Media
‘LaGrand has skills to lead in Lansing’
Posted on October 29, 2010
Letter to the Editor, Grand Rapids Press
Thursday, October 28th
It is a privilege to support David LaGrand for the office of state senator. David is thoughtful, compassionate and courageous leader. Not only is he a candidate with a business background, he has worked his whole life towards eradicating many of the social issues that plague our community.
I know David’s work within the community firsthand. He has been a strong advocate for the Restorative Justice Initiative to try and cure many of the issues facing the criminal defense system. As a businessman, he opened two small businesses – the Wealthy Street Bakery and Four Friends Coffeehouse – in troubled parts of the community that directly led to those neighborhood’s growth.
David is devoted to seeing our community thrive. As a city commissioner, he led the way in many of the city’s most difficult decisions: balancing the budget and appointing new city leaders. He has the skills, experience and compassion necessary to be a strong leader for our region in Lansing. I urge others to vote for David LaGrand on Nov. 2.
Vernon Hoffman
Grandville
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‘LaGrand will help businesses prosper’
Posted on October 22, 2010
Grand Rapids Press, Letter to the Editor
Thursday, October 21st
This fall, election season has given us a number of things to be excited about for Michigan’s future. The Lansing of old is broken, and so are the same career politicians who have been part of the problem over the last few years.
In the 29th District, I am glad that I will be able to vote for David LaGrand, a Lansing outsider and small businessman form Grand Rapids who understands how government can accelerate business growth. His opponent, Dave Hildenbrand, is the typical career politician who has been a part of Lansing while Michigan suffered through this economic downturn. He does not understand how to run a small business or what it takes for any business to be successful.
In the time of dire economic struggles, Michigan needs a leader like David LaGrand, who has been active in his community by actually creating jobs. LaGrand’s businesses have contributed to the redevelopment of the Wealth Street corridor and have provided a better quality of life. I can think of no one better to help Michigan through its struggles than a businessman and community activist who is sincerely in touch with the people’s needs. David LaGrand has my vote Nov. 2.
Matt Blain
Grand Rapids
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LaGrand fights for public safety
Posted on October 20, 2010
Grand Rapids Press, Lettors to the Editor
Wednesday, October 20th
For nearly a month, I have received full-page campaign literature several times each week form the Michigan Republican Party trashing David LaGrand in his bid for a seat in the state Senate. Initially, it was amused to read the wildly distorted adaptations of the truth, but my amusement has steadily evolved into irritation with this slime-slinging approach to local politics. The barrage of deliberately misleading negative mail is an insult to the intelligence of the voters.
The final insult, however, is for the Republicans to assign blame for painful cuts made to our city’s public safety budget –due to drastic cuts in Lansing that Dave Hildenbrand voted for! Hildenbrand hasn’t supported adequate revenue sharing that pays for our city’s police and firefighters and essential services such as garbage pickup and road repair and has also failed to support adequate funding for our city’s schools.
While he was a city commissioner, David LaGrand worked endlessly to keep Grand Rapids afloat – especially for our public safety – and he had to because Dave Hildenbrand voted our money away.
I hope that voters will be wise enough to see through the Republican misinformation and vote for David LaGrand on Nov. 2.
-Kerry Baldwin
Grand Rapids
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‘LaGrand fights for public safety’
Posted on October 20, 2010
Grand Rapids Press, Letter to the Editor
Wednesday, October 20th
This November, we have the chance to vote for an array of candidates. One candidate in particular will be an excellent representative of our area in Lansing. David LaGrand will be a compassionate and courageous state senator, and I urge all residents of the 29th District to vote for him.
I worked for David for nearly three years in his legal office. David was much more than a boss to me; he became my friend. David’s empathy with his clients, respect toward me and dedication to keeping people safe is qualities we desperately need in a state senator. I have had the privilege to see firsthand his dedication to our community.
David and I have had many long conversations about the future of our state. From these conversations I have learned many things. First, David has real solutions to our state’s many problems. He has concrete ideas for how to get people back to work. David has the intellect and entrepreneurial spirit our state desperately needs in elected leaders. I am confident David LaGrand is the only candidate we can give the difficult task of fixing our economy. Please, on Nov. 2, vote for my friend, David LaGrand.
-Rebecca Kutz
Allendale Township
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‘LaGrand knows how to fix mess’
Posted on October 20, 2010
Grand Rapids Press, Letter to the Editor
Tuesday, October 19th
As college graduation looms, the current economic crisis has me disheartened, frustrated and worried for my future. As classmates and friends leave the state and quickly find jobs, I worry I will be forced to become part of the brain drain. My generation has a rough journey ahead of us if our state continues on its current path.
Politicians claim to have the answers, especially during campaign season. So far, only one candidate has given me hope that he will fix the mess that my generation is left with. David LaGrand has actually created jobs and has the real world experience necessary to turn our state around.
A few years ago, I never ventured to the Wealth Street corridor, now I go there nearly every day. David and his partners saw potential in that neighborhood and opened my favorite local hangout, the Wealthy Street Bakery.
David is dedicated to fixing the mess Lansing has left my generation. Please, so I don’t have to move out of Michigan, vote for David LaGrand on Nov. 2.
-Casey Guevara-Lehker
Grand Rapids
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‘LaGrand will make area safe, prosperous’
Posted on October 20, 2010
Grand Rapids Press, Letter to the Editor
Tuesday, October 19th
David LaGrand has the knowledge, experience and passion to ensure our cities are safe, vibrant and prosperous. This is one reason among many that he will serve us well as 29th District state representative.
For over 15 years, David has been a small business owner in downtown Grand Rapids. He is also a former Grand Rapids city commissioner. As a result of his time owning downtown businesses and proposing and enforcing laws, David knows and cares about what is needed for our cities’ growth and safety. He already has considerable experience and relationships to be able to keep working with citizen groups, city leaders and state representatives – of all political stripes – to keep our neighborhoods safe and exciting places to live.
David will work hard to restore funding for police and fire departments. He also understands fiscal responsibility and will strive to devise creative solutions to other important issues our cities face.
-Kathleen Ley Bruinsma
East Grand Rapids
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‘LaGrand carries impressive resume’
Posted on October 20, 2010
Grand Rapids Press, Letter to the Editor
Tuesday, October 19th
David LaGrand is an impressive person. His life is a shining sequence of successful labors to improve the lives of others. Businessman, lawyer, legislator, and prosecutor – this is a powerful resume for a voice in Lansing. He is a polymath of the first order with a range of interests, knowledge and skills possessed by few people I have known in my nearly six decades in this community.
This is my first such letter, and I feel it my duty to my family, friends and neighbors to share what I know. If you want a truly good person – intelligent, dedicated, eloquent, experienced, with a passion for the public good, who has proven time and gain he can be counted on to do the right thing for his fellow citizens – you want to vote for David LaGrand.
-Mark Vandermolen
Ada Township
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‘GOP has had its chance’
Posted on October 20, 2010
Grand Rapid Press, Letter to the Editor
Tuesday October 19th
A recent ad by state Rep. Dave Hildenbrand labeled his opponent David LaGrand as a politician. This is ironic because Hildenbrand is a politician in the dysfunctional Michigan state Legislature. He and his counterpart, state Rep. Justin Amash, seem to be big on pronouncements and short on accomplishments.
Both Hildenbrand and Amash oppose the Michigan Business Tax surcharge. They proposed to abolish the surcharge; however, this would have required an additional source of state revenue to replace the surcharge (the money has to come from somewhere). Returning the state income tax rate to where it was in 1980 could have generated revenue to replace the surcharge. This would have meant a small tax increase for average taxpayers and a big increase for the wealthy. It would have been done something to improve the business climate. Instead they chose to do nothing, as their unwillingness to compromise costs Michigan jobs.
Now Hildenbrand wants to join the do-nothing Republican state Senate and Amash wasn’t to join the do-nothing Republican Congress. They’ve had their chance. Enough is enough. I’m voting for David LaGrand for state Senate and Patrick Miles for Congress.
-Jim Lax
Grand Rapdis
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‘LaGrand stands for area’s values’
Posted on October 20, 2010
Grand Rapids Press, Letter to the Editor
Monday, October 18th
When I found out a co-owner of one of my favorite businesses was running for state Senate, I was definitely intrigued. I read his biography and platform and was swayed to learn more. When I got the change to meet David LaGrand, I decided to start volunteering for him.
David co-owns Wealthy Street Bakery, an incredibly successful small business here in Grand Rapids that helped revitalize the neighborhood; he helped lead the City Commission; and defended public safety by working as an assistant Kent County prosecutor. Most importantly, he knows how to bake a scone.
When considering starting a business, David and his partners saw an opportunity in a down-and-out neighborhood, and they opened a successful and vibrant bakery. I believe that David will be a strong voice for our area in Lansing and he will take a stand for the values of our community. I loke forward to having David’s perspective in Lansing and hearing about the changes he wants to institute. Please join me in voting for David LaGrand on Nov. 2!
-Jennifer De Longpre’
Grand Rapids
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‘LaGrand would be advocate for disabled’
Posted on October 20, 2010
Grand Rapids Press, Letter to the Editor
Monday, October 18th
As an advocate for people with disabilities, I truly believe in the saying: “you can judge a society by how it treats its weakest members.”
In the economic crisis our state currently is in, it is easy to forget, ignore and cut funding for those in need. Now, more than ever, we have to have elected officials who understand how crucial providing basic support to all individuals is to our communities’ success.
No candidate understands these issues more than David LaGrand. LaGrand, a candidate for the 29th District state Senate, sees the issues that affect people with disabilities every day. David’s 6-year-old daughter, Julia, is blind. David would not only be a compassionate senator, he would be an advocate for persons with disabilities.
As a leader in our community, David has supported our efforts. He has championed public transit and housing rights for persons with disabilities. His record of support and his personal connection with issues facing the challenged, coupled with his small business skills and proven leadership would make him an excellent state senator. Vote LaGrand on Nov. 2!
-Frank Lynn
Grand Rapids
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‘LaGrand knows how to create jobs’
Posted on October 20, 2010
Grand Rapids Press, Letter to the Editor
Monday, October 18th
We have known David LaGrand, candidate for 29th District state Senate seat, for years. Our children go to school together; we are active in the community together, and we know firsthand how committed he is to seeing Michigan thrive once more. He has the real-world experience necessary to be a great leader.
David and his wife, Melissa, have partnered with other Grand Rapids residents to open successful small businesses in our community. They have been instrumental in the revitalization of downtown and the Wealth Street corridor with their businesses Four Friends Coffee Shop and the Wealthy Street Bakery.
LaGrand and his partners saw potential in down-and-out areas of our city and had the foresight to begin an award-winning community bakery. David is a true job creator. The task of rebuilding Michigan’s economy should go to someone who has experience rebuilding local neighborhoods.
Vote for David LaGrand on Nov. 2.
-Matt and Lisa Walhout
Grand Rapids
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‘LaGrand supports scholarship’s return’
Posted on October 18, 2010
Grand Rapids Press, Letter to the Editor
Sunday, October 17th
As a recent college graduate, I know how important education is for West Michigan and America’s future. Unfortunately, I know how expensive a college education can be. While in my sophomore year at Michigan State, I was extremely disappointed when the Michigan Promise Scholarship was no longer promised by the state. I believe in the future of West Michigan through education and that is why I am voting for David LaGrand on Nov. 2.
David is not only committed to restoring funds to elementary and secondary education by stopping tax cuts in Lansing, he wants the taxpayer dollars to go to our children and not the schools’ administration. He has also promised to work at bringing back the Michigan Promise, and I believe this will not only help West Michigan but the state. That is the type of person we need in Lansing.
David understand what college students and recent graduates are facing in this rough economic time and that is why he is dedicated to protecting and supporting every student’s education. Vote LaGrand on Nov. 2.
-Paige Stevens
Kentwood
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‘LaGrand will bring new ideas to Senate’
Posted on October 15, 2010
Grand Rapids Press, Letter to the Editor
Tuesday, October 5th
Recently a slick political flier has been circulated on behalf of state Senate candidate Dave Hildenbrand of Lowell (“Public safety officers to rally for LaGrand,” Press, Sept. 29). This flier accuses David LaGrand, of Grand Rapids, of jeopardizing public safety while serving on the Grand Rapids City Commission.
This effort to paint LaGrand as somehow not concerned with the safety of citizens of Grand Rapids is a clear distortion of the public record. David LaGrand has not only ably protected and defended the citizens of Kent County as a prosecutor, he as has earned the support of the Grand Rapids Police Officers Association in his bid to bring new ideas and a fresh vision to Lansing. The voters and citizens of Grand Rapids and Kent Country expect, and deserve, an end to the stale, tired and cynical politics that have caused our state and nation so much harm in recent years.
For new leadership and a chance to help rebuild the people’s trust in their government, please support David LaGrand for the Michigan Senate on Nov. 2.
Jason K. Duncan
Grand Rapids
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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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