Common Good Conversations

Meet Common Good Candidate Abby Klomparens for State Representative (District 86)

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1933067/open_sms] Meet an extraordinary-ordinary Michigander committed to the Common Good for West Michigan. Abby Klomparens for State Representative [https://voteklomparens.com/] in District 86 includes the Greater Holland area and portions of Allegan County. In this episode you'll learn how to properly pronounce another Dutch last-name (Klomp-ar-ens), why the election of former President Trump was a catalyst for Abby's political involvement, and why she's challenging Republican incumbent Nancy DeBoer. -- Follow us on our socials with Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/vcgwestmichigan], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/votecommongood.westmichigan/], and YouTube [https://youtube.com/@votecommongood-westmichiga6472?si=OkYWSfUEyCgPzPkL]! Support the show [https://www.votecommongood-wm.org/donate] Follow us on Facebook at Vote Common Good - primary [https://www.facebook.com/vcgwestmichigan]

"After two years of far-right rule in a Michigan county, one chance to change it" - with The Washington Post

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1933067/open_sms] Nick and Shawn had the privilege of being in conversation with Washington Post reporter Patrick Marley. Patrick writes about voting issues in the Upper Midwest and wrote a series of stories covering how divisive, Trump-style politics came to Ottawa County [https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/08/11/michigan-county-far-right-commission-election/] through Ottawa Impact. In this episode you'll learn about the Washington Post's series called Democracy in America, how moderate Republicans and some Democrats mobilized against Ottawa Impact and fought back, and how eating BBQ is a form of patriotism. To learn more about the Washington Post's coverage of Ottawa Impact you can listen to our November 2023 episode called Why is the Washington Post covering the politics of Ottawa County? [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1933067/13951087] -- Note: Ottawa Impact lost it's majority on the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners after the August 6th primary election. The four that remain through the general election are Joe Moss, Sylvia Rhodea, Kendra Wenzel, and Allison Miedema.   Support the show [https://www.votecommongood-wm.org/donate] Follow us on Facebook at Vote Common Good - primary [https://www.facebook.com/vcgwestmichigan]

2024 Election Guide: What Happened to my Ottawa GOP?

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1933067/open_sms] Over the previous year I've had the privilege of being in conversation with a handful of well established Republicans in Ottawa County to help me understand the state of local politics. The central question that I wanted to answer — and understand from their point of view — was:  What happened to my Ottawa GOP? Support the show [https://www.votecommongood-wm.org/donate] Follow us on Facebook at Vote Common Good - primary [https://www.facebook.com/vcgwestmichigan]

Economics Guru Dr. Paul Isley talks about West Michigan's Economy

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1933067/open_sms] Nick and Shawn had the privilege of being in conversation with Dr. Paul Isely the Associate Dean and Professor of Economics for the Seidman College of Business at Grand Valley State University. For nearly a decade Dr. Isley has become somewhat of an economics guru in West Michigan as employers have used his historically accurate economic findings to help guide their business decisions.  In this episode you'll learn about the cause of recent inflation, the power of consumer spending versus government spending, and how to grow West Michigan's economy.  Support the show [https://www.votecommongood-wm.org/donate] Follow us on Facebook at Vote Common Good - primary [https://www.facebook.com/vcgwestmichigan]

Meet Common Good Candidate Doug Zylstra running for Ottawa County Board of Commissioners in District 3 (Holland)

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1933067/open_sms] Hey, Everybody! Nick and Shawn had the privilege of being in conversation with Doug Zylstra. Doug is the incumbent Ottawa County Board Commissioner representing District 3 (Holland) as a Democrat serving in his 3rd, 2-year term. In this episode you'll learn why it was important for Doug to foster dialogue with the Ottawa Impact Commissioners, what it means to have a record-breaking 2 Democrats on the Board of Commissioners, and if Doug is a "woke" Democrat or not. Show Notes: Listen to episodes about What Happened to my Ottawa GOP [https://www.votecommongood-wm.org/2o24-elections]. Support the show [https://www.votecommongood-wm.org/donate] Follow us on Facebook at Vote Common Good - primary [https://www.facebook.com/vcgwestmichigan]