Together we grow.
Together we thrive.
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 stand before you with a clear purpose: to lead Grand Rapids Township toward a brighter future.
My platform is built on three key pillars that resonate with every neighbor, every family, and every business.
Focus on People
Community wellness and safety are at the heart of my mission. Thoughtful planning, preservation of natural treasures, and walkability—these aren’t just buzzwords; they’re the foundation of a thriving, connected community.
Modern Solutions
Growth isn’t just about development; it’s about progress with a purpose. We will implement innovative ideas to address future challenges. Whether it’s mixed-use development, solving recycling challenges, or embracing digital transitions, we’ll move forward together.
Results-Driven
Transparency matters. I'll champion live-streamed township meetings, community coffee hours, and emergency text alerts. I will collaborate with local partners to address current and future challenges. Our decisions impact lives, and I’m committed to ensuring that every voice is heard.
Join me in shaping Grand Rapids Township’s future. Together, we’ll build a community where everyone thrives!
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, 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 Vision for Grand Rapids Township
Smart Growth for Our Community
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Thoughtful Planning: We’ll adopt forward-thinking planning strategies that consider the long-term impacts of development decisions. Our focus will be on the environment, economy, and society. Responsible growth management ensures that our community thrives while preserving our core values and aspirations.
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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 biodiversity and maintain the ecological integrity of our surroundings.
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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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Mixed-Use Development: I advocate for vibrant mixed-use developments. By integrating residential, commercial, and institutional spaces, we’ll foster a sense of community. Residents will have easy access to daily necessities, services, and amenities. This approach reduces reliance on cars and promotes a thriving, interconnected neighborhood.
Community Wellness & Safety
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Preserving Our Environment: We are committed to safeguarding our clean drinking water, mitigating pollution, and overcoming recycling limitations. By prioritizing environmental integrity, we ensure a healthier future for our community.
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Expanding Green Spaces: 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.
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Safer Roads, Smoother Commutes: Traffic congestion affects everyone. We’ll work hard to ensure smoother commutes as well as 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.
Engagement: Connecting Our Community
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Digital Transition: Let’s embrace the digital age. A robust digital media strategy (starting with the platforms we all commonly use - like Facebook and Instagram) will be undertaken and we will replace paper- and sign-up based communication to reduce paper usage and postage costs. Our goal is efficient, eco-friendly communication that keeps everyone informed.
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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.
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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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Emergency Text Alerts: Safety comes first. We’ll implement text alerts for township residents during emergencies. Whether it’s severe weather, road closures, or other critical situations (such as the recent boil water advisory), timely communication is vital. Together, we’ll stay informed and prepared.
