Tag Archives: Kentwood Commission

Commissioner Robert Coughlin retires after 30 Years of service to the City of Kentwood

October 15, 20263-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Kent County, West MichiganCity of Kentwood, Kentwood CommissionCris Greer

By Wyoming-Kentwood News Today Staff
greer@wktv.org

After three decades of dedicated service to the City of Kentwood, Commissioner Robert Coughlin has retired from his role as the City’s Ward 1 Commissioner effective Oct. 15, 2026.

Coughlin’s service to Kentwood spans 30 years and includes leadership and involvement across several City boards and committees. During his time with the City, he has served as a member of the Economic Development Corporation, the Zoning Board of Appeals, the Parks and Recreation Committee, the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, and the City Commission representing Ward 1.

“Over the past 30 years, Bob has dedicated his life serving the people of Kentwood,” said Mayor Stephen Kepley. “His leadership and service on our boards, committees, and as 1st Ward Commissioner has made a meaningful difference in our community. We are forever grateful for the perspective, dedication, and commitment he has brought to the table wherever he served. I want to thank Bob for his many hours of meetings, constituent phone calls, site visits, fundraisers, and 30 years of serving at community events. He has led Kentwood by example and I am eternally grateful. I wish him and his family all the best in this next chapter.”

Throughout his years of service, Coughlin has contributed to decisions affecting Kentwood’s growth, development, neighborhoods, parks and recreation opportunities, and the day-to-day quality of life of residents. His vast involvement and service on various boards and City Commission reflects his longstanding commitment to the community.

Filling the Ward 1 Vacancy

Following Coughlin’s retirement, the City Commission will begin the process of filling the Ward 1 vacancy in accordance with the City Charter and applicable state law.

The Application Process

Applications must be filled out and submitted by Oct. 27, 2026, by noon. The first round of interviews will begin Oct. 29, 2026.

Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the Ward 1 Commissioner position, applicants must:

Have lived in the City of Kentwood for at least one year.
Reside in Ward 1.
Be a registered voter.
Be in good standing with the City.
Must not be a felon.

You can find the application as well as the ward map here: kentwood.us/city_services/committees_and_boards

If you have any questions, or would like to submit your application, you may do so by contacting Peter Vanderberg, Deputy City Administrator, at vanderbergp@kentwood.us, or (616) 554-0770.

The City of Kentwood thanks Commissioner Coughlin for his three decades of service and commitment to the community and wishes him well in his retirement.

WKTV to broadcast, make available on YouTube, Chamber’s Kentwood commission candidate forum

September 20, 20193-bottom, City of Kentwood, Election, Hard News, Local Faces, Politics, WKTV ProjectsKentwood Commission, WKTV Government MattersJoanne

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

The two candidates for the City of Kentwood’s Ward 2 Commissioner seat currently held by Michael Brown, which will be decided on the Nov. 5 ballot, recently answers questions from a moderator at the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters Candidate Forum.

The Chamber’s Candidate Forum took place Sept. 11, at the Kentwood Branch of the Kent District Library, with WKTV Community Media cameras recording the event. The event was hosted by Chamber President Bob O’Callaghan and moderated by Kathey Batey.

The two candidates for the Ward 2 seat are Bill Benoit and Ron Draayer. Also on the ballot in November but not at the forum as they are running unopposed for other Kentwood Commission seats are incumbent Commissioner at Large Maurice H. Groce and incumbent Ward 1 Commissioner Robert D. Coughlin.

Draayer, according to the candidate, is a Kentwood resident who was a classroom teacher at Davenport University for 40 years and taught classes in the field of technology and cyber security.

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

WKTV Community Media was at the forum and will both broadcast it on WKTV Government Channel 26 as well as making it available on WKTV’s YouTube Channel. The forum will be broadcast today, Friday, Sept. 20, at 7:30 p.m.; Wednesday, Sept. 25, at 9 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 26, at noon; as well as several but as-yet unscheduled times in October. See the WKTV on-air schedule for dates and times.

WKTV also recorded candidates Benoit, Draayer and Coughlin as part of “We The People” candidate introduction videos series which are produced prior to each election voted on by Wyoming and Kentwood residents. Those videos will be made public the week of Sept. 23.

Kentwood Commissioner Brinks Slated for Judicial Appointment

January 19, 2015Our Cities62 District Court, Attorney Magistrate, Kentwood Commission, Sharon BrinksJoanne

by Rich Houtteman and Deb Havens

After 18 years service as a Kentwood City Commissioner, Sharon R. Brinks has a new job. The day after the January 20th City Commission meeting, Commissioner Brinks becomes Attorney Magistrate to the 62-B District Court.

Brinks, an attorney for over 30 years and founder of Brinks & Associates in 1993, has served the City since being appointed in 1997. Brinks served Kentwood as Finance Committee Chair for eleven years, Ordinance Committee Chair during Kentwood’s first codification process, and as Mayor Pro-tem from 2005-2006.

Brinks says she was “blessed to serve with four Mayors and many excellent elected officials and staff,” adding that she’s excited to take on a new challenge. As Attorney Magistrate, she will hear and decide cases largely from small claims and traffic court dockets. The new position will free up the 62nd District Court schedule.

Brinks claims that she is not phased by her move from the position of elected Commissioner and public servant to one of passing judgement on her previous electors. “I love the citizens of Kentwood,” says Brinks, “and I will always offer them the respect and judicial demeanor they are entitled to.”