Money Talks: Who's Backing Whom in Portage's Big Vote?
In Portage, the upcoming city council and mayoral elections are heating up, and money is playing a big role.
The Candidates and the Issues
- City Council: Seven candidates are competing for three seats.
- Mayoral Race: Patricia Randall (incumbent) vs. Nasim Ansari.
The main issue? A new trash hauling rule.
The Controversial Trash Deal
The city recently decided to use only one trash company, Waste Management, for five years—a deal worth $29.4 million.
But not everyone is happy.
- Best Way Disposal, a local company, thinks the rule is unfair.
- They want residents to have a choice.
Money and Alliances
The Balkema family (owners of Best Way) are supporting candidates who agree with them. They've given over $16,400 to candidates like:
- Jay Woodhams
- Jason Mikkelborg
- Kathleen Olmstead
- Nasim Ansari
On the other side, some candidates have support from:
- Democratic leaders
- Business owners
Mayor Randall and councilmember Jihan Young have received donations from:
- State representatives
- Local business leaders
The Numbers Don't Lie
Looking at the campaign contributions:
| Candidate | Amount Raised | Key Supporters |
|---|---|---|
| Jay Woodhams | Over $6,700 | Best Way employees |
| Kathleen Olmstead | Over $6,600 | Balkema family |
| Nasim Ansari | Over $16,000 | Best Way manager, Balkema family |
| Patricia Randall | Over $19,700 | Councilmembers, state reps, business leaders |
Kalamazoo: A Different Story
In Kalamazoo, candidates raised less money than in Portage. Some haven't even filed financial reports yet. Those who did raised smaller donations, mostly from:
- Local residents
- Local businesses
The Bigger Picture
This election shows how money influences local politics. It's not just about parties—it's about who supports whom and why.
Voters need to pay attention to where candidates' money comes from. It can tell a lot about who they might represent if elected.
