Jim's Vision for Grand Rapids

The Grand Rapids Promise

We've all seen and heard of the success of the now famous KALAMAZOO promise. Since it's inception, hundreds of new families have returned or moved to Kalamazoo and that city has been infused with new families, more diversity, and new revenue streams. Education is the ultimate equalizer; I believe that with the proper leadership, Grand Rapids can do the same and do it without any additional taxation to the residents. Deals such as these do not just happen spontaneously. Strong Leadership is required to solicit philanthropic donors and bring them to the table. I have already begun the ground work to give the children and families of Grand Rapids every opportunity to succeed in our community. As with all things, Grand Rapids will do it even better. My GRAND RAPIDS PROMISE will not be limited only public school graduates. I would like to include Catholic and Christian school students as well. After all, we are all ONE Community.

Education is the key to growth and progress. Jim Rinck is actively seeking funding to provide FREE college education for the graduates of Grand Rapids Public, Christian, and Catholic high schools.

Focus on issues that matter

Grand Rapids does not need a downtown trolley. What it does need is an increase in Amtrak trains to Chicago and the creation of new routes to Lansing and Detroit. With the new medical corridor soon to open, we need to provide a better mass transit system to accommodate the students, patients, and visitors.

Fiscal Responsibility and Transparency

We need to STOP THE SECRETS. Currently our elected officials act as if Grand Rapids is theirs and theirs alone. They have forgotten that the city belongs to the people and that they are merely stewards. 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 sell valuable revenue generating city property, like our city owned park space or parking ramps and lots, for a one-time infusion of cash for the city. These properties generate nearly $7 million per year for the city. Selling these assets for a one-time payment of $40 million is irresponsible.

It’s not easy being green... but the hard work pays off.

Jim Rinck is a huge advocate of our city parks, pools, and green spaces. As Mayor, he will implement his plans to preserve our parks and increase the number of trees throughout the city. Trees absorb and filter many of the pollutants and toxins in our air while providing a beautiful landscape. Did you know that the city of Detroit is recognized as a TREE CITY USA by the Arbor Day Foundation and Grand Rapids is not. Grand Rapids has some of the most beautiful green-space in the state and it is being seriously under-utilized.

Common sense cost cutting measures

At a time of record fuel costs, we see city vehicles left running, in some cases unattended, wasting our valuable resources and ruining our environment. Jim Rinck as Mayor will immediately put new rules in place to limit the amount of time our city vehicles can sit with the engine running and reduce our wasteful fuel expenses. As the longest serving member on the Grand Rapids Board of Education, Jim Rinck has already acted to impose this new rule for Grand Rapids Public Schools. This is just one example of Rinck’s commitment to preserving our funds, and our environment.

Communication and Dialogue with the community

Jim Rinck wants to learn the real issues from our police officers, firefighters, and city workers who keep our city running; not just from department supervisors and city bureaucrats. Rinck is committed to keeping an open dialogue with our city labor unions who represent our city employees.

The opinion of the people of Grand Rapids is paramount to the success and prosperity of Grand Rapids' future. Jim Rinck will opose any rule changes or suspensions that violate the people's ability to provide input on important decisions like selling city parks like Indian Trails Golf Course.

Leadership and Direction

Jim Rinck has been a leader in our community for over 14 years. His tenure on the Grand Rapids Board of Education and the Downtown Development Authority have provided sound judgement and responsibility for our Public Schools and the direction of Grand Rapids. Grand Rapids needs Jim’s diverse experience and leadership.

Learn more about Jim and where he stands on the issues by contacting his campaign office at 616.780.5174 or by attending one of his upcoming events.