GR Chamber PAC Announces 2018 Endorsements
The Friends of West Michigan Business select candidates for Michigan Senate, GRPS Board of Education, & GRCC Trustee
Grand Rapids – Today, the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce Political Action Committee (PAC), the Friends of West Michigan Business, announced its candidate endorsements for Michigan State Senate, Grand Rapids Public Schools Board of Education, and Grand Rapids Community College Trustee. Endorsements were based on candidate questionnaires, interviews and past performance for incumbents.
“The Chamber PAC endorses candidates who will advocate for policies that support economic growth and a thriving business climate,” said Chamber President & CEO Rick Baker.
“Talent is top of mind for our members and electing officials who will enhance our talent pool and workforce is crucial for the continued development of West Michigan and Grand Rapids,” said Andy Johnston, Vice President of Government Affairs for the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce.
“In the race for GRPS Board of Education, incumbent members Tony Baker and John Matias, and new candidates Kymberlie Davis, Chad Patton, and Kimberley Williams are the best choices to improve student outcomes,” said Baker. “It is clear that these candidates understand the issues that face our region and will be strong advocates for student growth.”
“It’s great to have four qualified candidates with diverse experiences running for the Grand Rapids Community College Board of Trustees. From these four candidates, the Chamber PAC has endorsed Kathy Crosby and Carlos Sanchez,” continued Johnston.
The Chamber PAC endorsed candidates for the Michigan Senate. “John Bizon for the 19th Senate district, Roger Victory for the 30th Senate district, and Jon Bumstead for the 34th Senate district has been endorsed as we felt they are committed to their continued work to boost the Michigan business climate” said Johnston.
The following endorsements have been made for the November election:
U.S. Senate: John James
U.S. House: District 2: Bill Huizenga
Governor of Michigan: Bill Schuette
Michigan Attorney General: Tom Leonard
Michigan House of Representatives:
District 61: Brandt Iden
District 70: Jim Lower
District 73: Lynn Afendoulis
District 74: Mark Huizenga
District 75: David LaGrand
District 76: Amanda Brand
District 77: Tommy Brann
District 80: Mary Whiteford
District 86: Thomas Albert
District 87: Julie Calley
District 88: Luke Meerman
District 89: Jim Lilly
District 90: Bradley Slagh
District 91: Greg VanWoerkom
District 100: Scott VanSingel
Michigan State Senate:
District 19: Dr. John Bizon
District 20: Margaret O’Brien
District 26: Aric Nesbitt
District 28: Pete MacGregor
District 29: Chris Afendoulis
District 30: Roger Victory
District 33: Rick Outman
District 34: Jon Bumstead
Kent County Board of Commissioners:
District 1: Ted Vonk
District 2: Tom Antor
District 4: Diane Jones
District 5: Mandy Bolter
District 6: Stan Stek
District 7: Stan Ponstein
District 8: Harold Voorhees
District 10: Emily Post Brieve
District 11: Jim Saalfield
District 12: Monica Sparks
District 13: Jessica Ann Tyson
District 14: Carol Hennessy
District 15: Jim Talen
District 18: Dan Koorndyk
GRPS Board of Education:
Kymberlie Davis
Kimberley Williams
Chad Patton
Tony Baker
John Matias
GRCC Trustee:
Kathy Crosby
Carlos Sanchez
*Italics Denotes Incumbent
The following candidates are found to be qualified for the role:
GRCC Trustee:
Troy Williams
Sheryl Siegel
Paid for by the Grand Rapids Chamber Political Action Committee, 250 Monroe Ave NW, Suite 150, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
For more information or media inquiries, contact Andy Johnston, Vice President of Governments Affairs at 616.822.1878 or johnstona@grandrapids.org.