Tag Archives: Kentwood City Commission

WKTV We the People: Get to know the Kentwood City Commission candidates

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By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor

greer@wktv.org




For the Michigan Aug. 8 primary and Nov. 7 general election, WKTV’s We The People program invited all Kentwood City Commission candidates. If they participated, their videos are linked here. All videos are 5-minutes or less devoted to the candidate, and were not edited in any way by WKTV.


Kentwood City Commission is made up of seven officials, including the Mayor, elected by the residents. It is the City Commission’s responsibility to set policy and provide financial oversight for the City. All Kentwood elected officials serve a term of four years. The City Commission generally meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at City Hall unless otherwise posted.



View the City of Kentwood Ward and Precinct Map.

Kentwood City Commission At-Large Seat

The City of Kentwood Commissioner At-Large, one of two seats, is voted upon by the entire City of Kentwood. The non-partisan candidates listed in the Aug. 8 primary are incumbent Commissioner Maurice H. Groce and candidates JaWhan Jackson and Lily Cheng-Schulting. Two candidates will advance to the Nov. 7 general election. Betsy Artz is in the middle of her term.





Maurice H. Groce, Incumbent Candidate, Kentwood Commissioner At-Large

Why are you running for office?:

I am running for re-election to retain my seat as Commissioner At-Large. I have been involved with the City of Kentwood since 2007 serving on the Local Officer Compensation Committee, Housing Commission, Planning Commissioner, and three times as a City Commissioner.

My drive and commitment to serving the City of Kentwood are centered around championing public safety, safeguarding the city budget, promoting better communication, and planning for the future generations of our city.

Ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents is paramount. I am dedicated to working closely with our department leaders to implement effective strategies to prevent crime and enhance public safety. Responsible fiscal management is crucial for the prosperity of our city. I will work to safeguard taxpayer dollars by diligently examining the city budget, identifying areas of potential savings, and prioritizing essential services and infrastructure development. By promoting better communication channels, we can forge stronger partnerships, address community needs, and work collaboratively to make our city an even better place to live. I will work to plan for the long-term future, ensuring a balanced and inclusive growth that preserves our city’s unique identity and legacy.

I am devoted to upholding these values as your City Commissioner. I humbly ask for your support and trust on August 8 as we work together to build a safer, prosperous and united City for ourselves and for the generations to come.

Two Issues You are Focused on:

Championing Public Safety

·Prioritizing funding for police and fire services to meet the needs of the community.

·Advocating for safe and healthy neighborhoods by supporting community policing efforts and building positive relationships between law enforcement and residents.

·Supporting initiatives such as crime prevention programs and neighborhood watch initiatives.

Safeguarding the City Budget

·Continue to be a driving force to keep Kentwood a city with a continually balanced and fiscally responsible budget.

·Committed to ensuring the city budget is allocated and spent efficiently without wasteful expenditures.

·Forecast budgeting assessments for future projects, challenges and liabilities to ensure the city’s financial stability.





JaWhan A. Jackson — Candidate, Kentwood Commissioner At-Large

Occupation: President of UAW Local 330

Why are you running for office?:

I’m running to represent all of Kentwood’s residents. I believe in community and I have a passion for service.

Two issues you are focused on: 

I will prioritize public safety by listening to our Police and Firefighters unions to address their concerns. It’s upsetting that for years the firefighters have begged the City to invest in a training center only to be denied repeatedly.

Affordable housing is a top priority for Kentwood. People who work here should be able to live here. Our economy can only be sustained if our workforce has suitable housing. I will work to increase affordable housing and advocate for development that serves the needs of all.





Lily Cheng-Schulting — Candidate, Kentwood Commissioner At-Large


Kentwood City Commission Ward 1

The City of Kentwood Ward 1, which has two commissioners, includes voting Precincts 1-9 and 17, roughly the southwest areas of the city. Incumbent 1st Ward Commissioner Robert Coughlin is running unopposed in the Nov. 7 general election in this non-partisan race, and Clarkston Morgan is in the middle of his term.

Kentwood City Commission Ward 2

The City of Kentwood Ward 2, which has two commissioners, includes voting Precincts 10-16 and 18, roughly the east and northeast areas of the city. David Moore II will run against incumbent candidate Ron Draayer in the Nov. 7 general election in this non-partisan race, while Jessica Ann Tyson is in the middle of her term.





Ron Draayer — Incumbent Candidate

Occupation: Kentwood City Commissioner (since 2019); Computer Science and Cyber-Security Professor — Davenport University (Emeritus)

Why are you running for office?:

I am running for office to ensure that our residents continue to receive top-quality service from our City workers and that our tax dollars are safe and well-utilized.

Two issues you are focused on: 

My top priority will continue to be the safety of our residents with strong support for our police officers, fire fighters and first responders.

Another priority will be to continue Kentwood’s strong financial position so that we can support and maintain our wonderful parks and trails along with city streets and other city facilities.





David Moore II — Candidate

Occupation: Self-employed Writer

Why are you running for office?:

Kentwood needs commissioners who will listen to its residents and invest in making their city feel like home.

Two issues you are focused on:

1. Overseeing that the voter-approved Parks and Recreation millage is spent as was promised.

2. Working closely with Mayor Stephen Kepley and other Kentwood commissioners to ensure Kentwood empowers and rewards its residents with clean and safe streets and responsible spending of city revenue and tax dollars.

Kentwood Commissioner Clarkston Morgan promotes Little Free Pantry at WKTV

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Kentwood Commissioner Clarkston Morgan (right) joined WKTV Managing Editor Cris Greer in the studio to discuss the Kentwood Little Free Pantry.



By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor

greer@wktv.org



The first Kentwood Commissioner I met after taking the job as managing editor at WKTV was Clarkston Morgan. On that day we talked about the Kentwood Little Free Pantry, and most memorably, he said it was “very near and dear to his heart.”

That meeting eventually culminated into Morgan coming into our studio to tape a WKTV Journal show on the Little Free Pantry.




“I have a passion for people,” said Morgan, founder and CEO of Ambassador Consultants LLC and an executive pastor and a city commissioner. “When you are always working with those that are in need and asking for help, you’re always connecting them to the resources that can help them. I can send anyone to the pantry without them worrying about checking IDs or their backgrounds; individuals can go right in, get what they need and come right out.



“It’s simple. There are no questions with the Little Free Pantry. There’s no embarrassment; all you do is get what you need and then you go home and bless your family. You’re our family and that’s why we do this.”

No questions asked

Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry is a free resource that provides food to community members in need. Anyone can give to and take from the pantry, with no questions asked and no application needed.


Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry initiative began in 2017 as a Martin Luther King Jr. Day community service project to fill an immediate and local need. A second location was added in 2021.


The Kentwood Little Free Pantry. (WKTV)


At the time it opened, Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley said, “This is the one day of the year I believe represents Kentwood. Because of what Martin Luther King Jr. stood for, who he was, what he said and what he did, his actions helped to make the city what it is today. Kentwood is one of the most diverse and international cities in the state.”

During the taping of the WKTV Journal show, Morgan continued along those lines and added, “You look at Kentwood as a community of 80 nations and 90 different languages. Dr. King’s message was his dream of all the cultures coming together and supporting one another. We are living out King’s dream of what it means to have unity. And unity comes around food, breaking bread at the table together.”

The pantry has several donation drop-off locations throughout Kentwood. Collection hours and locations are as follows:

  • Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE: Drop off donations 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday.
  • Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE: Place donations inside the collection bin located in the lobby from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and closed Sunday. 
  • Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE
  • Kentwood Justice Center, 4740 Walma Ave. SE
  • Kentwood Public Works, 5068 Breton Ave. SE
  • Sparks Belting Company, 5005 Kraft Ave, Suite A
     

Suggested food donations include:

  • Meats, canned, tuna and chicken preferred
  • Vegetables, canned
  • Fruits, canned
  • Shelf stable milk
  • Non-stick spray
  • Peanut butter
  • Pasta sauce
  • Cooking oil
  • Jam/Jelly
  • Cereals
  • Pasta
  • Rice
  • Soup

* Please be sure to check the expiration date on food items before bringing them in for donation.

Personal care item suggestions:

  • Soap of all kinds
  • Shampoo/conditioner
  • Disposable razors
  • Feminine products
  • Laundry detergent
  • Toilet paper
  • Deodorant
  • Diapers

Some other ideas include:

  • Kid-friendly non-perishables
  • Crayons, small toys, games
  • School supplies

To make a financial donation or find more information about Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry, visit kentwood.us/LittleFreePantry.

Kentwood votes 2021: Artz returned to city commission; newcomers Tyson and Morgan will join

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Election signs for three winning candidates in Nov. 2 voting for Kentwood city governance. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood will have two new faces on the City Commission after voting Nov. 2, as Clarkston Morgan won the Ward 1 seat and Jessica Ann Tyson won the Ward 2 seat. But incumbent At-Large commissioner Betsy Artz was returned to the commission in city-wide voting — gaining the most voter support of any candidate running opposed for city positions.

All City of Kentwood seats are for 4-year terms. The returning and new commissioners will be sworn in on Monday, Nov. 8, at the regular City Commission meeting.

With 100 percent of City of Kentwood precincts counted, Artz defeated Leonica Riley Erwin, 4,505 to 2,511, according to final unofficial results supplied by the Kent County Elections Office. Artz was the top voter-getter in the entire city in contested elections, as Mayor Stephen Kepley gained 4,321 votes as he was re-elected to the position.

The city-wide vote total of 7,366 was 18.7 percent of the 39,460 registered voters in the city.

Newly elected City of Kentwood City Commissioner Clarkston Morgan, center, who won the Ward 1 election Nov. 2, talks to supporters at an election-night event. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

With 100 percent of their respective ward precincts counted, Morgan defeated Meochia Nochi Thompson in Ward 1, 1,989 to 1,365, in a seat currently held by commissioner Emily Bridson. And Tyson defeated Dan VanderMolen in Ward 2, 2,120 to 1,360, in a seat currently held by commissioner Tom McKelvey.

Running uncontested in City of Kentwood elections were incumbent Treasurer Laurie Sheldon, and incumbent City Clerk Dan Kasunic. Sheldon gained 6,148 votes and Kasunic gained 6,177 in citywide voting.

At-Large Commissioner

Commissioner Artz thanked the Kentwood voters in a statement to WKTV, “I appreciate your support throughout this campaign, and at the polls.

“Our City now has a Commission that will work together to get things done,” she said. “It’s time to continue our work on improving and maintaining our Parks and Trails, providing the best in Public Safety to our community, and budgeting for the future. I am thrilled to be able to serve the City of Kentwood for another four years.”

Riley Erwin, in a statement to WKTV, said “The Kentwood voters have spoken. Congratulations to Betsy Artz and all of those elected last night.

“My campaign had two goals,” she continued. “The first was to increase voter turnout. The second was to increase awareness about issues important to residents that don’t feel empowered. Those goals were accomplished. I look forward to working with our city commissioners and other Kentwood leaders to ensure every resident can reach their full potential. I encourage my supporters to stay involved and continue to communicate their desires for affordable housing, supports for small businesses, and creating a more inclusive community. I would love to see more of you run for office or volunteer on a campaign committee. Participate in community forums and surveys. Make your voice heard.
 

“Last, I would like to thank my family for all of the love and support they have given me. I couldn’t have made it to the ballot without their encouragement and willingness to make sacrifices with me.” 

Ward 1 Commissioner

Morgan addressed all “Kentwood families, business and community leaders,” in a statement to WKTV. “Thank you! I am more than honored to receive your vote of confidence as your City Servant Leader.

“I stand here on the shoulders of great past and present city leaders, but even more, YOU, our Kentwood community,” he said. “It’s our families, businesses, households of faith and community organizations that make our city great. I look forward to seeing Kentwood reach it’s greatest potential by serving WITH our community to provide all residents a better quality of life. God bless.”

Thompson, in a statement to WKTV, said “I am so blessed to have an opportunity to run this race for Commissioner. I thank God for the journey; all the wonderful neighbors I connected with.

“This became more than Community business, it became Kingdom business for me. I was able to teach, preach and encourage along the way. I even had the opportunity to lead someone to salvation. For me, it gets no better than that. I experienced people actually rejoicing because for the first time in a long time, they felt they mattered and were being seen and heard.

“I hope we continue striving toward a more connected Kentwood, where our neighborhood feels more like family and everyone is thriving, healthy and safe! Thank you Kentwood residents for even considering me to represent you. The journey was well worth it.”

Ward 2 Commissioner

Tyson, in a statement t o WKTV, said “The residents of Kentwood have spoken. I am honored and humbled that they took the time to vote for me.

“I look forward to representing Kentwood residents in Ward 2 for the next four years. To others who supported our campaign, I am thankful that you understand how passionate I am about my community. Your contributions proved to be invaluable. I am excited to spend more time listening to and helping our residents and city remain united and strong.”

VanderMolen, in a statement to WKTV, said “I want to express a heartfelt thanks to my family, friends, and supporters for helping make this campaign a reality. It’s truly amazing what people can accomplish when they come together. I also want to congratulate Jessica Ann Tyson on her impressive victory tonight.

“Like I’ve said before, we need to stop looking at politics as a zero sum game and instead realize that while we might have different ideas or priorities, we can all still work towards the same common good. I look forward to partnering with Jessica, and the rest of the city commission, to support the residents of Kentwood in any way I can going forward.”

Ron Draayer wins Kentwood commission race; unopposed incumbents to return

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By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

With unofficial final results in from the Nov. 5 election, Ron Draayer has defeated Bill Benoit for the City of Kentwood’s Ward 2 Commissioner seat currently held by Michael Brown.

Running unopposed and reelected to other Kentwood Commission seats were incumbent Commissioner at Large Maurice H. Groce and incumbent Ward 1 Commissioner Robert D. Coughlin.

Unofficial final results from the Kent County Elections office had Draayer with 1,335 votes, Benoit with 845 and 11 write-in votes for others. Groce totaled 3,246 with 59 write-in votes for the city-wide seat, and Coughlin gained 1,228 with 34 write-in votes for the single-ward seat.

“I want to thank the residents of Ward 2 in Kentwood for voting for me and electing me to the Kentwood City Commission,” commissioner-elect Draayer said to WKTV Wednesday morning. “I pledge to work hard and be available to people to help with their concerns.

“I want to ensure that Kentwood continues to be a city where people can come from all over the world to raise their families in good neighborhoods. I also want to thank my family and friends for supporting me in this campaign and working hard for my election. I appreciate it very much.”

Draayer was a classroom teacher at Davenport University for 40 years and taught classes in the field of technology and cyber security.



Benoit works for the Charter Township of Cascade as a building inspector and plan reviewer, and is currently on the City of Kentwood Planning Commission.

“I would like to congratulate Mr. Draayer and I look forward to continue serving the citizens of Kentwood on the Planning Commission,” Benoit said to WKTV.

Coughlin will also continue to serve the city and Ward 1.

“I would like to thanks the voters in Kentwood for their support in yesterday’s election,” Commissioner Coughlin said to WKTV. “As I begin my 5th term as City Commissioner, let me reiterate that it has been an honor to serve our community for the last 16 years and I am looking forward to another four.

“Kentwood is on the move and we have a lot of great things happening. I am thrilled to be a part of it and will continue to serve my constituents with the utmost integrity and productivity. I love this city, it’s residents, and it’s diversity and will work hard to maintain the great standards we have achieved.”

Commissioner Groce’s seat is also a 4-year term.

Snapshots: Kentwood, Wyoming news you should know

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Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That’s why we call it the present. 

A. A. Milne



By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

From the left, candidate Ron Draayer, Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce President Bob O’Callaghan, moderator Kathey Batey, and candidate Bill Benoit. (WKTV)

Meet the Candidates

With Michael Brown’s decision not to seek another term as a 2nd Ward commissioner for the City of Kentwood, two candidates are vying to serve the city in that seat. Both candidates Bill Benoit and Ron Draayer were at the September candidate forum hosted by the Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, where they shared their ideas and discussed why they were the best fit to serve in the 2nd Ward seat. WKTV will re-broadcast the debate on Wednesday, Sept, 25, at 9 p.m. and Thursday, Sept. 26, at noon along with several times in October before the Nov. 5 general election. For air dates and times, visit the WKTV Schedule.

Getting the Scoop

Who knew that studying wombat scat could be so rewarding? GVSU alumna Alynn Martin, along with the research team she was with, received the Ig Nobel Prize for studying the question why is wombat scat square. “It’s not going to change anybody’s life but it’s a great little piece of information that we didn’t know before,” said Martin, who earned a master’s degree in biology at Grand Valley State University. No, but it is certainly a fun fact which is why the group won the award. So why is the wombat’s scat square? It appears to form that way in the digestive system.

Time to Take the Leaves Out

The colors are a changin’ which means we can forecast a lot of raking for many area residents. With that in mind, the City of Kentwood announced it would be opening its brush and leaf drop-off sites at the Kentwood Department of Public Works, located at 5068 Breton Ave. SE. The sites will run concurrently from Saturday, Oct. 5, through Saturday, Dec. 7, with open hours from noon to 8 p.m., Mondays through Saturdays, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays. The City of Wyoming operates a year-round yard waste site next to its Public Works Facility, 2660 Burlingame Ave. SW. Hours are 7:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday through Dec. 7. Residents should bring ID when dropping off.

(Geosciences, Utrecht University)

It Once Was Lost, But Now Is Found

So some of the people visiting or skiing in the Alps may not have been on the European continent at all, but rather Greater Adria. Researchers announced this week that they have found the eighth continent, which is stuck under Southern Europe. Most of the original continent was under water but much of its rocks were scrapped off when it was forced under Europe with the rocks helping to form mountain ranges in the Alps, Apennines, the Balkans, Greece and Turkey. Source: CNN

Kentwood establishes public art zoning; new Kentwood Arts Commission seeks additional member

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By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

The City of Kentwood, after city Commission approval in January, amended its zoning ordinance to allow for evaluation and approval of outdoor public art displays within the city.

 

The amendment also establishes the Kentwood Arts Commission, which, according to the city, is tasked with “reviewing and approving venues” within the community. The Arts Commission will also be responsible for determining whether or not outdoor art display venues are permitted under city guidelines.

 

“Art is a valuable component in creating a vibrant community,” Terry Schweitzer, community development director, said to WKTV. “As we continue to grow as a city, we wanted to be sure there is a process in place to support public art venues. We hope that this new ordinance will serve as a catalyst to bring public art to our diverse group of residents.”

 

The changes to city zoning, approved by city Commission action at its regular meeting on Jan. 16, amends an ordinance which now covers art galleries, art display venues, and public art — with public art being defined as being “publicly-owned art and memorials, artistic enhancement of public infrastructure, temporary art exhibitions or displays on public property.”

 

The current members of the Arts Commission are Schweitzer, City Commissioner Betsy Artz and community members Jerry DeMaagd and Clarkston Morgan. The Commission will have their first official meeting in the coming weeks, according to the city.

 

There is a opening for one more community member on the Arts Commission. Qualifications for the position, according to the city, are that the person lives and/or works in the City of Kentwood and he or she should have an interest in art. Anyone interested can learn more and apply at kentwood.us/city .

 

The entire approved ordinance can be read as part of the city Commission’s informational packet for the Jan. 16, 2018 meeting. (It is several pages down in the .pdf package.)

 

Kentwood’s newest commissioner, disability advocate on latest WKTV Journal: In Focus

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WKTV Staff

news@wktv.org

 

What do you do when your running for a seat on the Kentwood City Commission and then your opponent drops out? Tom McKelvey, who in November won the 2nd Ward position, tells WKTV Journal: In Focus host Ken Norris what he did — still get out and meet people, and try to get up to speed on city matters as quickly as possible.

 

Also on the latest episode of In Focus, Madeline Schaab, a project specialist for local non-profit Disability Advocates of Kent County, discusses what her group does to promote accessible and welcoming communities, and what the public can do — including just keeping snow off the sidewalk in front of your house.

 

The episode will debut Tuesday, Dec. 19 , at 6:30 p.m., and will again air on Thursday, and again next week on the same days and times on WKTV channels but all interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal: In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVVideos.

 

 

The entire episode of “WKTV Journal: In Focus” airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel.

 

Former mayor appointed to fill vacancy on Kentwood City Commission

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Former Kentwood mayors Richard Clanton, Jerry DeRuiter, and Bill Hardiman; former mayor Richard Root’s wife Karleen, Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kelley, and first mayor Peter Lambert’s son Richard at the Kentwood’s 50th kick off celebration in February.

Former Kentwood Mayor and City Commissioner Richard Clanton has been appointed by the Kentwood city Commission to fill a commissioner-at-large vacancy.

On Tuesday, April 11, the City Commission voted for the appointment of Clanton to fill the vacant commission seat through November 2019. Sixteen residents were interviewed for the opening, which arose in February with the resignation of Steven Redmond.

“Richard brings to the Commission a wealth of knowledge and experience having served as mayor and city commissioner,” said Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley.  “We are thankful for his continued willingness to serve the residents of Kentwood and look forward to his continued leadership.”

Richard Clanton

Clanton served as mayor of Kentwood from 2012 to 2013, completing the term of Richard L. Root, who died in 2012. Prior to his position as mayor, Clanton served on the city commission from 2001 to 2012. He currently is the chief executive officer of United Methodist Community House and previously worked at Loeks Theatres Inc., YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids and Sears, Roebuck & Co.

“It is a great pleasure to have been chosen to serve the City of Kentwood again,” said Clanton. “With more than 20 years of service in the community as a commissioner and mayor, I appreciate yet another opportunity to serve our residents.”

Active in the community, Clanton has served on a variety of city boards and commissions including the finance committee, Kentwood Economic Development Corporation and capital improvement program, which he chaired. He has also served as the chairman and trustee of the Michigan Municipal League Region III.

Clanton has also volunteered with Boys Scouts of America, Junior Achievement, Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Rotary.

Kentwood ‘founder’ remembered for his passion, dedication

Local History, Our Cities, Politics, , ,

A picture of the first Kentwood City Council from "The Story of Kentwood." Quentin 'Jack" Ward is on the far left.
A portion of a picture of the first Kentwood City Council from “The Story of Kentwood.” Quentin ‘Jack” Ward is on the far left.

It has been a long time since Quinten “Jack” Ward has walked through the doors of the City of Kentwood but his influence and passion for the city can still be felt today.

 

Ward, considered one of the founding fathers of the City of Kentwood, died Feb. 11 in Denver, Colorado, surrounded by family. He was 90.

 

“I remember he was very active and very passionate about the city,” said Nancy Shane who started with the City of Kentwood in 1974 as the mayor’s secretary. Shane currently is the assistant to the Kentwood fire chief.

 

“He was one of the original leaders who helped to shape our city,” Shane said. “He was very conservative and really set the tone and the direction for the city fiscally.

 

“The city has continued to follow his direction and because of that we have been without the problems that some of our neighbors have had.”

 

It was the mid-1960s when a group of Paris Township citizens decided enough was enough when it came to the annexation of township industrial property. In 1964, enough votes were garnered for the formation of a nine-member Charter Commission and the three-year clock started ticking to secure charter approval from voters and the Michigan Secretary of State.

 

With some other charter changes, including the establishment of wards, the charter was approved in 1967 with Paris Township becoming the City of Kentwood.

 

Ward was one of the first commissioners elected to the council and he served as a first ward commissioner from 1967 to 1981. Shane said she remembers that he simply decided not to run for election in 1981. Ward did run for mayor in 1979 but was defeated by Marvin Hoeflinger. It was also the same year that the city’s first female commissioner, Joyce Van Keulen, was elected.

 

According to “The Story of Kentwood,” from 1967 to 1977, “the elected officials of Kentwood occupied themselves with setting up a new city government and all its many services – including fire and police, protection, zoning, sanitation and libraries.

 

Shane said while Ward had a passion for the whole city, one of his personal projects was the city’s library. A year after the city incorporated, a library was built at 200 44th St. and in 1969 was moved to a rented building at St. Mary Magdalen Church. Plans were in the works to construct a new library but was delayed when city leaders discovered that it would be more than twice the budgeted amount. In 1975, the new facility would be built at 4700 Kalamazoo Ave. SE. Ward also would see the construction of Kentwood’s City Hall at its current location, which was dedicated in 1977.

 

According to a recent obituary in “The Grand Rapids Press,” Ward graduated from the University of Michigan in 1952 with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and also earned a master’s degree in business administration from Western Michigan University.

 

He worked for Lear Siegler and joined six other engineers to form a small business that grew into X-Rite, which pioneered a new era in the science of color measurement. Ward’s interest in sailing also inspired him to also start The Sailboat Center, a family business in  Grand Rapids.