Elections: Grand Rapids City Commission GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WZZM)- Voters will decide three city commission races today in Grand Rapids. In the 2nd ward, Rosalyn Bliss will run unopposed. But that's not the case in the first ward, or the 3rd ward. In those areas, the incumbents are facing challengers. The first ward includes most of the city's west side with nearly 66,000 residents. 55-year-old Jim Jendrasiak is seeking his fourth term. He faces 30-year-old bank manager Dave Shaffer who narrowly lost the election four years ago. Jendrasiak says he has invaluable experience dealing with complicated funding and management issues. Shaffer says he thinks he could bring people together to move the west side forward. Meanwhile, in the third ward, Carol Townsend is challenging incumbent James White. He has been on the commission since 2006 and filled the seat vacated by Scott Bowen. Townsend has a long history of community involvement and is focusing her campaign on improving neighborhoods, and getting the people involved in government again. Polls are open 7 a.m.- 8 p.m. Tuesday. To find your polling location, click here. Check back for election results from across West Michigan here on our website as soon as they start coming in. by Jennifer Pascua
11/3/2009 7:20:26 AM
