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Cast a vote for Michigan
Posted on August 01, 2010
Grand Rapids Press Letter to the Editor
August 1, 2010
On Aug. 3, vote David LaGrand in the Democratic primary for the 29th District Senate seat. He has been endorsed by public safety associations and has worked with law enforcement as assistant Kent County prosecutor.
As a former city commissioner, David is knowledgeable about our city. When safety cuts were threatened by the ongoing budget crisis, David sought citizen input through town hall meetings. He also worked to build consensus among his peers, knowing that compromise is reached through regular communication and the refusal to accept a stalemate.
David’s willingness to listen is an important quality at a time when our senators on both sides of the aisle have shown an inability to talk, listen and get things done. David is a small-business owner and has a comprehensive economic plan that includes a pro-business tax code. He understands how important it is to protect and encourage the growth of businesses.
As a father, David has his eye on Michigan’s future. He knows it is essential to initiate job growth so that his children and ours will have the choice to stay in Michigan to raise their families. Vote LaGrand on Aug. 3.
– Katy Hoffman/Grand Rapids
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David LaGrand is impressive
Posted on August 01, 2010
Grand Rapids Press Letter to the Editor
August 1, 2010
I first met David LaGrand at his bakery on Wealthy Street in 2007. He so impressed me then that I agreed to be part of his campaign for Grand Rapids City Commission. I continue to be impressed by David’s commitment to his faith, his family, and the community. David is the type of person the 29th District needs in the Senate.
David combines a firm set of values and priorities with the pragmatism that comes from running a successful small business. Never content to only see his own efforts succeed, he has had experience working with multiple stakeholders to help revitalize entire neighborhoods in Grand Rapids, including my own. Vote for David LaGrand on Aug. 3.
– Joseph Kuilema/Grand Rapids
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David LaGrand can tackle big problems
Posted on August 01, 2010
Grand Rapids Press Letter to the Editor
August 1, 2010
We write to enthusiastically support David LaGrand for state Senate. We have known David for years and we believe that his willingness to work hard and seek creative solutions are exactly what we need in Lansing.
His service as a Grand Rapids city commissioner during years of dramatic change in our city has proven that he can work with others to tackle big problems. David sought our citizen input when the city faced budget crises and he will bring that same grass roots spirit to Lansing.
Just as important, we know that David will never lose his focus on the common good. He is committed to supporting and listening to all constituents, not just the rich and powerful. He will never forget that he represents all the people of the 29th district. Vote for David LaGrand in the primary Aug. 3.
– Mel and Sylvia Hugen/Grand Rapids
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LaGrand has record of environmental activism
Posted on August 01, 2010
Grand Rapids Press Letter to the Editor
August 1, 2010
As a devoted environmentalist, I know the power our elected officials can have on environmental legislation and practices. David LaGrand has an outstanding record, both politically and personally, of environmental activism.
As a board member of the Michigan League of Conservation Voters and a Grand Rapids city commissioner, David was instrumental in advocating for installation of a a wind farm on city property on Lake Michigan, implementing programs to improve environmental efficiency in low-income housing, and recently became the first resident of his Grand Rapids neighborhood to put solar panels in his home.
After hearing David speak on this issue several times I am confident, he will not only vote for clean energy legislation and environmental protection bills, but will write them. David understands that Michigan has the best workers in the nation; our work force and manufacturing know-how can be used to create jobs in clean energy. We have the resources to rebuild and reinvent our economy while protecting our state’s natural beauty.
I urge everyone to vote for a champion for workers and the environment. Vote David LaGrand!
– Zane Corriveau/Grand Rapids
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LaGrand has skills, leadership for Senate
Posted on August 01, 2010
As a regular patron of the Wealthy Street Bakery, not only do I love David LaGrand’s tomato basil focaccia, but I can’t wait to vote for him on Aug. 3. The bakery is a great testament to economic recovery.
Four entrepreneurs saw potential in a down-and-out neighborhood and helped lead the way toward its revitalization. David and his partners at the Wealthy Street Bakery are leaders within the community, and I know David will be a leader in Lansing.
We need elected officials who actually have created jobs themselves and know the ways government can help small businesses. David is the only candidate that has these skills. The bakery helped lead the way to Wealthy Street’s economic recovery and our area would be lucky to have a state senator with that background. After the difference he has made on Wealthy Street, imagine what David can do to Michigan. Please join me in voting my favorite baker and soon to be lawmaker, David LaGrand!
– Brad Bosserman/Kentwood
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LaGrand best for 29th District
Posted on August 01, 2010
Grand Rapids Press Letter to the Editor
August 1, 2010
I agree with the increasingly loud statements of my fellow citizens that Lansing and Washington politicians need to listen to the people. That’s why I’m supporting David LaGrand for state senator.
As a city commissioner, David LaGrand attended and organized town hall meetings, neighborhood meetings, and block parties. In fact, Attorney General Mike Cox wanted to spend funds from a foreclosure settlement on Millenium and Crescent parks instead of on preventing foreclosures, David LaGrand and county commissioners Brandon Dillon and Carol Hennessey scheduled a town hall meeting before Cox changed his decision.
LaGrand has spent far more time knocking on citizen doors that any other candidate I know, because he wants to hear what we have to say. No one can succeed in Lansing if the citizens are left out. David LaGrand has proven that he will listen to the people. That’s what makes him the best candidate for state Senate on Aug. 3.
– Frank Lynn/Grand Rapids
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LaGrand’s Experience Means Practical Ideas
Posted on July 28, 2010
Grand Rapids Press Letter to the Editor
July 28, 2010
I encourage voters of the 29th Senate District to join me in voting for David LaGrand’s real-life experience on Aug. 3.
David LaGrand’ years of service as a city commissioner have proven that he’s a good listener with a big vision for how great our region can be. His small business experience means that he will have practical ideas for improving the business climate in Michigan so that all citizens can prosper. His long years of legal experience have made him an effective advocate and a successful arbiter. He knows when to hold the line and when to find common ground that leads to agreement.
David LaGrand has raised four children in Grand Rapids and, like the rest of us, he wants to see a thriving community where our children can grow to find good jobs, live in safety and enjoy strong schools. Unlike the other candidates, David LaGrand has the real-life experience to make that vision a reality. Vote David LaGrand for State Senate on Aug. 3.
-Jeff Stremler/ Grand Rapids
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LaGrand has broad experience
Posted on July 27, 2010
Grand Rapids Press Letter to the Editor
July 27, 2010
I am excited to cast my vote for David LaGrand for state Senate on Aug. 3.
David is the kind of candidate Michigan needs right now. His experience in city government, law and the private sector have given him a broad vision for what is possible and also the skill set to make that vision a reality. He is one of the hardest working people I know.
David is committed to protecting our beautiful state and working toward clean energy that can help make Michigan prosperous again. He knows that clean, safe cities with strong schools will strengthen our whole region. He has the judgement, backbone and integrity so sadly lacking in Lansing right now. He will scrutinize spending so that our tax dollars will be spent wisely and not thrown away on useless schemes.
Join me in voting for the candidate with the experience, vision, ethics and energy to make a difference in the state Senate. Vote David LaGrand on Aug. 3.
-Justin Daining/Grand Rapids
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LaGrand will focus on tax code, work force
Posted on July 26, 2010
Grand Rapids Press Letter to the Editor
July 26, 2010
I join the Deputy Sheriff’s Association of Michigan, The Press and many others in supporting David LaGrand in the Democratic primary for the 29th District Senate seat (“State Senate, 29th District,” Press, July 6).
David has a comprehensive plan for growing Michigan’s economy that includes making the tax code more business friendly. He wants to ensure Michigan boasts a skilled, globally competitive work force. And perhaps most importantly, David thinks we need a state government that actually takes care of business.
That means working to find common ground and common goals with other legislators. David approaches the myriad of problems – and strengths – of our state from a singular angle. He’s a small business owner, former city commissioner and attorney who spent eight years working with law enforcement as assistant Kent County prosecutor.
We need his unique talents and perspective in Lansing. I urge others in the 29th District to join me in voting for David LaGrand Aug. 3.
-Maggie Kaspura/Grand Rapids
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Writing a Letter to the Editor
Posted on July 21, 2010
You can show your support for David by writing a letter to the editor for the Grand Rapids Press. You can send a two-hundred word statement in the body of an e-mail to pulse@grpress.com. Letters can also be faxed to 222-5212 or mailed to
Public Pulse
The Grand Rapids Press
155 Michigan St NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Writers can submit one letter every sixty days and must include their phone number and address. Thank you, and happy writing!
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LaGrand will support public education
Posted on July 20, 2010
Thanks Press for your endorsement of David LaGrand in the 29th District state Senate Democratic primary (“State Senate, 29th District,” Press, July 6). People who know David’s community-building efforts here in Grand Rapids are well aware of how hard and creatively he works to accomplish public goals.
I am especially excited to have a legislator of his values and skills working to solve the crises facing public education. Funding for public schools has declined considerably. Associations that support school boards, school administrators and teachers unions all agree that real leadership in Lansing is needed. We must adequately fund education in this state with over 1.5 million schoolchildren. We need to change our tax structure and end tax incentives that don’t pay off for the public good.
Lansing legislators have been persistently arguing that economics “has tied their hands.” This sentiment is unacceptable from those who are charged with leading our state. Solutions that simply pit teachers against school boards do not fix this crisis.
David LaGrand has the analytical and leadership skills to find results that benefit children, teachers and school boards. I encourage all who consider education to be vital to Michigan’s future to vote for David LaGrand.
– Tony Baker/Grand Rapids Board of Education Member/Grand Rapids
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LaGrand will seek creative solutions
Posted on July 20, 2010
Grand Rapids Press Letter to the Editor
July 20, 2010
Kudos for your endorsement of David LaGrand in the Democratic primary for the 29th District Senate seat (“State Senate, 29th District,” Press, July 6).
You are right to recognize David’s business acumen, his experience with local government, and his reputation as an attorney. David has my vote, also, because of his unique ability to solve problems without letting political allegiances and power-brokering get in his way. I am pleased that bright minds such as David’s could be at work in Lansing seeking creative and workable solutions to the many problems facing our state.
While I love the things that David has done for Grand Rapids though his work as a business owner, a city commissioner and attorney, we would be remiss not to share one of our brightest lights with the rest of Michigan at a time when he is needed most.
– Natasha Turner/Grand Rapids
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LaGrand Brings Business Skills
Posted on July 14, 2010
Grand Rapids Press Letter to the Editor
July 14, 2010
As David LaGrand’s former business partner at Four Friends Coffee House, I am excited about his decision to run for the State Senate in the 29th district. I know first-hand David’s dedication to our community and his business skills.
David and I opened Four Friends in 1994 with our spouses when the downtown core of Grand Rapids was bleak. David put his vision, business acumen and incredible energy into practice and made Four Friends part of the transformation of the city. Since then, he has helped revitalize Wealthy Street and Heritage Hill by opening the Wealthy Street Bakery.
Michigan needs leaders with the vision to find new growth areas in our economy. We also need leaders who have managed budgets in business, who know where to find efficiencies and savings, and who can provide solid jobs to fellow citizens. David is the only candidate with this experience.
Vote for David LaGrand on Aug. 3. He’s earned my vote.
-Sara DeBoer/Grand Rapids
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