Mayoral Candidate Spotlight:John George

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 Rapids was the first city in the nation to adopt fluoride in our drinking water, George says, “most of the city commission is living and breathing using 1945 data on this issue.” He assert that new data from various scientific researchers prove that fluoride is not at innocuous as previously thought. “If we’re not 100% sure that it isn’t harming us, why are we doing it?” he asks. “They aren’t even 50% sure.” George believes that the fluoridation of our water is dangerous to our health. “We’re medicating people against their will,” he said. It’s clear that he believes it’s not the place of government to decide what belongs in our water, definitely not fluoride. His belief can be summed up by stating, “fluoridation in toothpaste is good. You don’t put it in water. It’s time to go.”

Fluoridation is not the only issue George feels strongly about. He feels strongly about saving the average citizen money. Grand Rapids disposes of their trash through the city. George believes this to be a bad idea, stating that switching to a private refuse disposal company will save the citizens and taxpayers money. Grand Rapids has begun investing in green energy, placing solar panels on some buildings. George believes that this is an ineffective use of taxpayer money. John George believes these to be bad ideas not only because it costs the individual taxpayer more money, but also because, like Rev. Robert Dean, George is concerned about the budget. When asked what issues, other than fluoride, he thought was important he quickly proclaimed, “the budget!” Most of the concerns George has with the state of our city revolve around his concern with the budget. A libertarian at heart, he wants to not only lower the city’s budget debt, but also lower taxes once the budget has finally been addressed.

While George is concerned about the state of the city, he is also very concerned about how federal level politics will affect the city. He is worried that the federal government is trying to take control of local police forces. He’s worried that police are becoming too militarized. He’s worried that too many people are forcing Agenda 21 in the city, resulting in over investment in busses and bike lanes. While he promises to attempt to curtail these issues in Grand Rapids, he will admit “a mayor doesn’t have as much power to act (as those on the federal level.)”

Business development also plays a key role in George’s campaign. True to his libertarian roots, George wants to simplify city codes to ensure that small businesses are easier to start in Grand Rapids. He’s concerned about the loss of factory jobs as well, seemingly replaced by the fast food industry. Should George be elected, he will use tax breaks and other similar incentives to entice big business to set up in Grand Rapids.

In total, George is a small government candidate. He considers himself a civil servant, not concerned with politics, but with what is best for the city. His primary concern is that he wants fluoride out of our drinking water, but he’s also very concerned about the budget, federal interference in local politics, and developing business in Grand Rapids. He promises to deliver small, local government is elected.

John George would encourage you to visit his website, George4mayor2015.com