City of Grandville Residents will be asked to vote for no more than 3 candidates on Tuesday, November 7,
On Tuesday, November 7 City of Grandville residents will be asked to vote for no more than three City Council Candidates. Lee Cook who has served since 2013 will not seek re-election. Two incumbents wish to be re-elected; Andy Steenstra and Paul Troost who was appointed in April when Andy Richter resigned because of a move outside the city limits.
JR Vanderwall, JustinNoordhoek and Karilyn Frederick are also vying for the 4 year term. Joseph Rainey has withdrawn from the race.
All candidates were asked to give us a short bio, picture and all participated in video interviews facilitated by Scott Pastoor, Government & Community Relations Committee Member . The questions asked are listed below!
“The Chamber considers it an honor to serve as an information resource when it comes to local elections, which we believe decide a wide range of issues that affect us daily regarding zoning, ordinances, transportation and the business community as a whole, We are committed to building relationships with our elected officials and engaging in an active dialog with those officials who share our belief that business and government can and must work together for the benefit of our community.”
Sandy LeBlanc , Executive Director Grandville Jenison Chamber
We asked all six candidates to give us a short bio in 150 words or less. picture and contact info.
All of the Candidates were asked the same questions and were given 24 hours notice.
- Please introduce yourself and let us know why you’re running for City Council.
- What expertise would you bring to the Council based on your education and experience?
- What specifically have you been involved in that’s made the City of Grandville better?
- Mayor Maas is passionate about utilizing our Riverfront. What are your thoughts on the current Grand River Waterway Project (or Dredging Project) that proposes to improve recreational boating on the Grand River from Lake Michigan to downtown Grand Rapids? And what impact do you believe this Project would have for the Grandville business community? * The Grand River Waterway Project is spearheaded by Dan Hibma.
- A March 2017 survey conducted by the City regarding the Downtown Master Plan asked the community to rate the priorities for the streetscape. Which do you see as the highest priority and why?
- With the growth in online shopping and the corresponding decline of large retailers and malls in the U.S., what can we do as a community to ensure that we don’t wind up with large vacant buildings on the south side of our City?
- In Closing, please tell us why we should vote for you.
- Complete program below and in individual videos listed with candidates.
Justin Noordhoek
I am a husband, father, second generation Bulldog, a St. Pius Parishioner, and a high school social studies teacher of ten years, having worked predominantly with at risk youth. I am running to enhance the community where I own a home, worship, and raise my family.
I am a strong advocate of capitalism and individual liberty. City government plays a pivotal role in protecting people, the environment and our God-given individual and property rights. It ought to ensure it is creating a fair, level playing field for businesses to act as engines of job growth, refraining from offering preferential treatment.
If elected, I would be a voice for low taxes and transparency, while remaining accountable to the will of residents. Local government should be the most representative. It is for this reason I have already been to the doorsteps of thousands of Grandville voters and will be visiting thousands more.
[email protected] https://www.facebook.com/JustinNoordhoekForGrandvilleCityCouncil/
*Andy Steenstra
Born and raised in Grandville, it has been my family’s home for three generations where my grandfather grew a church and my father leads a Christian school. I care about this city, and I care more about the people in it. This is why I serve, and why you can trust I will listen to your voice while serving a second term.
After four years as a Grandville City Councilman, leading successful sales teams at Service Express Inc, and serving on the Grandville-Walker Foundation Board, I have developed the leadership experience needed to drive meaningful results. As I have fought for fiscal responsibility, community engagement, and city beautification, results have become evident around Grandville. I ask for you vote once again so that we can continue the effort to make our city a better community now and in the future.
[email protected] cell: 616.648.6069 website: www.andysteenstra.com
Karilyn Frederick
I earned my BS from Central Michigan University in 1967 and my MTS from The Catholic University of America in 1973. I taught secondary mathematics at Kelloggsville Public Schools and Grand Rapids Public Schools. I then worked for the Michigan Education Association.
I grew up in Grandville, graduated from Grandville Public Schools in 1963, and after a few years living in the surrounding area, I returned to live here. I have a deep love for the City and want it to continue to be a place that is welcoming and nurturing to any and all that desire to live or work here. Listening to and responding to Grandville residents will be my main focus. It would be an honor to represent the residents of Grandville as we work together to make this City the best it can be.
Email: [email protected]
https://www.facebook.com/ElectKarilynFrederick/
JR VanderWall
As a father, Grandville resident, local business owner and active part of the community, it is vital for me to be involved in our local government. The biggest impact I can make on Grandville would be to continue to provide a safe, diverse and family-focused environment that offers a fantastic quality of living and healthy access to our natural resources, parks and trails.
Stemming from a lengthy high school and college sports career, both as an athlete and official, I have found tremendous value in teamwork, sportsmanship and working with many different people from around the world. Being a local business owner, I’ve realized the importance in setting and achieving goals as well as making many impactful relationships in our community with other business owners and residents while focusing on being transparent to the community and available for a local-first approach to shopping, dining and entertainment. Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JRforGrandvilleCityCouncil/
Personal Cell Phone: 616-788-4365
*Paul M. Troost
I started serving as a current member of the Grandville City Council in April. I have lived in Grandville for over 23 years and served on the Grandville Park & Recreation Board from 2000-2016 as Secretary. I was Chair of Grandville’s 4th of July Celebration from 2006-2016. I am also one of Grandville’s representatives on The Rapid transit system’s board of directors. I was born in Zeeland, graduated from Byron Center High School and Kalamazoo College. My wife Patsy and I have been married 25 years and have two children, both in college. I am a member of Central Reformed Church, and currently serve as an Elder. I play trombone in the Grand Rapids Symphonic Band. I am running for election because I want to continue to serve the Grandville community as I’ve been doing and keep our city a great place to raise a family and to do business.
https://www.facebook.com/Paul4GrandvilleCityCouncil/
Joseph Rainey -No longer running