Elections
Women, politics, Grand Rapids: a chat with Tami VandenBerg
by (Marjorie Steele)
Submitted 03-22-2016 under OPINION
Local business owner and force of nature Tami Vandenberg has never been one to be shy about the issues that matter most to her, which are often of a controversial nature. The co-owner of Grand Rapids’ much loved Meanwhile Bar and The Pyramid...
What cities lose when plagued by low voter turnout
by (alexandersinn)
Submitted 02-02-2016 under OPINION
Voters in the Grand Rapids area decided vital issues close to home in the last local election election, which included ballot proposals for millions of dollars to improve the quality of public schools as well as new candidates for local office. That...
Democrat David LaGrand vies for Michigan House seat
by (alexandersinn)
Submitted 11-16-2015 under NEWS
David LaGrand, after defeating fellow Democratic contender Michael Scruggs in primaries this November, is slated to be on the March 8 ballot against Republican Blake Edmonds to represent Michigan’s 75th district in Lansing. He is the...
Mayor discusses Tuesday elections, other citizen questions on City Connection
by (The Rapidian)
Submitted 11-02-2015 under NONPROFITS
Every month on the first Monday, Mayor Heartwell is open to all questions sent in during his live on-air show "City Connection." This month, City Connection was aired on GRTV Channel 24 and live-streamed right here on The Rapidian on Monday,...
Democrats face off for Michigan House seat in special primary
by (alexandersinn)
Submitted 11-02-2015 under NEWS
On Tuesday, Nov. 3, voters will choose between two Democrats hoping to serve as the area’s State House Representative. The winner in Tuesday’s special primary will then face off against the currently unopposed Republican candidate. The...
Story Matters: Katie Gordon appreciates focus on income, racial inequalities at mayoral debate
by (The Rapidian)
Submitted 08-01-2015 under NONPROFITS
After Thursday night's mayoral debate on income inequality hosted by MLive and WGVU, two-year Grand Rapidian Katie Gordon says she is looking forward to a mayor that will continue the legacy of Mayor Heartwell's work to...
Story Matters: Mary Alice Williams wishes for more "teeth" in local politics
by (The Rapidian)
Submitted 07-31-2015 under NONPROFITS
Mary Alice Williams attended the mayoral candidate debate on income inequality on Thursday, July 30, hosted by MLive and WGVU. Williams says she's looking most of all for integrity, a passion to serve and social justice...
Where are the votes?
by (TSzakal)
Submitted 07-28-2015 under NEWS
Grand Rapids has over 130,000 registered voters, but the actual act of voting rarely peaks over 80,000 participants within the city limits. Least likely among those participants at the polls are young people and people of color. When asked, the...
Mayoral candidates answer citizen questions on their role as mayor, representing young voices, City finances
by (Holly)
Submitted 07-28-2015 under NEWS
With just one week left until the Primary elections, with four mayoral candidates on the ballot and the possibility of our next mayor being chosen that day, we’re bringing more questions from our local citizens that were sent to us on July 15...
Voting 101: Voting rates historically lower in primaries, for young people, black residents
by (Elizabeth Roger...)
Submitted 07-21-2015 under NEWS
The August 4 Primary Election in Grand Rapids may determine the next mayor of the city. Primary elections typically have a lower voter turnout than general elections, but this also means an individual citizen's vote carries more weight in...