Better Leadership for a
Safer, Stronger Future
Hello, I’m Justin Sheldon.
I've lived in Grand Rapids Township since 2012. I'm running for Township Supervisor to lead our Township toward a brighter tomorrow.
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My Top Three Priorities As Your
Township Supervisor
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Empower our first responders to provide emergency services necessary for our community's safety
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Establish transparent and easy-to-access leadership that keeps Township residents informed and engaged​​​​​​​
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Prepare us for a successful future with a new forward-thinking, fiscally-responsible Master Plan
Endorsements
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Senate Majority Leader
Winnie Brinks
State Representative
Rachel Hood
State Representative
Phil Skaggs
About Me
I have humble beginnings
I grew up in a single parent, middle class home. My mother worked as a Correctional Officer at the State Prison of Southern Michigan in my hometown of Jackson. Her sacrifice of health, and life-threatening work, provided my sister and I a relatively comfortable childhood. My mother’s tough, blue-collar mentality made a strong impression on me as a child and has helped shape me into the adult I am today.
Life has taught me valuable lessons
In my freshmen year of high school, life as I knew it came to an end. A career-ending, work-related injury forced my mother to file for disability. A family that was already living paycheck-to-paycheck was then forced to give up their home, and I spent months going from one friend’s couch to another. It was at this time that I became a victim to bullying at high school. I dropped out. To this day, this remains my single greatest regret in life. It took me several years to realize the opportunities in life an education can provide. I attended adult-education classes, earned a GED, and attended community college, all the while holding two jobs.
I am a first generation college graduate
I met the love of my life, Shan, in my mid-twenties and we moved to the Knapp's Corner area of Grand Rapids Township in 2012. I majored in History at Grand Valley State University. I then continued my studies at Central Michigan University and earned a Masters in American History. After graduation, I returned to Grand Valley State University, where I have taught undergraduate classes in American History, and Multi-Cultural Diversity in the United States.
Why You Should Support Me
Growing up, I was surrounded by civil servants, either through law enforcement, corrections, or military. I have learned firsthand the commitment needed to be a valuable public servant and I will bring this level of commitment to the position of Township Supervisor.
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Honesty, unfortunately, is no longer associated with politics and politicians. I am not a politician; I am first and foremost an educator. As an educator, I value honesty and recognition of facts without bias. In this era of disinformation, stating the truth (and being true to your values) is more important than ever. As an educator, I have also honed critical thinking skills, as well as out of the box thinking, which will be useful on the Board of Trustees.
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As a young adult, the challenge of having my life disrupted because of the hard times that fell upon my family also helps me keep things in perspective. I appreciate the true value of even the simplest of things, such as a home, stable living situation, and a quality education. I have sincere empathy for those who are not as fortunate and are struggling, because I have been there. The appreciation for basic necessities is a lesson in which I had to learn the hard way.
It is these values that I hope to bring to the Grand Rapids Township Board of Trustees as the Township Supervisor, and I hope I can earn your vote.
A Brighter Future for
Grand Rapids Township
A Safer GRT:
Our security and well-being is my oath to you.​
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Public Safety: My Top Priority
I am resolute in securing peace of mind for our community by empowering our firefighters ability to respond to emergencies and by reducing access times to EMS and Police Services for all residents. -
Safer Roads
Traffic safety affects everyone. We’ll work hard to ensure safer roads for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. -
Emergency Text Alerts
Safety comes first. We’ll implement text alerts for township residents during emergencies. In critical situations (such as the recent boil water advisory), timely communication is vital. Together, we’ll stay informed and prepared. -
Our Community's Health
I am also committed to safeguarding our clean drinking water, mitigating pollution, and overcoming recycling limitations. -
Collaboration for Community Growth
I believe in teamwork. By partnering with the Kent County Sheriff’s Department, Road Commission, and other stakeholders, we’ll address traffic, safety, and health challenges arising from our community’s growth. Together, we build a stronger, safer future.​
A Smarter GRT:
Lets grow with a purpose for a brighter tomorrow.
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Fiscal Responsibility
I will work effectively and efficiently with our Treasurer's office and Township Board to ensure our budgets stay balanced, that we bring in new sources of revenue for our community, and that we aggressively pursue available grants to improve our community. One of my first goals after assuming office will be to identify budget waste, so we can immediately start making our taxes go further. -
Smart(er) Growth
We’ll adopt forward-thinking planning strategies that consider the long-term impacts of development decisions. Our focus will be on the environment, our society and the township's economy. -
Strategic Enhancements
I’m committed to boosting our home values by improving our parks, ensuring clean water, more recycling options, and attracting quality small businesses into our community. -
Mixed-Use Development
I advocate for vibrant mixed-use developments. By integrating residential, commercial, and institutional spaces, we’ll foster a sense of community. -
Preserving Our Natural Treasures
Green spaces and natural habitats define our township. I’ll champion responsible land use practices, conservation initiatives, and sustainable development strategies. Together, we’ll safeguard and maintain the ecological integrity of our surroundings.
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A Stronger GRT:
We’ll bridge connections to bring unity to our community.
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Live-Streamed Township Meetings
Transparency is essential, which is why I’ll champion live-streaming our township meetings on the internet and social media platforms. Whether you’re at home or on the go, you’ll have real-time access to important discussions and decisions. Your voice matters, and I want you to be part of the conversation. -
Digital Transformation
We will embrace the digital age with digital improvements such as a better website, and social media presence (starting with the platforms we all commonly use - like Facebook and Instagram) to keep everyone informed. -
Coffee Hour Gatherings
Community involvement starts with face-to-face interactions. Coffee hour gatherings at local businesses will give you a chance to share concerns and share ideas with your Township leaders, and meet your neighbors. -
Improvement to Parks
Our township parks are essential for recreation, mental well-being, and community bonding. We will invest in these green spaces, creating more opportunities for families, children, and seniors to connect with nature. -
Walkability and Connectivity
To enhance our quality of life, we’ll expand the network of sidewalks and invest in bike paths. Prioritizing safe pathways where neighbors can connect will allow a healthier, more active lifestyle for our community.
