Voters in West Michigan headed to the polls yesterday to vote on a number of proposals in both Kent and Muskegon Counties. In the City of Grand Rapids, voters re-elected Commissioner Senita Lenear for a second term. Originally elected to the city commission in 2014, Lenear held off challenger Kent Boersema and maintained her seat on the City Commission.
Grand Rapids Public Library officials are celebrating after voters approved a new 20 year millage that will help fund the Library’s operating costs. Library officials say the millage was necessary as the library had been operating on the same budget since 2006. Revenue generated from the millage will help fund a growing digital collection as well support early childhood reading programs.
In Kent County, voters renewed The Rapid’s operating millage that funds the Greater Grand Rapids public transportation system. Originally passed in 2011, The Rapid estimates the 12 year millage will raise over $15 million in its first year.
Meanwhile, Grand Rapids Public Schools can breathe a sigh of relief, after voters passed an operating millage that provides over $30 million in operating costs.
In Muskegon, four candidates were vying for two City Commissioner at Large seats. Voters ultimately decided on incumbents Ken Johnson and Daniel Sybenga over challengers Alan Greene and John Page. Both Johnson and Sybenga, are finishing their first term as city commissioner at large.
Finally, Muskegon voters agreed Mayor Steve Gawron deserves another term, as Gawron beat neighborhood activist Will Springstead in a landslide Tuesday. It will be the mayor’s second term. A complete list of election results can found online for both Kent and Muskegon Counties.
You can see complete results for Kent County here.
You can see complete results for Muskegon County here.
