Tag Archives: we the people 2016

We the People: Kent County Sheriff Candidates – 2016 Primary

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We The People 2016

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

 

Lawrence A. Stelma – Incumbent (R)

Occupation: Been in law enforcement since 1972 and has acted as sheriff for 16 years.

Residence: Cedar Springs

 

Why did you decide to run for Sheriff back in 2000 and continue to run today?
“It’s been a natural progression in my career that started as a corrections officer. We have many projects in the works like the 911 central dispatch that I want to see to completion.”

 

What are some of the benefits and challenges to the central 911 dispatch?
“Well, some of the challenges are funding and technology, but the benefits are very important. A central dispatch would make for greater efficiency for all the agencies and would create better communication for emergencies and big events.”

 

With national headlines centered around negative police-community relations, how would you continue to foster and strengthen the relationship between the Sheriff’s Department and Kent County?
“We work hard with the community and with community leaders. We build strong relationships so that we all work together. We work with organization like the Neighborhood Watch, with faith-based organizations, and also with the mental health community.”

 

Stacy M. Browe – Candidate (R)

Occupation: 9 years in law enforcement

Residence: Kentwood

 

Why did you decide to run for Kent County Sheriff?
“It is time for a change. Citizens of Kent County need a leader who cares about them and is available and accessible to the community. The citizens want to see the sheriff year-round and not just during election cycles.”

 

What are some of the benefits and challenges to the central 911 dispatch?
“I like the ability to have communication between different departments throughout Kent County. Smaller departments will be able to communicate and call for backup from other areas through a central dispatch.”

 

With national headlines centered around negative police-community relations, how would you continue to foster and strengthen the relationship between the Sheriff’s Department and Kent County?
“Having an open door policy with the community and deputies goes a long ways. Also, I would attend township, city, and village meetings throughout the year so that the citizens can personally see the Sheriff and ask questions. A part of community policing is working together.”

 

John G. Stedman – Candidate (R)

Occupation: Semi-retired. Owner of Stedman Insurance.

Residence: Wyoming

 

Why did you decide to run for Kent County Sheriff?
“It was the feeling that we don’t have a process where an individual has a place to file a complaint against a law officer. We need a mediator between the public and law enforcement.”

 

With national headlines centered around negative police-community relations, how would you continue to foster and strengthen the relationship between the Sheriff’s Department and Kent County?
“I would be more proactive in the community. I would establish more programs for the youth to get them acquainted with law enforcement before they make that poor choice.

 

Also vying for the Republican spot on the Nov. 8 ballot is Timothy Lewis. The Republican winner of the primary will face off against Democrat Michael B. Scruggs in November.

 

All candidates were contacted and invited to participate in sharing their message to the voters. Only contested races where the field would be narrowed or decided at the primary on August 2 were included.

We the People: State House of Representatives Candidates – 2016 Primary

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We The People 2016

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

 

72nd District

The 72nd District includes the City of Kentwood and Gaines Township in Kent County and Leighton Township, Wayland Township, Dorr Township and the City of Wayland in Allegan County. The seat is currently held by Ken Yonker, who is vacating due to term limits.

 

Robert D. Coughlin – Candidate (R)

Occupation: Sales Management with an International Corporation

Residence: Kentwood

 

Why did you decide to run for the 72nd District Representative?
“I have an extensive background in local government. I’ve served the City of Kentwood for 20 years and have spent the last 13 as a city commissioner. I felt it was my time to take my background to Lansing.”

 

What issues would you address if elected?
“Michigan has been on a road to recovery for a while now, but we still have a way to go. With the number of strong universities we have in the state, we need to keep that talent from leaving the state. With my background in business and in local government, I’m hoping to improve the employment picture even further.”

 

Ryan Gallogly – Candidate (R)

Occupation: Social Studies teacher in Kentwood Public Schools

Residence: Gaines Township

 

Why did you decide to run for the 72nd District Representative?
“As a social studies teacher, I teach students to be actively involved. So, I figured I should as well! There are certainly improvements to be made regarding education reform and a more streamlined government, and I want to be a part of the solution.”

 

What issues would you address if elected?
“I would love to place an emphasis on K-3 education. K-3 is the foundation that education is built on. If we get the early ages addressed with the right curriculum and class sizes, the high scores in the older grades will follow.”

 

Steven Johnson – Candidate (R)

Occupation: Four years in the Air Force and now campaigning as a full-time candidate

Residence: Wayland Township

 

Why did you decide to run for the 72nd District Representative?
“I didn’t initially plan on running, but after seeing videos of Planned Parenthood selling baby parts while the government still chose to fund them, I decided to get involved. I called some local candidates to hear their stance and concerns with specific issues and didn’t receive a straight answer. I then chose to run myself.”

 

What issues would you address if elected?
‘We need to repeal Common Core. It’s a one-size method that doesn’t fit everyone. I’m Pro-Life and support a life at conception act. I would also stop corporate welfare. Too often big companies, like Switch coming into Gaines Township, are given big tax breaks.”

 

Steve Shoemaker – Candidate (D)

Occupation: Worked for Steelcase for 25 years as a Skilled Trades Journeyman. Retired in 2005.

Residence: Caledonia

 

Why did you decide to run for the 72nd District Representative?
“I saw some decisions that came out of Lansing that I didn’t agree with. The current 72nd district representative made some votes that I felt went against what he believed. As a leader its important to make tough decisions even if they’re not popular.”

 

What issue would you address if elected?
“The government needs to be made more transparent. Right now, Michigan ranks dead last in transparency. I would draft a bill to repeal exemption for Freedom of Information Act blockage for government representatives.”

 

Other candidates running for the 72nd District are Democrat Dick Cunningham, Republican Bill Hirsch and Republican Tony Noto.

 

77th District

 

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.

 

Tommy Brann – Candidate (R)

Occupation: Owner of Brann’s Steakhouse since he was 19-years-old.

Residence: Wyoming

 

Why did you decide to run for the 77th District Representative?
“I’ve always been interested in politics and admired the people who do it. I believe in free enterprise. There’s a lot of stories of entrepreneurs that I want to share not only with the government, but with children as well. I can help influence education.”

 

What issues would you address if elected?
“I would like to keep government simple. I believe the simpler, the better. Right now the state has $27.2 billion for teachers pension that is unfunded. The budget needs to be balanced, and that means no debt.”

 

Brann and Republican Frank Murin facing off in the primary for the Republican spot on the Nov. 8 general election. The Republican winner of the primary will face Democrat Dana J. Knight in November.

 

All candidates were contacted and invited to participate in sharing their message to the voters. Only contested races where the field would be narrowed or decided at the primary on August 2 were included.

We the People: Kent County Commission Candidates – 2016 Primary

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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.”

 

Jon Hess – Candidate (R)

Occupation: Retired Under Sheriff for the Kent County Sheriff Department

Residence: Grandville

 

Why did you decide to run for the Kent County Commission 7th District?
“After retiring I had several people approach me about running for this position. I believe my former role as under sheriff allows me to bring a unique experience and insight to the county commission board.”

 

What issues are a high priority to you?
“Monies and property taxes. Property taxes have been up and down in the past eight to nine years and we need to continue to look at how our finances are structured. I believe we need to have partnerships and collaborate with various groups to maintain the property services that are offered.”

 

What are your thoughts on a central 911 dispatch for Kent County?
“Central dispatch is a very complex issue. It was decided collaboratively by many agencies that this community would have two PSAPs (public service answering points) and not a true central dispatch. I believe this is a good approach and allows for redundancy which protects from a singe center becoming inoperable and effecting public safety in the case of a major incident. Communication is so critical and this process ensures first responders and citizens have dispatch centers that work together, train together, and can work either dispatch center in the case of a major emergency. Many of the initiatives of Homeland Security have centered on communication too. This has allowed Kent County to improve our PSAPs as a whole too.”

 

The winner of the Republican primary will face off against Democrat candidate Logan Arkema.

 

 

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 borders, 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.”

 

Mast will face off in the Nov. 8 election against the Democrat winner of the primary. Democrat candidates running are Albert S. Abbasse, Christian Allen, and Peter Hickley.

 

 

All candidates were contacted and invited to participate in sharing their message to the voters. Only contested races where the field would be narrowed or decided at the primary on August 2 were included.