By K.D. Norris
For the Michigan Nov. 2 general election, WKTV’s We The People program invited participation from all candidates. If they participated, their videos are linked here. For those who did not participate, either a candidate-provided biography/issues statement, or simply their name is listed. All videos are 5-minutes or less devoted to the candidate, and were not edited in any way by WKTV.
The City of Kentwood Ward 1, which has two commissioners, includes voting Precincts 1-9, roughly the southwest areas of the city. For a precinct and ward map, click here.
The non-partisan candidates for the open Ward 1 seat are Clarkston Morgan and Meochia Thompson. This is the seat currently held by Commissioner Emily Bridson, who is running for mayor.
Clarkston Morgan – Candidate
Occupation: CEO of Ambassador Consultants LLC, COO of W4 Construction Group
Why did you decide to run for this position?
As a 13-year Kentwood resident, assistant pastor in a local church, small business owner and a Kentwood Planning Commissioner, I’ve found great joy empowering our Kentwood families and community to reach its greatest potential. Having strategically helped broken families grow out of poverty, and small businesses expand profit margins when policy and/or broken systems limited them, I understand this system must become a standard in our city.
As a nonpartisan leader, I’m running to make sure politics do not limit the voice and benefits all residents can receive. To make sure the heart and voice of the community is valued in our city master plans and budget. Coming into office with my past experience means I do not need to use residents as test subjects to confirm the validity of policies. On day one, I’m equipped and ready to serve.
Please list two to three issues you feel your voters are facing:
Affordable Housing and Homelessness: In Kentwood, we have a major silent issue of families and teens experiencing homelessness. Research shows that the three main reasons are due to job loss, addiction and mental health. I find that numerous families are struggling to afford the cost of housing. This, stacked with the three previous issues, have caused families to become homeless. Utilizing the Community Block Grants, and in partnership with the county and existing nonprofit organizations, we can create housing programs to help families afford housing, but even more, build their credit, eliminate debt and transition to homeowners.
Expanding opportunities for small businesses: Kentwood has been successful because of the support of large corporations, but even more our diverse and multi-ethnic small businesses. These companies want to compete on a larger scale but are not being afforded the same opportunities. A solution I have started to work and will launch on a city level is training small businesses to become market ready for larger contracts. And as city projects are position with major developers, I would like to incentivize the use of these contractors for projects. This will allow the corporation, developers, contractors, and small businesses to benefit from the development of the project.
Community Involvement: With residents from 80 nations, speaking about 90 languages, outside Kentwood Public Schools, our community is still operating in silos. We do not lack diversity, but more harmony. When we are in harmony, systems are refined to make sure there’s inclusivity based on cultural intelligence. This means actively engaging multi-ethnic businesses, houses of worship, nonprofits and community leaders to be cultural intelligence advocates to the city, but even more, back to their community.
Meochia Thompson — Candidate
Occupation: Self-Employed. Publisher at Blessed Pen Ink Publishing
Why did you decide to run for this position?
I decided to run because of all the negativity and division ripping throughout our country. I want to help create stronger connections within my community by sharing information, resources, and celebrating each other. It’s important that everyone feels heard and counted. I’m looking forward to growing better relationships in Kentwood!
Please list two to three issues you feel your voters are facing:
I’ve heard from so many voters and most would agree that they need connection. This means listening to the needs of ALL the people that make up our beautiful community and responding effectively when it comes to implementing leadership that reflects the diversity in our neighborhood including our local government, police, and fire departments. We also need programs that help new citizens and immigrants get acclimated to our city and state laws, statutes, programs, and resources. Families need more stop- and speed-limit signs, and sidewalks throughout our neighborhoods, so they can feel safe, and playgrounds with accessible equipment so all children can play together. Businesses need dedicated workers and workers need pathways to leadership and professional development.
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