Commissioners | East Grand Rapids, MI - Official Website

Kate is from central Ohio. She has lived with her family in East Grand Rapids since 2018.

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Kate is a small business owner and works in state government relations in Lansing. 

Kate Skaggs is currently the First Ward City Commissioner for East Grand Rapids. She was appointed in July 2024. Previously, she was appointed to the East Grand Rapids Parks Commission in 2020 and served for four years, including two years as Chair.

As a city commissioner, secured state budget funding for the Kent County Sustainable Business Park.

- As a city commissioner, secured state budget funding for the Kent County Sustainable Business Park.

Economy

As of August 14, 2025, Kate Skaggs did not have a website or any information online.

Housing & Urban Development

Supports expanding and automating Michigan's expungement law to improve reintegration and reduce reoffending.

- Supports expanding and automating Michigan's expungement law to improve reintegration and reduce reoffending.

Public Safety

Healthcare

Supports revitalizing public playgrounds and parks.

- Supports revitalizing public playgrounds and parks.

Public Services

Energy & the Environment

Transportation & Infrastructure

LinkedIn

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Kate Skaggs

As city commissioner, secured state budget funding for the Kent County Sustainable Business Park.

Kate Skaggs is from central Ohio. She lives with her family in East Grand Rapids.

Kate is currently the First Ward City Commissioner for East Grand Rapids. She was appointed in July 2024 and her term ends in December 2025. Previously, she was appointed to the East Grand Rapids Parks Commission in 2020 and served for four years, including two years as Chair.

Buket Urgen

Jonathan J. Paasch holds an associate's degree in criminal justice from Grand Rapids Community College, a bachelor's degree in business administration from Cornerstone University, and a law degree from Cooley Law School. He is a "Ones to Watch” award recipient in the Best Lawyers directory and a "Top Lawyer” award recipient in the Grand Rapids Magazine. 

Jonathan works as an attorney and is partner at Kopek Law. He is also an adjunct Professor of Criminal Law, Grand Valley State University. He is a former police officer and worked as associate general counsel at Challenge Manufacturing and a senior trial attorney at Allstate in Chicago. 

Election results for Grand Rapids-area races for Aug. 6, 2024 - mlive ...

Jonathan currently serves as a Kent County District Court judge. He was elected in 2024 and is serving his first term. He previously ran for Grand Rapids City Commissioner, Ward 1 in 2024 but did not win. 

- Opposes government waste and corruption.

As of August 14, 2025, Jonathan J. Paasch did not have a website or any information online.

Said, "I am tired of politics. I am not the most sociable or the most likable candidate. I simply want to follow the law—and I want our City to do the same. Unfortunately, that seems out of fashion today. Too often, people follow their feelings rather than the law. That is not how I am built."

Said, "I am tired of politics. I am not the most sociable or the most likable candidate. I simply want to follow the law—and I want our City to do the same...that seems out of fashion today...people follow their feelings rather than the law. That is not how I am built."

Said, "A large federal government leads to an oversized Executive Branch resulting in a powerful President. For decades the Democrat Party expanded the federal government, now they complain when the President uses the extensive authority that comes with an overinflated branch."

Believes "the President uses the extensive authority that comes with an overinflated branch."

- Said, "I am tired of politics. I am not the most sociable or the most likable candidate. I simply want to follow the law—and I want our City to do the same...that seems out of fashion today...people follow their feelings rather than the law. That is not how I am built."
- Believes "the President uses the extensive authority that comes with an overinflated branch."

Jonathan J. Paasch

Jonathan previously ran for Grand Rapids City Commissioner, Ward 1 in 2024 but did not win. He is currently a Kent County District Court judge, having been elected in 2024.

- City commissioners in Michigan help make city-level laws, approve budgets, and oversee city services to serve the community’s needs. 
- Commissioners attend regular meetings, listen to public concerns, and vote on city issues like zoning, public safety, and spending. They also appoint and direct officials, like the city manager.
- City commissioners may be elected in partisan elections or nonpartisan elections, depending on the city. They may represent either the whole city or residents of a specific district. 
- Terms for city council members often last two or four years, depending on the city.