Ron Draayer of Kentwood is the Democrat who has filed to run for 72nd District State Representative.
Draayer, who has taught business for 40 years at Davenport University and lists cyber security as his specialty, will be alone on the ballot in the Aug. 7 primary election. However, he will face one of two Republicans, incumbent Steve Johnson and challenger Jennifer Antel, in the November general election.
When he introduced himself to the Wayland City Council Monday evening, he told everyone he was preparing to take a trip to Texas Tuesday with his students in the Davenport chapter of the Business Professionals of America (BPA).
However, Draayer said perhaps the most important state issues are roads, the environment and education .
“We need to step up our game in terms of education,” he told the council.
Draayer’s campaign is sponsoring a special clean water, waste management and natural resources rally at the Roosevelt Beach Pavilion at Gun Lake from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, May 21. he said many area experts on environmental issues will be on hand to answer questions and present information.
The 72nd District includes the City of Wayland and Wayland, Leighton and Dorr Townships in Allegan County and the City of Kentwood and Gaines Township in Kent County.
Please refer to Ms. Antel as “Unaffiliated” as to political party, as is posted on the county of Allegan voter registration information. She evidently didn’t desire to identify as a Democrat or Republican when she registered to vote. Maybe the President of the Allegan Republican Party, Joshua Leatherman, should be consulted if she is now declared a Republican and is considered as one.
Her actions and subsequent voting on matters on the Wayland City Council certainly don’t reflect a Republican mindset. She is probably the most liberal person on the City Council. She will be a Republican in name only and if she wins in the primary, will go to Lansing as a liberal.
Rep. Steve Johnson is a Republican and has never declared himself anything else. He’s done a commendable job in Lansing and has represented us well. He deserves another term.