AmericanPapist Comments
I find it interesting that he's classified as "against the environment" when the company his family helped found is pretty committed to environmentally-friendly products. They talk about the products being environmentally friendly with great pride, so I'm not sure where that one comment came from.
I don't personally know the DeVoses, but they have always come across as very genuine and sincere people when I've heard them speak. I have Rich DeVos' book "Compassionate Capitalism," and he seems quite committed to a Christian life.
He would certainly bring some business savy back to the state. But watch out, if he's elected, the republicans in the state legislature may be a bigger problem for him than the zebra muscle!
Dick DeVos is recommended by Harry Veryser, which makes him tops in my book. DeVos comes from the west side of the state, and is known for helping rennovate the urban blight of Grand Rapids. I don't think he will be as "in-your-face" as Governor Engler was, but he will still be a shock to the liberals around Detroit.
Aw, great man Herry Veryser. How do you know him SPB?
A box of SA-8 in every house!
I know him from Ave... Think about the initials and a clever guy like you can figure out who I am, Tom. Give my best to your Dad & Mom, & Fr. Ed.
The DeVos family has done a lot for the local area, especially making downtown attractive and beatuiful again after the devestation of the 60's' "urban renewal." I have not seen the economic shortfallings as much in GR as opposed to the rest of the state, and I think it is largely due to the many conservative minded people like Mr. Devos.
So far...he has my vote!
all of us living in the greater - by which i mean larger - Detroit area owe it to our neighbors, co-workers, parents, and families to really pay attention to the issues and chose the right man for Governor this coming election!
it is encouraging to hear your comments from the western side of the state Brendan.
Re: the above comments about "Urban blight" and the clean-up of GR. You're right. GR is looking pretty snazzy these days. I can tell you one thing for certain, the clean-up of many neighborhoods in Grand Rapids has absolutely nothing to do with Dick Devos. It has way more to the efforts of the Steelcase and Frey Foundations, and the never-ending efforts of the Grand Rapids Community Foundation and the Downtown Development Authority. Devos had little or nothing to do with many of the neighborhood revitalization projects happening on in EGR, or the Wealthy Street renovation or Cherry St. projects.
Furthermore, the core of Grand Rapids is filled with LIBERAL CATHOLIC DEMOCRATS. I seriously doubt Devos will win GR. No one I've spoken with in GR is voting for him.
Re: "I can tell you one thing for certain, the clean-up of many neighborhoods in Grand Rapids has absolutely nothing to do with Dick Devos."
This comment needs to be addressed because it is simply incorrect. Mr. DeVos began/chaired the Grand Action Committee, leading the charge on the Arena and subsequently the Convention center. These two projects - perhaps the Arena in particular - deserve credit as the catalyst for all the other developments that ensued. It seems safe to say that Dick DeVos' leadership and commitment on even just those two projects created an environment in which so many other projects and businesses could grow. (The B.O.B., the success of the businesses on Ionia, and the phenomenal increase in housing projects are just a few specific examples). All of this and I still have not made mention of the generous contributions to the Cherry Street Landing projects. And speaking of Cherry Street, I understand that the Dick and Betsy DeVos Foundation is listed as an "endorser" on the website for the Cherry Street project currently underway by ICCF.
Yes, this is an inadequate and incomplete "list of involvement" but I guess my point is to attest to the fact that Dick DeVos is indeed firmly rooted, invested and involved in the Grand Rapids Community and I believe that if it's any indication, he'll be as dedicated and decisive a leader for our state's turnaround as well. I do believe that Dick DeVos is the change that Michigan needs. As a grateful Grand Rapids resident and witness of the generous gifts and endless commitment to our own community, and furthermore, as a "young person" hopeful to remain happily in this wonderful state of Michigan, I think it important to share these facts, so that others too might spread the word.
All the trashing hes been taking for what he did as a businessman (as far as outsourcing and job loss) has absolutely nothing to do with what he will do as our Governor...he is a businessman...he did what was best for his business and succeeded greatly.....He is a proven leader and a proven winner in my book and WILL be the next Governor of this state if it wants to ever get out of the hole we have dug ourselves in with the big3 and their slow demise.
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