Grand Rapids politics
Mayoral Candidate Spotlight:John George
by (Jhodges)
Submitted 07-27-2015 under NEWS
John George considers himself an average citizen, outside of the normal political groups that dominate our city. An electrical engineer by trade, John George decided to run for mayor because of one issue, fluoride in drinking water. While Grand...
Voters must register by July 7, participation encouraged in upcoming elections
by (Kayla Tucker)
Submitted 06-16-2015 under NEWS
Statistically, less people vote in local elections than national elections due to misconceptions on how the vote counts and errors in voter registration. Darlene O’Neal, City Clerk of Grand Rapids, believes that the issue of lack of voting is...
Local campaign seeks to ban use of wild animals in entertainment
by (Lindsay Fischer)
Submitted 07-08-2014 under NEWS
A local coalition, “End Circus Cruelty in Grand Rapids,” is seeking 5,000 signatures on their petition calling for an ordinance that would outlaw the use of wild animals for entertainment in both Grand Rapids and Walker. The group...
Meet your local elected official, Kent County Commissioner Jim Talen
by (nancyfinney)
Submitted 07-18-2012 under LOCAL LIFE
Kent County Commissioner Jim Talen recently sat down with the Rapidian politics beat to discuss his current campaign for re-election. Talen does not have an opponent in the Democratic primary. Republican candidate Theodor Nikodem will be running...
City Comptroller proposes eliminating elected position: her own
by (jon_dunn)
Submitted 06-15-2012 under NEWS
Last year, City Comptroller Donijo Robbins DeJonge asked for a pay cut for her elected position. She believed that the allotted $72,000 was far too much for what she felt was a part-time job and asked for the salary to be cut in half. Now Robbins...
OGR 2012: George Bartnick - Peace and Purpose
by (jennyg)
Submitted 03-19-2012 under LOCAL LIFE
For George Bartnick, an active member of Occupy Grand Rapids since the third day of its existence, being a part of the Occupy movement has led him to a greater sense of peace and purpose, which he hopes to pass along to others. To look at Bartnick...
Mayor Heartwell returns to the airwaves Monday evening with new co-host
by (George)
Submitted 02-06-2012 under NEWS
At 5 p.m. Monday night, Mayor Heartwell's live interactive public access show City Connection will be simulcast right here on The Rapidian. City Connection is an opportunity for Grand Rapidians to talk with our mayor about...
Commissioners discuss water protections, housing inspections
by (nancyfinney)
Submitted 01-12-2012 under NEWS
The first Grand Rapids city commission meeting of the new year was held on Tuesday January 10th. Approximately twenty citizens were in attendance for the evening session (Every commission meeting has time for public comment during the evening...
Mayor Heartwell's live call-in show to lose host of eight years
by (George)
Submitted 01-09-2012 under NEWS
After 12 years with the program, tonight will be Sister Barbara Hansen’s last episode of City Connection. A live call-in show with Mayor Heartwell, City Connection is an opportunity for Grand Rapidians to talk with our mayor about important city...