branch Library, 421 68th St. SE. Precinct 4 and 5 voters will head to Heritage Baptist Church, 1570 60th St. SE. Precinct 6 will vote at Hillside Community Church, 1440 68th St. SE. Precinct 7 is at Providence Christian Reformed Church, 7730 Eastern Ave. SE and Precincts 8 and 9 will head to Ada Bible Church, 2045 68th St. SE.

For each precinct’s area visit the Gaines Charter Township website and look for the precinct map under the Office of the Clerk in the category of Departments. All precincts are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Learn about who’s running: Primary Candidate Forum is June 16 at Wyoming Public Library

June 15, 2016Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Hard News, Our Cities, Politics, Upcoming Events2nd ward, 3rd ward, 77th district representative, august 2 primary elections, election, primary, wyoming city council memberJoanne

It’s your voice. Your vote. And it matters.

Attend the Wyoming Chamber of Commerce’s Primary Candidate Forum and become an informed voter! Learn about who’s running for City Council and the 77th District State Reps in the Primary Election on August 2.

Running for 77th District Representative (one position, Term ending 2018) are: