| John and his wife, Kellie, moved to West Michigan in 2014, quickly discovering they had chosen to build their lives in a special place. In 2020, John was elected to the Wyoming City Council, and he got to work tackling major community initiatives with dedication and perseverance.
It's with this experience that he is moving his passion for public service forward-running for the people of the 83rd District, to serve as your State Representative in Lansing.
Throughout his life, John was inspired by his family's legacy of service. Since 1895, spanning four generations, members of his family have been elected to and served in a number of positions, including- Governor, Secretary of State, State Senator, State Representative, and Michigan Supreme Court Justice.
But his exposure to community activism also includes that of his grandmothers who were both educators and community leaders, and his mother, who has served as a pastor in Grand Rapids and across Michigan. Their example modeled the importance of giving beyond one's self. This commitment to improving the lives of the people of Michigan is a family tradition, fueled by a passion for the greater good.
A graduate of Michigan State University, in his free time he enjoys traveling around the state (particularly to Mackinac Island where he and his wife first met), taking in a round of golf, walking his dog, Hunter, in the park, and holding out hope that the Tigers will make a run at the pennant.
John Believes
John is ready to serve, and his record shows he is prepared to fight for better and higher paying jobs, improved public education, accessible and affordable healthcare, and preserving and promoting the rights of the people.
In the Community
Since first joining the West Michigan community, John has set out to volunteer for organizations with a mission to help people in life's most difficult moments.
After experiencing his father's death as a teenager and watching his grandparents age, he grew to volunteer and advocate for causes supporting child and adolescent grief and quality elder care.
Community Involvement-
Ele's Place West Michigan, Community Board
Ele's Place Michigan, Governing Board
The Clark Foundation Board
Kent County Democratic Party, Executive Committee
Wyoming Democrats
The Economic Club of Grand Rapids
Construction Financial Management Association of West Michigan |