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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.
