Letters to the Editor in the Grand Rapids Press
Michigan is among the worst states in the nation for economic growth. Much of this has to do with our changing economy and our state's reliance on the auto industry, but we still need to find solutions at the local level.
The City Commission elections in August are an incredibly important step to making sure that Grand Rapids will continue to encourage business growth and keep good jobs available. We all want Grand Rapids to be a place that people want to live, work, and invest in. This is why we urge you to vote for David LaGrand in the Aug. 7 elections.
He is a local business owner, former county prosecutor, and community leader. David's broad range of experiences and business savvy will be a great addition to the commission and will surely help to enhance the community we all care so much about.
- Theresa Pawloski and Bob Synk, Grand Rapids, July 30, 2007
Grand Rapids should consider itself very fortunate to have a candidate of David LaGrand's caliber running for City Commission.
All too often, people of his training, experience, vision and drive are focused solely on building their personal careers but not their communities.
Remember the great democratic value of civic duty? David LaGrand does. He is passionate about the city.
His keen sense of our city's potential led to the creation of two thriving businesses. His sense of our city's deep needs is continually informed by his work as a defense attorney.
Who do we want running this city? An entrepreneur who understands what makes for a fertile business climate, or an attorney who understands government and knows how to advocate?
With David LaGrand, we don't have to choose. He is both, and he is a person of seemingly boundless creative energy paired with a vigorous ethical imagination.
Those who care about this city as I do should make sure that we do not miss this opportunity. Get to the polls on Aug. 7 and vote for David LaGrand.
- Wende VerHage Falb, Grand Rapids, July 29, 2007
With the primary election less than two weeks away, I'd like to express my public support for David LaGrand for the 2nd Ward City Commission seat. David is a thoughtful, experienced and energetic leader who is the very best candidate for this job.
David LaGrand brings many excellent qualities to his candidacy. He has time and again taken a stand for the common good and justice for all. As a defense attorney he has represented numerous clients who are marginalized. He will continue to stand up for those who can't stand up for themselves. He is also sensible and practical and will always bring his values to bear on a decision. He is an experienced negotiator who seeks resolution in the midst of conflict. His many endorsements from business and labor organizations demonstrate trust in his abilities to advocate for the benefit of all citizens.
As a father of four children, David LaGrand understands the value of education and public safety. He will insist on the health and vitality of neighborhoods. Because he is a small businessman, David LaGrand knows that you can't just talk -- real-world accomplishments require action. Other candidates may have good intentions but David LaGrand has proven he can get things done.
Please join me in supporting David LaGrand for City Commission in the 2nd Ward on Aug. 7. He is the best candidate for the job.
- Tracy Kuperus, Grand Rapids, July 28 2007
We are writing to endorse His family's urban commitment is demonstrated by their residence on College Avenue, their small businesses in the downtown and Wealthy Street neighborhoods and by his work in the urban legal system.
He is a member of Grace Christian Reformed Church and a person who lives his faith daily. We have personally experienced his willingness to do pro bono defense for two friends who had no means to seek the legal assistance needed in a time of crisis. What a wonderful way to demonstrate God's concern for the urban poor! David's work ethic and the example he sets for his children and others is amazing. Not only is he a respected attorney and a business owner, but he and his sons deliver The Press on the weekends.
I believe that this kind of individual is the very best candidate for the job of 2nd Ward commissioner. Any person who is so willing to get his own hands dirty would be an asset for our city commission as it tries to make Grand Rapids be a better place for all of us to live.
- Paul D. and Mary Kortenhoven, Grand Rapids, 20 July 2007
On Aug. 7, As a resident of the 2nd Ward and one who works in the real estate field, I appreciate and respect David's hard work and business success. It's not surprising that local business groups have also decided to endorse him.
David LaGrand has put together a diverse coalition of supporters, including both business and labor groups that represent many hard-working citizens. He also has experience in law enforcement, having served as a Kent County assistant prosecutor. This kind of leadership and skill in bringing varied people and interests together is exactly what our non-partisan City Commission needs. Please vote for LaGrand, for 2nd Ward commissioner.
- Kay Courtney, Grand Rapids, July 19 2007
David LaGrand would seem to have all the significant endorsements that a person would need to be elected to the City Commission -- endorsements from organizations clearly invested in the city. That should be a solid reason for people who don't know the candidates to vote for him.
His experience as a businessman, assistant prosecutor and practicing attorney also indicate that he understands the legal system and business climate in Grand Rapids, which are needed on our City Commission.
But if that isn't enough, anyone who wants to know more about David personally, should talk with his coworkers, neighbors and people in the neighborhood of his Wealthy Street Bakery. He selected the location to help build that community, near his home and to reinforce that, he hires people from the neighborhood to increase employment there. The people involved with him can tell anyone what he stands for.
Isn't that the kind of person we want on our city commission?
- Jake Terpstra, Grand Rapids, July 17 2007 I work in downtown Grand Rapids and care deeply for the city. David He is also an independent thinker who will do what's right for the city and not what he is told. He wants to make sure Grand Rapids receives sufficient funding to provide services we expect our local community to provide. He has sensible ideas -- grounded in his experience as a small business owner -- to spend money in such a way that maximizes return. David LaGrand is the type of person needed on the City Commission.
- Jay Aripov, Caledonia, July 15, 2007
As a local realtor, He not only was willing to invest his hard-earned money in Grand Rapids and owns two of my favorite restaurants, but he also has been involved in causes of justice for those less fortunate.
His endorsement by the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce and two unions representing Grand Rapids police and firefighters is a strong statement about David's ability to understand both sides of a political argument.
He's smart, capable and knows good ideas come from all sources. He has a servant's attitude and is willing to listen to both sides. Grand Rapids is blessed to have top-notch candidates running for local offices. David is one of the best.
- Nancy Jo Wilson, Grand Rapids, July 13, 2007
I've spent over 20 years working in Grand Rapids neighborhoods and one thing I have learned is that if your organization is going to be successful, you need to represent a diversity of interests. This is why I am supporting David LaGrand for 2nd Ward city commissioner.
Like any board, the City Commission needs to represent a multiplicity of opinions. If the City Commission has just one point of view, Grand Rapids will suffer.
David LaGrand will bring fresh viewpoints to the commission. He is a business owner who created the very successful Wealthy Street Bakery.
He invested in a struggling business area and has earned the support of the Chamber of Commerce. He also has the support of labor and is endorsed by the city's police, firemen and the United Auto Workers Union's local political action committee. Both the commercial and residential realtors endorse him. Some elected officials are also backing David.
As a practicing attorney he will bring much needed legal expertise to the commission table. David LaGrand is the best candidate in the 2nd Ward because he can bring Grand Rapids together. He will represent the diversity of opinions that the City Commission needs.
- Frank Lynn, Grand Rapids, July 9, 2007 As a 2nd Ward resident, I have been following the race for city commissioner very closely. I'm looking for the candidate who will give our community the type of constituent service we have received from Rick Tormala. We need someone who is independent, will stand up for our neighborhoods, protect public safety and eliminate unnecessary government spending. That is why I am supporting David LaGrand in the August primary.
David LaGrand has impressed me with his background as a small business owner, former prosecutor and volunteer in prison ministry. He is innovative, energetic, compassionate and eager to listen to all sides of a debate before making decisions. His recent endorsements from business and labor groups, who normally stay on opposite sides of the fence, demonstrate his ability to build consensus and bring people together.
On Tuesday, Aug. 7, I hope 2nd Ward residents will join me in voting for David LaGrand for City Commission.
- Anne Krenselewski, Grand Rapids, July 9