Meet the candidates: 2024 Grand Rapids Third Ward commissioner election

Six candidates are running for a seat representing the Third Ward on the Grand Rapids City Commission.

The seat is currently held by Third Ward Commissioner Bing Goei, who is running for reelection. Goei was appointed to the position in March to replace former Commissioner Nathaniel Moody, who resigned in December 2023. At the time, Goei indicated he did not intend to run for the seat.

On the ballot for the Aug. 6 primary election are Goei, Joyce Gipson, Reginald Howard, Marshall Kilgore, John Krajewski and Al Willis.

The Rapidian reached out to all six candidates and asked them to provide answers to seven questions via an online questionnaire. Their answers can be found below:

 

Tell us a little bit about your background and some of the work you have been involved in.

Gipson: I come from a family of 18 children. I am the eleventh from the oldest and sixth from the youngest. I don't have a lot of experience. I have an associates degree from [Southwestern Michigan College] in Dowagiac and I have a bachelor's degree from Andrews University. So what I know, I know from experience.

Goei: Born in Jakarta, Indonesia, fled Indonesia in 1954 and lived in the Netherlands until our family arrived in Grand Rapids on Jan. 9, 1960.

• Sponsored by the Fuller Ave [Christian Reformed Church] and lived on Logan SE, near the corner of Fuller.

• Married to Jean for 55 years. Blessed with five children and 15 grandchildren.

• Started my first business, Reliable Wholesale Company in 1972 which has blossomed into Eastern Floral and the Goei Center.

• My professional career included a seven year position as executive director of [the Synodical Committee on Race Relations], a ministry of the [Christian Reformed Church of North America] focusing on racial reconciliation.

• Served as the State of Michigan's first director of [the] Michigan Office for New Americans from 2014 to 2018.

• Recipient of many awards, including E&Y West Michigan Entrepreneur of the Year, GR200 Most Influential Leaders and GR Champion of Diversity.

Howard: I was born and raised in the city of Grand Rapids in the Third Ward. I joined the Navy and served my country for 11 years. I was recently appointed to the Civilian Appeals Board for the City of Grand Rapids and I also sit on the Kent County Veteran Advisory Council.

After I went through recovery due to some mental health and substance abuse challenges, I started my own veteran drop-in center for substance-free individuals in 2022. It’s located at 4809 Eastern Ave. SE. It’s a place where all veterans can come and feel at home. You don’t need an appointment, you’re not judged and the only thing that we ask is that you be alcohol and substancefree. It’s a great environment.

I work with my church, I work with community activists to protect young people against violence, I do Stop The Violence with my church, [and] I go to City Commission meetings. I’ve spoken at a few City Commission meetings concerning our veterans and services that our veterans need.

I’m a big advocate for getting veterans and other homeless individuals off the streets and teaching them financial skills to where they’ll be able to maintain their apartments.

Kilgore: I am a fourth-generation resident of Grand Rapids and most of my formative experiences have occurred in the Third Ward. Whether it's getting my hair cut at Clip and Style on Fuller or spending holidays at my Aunt Mary's house on Franklin, the beauty of our community has had a significant impact on me. I obtained a bachelor of arts in political science from Western Michigan University and have devoted my life to advocating for underserved and marginalized communities, particularly BIPOC and the LGBTQ+ community. I have pursued this through various nonprofit roles and by advocating for inclusive policies both locally and at the state level. Currently, I serve as the director of engagement for the West Michigan Environmental Council. Additionally, I actively participate in civilian boards, gaining valuable insight into City Hall's operations and working closely with the community and City staff.

Krajewski: I am proud to be a Grand Rapidian and I grew up right here in the Third Ward—where my wife and I chose to raise our children. As a lifelong resident, I have a deep understanding of our city’s successes and challenges and I have a personal stake in our continued growth.

My educational background includes earning a BA in political science from Aquinas College, attending the police academy at Lansing Community College, and later obtaining a master in education (MEd) from Aquinas College and a master of arts in educational leadership (MA) from Western Michigan University.

I have spent the last two decades working in public education as a teacher, coach and administrator. While working in education, I have been committed to fostering an inclusive, positive and enriching learning environment for all. My wife is also in education and teaches at Grand Rapids Community College. My first job out of college was as a Grand Rapids police officer, where I worked for almost five years. My work for [the Grand Rapids Police Department] has given me a valuable perspective on neighborhood safety and community/police relations. These jobs have provided me with diverse work experience. I am very comfortable dealing with difficult situations, conflict resolution and creating solutions. I believe it is important to listen to all sides of an issue and allow people to work together to build relationships.

Willis: I have lived in Grand Rapids for over 20 years and I have a deep-rooted passion for this community. My background is in sales and financial markets and I have been actively involved in numerous local initiatives. For instance, I have worked on assisting the unhoused population, partnered with grassroots organizations to distribute resources to those in need and engaged our youngest citizens with civics lessons which has allowed me to understand the unique challenges and opportunities within our city. My commitment to public service is driven by my desire to create a thriving, inclusive and equitable community for all residents.

 

 

What are your top priorities and why?

Gipson: In my opinion, we are missing the mark by a long shot. Let me begin from the point of our error. I don't like Proposal 3. In Proposal 3, a woman as young as nine can have an abortion without the knowledge or consent of her parents. Proposal 3 also allows a young woman to order the "pill" without a prescription without the knowledge or consent of her parents. And finally, for a child that is considering a gender change, it (Proposal 3) would allow them to start the process.

I feel we are failing our children. They’re being exploited in areas that they are not qualified for and underexposed in education. I think our children are lacking in training. Why can't we have $2,000 set aside for every junior in high school for that student upon completion and graduation? Why can't we introduce our children to cadet library aid or cadet airplane announcers or cadet luggage handlers or cadet bankers or cadet secretaries? Get creative and make it fun. Our children should not be in a baby butcher struggling with the decision of whether or not to kill off our future. And, if they do find themselves in that situation, that this is not the end. Don't kill that child, get another opinion.

I find it an insult to my intelligence as a Grand Rapidian that DeVos and Van Andel want me to pay for an aquarium, an amphitheater and a stadium without me first taking care of my own. I'm voting no and advocating no to anyone who asks to vote no on this project.

Goei: 1) Reduce the 25% poverty rate experienced by residents in the Third Ward. This must be totally unacceptable in a city as rich as Grand Rapids. 2) Bring equitable and intentional investments to the Third Ward as the City's response to the many years of disinvestments experienced by residents of the Third Ward. 3) Provide additional educational opportunities and resources to build stronger children and future business and community leaders in the Third Ward. 4) Increase the strength and numbers of Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs in the Third Ward and across the city. In a recent study released, Gateways for Growth, Black-owned businesses ranked last in terms of sales revenues generated in Kent County. Less than 1% of Black-owned businesses generate annual sales of $250,000 or more.

Howard: One of my top priorities is to teach the community what the Third Ward is. As I go door-to-door, I have encountered so many people that don’t even realize that they live in the Third Ward.

Another one of my priorities is to teach people that everything is not a complaint. We also have to be of service in our community. If we want our voices heard, we have to show up—not just for the negative but for the positive. One of my priorities is really just to teach our people about what it is to be a member of our community.

After that is housing. Not only housing, but to teach homeownership and entrepreneurship within our community. One thing about the Third Ward is that we have a lot of vacant buildings. We have a lot of people with dreams, but a lot of people don't know how to reach those dreams.

Another one is helping our veterans and helping our widows. I found out that a lot of our widows are being taken advantage of. Some of them are losing their homes and some of them are being displaced because they didn’t know the resources they had available to them after their loved ones passed away.

Kilgore: I am a firm believer in the importance of a robust economy for the well-being of our community. Through the support of local businesses, the creation of job opportunities, and the encouragement of innovation, we can guarantee the continuous growth and prosperity of our economy. This not only has a positive impact on individuals and families by providing them with stable employment and financial security, but it also contributes to the overall strength of our community. My great grandfather, Governor Lee, was the owner of Lee's Shoe Repair on Eastern Street, and his business supported his family of 10. Many of our neighbors are currently facing challenges in making ends meet, often having to work multiple jobs to provide for their families.

In addition to a strong economy, I am deeply committed to the protection of our environment. I firmly believe that it is our responsibility to preserve and safeguard our natural resources for the benefit of future generations. By promoting sustainable practices, reducing waste and investing in renewable energy sources, we can help mitigate the impacts of climate change and ensure a healthy environment for all. Furthermore, I am dedicated to meeting the city's canopy goal and zero emissions goal to further contribute to environmental preservation.

Equitable housing opportunities are also a top priority for me in building a fair and inclusive community. Housing is a critical issue in the Third Ward, with high demand not being met in terms of availability and affordability. It is imperative that we expand housing options for people of all income levels and implement policies to reduce construction costs. I strongly believe that creative solutions are essential to increase the supply of housing units in all neighborhoods within the Third Ward.

By working collaboratively to promote a strong economy, protect the environment and ensure equal housing opportunities for all, we can create a community where everyone has the opportunity to succeed and live a fulfilling life. I am dedicated to partnering with others who share these goals to make our community a better place for everyone.

Krajewski: Safe and secure neighborhoods: I firmly believe that we must ensure our neighborhoods are safe and secure by adequately funding, training and staffing our fire and police departments. I support community engagement initiatives like neighborhood watch programs and educational outreach that will empower residents to actively and meaningfully contribute to public safety efforts. Additionally, I support enhancing access to mental health and social services through partnerships with local organizations to address underlying issues and reduce the burden on emergency responders.

A local economy that works for all: I believe that a strong and thriving local economy is vital for our community's advancement. Our local small business owners are the backbone of our city’s economy. I will focus on promoting our commercial districts and creating an environment conducive to business growth. This includes supporting local businesses, attracting new investments and fostering innovation. By enhancing economic opportunities, we can ensure a prosperous future for all of our neighbors.

Efficient City services: I am dedicated to improving the efficiency and responsiveness of our City services. This involves scrutinizing current practices and implementing strategic initiatives to enhance outcomes. Ensuring that City services are effective and accessible will better serve our community and contribute to overall quality of life.

I will work to actively involve community members, foster collaboration and implement strategic initiatives to make Grand Rapids a safer, more prosperous, and inclusive environment for the Third Ward and all Grand Rapids residents.

Willis: My top priorities include:

Affordable housing: Ensuring everyone in our community has access to safe and affordable housing is crucial. This will involve working on policies that promote sustainable development and provide incentives for affordable housing projects.

Economic development: Supporting small businesses and fostering economic opportunities in all neighborhoods is vital for a balanced and prosperous city. I aim to create programs that support local entrepreneurs and attract sustainable investments.

Public safety and health: Enhancing community policing efforts and improving access to healthcare services are essential for the well-being of our residents. I will work to build stronger relationships between law enforcement and the community while advocating for comprehensive health services.

Community unity: Strengthening our neighborhood associations and promoting community unity is essential for creating a cohesive and supportive environment. I plan to support neighborhood associations through increased funding, resources and training opportunities. By fostering strong connections among residents, we can create a more resilient and engaged community.

 

What is the biggest issue the Third Ward faces? How do you plan to address it?

Gipson: No response recorded.

Goei: Restoring the strengths and quality of life for many of our Third Ward residents [who] have been negatively impacted by a history of disinvestments. My plan is to listen to the residents of the Third Ward and use my position as city commissioner to advocate for the vision of our residents into our City budgets and policies.

Howard: Housing, crime and unsafe neighborhoods. One of the things that I really want to do is start getting our citizens out and having community meetings.

If we see something, we say something. Even if they do it anonymously, residents should be encouraged to get out and say something about things that are going on in our community.

Kilgore: The Third Ward is currently encountering significant challenges related to investment, both public and private. More investors need to be drawn to the region to address the lack of investment, despite efforts made through specific plans. Securing additional funding for the Third Ward Equity Fund is essential to ensure the availability of dedicated public funds.

Housing presents another critical challenge in the Third Ward, with high demand surpassing availability and affordability. It is imperative to broaden housing options for individuals of all income levels and implement cost-effective construction policies. Innovative approaches are necessary to boost the supply of housing units across all neighborhoods within the Third Ward.

Krajewski: When looking at National Community Survey (NCS) responses from our neighbors in 2022 and 2024, it’s clear that safety is the biggest issue we face in the Third Ward. In the NCS, safety was rated the most important issue for residents. Unfortunately, the feeling of safety in Grand Rapids for Third Ward residents fell by 9% from 2019 to 2022, dropping to 54%. To be successful, every resident needs to be safe regardless of where they live.

The preliminary results from the 2024 National Community Survey show a similar trend, with 88% of Grand Rapids residents rating safety as “essential” or “very important,” yet only 62% of Grand Rapids residents rated the quality of safety as “excellent” or “good.” This is a much lower number than the national benchmark. I plan to focus on neighborhood-specific breakdowns of our most recent data, as our local government shared specifics in the near future.

Improving the feeling of safety will not be easy, but I have the experience necessary to help with this important challenge. One significant issue is the relationship between our community and law enforcement professionals. I feel that continuing to support proactive community outreach services will be important. Additionally, increasing opportunities for law enforcement to engage with residents in non-confrontational settings assists in fostering relationships based on understanding and trust. I believe in supporting community events that provide a platform for open dialogue and allow residents to express concerns in an environment where public safety officials are present to address concerns. Personal interaction allows people to know that their concerns are being heard, builds relationships and creates trust between residents and those in public safety roles.

Grand Rapids and the Third Ward will not continue to grow and prosper if our residents are not safe, or do not feel safe. While the challenges before us are significant, we have the strength of our community and excellent professionals to help solve these issues.

Willis: The Third Ward faces significant economic disparity compared to other parts of the city. To address this, I plan to focus on equitable economic development by:

• Promoting job training and educational programs tailored to the needs of Third Ward residents.

• Encouraging investment in local businesses and startups.

• Working with community leaders to identify and implement infrastructure improvements that attract new businesses and services to the area.

 

The City is currently in the process of updating its Master Plan. What is your vision for the City of Grand Rapids over the next 20 years?

Gipson: I am not aware of any such change but if it is as you say it is, then it better be overwhelmingly convincing otherwise I might be left behind. And that would be on purpose.

My whole platform [r]evolves around our posterity, our future, our children. The answer is not in building stadiums or aquariums, it's [in] giving our children some skills to fall on early in life. I believe it's not enough to send our children to school for 12 years. Young adults should feel confident in some area. That's why I'm advocating to get the incentive of $2,000 upon graduating high school. I can't stress it enough. This is my plan for the next 20 years.

Goei: To be a city known for:

• Its rich diverse cultures.

• Its welcoming culture where each person is valued and respected.

• Its global economy buil[t] on a strong small business economy.

• Its strong, manufacturing-based economy.

• Its medical innovation and research.

• Its strong educational programs from preschool to post-graduate schools.

• Its strong and effective response to climate change.

• Its effective law enforcement agencies ensuring the well being of all.

Howard: I would like to see more homeownership [and] more businesses. I[‘d] like to build a brand new high school in the inner city of Grand Rapids. I would also like to take maybe 10 to 15 families that have lived in apartment complexes and ma[k]e them homeowners.

I would also like to have people who want to go to trade school or to college learn about our government and that will one day want to be a government official in our city.

I would like for our city [to be] a place where people come to our city. That we have something in our inner city that would make it inviting to where people don't just stay downtown, but they get a chance to see something beautiful in our Third Ward, in our inner city.

Kilgore: Over the next 20 years, my vision for Grand Rapids is to cultivate a robust economy, ensure clean air, water, and soil, and provide equitable housing options for all. By coming together and embracing innovative approaches, we can make this vision a reality.

Krajewski: In 20 years, I hope that Grand Rapids is an even bigger economic and cultural driver within Michigan, and is pointed to across the country as a city that got things right in regard to housing, infrastructure, jobs and education. The City’s master planning process allows us to create a roadmap for responsible growth in Grand Rapids in the decades ahead. We must prioritize thoughtful planning and policymaking that will result in stronger neighborhoods, a vibrant local economy and quality City services that will improve the quality of life of our neighbors. It is my vision that we would be a model city that provides high quality education and job training opportunities, a low carbon footprint, housing solutions and a safe and inclusive environment for all of our citizens.

Willis: My vision for Grand Rapids over the next 20 years is a city that is inclusive, sustainable and innovative. I see a future where:

• All neighborhoods benefit from thoughtful urban planning that includes green spaces, efficient public transportation and affordable housing.

• Our economy is diverse and resilient, with robust support for local businesses and cutting-edge industries.

• We lead in environmental stewardship, with initiatives that promote clean energy, reduce waste and protect our natural resources.

 

Some residents and city leaders have expressed concerns about inequitable investment in the city’s wards. How do you plan to address this?

Gipson: No response recorded.

Goei: Although we have three wards, we are one city. Throughout my personal life and business careers, I always believe in the principle that we are better together and that collaboration is fundamental to building a strong city, business or any institution. I will work hard to continue my belief in collaboration with others on the City Commission if I am honored to be elected by the residents of the Third Ward. I believe that this will be the answer to avoiding "inequitable investments” in the future.

Howard: I want to continue to have the people of the community get out and let their voices be heard, attend City Commission meetings, present ideas from our community and take the stance of “nothing about us without us.”

Show the reports of where the money is, what money comes in and what money is going out. Then, have a plan to take to the city manager [and] the mayor and tell them, “this is what the Third Ward would like.”

If you're walking your dog down the street every day and you notice that you don't have a dog park, then let's get together and talk about it. Let's take it to the city.

Kilgore: Investment inequality in the Third Ward is a pressing issue that has been brought to light by concerned residents. Over the past decade, there has been a noticeable disparity in the allocation of public and private investments in the area. Specifically, data shows that from 2012 to 2017, a mere 1.5% of the $1.29 billion in private investment went to the region south of Wealthy Street and east of Jefferson and Eastern Avenues. Despite some targeted investments through initiatives like the Southtown Plan and South Division Plan, there remains a significant historical lack of investment in the Third Ward that needs to be addressed.

To tackle this issue effectively, it is imperative to enhance the appeal of the Third Ward to potential investors. This can be achieved by not only advocating for increased funding for the Third Ward Equity Fund, but also by implementing strategies to attract more private investments to the area. By creating a more conducive environment for investment, the Third Ward can experience revitalization and economic growth that benefits all residents. It is crucial to work towards a more equitable distribution of investments in the Third Ward to ensure that all members of the community have access to the resources and opportunities needed for sustainable development and prosperity.

Krajewski: I will work to prioritize funding for the Third Ward. It has been widely publicized that the Third Ward has historically received fewer tax dollars than the First and Second Wards. While I recognize and appreciate the need for investment in downtown, I will work toward equitable funding between all areas of the city. That means greater investment in the areas that need it most, and the Third Ward is certainly high on that list. Working with the City to set aside specific investments for the Third Ward’s businesses and address the need for affordable housing will be important.

Improving outcomes will require long-term commitment and vision. Solutions should focus on improving community relations, leveraging economic opportunities, enhancing safe neighborhoods and ensuring responsive representation. By actively seeking out and involving community members, fostering collaboration and implementing strategic initiatives, the City of Grand Rapids can work towards creating a safer, more prosperous and inclusive environment for all residents.

Willis: Addressing inequitable investment requires a transparent and collaborative approach. I plan to:

• Advocate for a more equitable distribution of city resources and funding.

• Establish regular forums for residents to voice their concerns and participate in budgeting decisions.

• Work closely with community organizations to identify specific needs and develop targeted investment strategies.

 

How do you plan to balance urban/economic development with the needs of the community? For example, how will you mitigate potential negative impacts on neighborhoods by redevelopment projects?

Gipson: No response recorded.

Goei: I believe that the reduction of "potential negative impacts" on neighborhoods can be accomplished when some of the redevelopment projects are owned by residents living in the community and supported by equitable resources made available to other developers. I am listening to residents in the Third Ward and developing a strategic plan that will bring new life to former vibrant business districts in the Third Ward.

Howard: By not only employing them, but encouraging and teaching all cultures to everyone. We have to start all working together. We have to start building and sharing in all areas.

We need community engagement. We need fun activities in our inner city. When it's Hispanic month, we need to also celebrate it in predominantly African American areas of our community. Similarly, when it’s Juneteenth, we should celebrate in every area of the Third Ward.

One of the things that our city really could benefit from is letting people know that you're loved on both sides of the track. We can work together. We should be able to build businesses and work together in the Third Ward. The Third Ward shouldn’t be separated, it should be one for all and all for one.

Kilgore: It is crucial to prioritize the feedback from our community members and establish open, consistent communication between leaders and residents. By doing so, we can guarantee that our development projects are effectively meeting the needs of our community. This approach fosters a sense of collaboration and ensures that everyone's voices are heard and considered in the decision-making process.

I am confident that by aligning the feedback from community members with meaningful communication between leaders and residents, we can work together to build a more inclusive and welcoming Third Ward. This collaborative effort will not only strengthen the bond within the community but also lead to more successful and sustainable development projects that truly benefit all residents.

Krajewski: We must balance the needs and wants of our neighborhood residents with our shared goal of sustained and responsible growth. That balance is not possible without better understanding the perspective of our neighbors. I will advocate for using existing data, such as the National Community Survey, and combining it with intentional conversations with residents and community stakeholders in the Third Ward. By working with residents from the outset, we can identify potential challenges and work towards solutions. We must consider the potential impact our urban/economic development will have on specific communities. This could include everything from social dynamics, pollution, traffic and affordable housing.

Ultimately, our goal should be to preserve the character of our neighborhoods while allowing for continued investment, reinvestment and growth. To achieve that goal, we must use every tool in our toolbox. This includes a thoughtful city design and planning, feedback from residents and continued conversation with all stakeholders. To grow responsibly, we must ensure that we are pursuing every avenue available to us.

Willis: Balancing development with community needs involves:

• Ensuring that all redevelopment projects include community input from the outset.

• Implementing policies that protect existing residents from displacement, such as affordable housing requirements and anti-displacement measures.

• Encouraging developments that provide tangible benefits to the community, such as public amenities, job opportunities and improved infrastructure.

 

Many residents at City meetings have expressed feeling like they are not being heard by local government. How do you plan to engage with and involve the community in decision-making?

Gipson: I'm not everything to everybody. If someone thinks they weren't heard or what they expressed didn't get responded to in a timely manner, I would say it again and again until they get that issue specifically resolved.

Goei: I have heard those concerns as well. Being new to the Commission and having had interactions with City leaders, I will say that they too are aware of this and are making necessary changes to address this issue. As your current Third Ward City Commissioner, I can with integrity say that my fellow Third Ward Commissioner, Kelsey Perdue, and I have heard our constituents and we have shared their concerns with City leaders and they have heard us. It is my commitment to ensure that respectful communications will continue between Third Ward constituents and City leaders.

Howard: I plan to invite City officials to meetings inside our communities and at more accessible times. Sometimes our community feels like, “Okay, they’re holding a meeting at eleven o’clock, that’s when they know we’re mostly at work.” I’m going to spread out the time limits for all different times of the day, encourage everyone to attend, and then make the meetings in areas where people don’t have to travel so far to be there. A lot of people have a fear of going to a meeting downtown and paying the high cost of parking.

Kilgore: I am dedicated to understanding and addressing the values, concerns and needs of the people I serve. Engaging with residents on a regular basis is a top priority for me because I believe it is essential to listen to their voices and take them into account when making decisions. I am committed to being actively involved in our community by organizing events, hosting consistent coffee hours and holding town halls to gather feedback from constituents. Inclusivity is a core value for me and I strongly believe that everyone, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status, should have the opportunity to contribute to shaping the future of our community.

Krajewski: My first priority is serving my neighbors. Currently, I am out meeting neighbors across our Third Ward every day discussing concerns and potential solutions. For me, the listening is happening now, it isn't something that would only start after the election. As an educator, and as a police officer, I learned long ago the importance of listening to understand and not just to answer. In the same way, I know that a commissioner can best represent their constituents when they intentionally listen, create and maintain community relationships. I will be in constant communication with neighbors, neighborhood associations, community leaders, community organizations and local businesses to ensure I incorporate resident feedback into my decision-making/issue prioritization process.

As a voice for the Third Ward, I will engage regularly through public meetings, forums, social media and events to stay updated on community issues. I will proactively seek resident input, address concerns and promote transparency and accessibility in local government. I believe responsiveness to constituents is crucial. Regular engagement with residents, businesses, schools and local organizations keeps commissioners informed about evolving concerns and priorities, fostering inclusivity and trust. It would be an honor to be entrusted to carry out this work.

Willis: Community engagement is a cornerstone of my campaign. To ensure residents feel heard, I will:

• Establish regular town hall meetings and open forums where residents can share their views and ask questions.

• Utilize digital platforms for wider reach and more inclusive participation.

• Create advisory committees that include diverse community members to provide input on key decisions.

• Ensure transparency in government processes and actively seek feedback on policy proposals and city projects.