Fresh Leadership for a Better Tomorrow
Hello, I’m Justin Sheldon and I've lived in our Township since 2012. As a fellow resident who shares your aspirations for our community, I'm running for Township Supervisor to lead Grand Rapids Charter Township toward a brighter future.
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Here's my commitment to
every neighbor, every family, every business...
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We'll Grow with a Purpose
Championing our community’s future prosperity is at the heart of my mission. Our township's population has grown by 36% since 2000! Supporting thoughtful planning, and a safer, more active community is something we can all rally behind.
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Let's Bring Modern Solutions
We will implement innovative ideas to address future challenges. Whether it's mixed-use development, solving public safety needs, recycling challenges, or embracing digital transitions, we’ll move forward as a community.
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I'll Focus on People
We will optimize our public safety & communications infrastructure and collaborate with local partners to deliver the results our community deserves. Transparency matters – that’s why I'll champion live-streamed township meetings, and community coffee hours. Our decisions impact lives, and I’m committed to ensuring that every voice is heard.
Join me in shaping the next chapter of Grand Rapids Township's story. Together, we’ll build a better community & improve our day-to-day lives!
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 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. 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. 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.
My Vision for a Flourishing
Grand Rapids Township
Lets grow with a purpose for a brighter tomorrow.
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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.
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Strategic Enhancements: I’m committed to boosting our home values by improving our parks, ensuring clean water, more recycling options, and attracting quality businesses into our community.
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Mixed-Use Development: I advocate for vibrant mixed-use developments. By integrating residential, commercial, and institutional spaces, we’ll foster a sense of community.
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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.
Our wellness, safety and security is my oath to you.
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Preserving Our Environment: 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. I am also committed to safeguarding our clean drinking water, mitigating pollution, and overcoming recycling limitations.
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Public Safety: I am resolute in securing peace of mind for our community by assuring timely access to Fire Department, EMS, and Police Services for all residents. Safety is our top priority.
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Safer Roads: Traffic safety affects everyone. We’ll work hard to ensure safer roads for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.
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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.
We’ll bridge connections to bring unity to our community.
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Live-Streaming Township Meetings: Transparency is essential. 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. We will embrace the digital age with better social media presence (starting with the platforms we all commonly use - like Facebook and Instagram) to keep everyone informed.
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Coffee Hour Gatherings: Community involvement starts with face-to-face interactions. Coffee hour gatherings at local businesses will give you a chance to meet your neighbors, share ideas, and discuss what matters most.
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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.
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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.
