Politics

John Decker files candidacy for 73rd District House seat

Submitted by Tyler Lecceadone on Wednesday, January 22nd, 7:00 am

CANNON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – John A. Decker, retired auto dealership owner, announced his candidacy in the Aug. 5, 2014 Republican primary for Michigan’s 73rd House District.

The seat is currently held by Peter MacGregor, who has chosen not to seek re-election and is instead vying for a seat in the Michigan Senate.

“I plan to take the knowledge I gained as a responsible businessman to Lansing and represent the 73rd District with the utmost integrity,” said Decker, who has nearly 25 years experience owning General Motors dealerships. “I am fortunate enough to be retired, but I have the desire to give back to the communities that supported me both as a businessman and personally.”

Decker resides in Kent County’s Cannon Township. He has been married for 30 years to his wife, Connie.

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Submitted by Christa Graban, Producer

Monday, December 30th, 2013, 4:09pm

Kent County begins search for comissioner replacement

LOWELL, Mich.—The search is on to find someone to replace a Kent County Commissioner accused of sexually assaulting an underage girl.

Gary Rolls submitted his resignation from his District 4 seat Dec. 12. In a statement released that day, Rolls said he would use his time to prepare for trial to “prove my absolute and complete innocence.”

Rolls’ resignation officially takes effect Jan. 1. The county is looking for someone to finish out his term, which ends Dec. 31, 2014. District 4 represents Lowell, Cannon Township, Grattan Township, Oakfield Township and Vergennes Township. Eligible candidates must be from one of those communities.

The person elected to Rolls’ seat should expect to attend four meetings a month. The position is part time with an annual salary of $20,500 and benefits. The deadline to apply is Monday, Jan. 6. Those interested in applying should submit a resume and cover letter to:

Office of the Board of Commissioners

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Submitted by Christa Graban, Producer

Friday, November 22nd, 2013, 9:35am

Senator Jansen decides against congressional run

KENT COUNTY, Mich.— Republican Senator Mark Jansen says he will not join the race for Congressman Justin Amash’s seat next year.

“I have decided at this time my focus will continue to help Michigan find the road to recovery, from Grand Rapids to Detroit to the Upper Peninsula to our lake shores,” Jansen said. ”Right now I really feel the call to continue helping Michigan’s recovery as my Senate term ends in 13 short months.”

Jansen says he has been “strongly encouraged” to run for the 3rd Congressional District seat for the past two years. He believes people want the same level of reform achieved in Michigan to happen in Washington.

Jansen represents the northern portion of Kent County. The U.S. 3rd Congressional District includes Belding, Rockford, Lowell, East Grand Rapids, Walker, Ada and Cascade, Alpine Township, Sparta, Plainfield Township and all of Grand Rapids.

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Business Talk with Rep. Rob VerHeulen - April 15

Submitted by Anonymous on Sunday, March 17th, 10:00 am

74th District State Representative Rob VerHeulen will be part of a roundtable discussion in Sparta on April 15. The Sparta Business Roundtable is an opportunity to have important corporations and industry in the area discuss matters that affect business & economic development on a local level. This meeting will also be an opportunity to meet other businesses & industry leaders. Continue Reading →... Read More

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State Representative Lyons Hosts Fracking Town Hall

Submitted by Candice Fleszar... on Friday, March 15th, 10:45 am

LYONS HOSTING HYDRAULIC FRACTURING TOWN HALL IN ADA

State Rep. Lisa Posthumus Lyons is hosting a town hall meeting on the concerns relating to hydraulic fracturing in Kent County on Monday, March 18.

The town hall meeting will take place at Ada Township Hall, located at 7330 Thornapple River Dr. at 6:30 p.m.

"Citizens in Ada Township have expressed concerns about hydraulic fracturing and the potential for it to occur in Ada," said Lyons, R-Alto. "I am hosting this town hall meeting to help everyone understand the process and why it is being discussed in our area."

Representatives from the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Environmental Quality will provide a briefing on hydraulic fracturing, how it is regulated and land leasing laws.

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Environmental Organization Grades Local Lawmakers

Submitted by Candice Fleszar... on Saturday, January 12th, 7:56 am

Find the grades for legislators in your district through The Sierra Club's full scorecard.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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Submitted by Cliff & Nancy Hill, Community Scribes

Wednesday, November 14th, 2012, 10:17am

Rockford City Council elects new Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem

At Rockford's November City Council meeting the first order of business was the swearing in of newly elected and/or reelected City Council members. Moving on, the Council then proceeded to elect a new Rockford Mayor and a new Mayor Pro Tem. These Council Mayoral elections occur every two years after a general election.

The position of Mayor in Rockford is largely ceremonial and honorary as it is in cities that practice a City Council/City Manager form of governance. Throughout these terms Mayors represent their cities at various functions and preside over monthly City Council meetings as they (Council) formulate policy and legislation that charts the future course of the community. Rockford Council members volunteer their time and their talents and receive no compensation for their service to the community.