People Focused.
Modern Solutions.
Results Oriented.
Hello, I'm Justin Sheldon.
I stand before you not just as a candidate, but as a fellow resident who shares your aspirations for our community. I am running for Township Supervisor because I believe in transformative leadership that brings innovative ideas and modern solutions to the forefront.
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 HARD 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 GOER
I met the love of my life, Shan, in my mid-twenties and we moved to West Michigan 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, Liberal Education, 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 Priorities for Grand Rapids Township
Smart Growth
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Adopt comprehensive planning strategies that consider the long-term impacts of development decisions on the environment, economy, and society, ensuring that growth is managed responsibly and in accordance with the values and aspirations of the community.
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Safeguard green spaces, waterways, and natural habitats by promoting responsible land use practices, conservation initiatives, and sustainable development strategies to preserve biodiversity and ecological integrity.
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Expand the network of sidewalks to increase the walkability of the township as well as investing in bike paths.
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Advocate for mixed-use development which combines residential, commercial, and/or institutional uses within close proximity, allowing residents to access daily necessities, services, and amenities within walking distance. This promotes walkability and reduces reliance on cars, leading to healthier and more active lifestyles.
Community Wellness
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Uphold environmental integrity by safeguarding clean drinking water, mitigating pollution, and overcoming recycling limitations.
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Increase investment in and expansion of township parks.
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Modify speed limits to tackle traffic congestion and enhance safety on township roads.
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Collaborate with the county road commission and Sheriff’s Department to address traffic challenges stemming from population growth and other safety concerns.
Community Engagement:
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Introduce a township manager model for efficient, and bi-partisan governance.
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Develop a digital media strategy to foster citizen engagement and outreach, transitioning from paper-based communication to email alternatives with the aim of reducing paper usage and postage cost.
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Organize monthly coffee hour gatherings at local businesses to actively involve the community.
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Implement text alerts for township residents during emergency situations to ensure timely communication and safety awareness.
