7/6/08 Report from the Campaign Trail
Having knocked on over 2,000 doors since the end of May, it is clear that the people I have spoken with are very concerned about the state of the economy, rising fuel and food prices and the overall quality of life in Grand Rapids.  While unfortunately a County Commissioner cannot have a direct impact on the price of gas or the problems we face at the state and national level,  I have focused on trying to do insure that Kent County does not contribute to the financial burdens that many families and individuals are facing.

There is no reason that Kent County should be adding extra costs to taxpayers during these difficult economic times. We have the largest budget surplus in the state and an efficient, dedicated workforce. I will continue to oppose increased fees for our parks and recreational areas and am committed to returning taxpayer dollars to the city of Grand Rapids. I appreciate all of the input I have received thus far and look forward to speaking with thousands more residents before November.

5/19/08 Dillon Files for Re-election, Receives Public Safety Endorsements
Commissioner Dillon officially filed for re-election recently and is eager to begin campaigning door to door this summer and fall. After announcing his intention to run for the seat he won in 2006, Brandon received the support of the Grand Rapids Police Officers Association, the Kent County Law Enforcement Association and the Grand Rapids Firefighters Local 366.

12/27/07 Kent County Board to Consider Fee Increases for Parks, John Ball Zoo
The Kent County Board of Commissioners is slated to consider two packages of large fee increases at area parks and at John Ball Park Zoo in its first meeting of 2008 on January 3rd. For the Zoo, an increase of $1.50 for children and adults is being sought, as well as a $2.00 increase for seniors. The total amount requested represents a nearly 35% increase over current admission fees. For seniors the increase is nearly 45%. The County is also proposing a more modest increase in rentals for campgrounds, picnic areas and shelter houses.

Commissioner Dillon plans to vote against these proposals.

MORE NEWS

Dillon and Colleagues Present Policy for
Increased Public Disclosure

On Thursday, October 28, Commissioner Dillon and 4 of his colleagues on the County Commission presented a proposed policy for consideration by the full Kent County Board of Commissioners to encourage more proactive disclosure of public health information. You can read the GR Press story here:

http://www.mlive.com/news/grpress/index.ssf