Thank you supporters
The voters of Grand Rapids have spoken, and I respect their collective decision. Congratulations to Mayor Heartwell on earning his second term, and I sincerely wish him the best in his next four years of leading this city.
I set out in this race to return the city government to the people. I hope that my efforts have not been in vain, for it is the well-being of Grand Rapids that motivated me to run for mayor in the first place. My campaign has been based on openness and transparency, on the education of our future leaders, and on thinking 'smart' as opposed to thinking 'cool'. I wish my city, Grand Rapids the very best.
Throughout my campaign, I was touched by the numerous expressions of support and kindness that I received. I also am extremely grateful for the amazing efforts of my regiment of volunteers. Jeff Winston did a great job of directing the campaign despite its limited resources, and I am very thankful for his work. I must also thank my wife, Debra, for her support through two elections; I now promise to finish cleaning the basement.
This website will be up for at least a while longer, so you are welcome to email any comments to me. I would like to think that everybody, especially me, can learn something from this election. Thank you again for your support, both in this election and in the past.
Primary Election - VOTE Today
Now is the time to show your support for Jim Rinck. Please vote in today's Primary Election. If you are an undecided voter, please browse my website. I believe in providing as much information about me and my plans for Grand Rapids so that you a can be a well-informed voter. I hope that you agree. -Jim
Tormala accused of fraud
Rick Tormala's mayoral campaign has been accused of fraud and trademark violations in a story published on Democratic Edge, a community political blog. Democratic Edge provides pictures as evidence of a fraudulent union label on Tormala's yard signs. Jim Rinck had this to say about the scandal, "If this allegation is true, Tormala should drop out of the race and resign from the City Commission. We need to hold our elected officials to a high standard of conduct and I don't believe that fraud and forgery are acceptable".
Jim on the Rick & Scott Show
Listen to Jim Rinck on WOOD Radio's Rick & Scott Show - Original show aired 8/2/07. Click here to Listen
Listen to WGVU Radio Debate
WGVU Radio's Fred Martino hosted the two-hour radio debate of Grand Rapids mayoral candidates Jim Rinck, George Heartwell, Rick Tormala, and Jackie Miller which aired on Friday, July 27, 2007. You can listen to the entire debate here in two parts. Click here for the 1st Hour and here for the 2nd hour.
Watch the WOOD-TV Interview
Click here to watch Jim's entire interview with WOOD-TV's Joe LaFurgey and learn more about his vision for a better Grand Rapids.
Getting along with Jim Rinck
Critics of Jim Rinck often claim that as a member of the Grand Rapids Board of Education, he has had trouble 'Getting along with others' on the board. When asked about this criticism, Mr. Rinck says, "There is a HUGE difference between GETTING ALONG WITH and GOING ALONG WITH. Often issues that come before the board are not easy issues. I do not believe in going with the flow to make my job easier. I want to know ALL of the details of an issue, I want to examine the impact to our schools, students, parents, teachers, and our city. I won't vote for an issue just because one position may be more popular than the other, that is GOING ALONG WITH. I vote my conscience; I vote for what I truly believe to be in the best interests of everyone. Sure, they call me 'combative', they call me 'hard to get along with', and it doesn't bother me, it reminds me that I am doing what I was elected to do. I do not trade my vote, I do not vote as a favor to a fellow board member, I vote on behalf of the families of Grand Rapids".
Mr. Rinck has continually been elected to served on the Grand Rapids Board of Education for the last 14 years.
Jim Rinck Believes In Open
and Transparent Government
As your next Mayor, Jim Rinck will not sign secret confidentiality deals with developers or anyone else. This is your city and you have the right to know what deals your city leaders are doing. Jim Rinck will also not support the selling of valuable revenue generating city property, like our city owned green-spaces or parking ramps and lots, for a one-time infusion of cash for the city. Read More...
George Heartwell Tries to Schmooze Democrats
George Heartwell made a very rare appearance at the Kent County Democratic Party's June meeting. Mr. Heartwell began his opening statement by claiming that all three candidates for Mayor are Democrats (himself included). This is an ironic turn of events coming from a man who has continually claimed to be an independent. In fact, according to Kent County Democratic Party chairwoman Sue Levy, neither George Heartwell nor Rick Tormala are members of the Democratic Party.
Party affiliation is not an issue in this non-partisan race. So pretending to be a member or supporter of one party over another is nothing more than a cheap and dishonest campaign tactic. When Jim Rinck attended the Kent County Republican meeting, he began by introducing himself as a Democrat before emphasizing the non-partisan nature of a mayoral race.
This is just like earlier this year when Heartwell made an appearance at a UAW event, touting his support for unions and four days later bashing unions at a Rotary Club function. Heartwell campaigns like a chameleon; he pretends to be whatever the crowd wants him to be. This dishonesty is indicative of the Heartwell administration.
Rick Tormala Enters Race for Grand Rapids Mayor
City Commissioner Rick Tormala enters race for mayor. Read More...
The Super Spectacular School / Scout Paper Drive
Click here for more info.
An Open Letter to the Residents of Grand Rapids
RE: Ash Trees
For those of you who have reviewed this site before, know that I have advocated an aggressive tree planting program to improve our city’s environment and its quality of life. Recently, a number of ash trees in the City of Grand Rapids have fallen victim to the emerald ash borer, a pest which came to our fair land from China. City officials, as well as other sources, have talked about programs to save the affected ash trees. Unfortunately, that is simply throwing good money after bad. I have consulted with Martin Andree; he is a long-time resident of the Grand Rapids area who is a recognized expert in entomology. He has informed me that the ash tree is 30 percent of Michigan ’s forest cover and that every ash tree in our state is going to die as a result of the emerald ash borer. Treatments to try and preserve these trees are, according to him, essentially useless.
This City and its citizens deserve to have a forested city which improves the health and atmosphere of our community. However, we also have to face reality. The most logical course of action is to remove the affected trees as soon as possible and to quickly replace them with fast-growing varieties of trees. I have done similar work at my own home and at Riverside Middle School , where the Boy Scout Troop which I lead works to improve the grounds every year. If you visit the area of the North Building , you will see thriving Hybrid Chestnuts, Paw Paws and Persimmon trees, as well as a Tulip Tree and a Korean Mountain Ash (which is borer resistant). If properly cared for, some of these trees will grow one-two feet per year, and they soon will be providing ample shade when the older trees in the area eventually come down. Planting different varieties of trees also provides the biodiversity which will prevent areas of the City from being denuded if another tree pest or disease comes along. We need to plan now to ensure ample forest cover for future citizens of Grand Rapids . We plant trees not just for ourselves, but for the future.
Losing a large tree in your yard is like losing a close friend in many ways. Being told that a close friend is dying is not at all pleasant. But being a real leader requires dealing with the unpleasant and then trying to remedy the situation in the most reasonable and cost-effective way possible. You be the judge as to which mayoral candidate is doing that. And, by the way, I’ll share my catalogue of exotic trees with you if you like—just contact me.
Very truly yours,
James R. Rinck
Jim visits the Kent County Republican party meeting on 4/17/2007
Want to catch-up on what Mayor Heartwell has been doing
The Heartwell Watch in now up and running. Read More...
Jim Rinck to push for increased rail service to Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids mayoral candidate Jim Rinck plans to increase rail service to Grand Rapids, “The first step is to increase the number of trains between Grand Rapids and Chicago. Increased rail traffic will equate to an increase in visitors and an increase in revenues for Grand Rapids. Just adding one additional train per day will make West Michigan more accessible to our neighboring states”. Read More...
Mayoral challenger to dine for charity with Mayor
Grand Rapids mayoral candidate Jim Rinck was the high bidder at this past weekend’s annual City High School fundraising auction for a dinner with Mayor Heartwell. Heartwell donated a ‘Dinner with the Mayor’ as an item to be auctioned off at this year’s annual fundraising event. Read More...
Jim Rinck Announces his candidacy for Grand Rapids Mayor
Attorney Jim Rinck has formally announced his candidacy for the upcoming mayoral race for the city of Grand Rapids. Mr. Rinck believes firmly in the community in which he was born and raised. Rinck attended Northview High School and Calvin College; he graduated with honors from both schools. Mr. Rinck went on to study law at the University of Illinois Law School. Mr. Rinck has also served the Grand Rapids School Board for 13 years. Jim Rinck has been a source of leadership in his community and cares deeply for Grand Rapids and its prosperity. Read More...
