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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.
