The questions below were selected to provide you with a broad overview of a candidate’s political philosophy and priorities. We could not possibly cover all the topics and issues that are of interest to voters. Instead, we hope these questions will provide you a base for evaluating your choices, and we encourage you to visit candidate websites and social media pages to learn more about each person.

Kent County Commission – District 5

The Kent County Commission 5th District includes the City of Lowell, Lowell Charter Township, Ada Township and the northeast corner of Cascade Township. If you live in Vergennes Township or Grattan Township, you are in the 3rd District – scroll down to see your candidates.

Two candidates are vying for the seat in the 5th District.

Dave Hildenbrand — Republican

Campaign address: Lowell
Website: https://www.davehildenbrand.com/
Social media: Facebook

Vanessa Lee — Democratic

Campaign address: Ada
Website: NA
Social media: Facebook
*Candidate did not respond to multiple emails sent to address on file with Kent County Elections office.

Why are you running to be a Kent County commissioner?

Hildenbrand: I am running for the Kent County Commission to serve our community and improve the way our county government operates.

The county budget is over $500 million and funds many county public functions like the sheriff’s office, the county jail, public health, elections, the court system, parks and recreation, social services and many more. I would focus on improving the county operations by finding efficiencies, reducing costs, streamlining services, being more accountable and transparent, championing less government mandates, and saving tax dollars wherever possible.

Lee: Candidate did not respond to questionnaire.

What do you see as the three biggest issues facing Kent County, and what specific policy or initiative would you champion to address each one?

Hildenbrand: The 3 biggest issues facing the county are the size and scope of the county budget, better support for law enforcement and our senior/veteran programs, and making sure the county health department is more transparent and accountable to the people. To solve each of these I would request to serve on the county budget committee, meet with the agency directors and leadership, and ask the tough questions to ensure we are using taxpayer dollars responsibly and efficiently. We need to prioritize our resources through the budget process to support core functions of county government like law enforcement, elections, and our seniors and veterans. Finally, the county health department needs to be structured in a way that is more accessible and transparent when public health issues arise. I will talk with industry experts to restructure the health department so information is shared with the public in real time and decisions are made in an open and transparent way.

Lee: Candidate did not respond to questionnaire.

If elected, what issues important to Lowell do you foresee being able to address at the county level?

Hildenbrand: The best way to serve Lowell as a member of the Kent County Board of Commissioners it to be an advocate and voice for the residents of this area when county government issues arise. I would make it a priority to help individuals, businesses, and other organizations navigate the county government and get issues resolved with the sheriff’s department, senior/veteran programs, elections, the court system, county parks, taxes and fees, permitting, etc. I would stand up for our community and be the advocate you need to resolve any issues involving our county government.

Lee: Candidate did not respond to questionnaire.

Why should people vote for you?

Hildenbrand: I grew up in Lowell, graduated from Lowell High School, and am a proud Red Arrow. I have a passion for public service and giving back to our community. If elected to the county commission, I would be the voice of our community, listen to your concerns, represent our interests and values, and will work hard to serve the hardworking, proud Americans throughout the Lowell area.

Lee: Candidate did not respond to questionnaire.

 

Kent County Commission – District 3

The Kent County Commission 3rd District includes Vergennes Township, Grattan Township, Oakfield Township, Cedar Springs, Solon Township and the northern portion of Nelson Township.

Two candidates are vying for the seat in the 3rd District.

Jennifer Merchant — Republican

Campaign address: Lowell
Website: https://www.jennmerchant.com/
Social media: Facebook

Janalee Keegstra — Democratic

Campaign address: Rockford
Website: NA
Social media: NA
*Candidate did not respond to multiple emails sent to address on file with Kent County Elections office.

Why are you running to be a Kent County commissioner?

Merchant: I was born and raised in Kent County, and my husband and I are raising our family in the community where I grew up. I am running for County Commission because I love my community, and I want to ensure that we leave it better for our future generations. Now more than ever, Kent County needs elected officials that aren’t seeking the limelight and are solely dedicated to serving the residents.

Keegstra: Candidate did not respond to questionnaire.

What do you see as the three biggest issues facing Kent County, and what specific policy or initiative would you champion to address each one?

Merchant: Public safety- making sure that the men and women who keep us safe have the right tools training and resources.

Local control- Too many decisions are put upon us by the state and federal government. I will always seek to have more decisions about our daily lives made at the local level as opposed to unnamed bureaucrats in Lansing in Washington.

Responsible spending- meeting the needs of residence and using taxpayer resources responsibly is a critical part of my platform. Government should always be seeking to be more efficient and return those savings to taxpayers.

Keegstra: Candidate did not respond to questionnaire.

If elected, what issues important to Lowell do you foresee being able to address at the county level?

Merchant: While my district doesn’t include Lowell proper, I would represent the communities surrounding Lowell, which are predominantly agricultural. If elected, I will work to support farmland perseveration and our conservation heritage.

Keegstra: Candidate did not respond to questionnaire.

Why should people vote for you?

Merchant: I’m a mom raising my family in the community where I grew up. I want to ensure that we leave Kent County better for our future generations. Residents should vote for me because I am a conservative that will fight for local control, public safety, and responsible spending of our tax dollars. I work hard, and I am relentless. I know this job will require me to roll up my sleeves and make tough decisions, and I love a challenge.

Keegstra: Candidate did not respond to questionnaire.