Follow the Money: The race for Mayor in Grand Rapids

On July 12, MLive posted an article profiling the four candidates running for Mayor of Grand Rapids.

The profile piece was not very compelling, with two people running who had never run for office previously and two candidates that have been elected to multiple positions over the years, David LaGrand and Senita Lenear. The 4 questions posed to the candidates, were the same 4 questions that MLive asked all local candidates in Grand Rapids and Kent County, questions that were vague, resulting in no challenging questions from reporters or verification of claims made by candidates.

Besides that lack of reporting on the critical issues facing Grand Rapids, there also hasn’t been any coverage of campaign financing for Mayoral candidates, with the most recent quarterly reports due on July 25.

Always Follow the Money

Hailey Lynch‐Bastion did not report any money raised for his campaign for Mayor of Grand Rapids and Steve Owens only had three contributors to his campaign, with Owens himself as the largest contributor giving $2,740.90, followed by Republican businessman Dan Hibma who contributed $1000.  

Former 3rd Ward Grand Rapids City Commissioner raised a total of $26,775.80 and spent $22,772.10, according to their most recent campaign contribution filing. Lenear received 181 distinct contributions and here are some of the larger contributors to their campaign: 

• Christopher Sain $2,500
• Nina Thompson $1,500
• Nicole Thompson $1,030
• Brian Ellis $1,000
• Will Blackmon $1,000

Former State Rep. David LaGrand out raised everyone, with $141,826.41 in campaign contributions from 483 distinct contributions. Here are some of the larger contributor, those that gave $1000 or more: 

• Michigan Laborers Political League PAC $10,000
• Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters PAC $10,000
• Grand Rapids Firefighters Union PAC $7,500
• Michigan LCV PAC $2,585.25
• Kent County Democratic Party $2,500
• Sam Cummings: CWD Real Estate Investment – $2,450
• Jeff Shutz – $2,450
• Johnny Brann Jr.: Branns – $2,450
• Kevin Toler: Hill Island Financial – $2,450
• Joseph Trudeau – $2,450
• Scott Bowen: Lawyer – $2,250
• Robert VanStright – $2,000
• Climate Cabinet PAC – $2,000
• Steve Pestka: President H & H Management & Development Co. – $1,900
• Gary De Kock – $1,653.45
• Ron DeWaard: Lawyer – $1,516.45
• Alicia Pestka – $1,500
• Teamsters Local 406 PAC – $1,500
• Andrew DeBoer – $1,500
• Donald Taylor – $1,432.48
• Gaetan Gerville-Reache: Lawyer – $1,250
• Tami Vandenberg: business owner – $1,000
• John Hunting – $1,000
• Stacy Van Dyken: Lawyer – $1,000
• Steve Heacock: Executive Grand Rapids Whitewater – $1,000
• Bradley Thomas: CEO of Progressive AE – $1,000
• Michael Jandernoa: Executive at Perrigo – $1,000
• James Nelson – $1,000
• Marlin Feyen – $1,000
• Chris Guis: Staffing Solutions Inc. – $1,000

The list of $1000 or more contributors is 30, with a combined total of more than half of the $141,826.41 LaGrand had raised. Many of the names on this list are part of the Grand Rapids Power Structure or close associates of those in the local power structure. In addition, despite the fact that this is a non-partisan race, not only did the Kent County Democrats contribute, most of the PACs and labor groups primarily contribute to Democratic Party candidates.

Based on the campaign finance data, LaGrand raised roughly six times more than Lenear did, which does not guarantee he will win, but makes it more likely. Looking at the endorsements that LaGrand has is not only a long list, but people who are part of the political and business establishment, which means that LaGrand is likely to be a business as usual Mayor. 

Lastly, in a recent WXMI profile, LaGrand said that GRPD Chief Winstrom “was great” and that “Policing issues often boil down to what your policies are, your training, your hiring practices, and your leadership.” LaGrand also talked the need for more affordable housing, but was never specific on what affordable means, plus he never suggested that people should be making a living wage to be able to afford actual housing costs.