Tag Archives: State Senate

Three seek Wyoming mayor position along county and state candidates

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By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Tuesday, April 19, was the last day for candidates to file for the upcoming fall elections with the residents of both the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming have several new faces, and a few familiar ones, to consider for federal, state, and local government positions.

City of Wyoming

Wyoming City Hall. (WKTV)

With Mayor Jack Poll’s announcement that he would be retiring at the end of his term, three candidates have put their hats in the ring for the City of Wyoming’s mayor position, which is a nonpartisan four-year seat. Two of the candidates are long-time council members, Kent Vanderwood and current Mayor Pro Tem Sam Bolt and the third is a newcomer, Cliff Tompkins, who owns the Wyoming business Hair by Cliff.

The top two candidates from the Aug. 2 primary will face off in the Nov. 8 general election. Also in November, Wyoming residents will be selecting two Council Members at Large, four-year terms, from three candidates, Robert A. Arnoys, Renee Hill, and Robert Kilgo. First Ward Council Member Sheldon DeKryer is running unopposed for his four-year term.

City of Kentwood

While there are no City of Kentwood seats open for this year’s election cycle, the city is seeking a permanent recreation and trails millage of one mill in the Aug. 2 primary. If levied, the additional 1.0 mill is estimated to raise $2,345,537 in the first calendar year of the levy.

Kent County Commissioners

The Kent County Board of Commissioners (from a 2019 meeting). (Supplied/Kent County)

Like the federal and state governments, the Kent County Board of Commissioners also completed a redistricting.

The redistricting adds two new district to Kent County for a total of 21 districts. One of those new districts, District 20, would encompass the norther portion of the City of Wyoming (Godfrey-Lee Public Schools area) along with some southern portions of the City of Grand Rapids, such as Roosevelt Park, Black Hills, and Burton Heights. It has been indicated by officials that the goal was to create a largely Hispanic district (the area is more than 50 percent Hispanic) to provide a voice to the county commission of the area’s largest minority group.

There are five candidates vying for the 20th District spot, two Democrats and three Republicans. The Democrats are Ivan Diaz and Charles Howe. The Republicans are Elisa Rodriguez, Alan Bolter, and Walter Bujak.

Other Kent County Districts that will be on the Aug. 2 Primary will be the 10th District, which through redistricting now includes a portion of the City of Kentwood, will be Republicans Emily Post Brieve (incumbent) and Bill Hirsch. The winner of the Republican race will face Democrat Julie Humphreys in November.

In the 12th District, Republicans Lee White and Adam R. Palasek will face off in the primary with the winner then moving on to face Democrat Monica Sparks (incumbent) in November.

The other Kent County district races within the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood have only one Democrat and Republican which means all those races will go straight to the November ballot. Those districts are:

7th District, which includes a western portion of Wyoming along with Grandville. Candidates: Republican Stan Ponstein (incumbent) and Democrat Sue Merrell.

8th District, which covers most of Wyoming. Candidates: Republican Dan Burrill (incumbent) and Democrat Jennie Chatman.

9th District, which includes a portion of southern Wyoming along with all of Byron Center. Candidates: Republican Matt Kallman (incumbent) and Democrat Chip LaFleur.

For a look at the district map of state and county, click here.


State House of Representatives and Senate

Both the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming will be under the 29th District for the state Senate. (Supplied)

Redistricting has changed both the state’s Senate and House of Representative seats for the two cities.

For the Senate, both the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood will be part of the 29th District state Senate seat which also includes Grandville and East Grand Rapids along with portions of Grand Rapids Township and Grand Rapids east of the Grand River and south of Fulton Street. Two Republicans have put in their names, Tommy Brann, who is terming out this year from the 77th District state House seat, and Andrew Kroll. The winner of the Aug. 2 primary will face Democratic incumbent Winnie Brinks in November.

For the state House, the City of Wyoming is split between two districts. Most of the City of Wyoming will be part of the 83rd District along with a north portion of Grand Rapids (the Roosevelt Park area) and the Cutlerville area. There are three Democrats and one Republican vying for the seat. In the Aug. 2 primary, the Democrats, John Fitzgerald, Jose Flores, and Keith Courtade will compete to advance to the November election, where the winner will then run against Republican Lisa DeKryger.

A portion of the eastern border of Wyoming is part of the 82nd District of the House of Representatives. There are three Democrats and two Republicans seeking nomination in the Aug. 2 primary. The Democrats are Salim Mohammed Al-Shatel, Kristian Grant, and Robert Womack. The Republicans are William Alexander and Ryan Malinoski.

The City of Kentwood will join Cascade and East Grand Rapids for the 80th District House of Representative seat. Two Democrats will be competing in the Aug. 2 primary, Lily Cheng-Schulting and Phil Skaggs. The winner will then run against Republican Jeffrey Johnson in the Nov. 8 election.

Voter Information

For more information on voter registration, absentee ballots, voting locations and how to apply to be an election worker in Kentwood, visit kentwood.us/elections or contact the City Clerk’s Office at elections@kentwood.us or 616-698-9610.

In Wyoming, visit click here or contact the City Clerk’s office at clerk_info@wyomingmi.gov or call 616-530-7296.

More election information is available at michigan.gov/vote.

Area residents head to the polls today for Kentwood city races, state senate seat

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By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

The first Tuesday of November is election day with residents in both the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming having candidates to consider as well as a $11.3 million bond proposal from Kelloggsville Public Schools.

Kentwood Elections

The City of Kentwood residents will be voting on several Kentwood City seats. The races that are contested are Mayor, 1st Ward Commissioner, 2nd Ward Commissioner, and a Commissioner-at-large seat. Click the links below for the candidates.

Mayoral Race

1st Ward Commission race

2nd Ward Commission race

Commissioner-at-large race

Wyoming Elections

The City of Wyoming residents will be joining those in the northern Kent County communities to determine who will be the next state senator for the 28th District. Four candidates are vying for the spot left by Peter MacGregor who became the Kent County treasurer last year. Those candidates are Alex Avery (L), Keith Courtade (D), Theodore Gerrard (US Taxpayers), and Mark Huizenga (R). For more on the candidates, click here.

Kelloggsville Bond Propoal

Residents living in the Kelloggsville School District will be voting on a $11.3 million bond proposal that will allow the district to build a S.T.E.M. building at the high school as well as other building and technology projects. For more information on the bond proposal, click here.

We the People 2021 general election: 28th District Senate seat

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By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Four candidates are seeking the the 28th District Senate seat in the fall election set for Nov. 2.

The seat was vacated by Peter MacGregor last year when he took over the position of Kent County treasurer. Four candidates have put their names in the ring for the seat: Libertarian Alex Avery, Democrat Keith Courtade, U.S. Taxpayers Theodore Gerrard, and Republican Mark Huizenga.

The 28th District of the State Senate includes the City of Wyoming as well as the cities of Walker, Rockford, and Cedar Springs, For a district map, click here.

The election will be open form 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Nov. 2.  Those voting by absent ballot have until 8 p.m. on Election Day to complete the ballot and return it to the clerk’s office.

In its We the People videos, WKTV invites all candidates to share why they decided to run for the 28th District seat and issues the candidate feels are important. Below, are the candidates who participated.

Keith Courtade – Democrat

Occupation: Retired UAW Skills Trades

Why did you decide to run for the District 28 Senate seat?

I feel important things are going on and I have a passion for it. I have always had a passion for it and I want to help people. I’ve been a voice for the middle class and have a passion to help people.

What are the key issues you are focused on?

The biggest issue is the right to vote. I believe all people should have the right to vote. The next one, and the one closer to Michigan, is cleaning up and protecting our groundwater. I’ve seen firsthand what happened in Flint as I was working at the GM plant there at the time. More needs to be done to fix the problem not just in the in the Flint area but all of Michigan as contaminated groundwater is a statewide issue.

Theodore Gerrand – US Taxpayers

Occupation: Electrician

Why did you decided to run for the District 28 Senate seat?

I watched the two major parties, which are dragging us down, pushing us away from the congressional process and truth. I believe we need to get back to the truth and freedom.

What are the key issues you are focused on?

I believe we need to focus on education and that we need to break free of the U..S. Department of Education and return the course of school to teachers and parents. I think the STEM program is very exciting and we need to be pushing that out more to students. We have a huge group of people who will be retiring from the trades, about a 2 to 1 radio, so we need to be supporting new people to move into the trades.

Mark Huizenga – Republican
 

Occupation: The current 74th District State Representative, which covers Rockford, Cedar Springs, Algoma Township along with the cities of Walker and Grandville, Huizenga owns Mark Huizenga Systems Consulting, a consulting firm, and is the managing partner for Key Green Solutions, a software company.

Why did you decide to run for the District 28 Senate seat?

I have always been involved not because of the campaigns or the politics, but because I have been asked to. My past background includes serving the state and mayoral experience with the City of Walker. I offer transparent accountability and am known to respond to all questions. I also make a point of meeting with people and talking about the issues that impact them.

What are the key issues you are focused on?

Currently there is no formula for state funding of higher education with some institutions receiving more than others. I sit on the Higher Education Committee and have been working toward creating a more equability funding system. Other issues are mental health, especial in our schools and I have worked to help launch a new hotline through the Department of Health and Human Services. Also, we need to look at gun violence. 

We the People 2018 Primary: State of Michigan Senate Candidates

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26th District State Senate

The 26th District of the State Senate includes the City of Kentwood along with all of Allegan and Van Buren counties. For a district map, click here.

 

Three men are running in the Aug. 7 Republican primary. Two of them were term-limited out of State Representative positions then worked in public service at either the county or state level. Also running is a career dentist. The three are looking to replace the also term-limited Republican Sen. Tonya Schuitmaker. The eventual Republican Party primary winner will then face the lone Democratic candidate Garnet Lewis and Libertarian candidate Erwin Haas in the general election Nov. 6.

 

Note: Primary candidates are show in alphabetical order. Only seats with primary opposition were invited to participate in We The People at this time.

 

 

Name: Bob Genetski

 

Party: Candidate, Republican

 

Occupation: Allegan County Clerk and Register of Deeds (Former State Representative)

 

Why did you decide to run for the 26th District State Senate seat?

 

I was teaching high school in 2008, I was teaching at-risk students, and I saw how they and their families were effected by the terrible economy and the job-killing Michigan business tax, and I wanted to do something to do something to help those families. As I looked at it, Michigan has come a long way and improved greatly. However their is still a long ways to go. Our roads are crumbling, our infrastructure is crumbling and we have an auto insurance burden that forces a lot of our friends and neighbors to drive without auto insurance.

 

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

 

We’ve got to improve the roads and we’ve got to do it without increasing the gas tax and registration fees. And we need to come up with an affordable automobile insurance solution, one that allows those drivers who are struggling economically to afford some sort of auto insurance so they are not breaking the law every time they get into their car.

 

 

 

Name: Aric Nesbitt

 

Party: Candidate, Republican

 

Occupation: Public Service. (Former cabinet member for Gov. Rick Snyder; former State Representative)

 

Why did you decide to run for the 26th District State Senate seat?

 

We need to defend Michigan’s comeback. Over the last eight years, through tax reform, through eliminating about 2,300 rules and regulations, eliminating the Michigan business tax, we have come a long way. We have created about 500,000 plus new jobs under Gov. Snyder and Republican leadership. After a lot of prayer with my wife, over the winter months, I decided we still have work to do.

 

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

 

Protect Michigan’s comeback. Address the cost of car insurance. Double down on rebuilding our roads. We need to pay down our long-term debt — that is huge for our children and grandchildren.

 

 

Name: Don Wickstra

 

Party: Candidate, Republican

 

Occupation: Dentist

 

Why did you decide to run for the 26th District State Senate seat?

 

I read that our current state senator is term limited and I realized that there is an opportunity that would not normally be there. I have not been a political guy my whole life and I’ve not dreamed of this longer than four months. I read that and something clicked in my mind and I said ‘Maybe I could do that and maybe I could make a difference.” … I am not looking for a career. I have a career.

 

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

 

I am not political and I do not have my own agenda. I have made a point of trying to avoid that (setting legislative priorities). … There are clearly some issues, as I go door-to-door and meet people. The car insurance issue is out there. Roads have been an ongoing issue. Schools are an issue. But I think it might be wrong for the people for me to show up with my agenda.

 

 

28th District State Senate

The 28th District of the State Senate includes the City of Wyoming as well as the cities of Walker, Rockford and Cedar Springs. For a district map, click here.

 

In the 28thDistrict State Senate race, there are three candidates facing off in the primary for the Democratic Party nomination. The winner will then face Republican incumbent Peter MacGregor and Libertarian candidate Nathan Hewer in the general election, Nov. 6.

 

Note: Primary candidates are show in alphabetical order. Only seats with primary opposition were invited to participate in We The People at this time.

 

 

Name: Craig Beech

 

Party: Challenger, Democrat

 

Occupation: Retired public-school teacher

 

Why did you decide to run for the 28thDistrict State Senate seat?

 

As a public-school teacher, I have been frustrated with government in the treatment of public education, especially the lack of perspective. I want to bring an insight into education, which is what is needed. I believe education is the foundation that provides to our middle class.

 

After the Parkland Stoneman Douglas High School shootings, I realized I was in the same spot and the same scenario I had been 10 times before and I had nothing to offer. I said to my students, I’m sorry. I failed you. The adults failed you because we have not tackled this problem. That was the straw that determined my future. I needed to take responsibility. America is a great country and the adults should be able to deal with this issue.

 

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

 

I have four platforms: quality of public education, people before profits, protection of our national resources, and Michigan was recently rated by a non-partisan group as the last for government accountability and transparency and I want to change that.

 

 

Name: Gidget Groendyk

 

Party: Challenger, Democrat

 

Occupation: Works at Sears

 

Why did you decide to run for the 28thDistrict State Senate seat?

 

It started back in the last election. In Plainfield Township, the LGBTQ community didn’t have any rights. Through a series of events, it became apparent that for me to help make a change I needed to be more involved and decided to run for election.

 

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

 

Transparency through government and government spending. I also want to look at equal pay, due process and legal assistant to immigrants, bullying and gun violence, and elderly rights.

 

 

Name: Ryan Jeanette

 

Party: Challenger, Democrat

 

Occupation: Student at Grand Rapids Community College

 

Why did you decide to run for the 28thDistrict State Senate seat?

 

Over a year ago, I realized there was a fundamental flaw in our government in that government no longer cares about the people it needs to care about the most. Looking around, in the last 30 years, people’s lives have not improved. We are not fighting and fixing the things that need to be fixed and that needs to be changed.

 

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

 

I would like to look at fixing how we fund education. We need to find innovative ways to fix our infrastructure and this is not just for the highways and roadways, but our railways as well as they are important to our agricultural. I want to look at improving the health care systems and I am looking at several options. We also need to focus on the environment as well. We need to have more coordination between Michigan and other states on protection of our Great Lakes. Also, I want to change how our government is accountable to the people.