EDITOR’S NOTE: Townbroadcast incorrectly published this story this past weekend with wrong information that Abe Garcia was seeking re-election. The incumbent councilwoman seeking another two-year term actually is Tracy Bivins.
The year 2023 is referred to as an off-year election, and the biggest day of decision this year will be Tuesday, No. 7, in these parts.
Featured will be an election of three City Council members and a bond proposal for Martin Public Schools.
The council race will be a four-for-three affair that includes two newcomers and two incumbents. The newcomers are Jerry Jansen III and Grace Sefranik. The incumbents are Tracy Bivins and Steve Stepek. The seats are for two years, expiring in November 2025.
Council members Abe Garcia, Joe Kramer and Norm Taylor won their positions in the November 2022 vote and won’t have to run again until one year hence. The same is true for Mayor Jennifer Antel.
The following is a sketch of each of the four candidates on the Nov. 7 ballot:
Tracy Bivins
Tracy Bivins has had an on-again, off-again relationship with the City Council. She was first elected in 2012 and was re-elected in 2014 and 2016, but resigned in 2018 because of health issues. She returned to council in 2020, appointed to succeed the late Gary Smith.
A lifelong resident of Wayland and a Wayland High School graduate, she and her husband Mark live on Sycamore Street. One of their daughters, Autumn was only recently sworn in to be a deputy with the Allegan County Sheriff’s Department.
Jerry Jansen III
Jerry Jansen III was born and raised in Wayland Township and his parents have owned the United Collision business. He graduated from Wayland High School in 2013 is is finishing work on a degree in business administration from Grand Rapids Community College.
Jansen has been active n the community through coaching youth football, volunteer work and frequenting the city’s small businesses.
He and his wife Shelby have two daughters.
“I believe that by promoting the involvement of our community as opposed to hiding from it, we can create a renewed sense of pride in our city as well as accountability for our officials,” he commented. “It will be one of my personal goals to help create a business-friendly environment here in Wayland instead of one of hassle and discord.”
Grace Sefranik
Not really a newcomer, Grace Sefranik ran for a council seat a year ago and just missed by 49 votes.
She insisted that she will bring bipartisanship to the council.
“We pick a side—right or left—and hope that someone good runs on our side,” she said. “But if not, we’re committed to our side and we’re going to vote for our side regardless! If nothing else, how many of us have said some really unsavory things about the ‘other side?’ Voting outside of your political party would be humbling for many.
She added that Americans have “gotten so stuck on party affiliation that we’ve closed our eyes to the wrongs of our own party while we’re busy pointing fingers at the other side. If you ask me, both parties are two sides of the same disappointing coin.”
She has indicated she believes the quest for power has overcome service to common everyday folks. She is an advocate for term limits.
“If we’d just take a minute to breathe and listen and refuse to buy into the lie that we have to be divided… we would probably find that it’s not always me the good guy versus them the bad guy so much as two frustrated, tired people who are just sick of it all.”
Sefranik, a frequent attendee at council meetings, grew up in the Hopkins area and was home schooled. She and her husband have two children.
Steve Stepek
While technically an incumbent, Stepek is the newest City Council member, having been appointed to the council a year ago to succeed Mayor Jennifer Antel, who had to resign in order to run for mayor. He served on the City Planning Commission for a year before that.
He has a bachelor’s degree in geography and planning, and a master of public administration degree from Grand Valley State University. He is now executive director of the Metropolitan Planning Organization for the Kalamazoo area and a part-time adjunct professor.
“My 20-year career has focused on the development of public infrastructure, collaboration among local governments, and securing funding,” he said. “I hope to use all this experience to help better the Wayland community.”
His wife, Erin, is a teacher and they have two children in the Wayland Union school system. Xander is a member of the marching band and the No. 3 runner on the Wildcats’ varsity cross-country team.
“When we needed to move closer to my place of employment, we carefully researched the surrounding areas and chose Wayland for its walkable community, engaging town activities and good schools,” Stepek said. “Over time, my family has become very involved in our community. From volunteering for the Planning Commission, City Council, various downtown events, youth sports, working on the school bond issue, or just visiting one of our many local businesses, it is very likely you’ve seen a member of the Stepek family out and about in the city!”
He added, “I’ve become familiar with where the city excels, as well as areas that we can partner to improve. Wayland is a strong and vibrant city that has incredible potential, and I will continue to use my experience and skills to support public infrastructure and business development.”
