“All in favor of naming the park Unity Park say 'aye.'”
Out of 6 finalists Navarro not Unity was the winner of the city-wide election to name the new park on Cesar Chavez Avenue, but Grand Rapids city commission member Alicia Marie Belchak says because it only received 3 more votes than Unity Park:
“It’s very hard to say you had a clear front runner.”
So, the city decided to have another election, with only those top two on the ballot.
“A sudden death elimination process.”
Although Mayor David LaGrande says he is reluctant to ignore the results of the first election.
“Anytime there is a close election there is going to be an impulse for the people who didn’t prevail to want a do over.”
In the second election, out of 415 votes, the name Unity Park won by 49. And because they say there was more opportunity for community input, Lisa Knight and her commission colleagues are satisfied with the result.
“Opportunity for us to try to get this right and make sure we are inclusive of all people.”
Commissioner Drew Robbins wants to find another way to honor Miguel Navarro, founder of El Matador tortilla chips company and is called a pioneer in the Hispanic business community.
“Whether that is like a commemorative street renaming or something like that we are still committed to honoring his life and his legacy.”
