Category Archives: We The People

Kent County clerk, WKTV team to provide voter information in support of ‘Kent County Votes’ effort

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By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

With election day now less than four weeks away, Kent County Clerk Lisa Posthumus Lyons announced this week her office’s Kent County Votes, a voter education effort which offers county voters information resources “to vote safely and securely up to and on November 3rd.”

Part of that effort is a public service announcement recorded at WKTV Community Media, as well as radio and digital advertisements, and upcoming tele-townhall events will provide voters the opportunity to ask questions of Kent County election administrators.

The effort also includes a redesign of the Kent County Elections website, now accessible via KentCountyVotes.com.

“Your right to vote is sacred, and so is your right to safety,” Posthumus Lyons said in supplied material and the WKTV video. “In Kent County we take both very seriously. COVID-19 has disrupted a lot this year, but it won’t disrupt this fall’s election.”

Four tips for voters

According to a statement from the clerk’s office, there are four aspects of the Nov. 3 election voters should be aware of:

Whether voters cast their ballots in-person at the polls or cast an absentee ballot, their vote will be counted this year. Clerks across the county are busy modifying polling places to adhere to CDC safety and social distancing guidelines as well.  It will be safe to vote in person. Polling locations can be found at kentcountyvotes.com.

Recent election law changes make registering and voting easier than ever before. Every registered voter now has the right to vote absentee without needing an excuse.  Also, citizens can register right up to and even on election day at their local clerk’s office, and still cast their ballot. However, it is highly encouraged to register before election day.

The new State of Michigan Absentee Ballot return envelope. (WKTV)

Those choosing to vote absentee have three options for returning their ballots: hand deliver a completed ballot to your city or township clerk’s office; return the ballot by mail, but plan accordingly by mailing the ballot back at least 7-10 before Election Day; or drop your ballot off in a designated secure drop box in the city or township where the voter is registered. Drop box locations can be found at kentcountyvotes.com.

Posthumus also reminds voters to “be patient when it’s time for results … The Clerk’s office expects a larger-than-ever number of absentee ballots, which might mean waiting a little longer for results. Kent County election officials will work as quickly as possible to report complete and accurate election results.”

We the People 2020 General Election: Kentwood 62 B District Court judgeship

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Note: For the Michigan Nov. 3 general election, WKTV’s We The People program invited participation from both candidates. Videos are 5-minutes or less, and were not edited in any way by WKTV.

Joe Jackson — Judge candidate, non-partisan election

Occupation: Kent County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney

Why did you decide to run for the 62 B District Court Judgeship?

I have dedicated my entire career to public service, and wish to continue to serve, but in a new role. Kentwood is my family’s home, where we go to school, work, play, and worship. I am dedicated to the continued growth and excellence of Kentwood, and I want to do my part to ensure that the Kentwood District Court is doing its best to serve its community. A District Court Judge is more than just a person in a black robe, he should be a leader, an example, and be involved in the community beyond the bench, and this is something I’m dedicated to.

If elected, what issues do you want to focus on?

The fair and impartial administration of justice to all people in all areas of the law.

Maintaining an experienced, supported, and knowledgeable bench.

 

Amanda Sterkenburg — Judge candidate, non-partisan election

Occupation: Attorney representing civil litigants and providing criminal defense.

 

City/Township you live: City of Kentwood

Why did you decide to run for this position?

There is so much good to be done from the District Court bench. From landlord tenant disputes to criminal misdemeanors, the matters that come before this Court effect the everyday lives of the people who live in Kentwood. The way these cases are handled will shape our community for years to come and I believe I’m uniquely positioned to create positive outcomes through fair and well-reasoned judgments.

Please list two or three issues you feel the voters should know about the District court and the judge position:

There is an eviction crisis looming due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the interests of public safety, evictions have been limited and this has placed our landlords in financial jeopardy. I’m committed to finding the fair line between landlords who rely on rental income and tenants who have fallen behind.

I’m also committed to meaningful probation sentences. When the circumstances of a criminal case show a link between substance abuse, lack of education, or mental illness and the conviction offense, we should explore programs that motivate behavioral change and address those factors. This front-end approach strengthens our community and should be made a focus in cases where increasing punitive consequences doesn’t necessarily serve the ends of justice.

We the People 2020 Primary Election: Kent County Treasurer candidates

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Note: For the Michigan Aug. 4 primary, WKTV’s We The People program invited participation from all candidates for any seat where there is a contested primary in either party. For the general election, all candidates will be invited to record a We The People.

Kent County Treasurer

There are three candidates, one a two-term Republican state senator and two in the Democratic primary, seeking the Kent County Treasurer position. They are State Sen. Peter MacGregor of Rockford, and Democratic primary candidates José L. Reyna of Ada and Beth White of Grand Rapids.

Note: Neither MacGregor nor White were available for a We The People video recording prior to the primary. The Republican and Democratic primary winners will be invited to participate after the August primary.

 

Peter MacGregor – Incumbent State Senator and county treasurer candidate

Party: Republican

José L. Reyna – County treasurer primary candidate

Party: Democrat

Occupation: Consultant/semi-retired

Why did you decide to run for the 72nd District House of Representatives seat?

I grew up in Grand Rapids/Kent County and have dedicated my professional career to public service. I decided to run for the office of Kent County Treasurer with the interest of continuing my service to the community that I love and use my professional experience of over 30 years for the benefit of the Kent County community. My experience includes decades of financial management including serving as a director of departments with the responsibility of developing and managing budgets. My tenure with the City of Grand Rapids as Assistant to the City Manager and Fiscal Services Manager/Purchasing Agent provided me with extensive experience with public finance from developing and administering the City’s Fiscal Plan, departmental budgets, and oversight of the City’s procurement process.  Additionally, I served as acting Director for the City’s Assessor’s Department and led the transformation of the department and its function to bring it into compliance with State law. I am eager to serve as Kent County Treasurer and apply my extensive experience in public finance in combination with my commitment to the people of Kent County.

If elected, what issues do you want to focus on?

The incumbent Kent County Treasurer has done an outstanding job in leading the financial management and operations of the County.  It is my interest to build on the County’s strong financial position and legacy of service.  I do have several areas of priority that I would like improve for the benefit of the County and its residents, including financial management, public outreach and engagement, and customer service focused innovations.

Beth White – County treasurer primary candidate

Party: Democrat

We the People 2020 Primary Election: State House of Representative candidates

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Note: For the Michigan Aug. 4 primary, WKTV’s We The People program invited participation from all candidates for any seat where there is a contested primary in either party. For the general election, all candidates will be invited to record a We The People.

State of Michigan 72nd District House of Representatives

The 72nd District House of Representative seat covers the cities of Kentwood and Wayland, along with a portion of Cutlerville and the community of Dorr. For a district map, click here and then search for district 072.

There are three candidates, one a two-term incumbent Republican and two in the Democratic primary, seeking the 72nd District House of Representatives. They are Republican incumbent Steve Johnson of Wayland, and Democratic primary candidates Lily Cheng-Schulting of Kentwood and Cade Wilson of Kentwood.

Steven Johnson – Incumbent State Representative 72nd District

Party: Republican

Occupation: State Representative, 72nd District

Note: Did not submit answers to WKTV questions.

Lily Cheng-Schulting – Primary candidate State Representative 72nd District

Party: Democratic

Occupation: Community Organizer; Disability Advocate

Why did you decide to run for the 72nd District House of Representatives seat?

As a proven human rights and community advocate, I am running to move mountains for a more diverse, inclusive, fair, just, and better Michigan for everyone! Since I have created huge positive educational changes in Kent County, I will dedicate my same skills, experience, and energy to ensure quality mental health and disability services, single-payer healthcare, economic equity, education, racial and criminal justice, environment, and resources for small businesses and farms. I will always appreciate the opportunity to listen to everyone’s concerns, and I will remain committed to ensuring the best quality of life and future for everyone, including people who are vulnerable or marginalized. Moreover, as a mother of a child with autism and as a woman of color and an immigrant, I will also advocate fiercely to protect people against discrimination and to ensure justice, fairness, and equal human rights for everyone. I believe that the fierceness of my advocacy is proven, not through the arguments, but through positive systematic changes.

If elected, what issues do you want to focus on?

Healthcare, equity, education.

Cade Wilson – Primary candidate State Representative 72nd District

Party: Democratic

Occupation: Educator

Why did you decide to run for the 72nd District House of Representatives seat?

As an educator right here in our district, I have had the chance to work with hundreds of students and families and hear about the things that matter most to them. Last spring I went to Lansing to advocate for after-school educational programming in our district. When I met with our representative’s office, and I heard how the families I knew so well were talked about, I knew that I had to run. I immediately recognized that our representation did not reflect the families and values of our community. Our community is hardworking, loving, supportive, smart, kind, and diverse. I am in this race so that I can help amplify the voices of our community in ways that truly reflect our values.

If elected, what issues do you want to focus on?

Education — Equitable funding that supports students, teachers, and families. Health — We need accessible and affordable healthcare services (mental health services included), affordable medications, and clean drinking water. Opportunity — Invest in trade skills trainings for those that want to both enter and transition in the workforce. This also means we need to protect our workers in fair, just, and equitable systems that do not discriminate based on gender, age, or sexual orientation.

State of Michigan 77th District House of Representatives

The 77th District House of Representatives seat covers the City of Wyoming, Byron Township and a portion of Cutlerville. For a district map, click here and them search for district 077.

There are two candidates, one a two-term incumbent and one a Democratic challenger, seeking the 77th District House of Representatives. They are incumbent Republican Tommy Brann of Wyoming, and Democratic candidate Bob Smith of Byron Center.

Note: Neither party’s candidate has a challenge in the primary; both have been invited to record a We The People after the August primary.

We the People 2020 Primary Election: 8th District Kent County Commission

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By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

For the Kent County Commission race, there are a few races with two candidates running from the same party such as the Kent County Commission District 8th seat.

Long held by Harold Voorhees, Voorhees announced earlier this year that after more than 18 years as the 8th District Kent County commissioner, he would not seek re-election. Two Republican candidates and one Democrat candidate put their hats in the ring for the seat. For the Aug. 4 primary, voters will be deciding between Republican candidates Dan Burrill and Denise Kolesar with the winner facing off against Democrat candidate Sarah Chatterley in the Nov. 3 general election.

The 8th District Kent County Commission seat covers the eastern portion of the City of Wyoming, including the pan handle.  For specific boarders, visit accesskent.com.

Dan Burrill – Candidate (R)

Occupation: Residential real estate and builder

Why did you decide to seek election to the 8th District Kent County Commission seat?

My desire to serve started back on the student council for middle school. When I was older, I served on the Grandville Public Schools Board of Education and continued that obligation to serve our community by first being on the Wyoming Zoning Board of Appeals and currently on the Wyoming City Council. I believe if you have the ability and willingness to serve that you owe it to the local community to offer your tools, talents and time to help make it a better place. With Harold Voorhees stepping down after 18 years of serving Wyoming at the county level, I was encouraged by others to run for the 8th District Commission seat and continue the great job that Harold Voorhees has done and the success at the county level. 

If elected, what issue (s) would you immediately want to focus on and why?

I want to continue to assure that we have clean water throughout the county. I would want to make sure that there is adequate funding for mental health services, especially since COVID-19 has heighten awareness of such issues as violence and mental health. COVID-19 has brought forth a number of issues for businesses and health which the county will need to continue to focus on. 

Denise Kolesar – Candidate (R)

Occupation: Semi-retired from Kohler Expos/ Business Development Specialist for GROW

Why did you decide to seek election to the 8th District Kent County Commission seat?

For some time now it has been on my radar to run for office. With some encouragement from business leaders in the community the timing is right. I sold my business, Kohler Expos, back in 2016 and currently I am semi-retired, so I have the time commitment necessary to fulfill the position. I sit on the Kent County Parks Foundation Board and I am on the cabinet committee for Special Olympics. I have been drawn to public service all my life. It started with my parents being very involved in their communities, therefore it comes natural to me. The opportunity to publicly serve was clearly shown to me by the retirement of Commissioner Harold Voorhees. This position suits my passion to play a key role in public service. 

If elected, what issue (s) would you immediately want to focus on and why?

I believe the key issue for the county is COVID-19. At the forefront is how we safely handle the care of all people and how we communicate to the community which we serve as we tread through the unchartered waters of COVID-19.