KENTWOOD, MI — As the calls ring in at the PROACTIVE office four days before the primary, Kathy Harris is still hoping for a call back.
Since 2020, the executive director of PROACTIVE, a Grand Rapids-based voter education organization, has been trying to meet in person with Kentwood City Clerk Dan Kasnick.
She said it was “crickets” apart from online interactions.
“It was always difficult at Kentwood,” Harris said. “I don't know why.”
Kentwood city staff 'hidden' from in-person meeting, GR voter education group says
When Harris founded PROACTIVE in 2004, he met with then-Grand Rapids city officials and developed a working relationship with their office. In 2020, she expanded her voter “registration, education and mobilization” efforts to Wyoming and Kentwood.
Harris said he “always emphasizes how important our relationships with city officials are” and that he wants to be “transparent” about proactive efforts in various areas.
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Harris said she connected with Clerk Kasnick on a group Zoom call and exchanged emails, but never made time to meet in person. She made multiple requests and recently visited his office at Kentwood City Hall.
“He wasn't there,” Harris said. “Why are they hiding?”
kentwood city
In a statement to FOX 17, Secretary Kasnick referenced the Zoom meeting and email, saying in part:
“I am running my election in accordance with the Michigan Election Code, and as you know, there are many changes this year, including early voting, giving voters more choices and opportunities to vote.
“We appreciate the efforts of bipartisan organizations to educate residents about voter registration and voting options. We are committed to engaging all voters in the election process. , and other resident communications to provide information and ensure that we communicate with residents.'' Community members have the most up-to-date election information. ”
In an interview with FOX 17, Harris responded to Kasnick's comments, saying, “He could have sent me the same information that he sent you.”
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Harris also asked for support from Kentwood's mayor and said she hopes to work with Kasnick and the city clerk's office.
“If they want to communicate, give us a call, let us know, send us an email, say something,” Harris said. “We're going to do the job.”
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For more information on the Kentwood City primary, click here.
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