Vote Dan Mertes for Grand Rapids City Council

11/08/2024

Thank you for your support! I am excited to get to work!

11/05/2024

Tomorrow is election day. It's the last day to make your voice heard in the polling booth.

It's been great getting to meet so many of you and to hear your concerns and ideas. I really appreciate the support and words of encouragement!

I hope to have the opportunity and honor to serve the great people of Grand Rapids! Let's move into the future with creativity, enthusiasm, and a new entrepreneurial spirit.

10/15/2024

As we are in the midst of the changing of the seasons, I am reflecting on the necessary changes that we need to make as a city. We must chart our own path forward to economic prosperity. It has become increasingly evident that we cannot be so reliant on state funding. Look no further than the disastrous statewide school funding debacle and the record surplus that was just squandered.

Lobbying the state is necessary and state funding is essential, but it always has strings attached with many restrictions as to how it must be appropriated.

We have to offer an inviting and painless path for diversified industry growth. Technology, manufacturing, corporate headquarters, small business, etc. We must ensure that our current businesses are not being squeezed out through excessive regulation and burden.

I hear many comments about "that's just how it works" and "that's the way it's always been". We can do better. We can be more creative and push the boundaries.

We live in one of the most beautiful areas of the country. We need to promote all that we have to offer and constantly look for ways to grow and expand.

10/04/2024

09/13/2024

My family's unwavering support and love fuel my passion and drive! Thank you for being by my side through all of life's adventures!

09/10/2024

Please send me a text with your name and address if you would like a sign for your yard (218) 910-0349.

Your support is very much appreciated! Please share and like this page. Election day is quickly approaching.

09/05/2024

Below is a little bit about me:

• Born and raised in the North woods of Grand Rapids area

• Married to my beautiful wife, Apryl, for 14 years

• Father to 4 wonderful children ranging from 6th grade down to preschool

• I enjoy fishing, hunting, camping, and most all things outdoors. My other passion is watching my children participate and compete in their many activities

• For over 20 years, I've excelled at managing businesses including multi-unit with honesty and integrity. I am a current director of the Grand Rapids Amateur Hockey Association board

And here are some of my values and objectives I will take with me to the Grand Rapids City Council:

• To ensure that future generations, including my children, can make a good living by working hard, and raise a family in our community

• To create an environment of industry/job growth with livable wages. This will also lesson the tax burden on our citizens with the additional businesses shouldering more of a percentage

• To be an advocate for the working/middle class, as we are continually being financially burdened and overlooked

• To stop wasteful, special-interest spending. Our city must be more fiscally responsible

• Work with county, state, federal government, and school district to better our community

• Focus on expanding workforce housing

• Strategically grow the city economically, through common-sense planning and reducing the red tape

• Improve safety in our community by supporting our law enforcement and first responders

• Abide by and protect the constitution as it pertains to city government. Our God-given rights are sacred

I hope to have your support and vote this election!

I encourage any questions or inquiries.