The Issues that matter in Grandville
If elected, I will be a positive representative of the City of Grandville by listening first, acting with integrity, and always putting the community’s best interests at the center of every decision. Grandville is a city rooted in strong values, hard work, and a commitment to family and community. I will work to reflect those values in how I serve—with respect, transparency, and a willingness to collaborate.
I’ll prioritize open communication, making sure residents feel heard and informed. Whether it’s through public meetings, conversations in local businesses, or digital platforms, I’ll keep the door open for honest dialogue. I’ll also represent Grandville with professionalism, treating every opportunity—whether local or regional—as a chance to showcase the strength, innovation, and charm of our city.
My goal is to help Grandville grow responsibly, support local businesses, preserve our small-town feel, and ensure all residents feel proud to call this place home. That’s what it means to me to be a positive representative—not just speaking for the people but working with them.
Some of my priorities include:
Public Safety
A core responsibility of local government is ensuring the safety of its residents. Grandville has a strong tradition of supporting its police and fire departments, and that commitment must continue. We need to provide these departments with the funding required to hire qualified personnel and invest in the equipment necessary to protect our community. The City should engage in responsible capital improvement planning to ensure long-term, sustainable funding for public safety needs. Additionally, we should strengthen collaboration with the Kent County Sheriff’s Office, Kent County Emergency Management, and neighboring public safety departments to build strong relationships and coordinate effective responses to regional emergencies.
Fiscal Responsibility
Just like families manage their budgets and live within their means, so should the City of Grandville. I have unique experience in both being trained in government accounting and having experience managing large governmental budgets. Thanks to strong financial stewardship, the City holds a triple-A bond rating, allowing it to finance future projects at lower interest rates—an important advantage for long-term fiscal health. Maintaining a healthy fund balance, or savings, is also essential to ensure the City can handle unexpected expenses when they arise. Grandville consistently receives high marks in its annual financial audits, reflecting both financial strength and transparency. Moving forward, we must continue this responsible approach by keeping property taxes as low as possible, allowing residents to keep more of their hard-earned money, while expecting government to do more with less. We should do this without compromising government services for our community, while also expecting great efficiency.
Downtown & Economic Development
Our City has a unique small-town charm that must be preserved. Grandville has made great progress with development along Chicago Drive, creating a more welcoming and vibrant downtown with features like updated signage, a farmer’s market pavilion, and the children’s musical garden. The Grandville Downtown Development Authority (DDA) plays a key role in partnering with the City to enhance the downtown experience and attract more shoppers.
Through tax increment financing, the DDA has been able to invest in landscaping, trees, benches, and decorative elements that improve the overall look and feel of the area. It is important that the City continues to support policies that encourage residents to shop local to support our small businesses. Events like Christmas at the Commons help build relationships among residents and foster a strong sense of place. Looking ahead, we also have significant economic development potential in areas like the commercial rehabilitation district on 28th Street. I am eager to explore the tools available to the Planning Commission and the City to encourage mixed-use development in this area and to expand the existing downtown façade within the current DDA district. The new owner of Rivertown Mall is already in discussions with the City about a long-term vision for the property, which presents an exciting opportunity for thoughtful redevelopment.
Parks & Recreation
We have an amazing system of parks within our community—but there is always room for improvement. The City recently adopted its five-year Parks and Recreation Master Plan, which serves as a strategic roadmap for shaping the future of our parks and recreation facilities. This plan is essential for guiding decisions and setting priorities that reflect the needs and expectations of Grandville residents. It is important that the City refers to this document when planning and investing in capital improvements over the next five years. Effective implementation of the plan will support key goals such as upgrading park amenities, protecting our natural environment, preserving green space, improving pedestrian safety, and expanding our trail network.
Streets and Infrastructure
Investing in well-maintained roads and infrastructure is essential to Grandville’s long-term success and quality of life. Safe, reliable streets support local businesses, reduce vehicle wear and tear, and ensure emergency services can respond quickly. I will prioritize smart infrastructure planning, advocate for responsible use of taxpayer dollars, and support proactive maintenance to avoid costly repairs down the road. As the City plans road repairs, I firmly believe in open communication with residents before, during, and after to ensure the quality of the repair is of the highest condition. Clean water and a good sewage system is essential to protecting public health. We are fortunate to have the clean water plant to protect our drinking water. Grandville deserves infrastructure that meets today’s needs while preparing for tomorrow’s growth.
Government Transparency & Accountability
Transparency is essential to good government—just as sunlight is the best disinfectant, openness builds trust. Residents have an important role as stakeholders in the City’s strategic planning process. City financial records, meeting agendas, minutes, and other key documents should always be easily accessible to the public. Grandville has already taken important steps in this direction by recording City Council meetings and posting them on YouTube for those who can't attend in person, and by making agendas, minutes, and meeting packets available on the City’s website. Upholding the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is also vital, ensuring that residents can access information not readily available online. This City has also recently signed an agreement with Sabo PR, a local public relations firm to assist with communication development. This is important to have accessible communication channels for all in our communities. As your representative on City Council, I will ensure residents experience an easy process to get the information that request. Residents are always welcome to call me directly at 616-730-2481 if they have a comment or complaint.