Commission debate was showdown

Analysis:

This story is based upon a candidate forum held at Aquinas College for the two candidates running for the 2nd ward city commission seat in Grand Rapids. What does the headline imply with the use of the word showdown? After reading the story does it seem like there was a big “showdown?” Besides some personal information, the only issues that the article mentions were the candidate’s voting records, street violence, and the issue of gender in this political race. Even with these issues, does the Press report any actually policy initiatives or a plan of action from either candidate? With all the issues that the city is confronted with – a budget crisis, land use, neighborhood improvement, racism, traffic, and parking – why do you think there are so few issues reported on? There is only mention of one question from the audience, but it is safe to assume that more than one question was asked. After reading this story do you think that you could make an informed choice on who to vote for?

Story:

Gender and voting records became issues Monday in a debate between 2nd Ward City Commission candidates Ruth Kelly and David LaGrand.

The debate at Aquinas College marked the only confrontation between the two candidates since the August primary election, when they became the top vote-getters for the 2nd Ward seat being vacated by Rick Tormala. The runoff election will be held Nov. 6.

Kelly scored points when the candidates were asked to compare their voting records in city, school and national elections.

LaGrand admitted that, until four years ago, he had a poor voting record. He said he began to take voting and local politics more seriously when his daughter was born.

Kelly said her voting record is about 95 percent. She said she missed one election when she had to work late.

LaGrand, a lawyer, brought up gender when asked to comment on the “root of crime in Grand Rapids.” He described a boy he recently represented in court.

“At the arraignment, his mom was there, his sister was there, there was a woman probation officer and a woman magistrate,” LaGrand said. “I realized this kid’s got no male models for how to become a man.

“That’s something we have to address urgently and practically on a grass-roots level,” he said, adding that city leaders need to address “the fact that there are gender differences.”

He repeated his position when challenged by an audience member, who said she was a single mother of six children, including a 21-year-old son in college.

“What I meant to say and I intended to emphasize was that young men in our community need male role models,” said LaGrand, adding that he also runs a karate school for kids at his church.

LaGrand also noted a recent letter to the editor in The Press in which a Kelly supporter urged voters to elect Kelly because she is a woman.

“Maybe people will do that,” he said.

“Saying nice things and saying mantras and acting peaceful are not going to solve issues of violence and issues of anger,” LaGrand said. “I think men need to understand their own capacity for violence.”

Kelly, a sixth-grade teacher at Riverside Middle School, offered a softer approach.

“I really believe if we want to address the problem of youth violence, we need to develop trust,” said Kelly, who suggested “cultural sensitivity training, nonviolent crisis intervention and relationship building” as possible solutions.

“Our children are wonderful and, if they are in trouble, it’s usually because they’ve had a problem where they just need to connect with someone,” Kelly said.

Though LaGrand applauded Kelly’s pledge to run a clean campaign, he accused her supporters of running a “whispering campaign” against him.

LaGrand said Kelly’s supporters are violating the agreement by attacking him in letters to the editor.

After the debate, Kelly said she was surprised by the accusation.

“It’s not a reflection of who I am,” she said.

Otherwise, the candidates repeated their pledges to tighten spending in City Hall, and increase police and fire services when possible.

LaGrand, who is a partner in the Wealthy Street Bakery and downtown’s Four Friends coffee house, emphasized his business experience.

Kelly emphasized her experience in the classroom and as a neighborhood organizer on the Southeast Side.