Michigan Radio, Grand Rapids Press, Michigan LCV to Host Grand Rapids Mayoral Candidate Forum
GRAND RAPIDS — Michigan Radio, The Grand Rapids Press and the Michigan League of Conservation Voters (LCV) today announced they’ll host a Grand Rapids mayoral candidate forum at the Grand Rapids Public Museum at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22. All four mayoral candidates including Rosalynn Bliss, Robert Dean, John George and Willard Leewill participate.
“The mission of Michigan Radio is to help connect our listeners to realworld issues that directly affect them, here in Grand Rapids and anywhere across our state,” said Zoe Clark, Executive Producer for Michigan Radio. “By hosting this event, we here at Michigan Radio hope we can help more people become active participants in our democracy and give candidates a forum to share their vision for a strong, vibrant Grand Rapids. We’re proud to be partners in this event and will livestream the forum in its entirety on our website to ensure broad coverage and access.”
The format of the forum will be townhall style, with each candidate given the opportunity to make an opening statement, followed by a questionandanswer session. The event will be moderated by Jennifer White, All Things Considered Host for Michigan Radio. Questions will be asked by Lindsey Smith, Michigan Radio West Michigan reporter and Matt Vande Bunte, The Grand Rapids Press government reporter. The forum will be free and open to the public.
“Since the 1890s, the Grand Rapids Press has been recording the daily life and the dialogues that make our community a truly special place, so we’re delighted to cohost this event,” said Zane McMillin, Community Engagement Specialist for The Grand Rapids Press. “Forums like this are essential for ordinary citizens to learn more about the men and women who are asking for their vote and their trust. The Grand Rapids Press has been holding a spotlight to our elected leaders for more than 120 years, and events like this are a great complement to our efforts.”
The forum comes weeks ahead of the August 4 primary election. Following the passage of term limits for Grand Rapids’ local elected officeholders, Mayor George Heartwell’s final term will conclude at the end of this year.
“We look forward to educating voters and learning more about the candidates’ positions when it comes to protecting Michigan’s air, land and water,” said Jack Schmitt, Deputy Director for Michigan LCV. “Grand Rapids has emerged as a true leader across the state and nation under Mayor George Heartwell’s leadership. This forum will allow voters to learn about where the candidates stand on important issues like conservation, clean energy and climate change.”
