Thank you for your participation! The purpose of this study is to examine the informati...
I favor nickels because he has more experience (skipped question mistakenly)
The survey was difficult at first as I'm a Seattle resident however I did manage to ignore my real life views on Nickels and McGinn. Thanks for the study.
Thank you. Please contact me for future surveys. 16sizzo@gmai.com
I think this was a very good practice run of mayors
Cognitive processes? I think you give the voting public too much credit. I see political decisions as almost completely devoid of thought. I wish it was not so, but the evidence is all too clear.
I noticed a spelling error in my third comment. What I intended to say was I would vote to keep the incumbant since they are doing a good job and therefore even though the challenger is qualified, there is no reason to replace someone who is getting the ob done.//Thanks
Sorry if my reasons were repetitive! I would also say I'd like K-12 education prioritized in Mayor's issues over the challenger.
I'm in GVSU De Vos library in Downtown GR right now. Bliss won.
(Great survey! I gave my full effort and hope my input helps further your research. Please let me know if you have any further questions for me. Good luck with your research!)
It sounds like from the inncumbent major I would vote for hat I'm more conservative. But I do tend to lean liberal. Hiwever, this major was good at what he needed to do for the city
those names that were used were for the seattle mayor election a few years back, being from the area they were easy to recognize
So here's the weird thing. I'm quite certain both McGinn and Nickels were mayor of Seattle in the not-too-distant past, and I didn't like either of them. I don't know if that affected my answers. I don't think it did.
i think i may not have clicked on one of the multiple choice questions. if you questions please let me know. thanks.
Actually I thought they would both have made good hypothetical mayors.
Just wanted to say everything ran smoothly, and thanks for an interesting study.
I accidentally posted all 3 reasons as my reason #1, so for #2 and #3, I just re-listed the second and third reasons. I hope that's okay!
I had a hard time choosing between the two candidates, and am not sure how I would vote based on the information provided. Thank you for inviting me to participate.
Thank you for the survey. Good luck with your study.
I would like to know about the candidates more before I voted for them.
No thank you. I hope you have a great day!!
A useful exercise to address my own rationale when coosing a candidate. Hope I was of assistance. TU
Seriously, I really do consider what it is the candidate wants to do about the problem and whether their proposed solution makes sense. There is a good way and a bad way to go about each of the issues listed here, in my opinion.
I'm in Ann Arbor (which I think is the 3rd largest city in Michigan? Go Blue!) so I'm very familiar with Grand Rapids.
I'm certain it as deliberate, but these candidates were so evenly matched it was hard to really make a choice. I went with the challenger because I think incumbents get their chance and should move along. That keeps government vibrant and in touch with th voter base. Interesting survey.
I thought that was good overall. I was just a little confused with the part where your entering reasons to vote for the candidates. I didn't put reasons for the incumbent because I thought it would be labeled for that candidate. I did not realize for thatpart you can put for either candidate. I actually thought the incumbent was better qualified. Reasons: past experience voted best mid city mayor, he was modernizing facilities - schools and improving structure for the internet. I think if the question putreasons you believe the challenger should win and then have the person enter until they choose to end and then have a separate question... reasons you believe the incumbent should win and have them enter reasons would be better. I think that would be moreclear, but it could just be me.
Thanks for letting me participate. Thanks, too, for adding to our body of knowledge.
Grand Rapids is my hometown. Logie really was the old mayor! Don't recognize the other names, though.
in this type of election both canidates are good and i honestly wouldnt care either way who one so i probably wouldnt have voted
I was born and raised there. It is a wonderful city. Good survey.
I live in Seattle and am familiar with the names of the fictional candidates - and the time each spent as mayor of Seattle. I tried to be objective.
To support my responses earlier. I don't make quick judgements when it comes to voting. The more information I have, the better.
On one question I said that McGinn said it, but I really think that Nickles did...sorry!
It would have helped to be able to see the information while taking the survey rather than relying on memory.
I was a bit confused about the broadband access. Why was affordable broadband needed? It ought to be affordable for everyone and was it already the mayor's fault that it was not? I went with that it probably happened before his term. Thank you.
I believe I made a typo with Greg's name at one point.
The reasons for preferring one over the other were rather shallow.
I found this study to be a little disconcerting, because I AM in Grand Rapids, Michigan! So I could tell the candidates were not real, and I couldn't help thinking about the current crop of candidates trying to become Mayor (because the current incumbent as reached term limits). It was a very odd feeling knowing it was false!

I don't like the challenger wanting to emphasize homelessness and housing affordability as a major theme of his campaign. Housing should be strictly market-based without government programs.
I would vote for incumbent McGinn because he wants to modernize the transportation infrastructure.
I would vote for incumbent Mayor Greg Nickles, why? Because I personally like his quote of: "Taking Action, Getting Results". I think if I were to vote for McGinn, I would look into his history.
He has served the city for a long time and received high rating for his work.
Nickles is trying to help access to education for children.
He is an advocate for homelessness help.
I would vote for Mike McGinn because he has more proven experience
I would vote for Mike McGinn because he appears to be helping the lower class in the city, those who are most in need.
I would want to vote for Mike McGinn because her would want to modernize transportation which would lead to less pollution in the area.
Nickels has the highest approval rating of any other commissioner
Vote for Mike McGinn because he has been the best county commissioner in the past and has a proven track record of success.
He seems to be good at his job as a county commissioner and wants to provide services to people that will ensure they are successful with work and school (broadband internet access)
I would vote for Mayor McGinn because of his stated goals.
I like McGinn, I agree with him helping the homless rate decrease.
I would vote for Mike McGinn over Greg because I think he would be a better candidate. I like how he wants to help keep the wealth rate more equal.
I like his platform of reducing class sizes and the hiring of teachers. Education is a hot button for me.
I like his wide variety of experience that he has as a highly ranked commissioner, and as the legislative assistant. I also like his platform involving bolstering education and the hiring of teachers.
Greg Nickels has a lot of local experience and may be able to bring something new as Mayor. He's also focusing on transportation reform which is a big thing in mid size cities at the moment.
Mayor Mike McGinn is focusing on two of the biggest issues of our decade - homelessness and early childhood education. These are two of the most vulnerable groups.
I would vote for the incumbent Mayor because I know what to expect from him.
I would want to vote for Greg nickels because I know he can do the job; he has been awarded with the best big city majors three times
I would vote for Greg because he has proven to do a good job.
I would vote for Mike because of his proven track record
The incumbent has already shown he can and will do a great job.
Greg Nicels has experience as a mayor and has won accolades as the mayor.
I'd vote for Nickles as he has accolades from the USA Today for his role as mayor.
I would vote for Mr. McGinn based on his experience and accolades while holding the position of mayor.
Has been mayor for nearly four years and still has great approval ratings.
He has a step-by-step plan compared to Mike McGinn's overall list of intended policies to be enacted.
I like the ideas he's running his campaign on
He is focusing on providing affordable housing.
Because the Mayor is in support of increasing class sizes, this has an direct effect on the students and the future of the country, also being the mayor, he has more experience of city and its problem
Because his qualifications suit him well for the post
McGinnn is ranked as one of the best mayors.
One reason to for challenger McGinn is because the his campaign proposal to reduce class size sounds attractive.
I like challenger Mike McGinn's campaign proposal of affordable broadband access so he has my vote.
Mayor is listed as number 3 in USA Today's "5 Best Mid-City Mayors" so must be doing good job.
I would vote for the challenger because he is looking at ways to address the main issues facing michigan today.
They seem equally qualififed so I would tend towards the incumbent
Greg Nickels is presently mayor and I think they are equally qualified so I would default to the incumbent.
They are equally qualified so I would vote for the incumbent.
Greg Nickels because he is in support of hiring more teachers.
I would vote for Mike Mcginn because he commits to affordable housing.
Mike McGinn because he is pro helping homeless and pro education
Seems like Greg Nickles has been doing a great job.
The mayor has been performing his job for a short amount of time, but in that time he has been recognized nationally.
Improving broadband access is something the entire country should focus on. So +1 for McGinn.
Mike McGinn has more important issues he is fighting for.
Mike is focused on improving education and shrinking class sizes.
i want to vote for Nickels because education is a priority to him
i want to vote Nickels because he will improve education
He has already been the Mayor and has experience.
I would vote for Mike McGinn to get a fresh perspective on the issues plaguing our city. In my mind, both candidates essentiall stand for the same thing.
Nickles is looking out to help the homeless and provide more education
I would vote for the challenger Greg Nickels because he is concentrating on improving lives for the homeless people. It shows me he is a caring person for the less fortunate.
Greg Nickles received the highest approval ratings of any city commissioner in Grand Rapids' history.
I like that Nickels is focusing on homelessness and affordable housing.
I like that one of McGinn's major issues is homelessness and affordable housing.
Modernizing transportation infrastructure is serious need in Grand Rapids. Roads and bridges are in bad shape. This is something a local community can help do. This affects all of the residents.
I would vote for Mike Mcginn because i really like his slogin "Taking Action, Getting Results"
I like Greg's focus on securing more funding for schools.
I like Greg's focus on education and securing more funding for schools.
I would vote for Mike McGinn because changes of power can be a good thing versus multiple term politicians.
I think I would vote for the challenger, Mike. I like his slogan and his approval rating for his previous position. Another thing I like is the hiring of new teachers.
I'd vote for Mike because his commitment to teachers
I would want to vote for Mayor Greg Nickles as he was a Mayor since 2011 and has more experience in this field than his opponent. I would vote for chalenger McGinn as he has campaigned for homeless
Mayor Mike McGinn was a mayor since 2011. He has experience than his opposing candidate.
He cares about the people nobody care about such as the homeless and those on low income.
I would vote for incumbent Mayor Mike McGinn because he is for improving on homelessness and reducing class sizes, two things that I am definitely for the most.
Greg Nickles wants affordable broadband internet access.
Mike McGinn wants affordable broadband internet access.
I would vote for Greg Nickels as I like his overall priorities better than McGinn.
I would vote for McGinn as I feel his overall priorities are much better suited to my beliefs of what we need.
He has proven that he is a great mayor and even showed up in USA today as one of the best mayors in the country
I would vote for Mike Mcginn because he has the experience in the office. He was rated in the top three in USA todays best mid-city mayors. I liked all of his points his campaign is focusing on.
I would vote in favor of Nickels because his primary focus is helping public schools and the homeless. McGuinn, however, is focusing more on more affordable broadband and modernizing transportation.
I like that mcginn is for modernizing school facilities.
I like that nickels focuses on reducing class size and education.
Mike McGinn offers to help the homeless and he is reducing class sizes,modernizing class rooms etc. I also like his slogan "Taking Action,getting Results".
I would vote for Mayor Greg Nickles because he has received highest honors as current mayor and his focus on education. The people like what he has been doing as mayor during his term.
He wants to take action to make things better now
Listed by USA today in 5 best mid city mayors.
seems like he has has a lot of experience
I wouldn't want to vote against the current Mayor Grey Nickles.
I like challenger Grey Nickels more based on what he's trying to provide and work on.
neither one of them are from the state. how much so they really know about me
I like the challenger. I think schools and getting kids a good education is better to set them up for success instead of broadband internet
I would vote for challenger McGinn due to his support of improved access to broadband internet.
Reducing class sizes and hiring new teachers.
He wants to try and help with homelessness, and class structures, and to increase public schooling.
I would vote for challenger Greg Nickles because I support his policies in building infrastructure
Mike Mcginn has more experience being mayor
He hadd the highest approval ratings of any commissioner in Grand Rapids, so he must be doing something right and people approve of the way he is running things.
He had the highest approval ratings of any commissioner in Grand Rapid's history, so he is well-liked, and people must approve of the way that he does things.
Definitely against McGinn due to his priority of the homlessness and affordable housing
Greg Nickles wants to make homelessness and affordable housing a top priority and that is a major issue.
Affordable housing is a top priority for this candidate.
He has a great track record, compared to his opponent. He was in the top three mayors.
Because he is trying to decrease class sizes for a more personal student-teacher experience. I like that.
Greg Nickles, I like his goal for cheaper internet service
McGinn seems to focus on addressing economic inequality. I support the way he goes about this, since he focuses on education as part of the answer.
I would choose Greg Nickels as I believe his campaign focus is more important. Not only is he working on improving education but increasing access to internet as well. As we know that is important.
I liked that Mike has already been mayor and so is familiar with the problems at hand.
I liked that he focused on reducing class sizes and hiring new teachers.
Mike McGinn seems to have a better grasp of what is needed in order to modernize their city (internet, transportation, etc.) and is less focused on keeping things the same.
I would vote for Greg Nickels with the available information. He seems to have a good grasp on the changes required in order to modernize their city (transportation, internet etc.).
Making class sizes smaller can help with getting into colleges int he first place. McGinn is fixing a symptom, not the problem.
I would vote for Greg Nickles because he believes in helping those in need. I would vote for Mike McGinn because he has shown to be a successful mayor.
Has great success as city commissioner Received highest approval ratings of any city commissioner in Grand Rapids' history
He will prioritize homelessness, which I believe is a serious issue.
I would rather vote for incumbent Mayor Greg Nickels because he has held the job already.
I think education is very important and key to success in one's life. Education should be our top priority because it will help people learn the important things in life. Success is Education.
Greg Nickles is from NY just like me so he probably understands NYers very well
One of the highest commissioners in history
He is concerned with the growing homeless population and education. He was a very successful commissioner.
I would want to vote for Mayor Greg Nickles due to his experience as mayor already. He's held the office and knows how to run it properly as it would seem.
I would vote for Mayor Greg Nickles because he already had practice in the field of politics and he seems to have better change options compared to the other guy. I do not think faster internet helps
I would want to vote for the incumbent Mayor Greg Nickels, because he clearly has been effective. I can tell that he has been effective because he was voted one of the best mid-city mayors.
He has been the mayor since 2011 so he has the experience required.
I like that Mike McGinn is really focused on infrastructure. I think that's one of the more important things overlooked in the U.S. today.
If I had children in school, then I would be more inclined to vote for the challenger since he prioritizes education and reducing class sizes.
He seems to have experience and I like that he is pushing for affordable housing.
I would vote for Mike McGinn because he has been on the executive board and ranked very highly.
For Mayor Mike. He seems to have been doing a good job as mayor so far and he is concerned with the homeless which is an important issue for me.
He wants to hire more teachers and reduce class sizes, which would make k-12 education more effective increasing the amount of college bound students.
I like that Greg Nickels' campaign is for modernizing transportation infrastructure and greater broadband internet access.
I would vote for Mike McGinn cause he is good and smart.
Mike McGinn puts primary education at the forefront of his campaign.
He has more years of experience in politics.
I would want to vote for Mike McGinn because he has had really high ratings in previous positions
Mike McGinn has been mayor since 2011, so he has experience that Nickels does not have.
Greg Nickles is the incumbent and has had more experience being a mayor.
Experience because you demand a reason. If I were realy a voter in Grand rapids, I can't think of a reason to vote for McGinn and see nothing negative about Nickels.
Higher education and updating of our infrastructure are two key concerns for people in my state. Our tuition rates are ridiculous and our roads/bridges are falling apart.
mayor McGinn has been in office and seems to be incumbent, I would like to try someone else, see what they have to offer.
Since he has apparently done a good job, I see no reason to change.
At this point I would vote for Mike McGinn. I feel that his experience is slightly more in line with the new position and his campaign goals are closer to mine.
Mayor Greg Nickels appears to be doing a good job, so I would vote for him so that he could keep the momentum going and accomplish the goals he has set.
I would vote for Mike McGinn because he wants to work on affordable housing.
Incumbent has already been in position so he knows the job
i like how the challenger is willing to help people in need.
Greg Nickels may bring a new perspective to the office while still having had the experience of working with those involved in city government
I would vote for Mayor Grey Nickels because he wants to make homelessness a top priority, which I agree with 100%.
I think I would end of voting for Greg Nickles. I think the mayor had good qualifications but I think Nickles did as well. Overall I liked the ideas of Nickles better.
I would vote for the incumbent mayor because he seems to be doing a good job.
I would like to vote for mcginn because he seems focused on getting people higher education and spending money rebuilding the states infrastructure.
He brings over 7 years experience from a different sector
His experience greatly outweighs his competitor, and his campaign goals align with high-reach goals while the other focusing on broad, unspecified claims.
He wants to correct homelessness and make housing affordable.
Affordable broadband Internet access is a hot topic these days, especially with the large mergers in the news. The Internet has become a utility these days, and it's important everyone has access.
I would vote for Nickles because emphasizing high speed broadband will help create jobs, along the lines of what happened in Chattanooga, TN, which is now a tech hub of sorts.
Because of his experience as Mayor already.
For incumbent Mayor Mike McGinn: to reduce homelessness and make housing affordable is an important issue that needs a lot of planning. I like that's one of his top priorities.
The incumbant is doing just fine, and his plan is workable. I see no reason to change things.
He is a good leader.I will increase the school facilities and houses.
Nickels because his overall platform addresses a lot of important issues for a city. Education, transportation, and internet speed (competition) are all important. McGinn only focused on education
I would vote McGinn because he is working some problems which I think are important. Internet, college, and roads are things that I think need to be addressed before homeless and free housing.
Prefer the experienced candidate. Has a successful record campaigning to help homeless
Mike Mcginn because he benefits the town more than the other guy. In a healthcare and manufacturing town, we need affordable internet and better transportation
I will vote for Greg Nickels because of his agenda of making higher education more accessible . Higher education is very expensive and If he can do something for it. my vote is for him
I would vote for Mayor Mike McGinn because he cares about the things that affect me.
I would vote for Greg Nickels. He has experience as mayor. He knows what is going on in the city and what the curent issues are. He also worked closely with the previous mayor
I like McGinn's views on helping the homeless and also about hiring new teachers and making class sizes smaller.
I guess the incumbent seems competent. Unless he'd done something wrong or held a position I found distasteful, I'd vote for him.
I think it is rediculous that Mayor McGinn is running on his intent to provide affordable internet.
He deserves to hold an important position.
I like Greg Nickles' push to increase accessiblity to higher education. That's really important for finding a job later in life.
Wants to increase access/affordability of high-speed internet, an issue that's becoming more serious as companies try to throttle ingenuity and restrict speeds
I would vote for the incumbent Mayor Mike McGinn. It seems as thought he has been doing a great job for the city for several years and has received notoriety for that.
Greg Nickles is for improving transportation infrastructure, so he gets my vote.
Well I typically vote democrat regardless of the issues just because that's what I have always done.
I would vote for the incumbent because I liked the two issues that he is basing his campaign on, reduced homelessness and more modern educational facilities.
I would like to vote for McGinn because he wants to make higher education more accessiblie.
I like that he is focusing on making public education better.
Mayor greg nickles wants to make housing affordable and combat the problem of homelessness
He is mayor already and has higher education in the plan
Voting for McGuinn becasue we need to do something about homelessness in Michigan.
I would vote for Greg Nickles because I think he has more experience.
I like that Greg Nickels wants to invest in education.
Greg wants to focus on higher education which is important to me
Has a large interest in increasing education programs
His goals seem focused on modernizing the city. Forward thinking.
Because Nickels has a real platform. He wants to help the people who work, or want to work. McGinn wants to give more money to people who are not working.
I wouldnt vote for either of them, politicians promise everything and deliver nothing.
The only reason to vote for him, would be that he is more interested in the highways and road structures.
Has already been in office so can continue what he has accomplished and in the works without having a change. I think if an elected official is doing a good job then keep them there to continue
Mike McGinn is a top rated city official. He wants to hire more teachers and improve education. He is from Seattle and grew up in a big family.
Seems like he has been doing a good job being mayor so far.
I like Nickels because of his push for access to higher education and the broadband access.
I would vote for McGinn due to the fact he supports making it easier to go to college. It is important more people get a higher education.
I like that he already has experience as mayor.
He wants to make housing affordable for lower income people and families
It seems like he has good priorities as far as policy changes go.
I want to vote for Mike McGinn because I think that addressing homelessness and improving schools should come before the challenger's mission to improve internet access.
I would vote for Greg nickles because he wants to concentrating his campaign on the school systems for kids, hiring new teaches to meet the needs for these children. Mike McGinn is not.
I would vote for Greg Nickles as he has a track record of success as mayor. He was in USA today's top 5 mayors which is big. This is by far and away much better than anything the challenger has.
Well Greg Nickels wants to make affordable broadband and make higher education easier to afford, which would both interest me.
He wants more access to affordable broadband internet, and I think that's important.
I would vote for challenger Mike McGinn. Both have solid backgrounds and good resumes, but in the end, it's down to the policies. Personally, I don't agree with Nickle's focus on affordable housing.
Both candidates are adequately experienced. Their platforms are also both great, but Mr. Nickles' is more ambitious and has the greater potential to produce long term benefits.
I would vote for incumbent Mayor Mike McGinn because of the attention he a paying to homelessness, affordable housing and school funding.
I would vote for Mayor Mike McGinn because I truly believe that homelessness is unnecessary in our great nation. He's also had the experience to make a difference.
I would vote for incumbent Mayor Mike McGinn. It sounds like he's done a great job so far, and I like his future plans.
Because Greg Nickels has more experience.
I would want to vote for Mayor Mike McGinn because he understands the importance of higher education.
incumbent Mayor Mike already has experience as the Mayor
The Mayor wants to rework public transportation, which could increase jobs, and make it easier for people to get to and from jobs.
for the challanger, because of innate desire to unseat the incumbent
I'd want to vote for Mike McGinn because he wants to modernize transportation infrastructure, something that is desperately needed.
He seems to be more experienced and competent for the job.
I've always voted for candidates that try to push forward with modernizing schools in my community. Think of it as a reverse Trickle-Down effect, better edu > more education > better living.
I like his experience and performance as a mayor
Focus on access to higher education and transportation infrastructure.
McGinn is already considered one of the best mayors in the country.
Voting for Mayor Greg because his platform is investing in technology (internet) and city's future.
In this scenario I would vote for Nickles as he is experienced and seems to care about issues like education, affordable internet access and infrastructure (which makes me think job creation).
I would want to vote for challenger Greg Nickels due to his emphasis on access to higher education.
I typically vote for incumbents whenever possible, because they have demonstrated that they know the job, at least better than a challenge with less experience.
I would vote for McGinn because he seems like the most popular option among voters.
I want to vote for Mike because I feel everyone should be able to afford higher education.
He is focused on affordable housing, and because I once lived in a hotel for two weeks while looking for affordable housing.
I would vote for Mayor Mike McGinn because he is already doing an excellent job as mayor, and because of his focus on education.
I VOTE FOR GREG NICKELS. HE IS A EXPERIENCE AND HE IS THE BEST MID-CITY MAYOR IN US. HE MAKE THE HOME FOR HOMELESS IN HIGH PRIORITY
Vote against Nickles because of his platform. I don't agree that reducing class sizes is the answer to education. I think it just adds more cost.
I like the idea of more teachers and better housing
He was voted in the top 5 best mid size city mayors.
Greg Nickels was voted as a "Best Mayor"
I could vote for Mayor Greg Nickels because he seems to be thinking ahead of his candidate. He wants to progress in finances and even reduce the cost of broadband access. I think he would do great.
He wants to focus on homelessness and affordable housing, which doesn't seem to be a priority of Greg Nickels. As a person whose housing situation is perilous, that's important to me.
I think that Greg's main focus on homelessness and affordable housing is a major step in attacking many of the core problems in the city.
He is for the homeless and affordable housing. I think this is very important since it is one of the basic needs for survival. Also more and more families are being affected by homelessness.
Mayor Mike is voted in the top five in the country.
mayor mike mcginn is one of the top mayors in the country for mid size towns
rated no 3 for best mid city mayor in usa
Nickels is for reducing the homeless population and making affordable housing an option which reflects my own beliefs. I also like that he was rated as commissioner which shows competence.
The incumbent has been successful as rated by objective entity
I like McGinn because of his focus on education.
Mike McGinn, I like the focus on affordable housing, the cost to live in some cities is getting too high too fast.
high speed internet project so incumbent mayor greg nickels
Mayor mike Mcginn wants to reduce homelessness and make school classroom sizes smaller, he also was raised in a family of six so that would give him experience.
I would vote for Greg because he's been a mayor for awhile and he has the experience.
McGinn for his experience and campaign goals
I would vote for incumbent Mayor Greg Nickels because of specific things I see in his wrote up. I like where he was born and I like his causes to help homelessness. It seems his challenger is pushing
I would vote for Mike McGinn because the current mayor has been in office for 4 years. I do not believe that people should hold public office for very long. New ideas and leadership is necessary.
For: His is an incumbent, there is a reason he is a mayor. he may have been doing a good job.
Good experience as city commissioner, high approval rating
I think I would want to vote for the incumbant. his agenda is more inline with what I would want to see.
Reasons to vote for Mike McGinn would be that he has the experiene in the position and has been recognized as a top 5 mayor.
He is listed as one the the top 3 best mayors in the country in mid size cities
He is rated as one of the best mayors and is focused on education and homelessness.
They both have good points but I would be more likely to vote for Mayor McGinn because of his social welfare policies.
He seems like he'll be a better candidate and has more views that I agree with.
He seems to have a lot of expereince in the political field.
both have good backgrounds. i would vote for Mike as he has previous experience as mayor.
Mike McGinn has plenty of government experience. Serving as commissioner.
I would vote for him because he must be doing a good job to be named in the top mayors of mid size cities.
Mike McGinn because he will reduce class sizes
Transportation is a key issue these days, one that many cities need to improve on. Nickels has experience in city government and seems qualified to do the job. r
I would vote for McGinn because his focus areas are more important to me
Well The incumbent did misspell for on "Vote fore the incumbent" but other that that they both seems to have laudable track records and history. I would vote for the incumbent due to experience.
Vote for incumbent mayor, as he has a proven track record and has shown success in the role already.
I would vote for Mayor Mike McGinn because of his policy for improving k-12 education.
Reducing homelessness and making housing more affordable.
i would vote for the incumbent. he has the experiance and high ratings. he is also focused on homelessness and education which i think should be priorites.
I would vote for challenger Greg Nickles because he is campaigning to increase access to higher education. I believe higher education should be available to as many people as possible.
He wants to increase access to higher education.
Already has good experience/ratings as a mayor.
I would vote for Greg Nickels because he if focusing efforts to increase access to higher education.
A good reason to vote for Greg Nickels is to have a fresh perspective in the mayor's office.
He has been in office already and is familiar with the job.
I would want to vote for Mike McGinn because he is doing a great job, it seems.
The challenger is a Grand Rapids Native, the incumbent is from another state.
Because he is focusing on access to higher education.
I like McGinn's policies on education and increasing access to the internet.
Greg nickels seems to place focus on things that matter most for the community
One reason to vote towards incumbent Mayor because he was listed as #3 by USA Today top 5 mid-city mayors.
I would vote for Mike McGinn because I think affordable housing is a key factor in righting the trouble those in the lower and middle classes are facing.
I would like to vote for the challenger Mike McGinn because I feel like fixing homelessness will cause other problems to fall as well.
Mayor Greg nickels has a lot of good qualities.
Mike supports helping the homeless and I support that too.
For Greg Nickles: He has been the mayor since 2011.
i support incumbent mayor because he is interested in supporting education and i would like a good education for my childrens.
Mike McGinn is experienced in the position as Mayor and received recognition from USNews.
Mike McGinn will make education a priority
I like the idea of reducing the size of classes since my fiancée is a teacher.
Greg Nickels wants to improve the education system.
Vote for challenger because of his focus on reducing class sizes.
I would vote for Mike McGinn because of his extensive experience as commissioner of Grand Rapids - hence he would be suited to being Mayor of the same city.
I wont vote for Mayor Greg Nickles because he will do untold damage to the internet by involving the government in it.
My first reason for voting for Mike McGinn is because he wants to help lower class sizes.
He would be a new set of eyes on the problems.
I would vote for incumbent greg nickels because he wants to increase access to higher education
It could be a nice change in leadership and I also like Mike McGinn's stance on helping fix the homelessness around the city
He wants to improve internet access and infrastructure. This would make businesses more interested in coming to Grand Rapids and thus more jobs would be available. More jobs means competitive wages.
In this case I can't think of many if any reasons to make a change It appear current mayor is during a pretty good job. Why take a chance the go with Nickles. Nickles does seem like a good guy but....
For Mike McGinn: has past experience, seems to want to balance social classes, wants to open up access (education, transportation) for all people, esp lower classes. Whereas G.Nickels is selective
Mike McGinn already has experience as mayor.
Seems to have a good track record and be highly regarded
Nickles is listed number 3 in USA Today's " 5 best mid-city mayors. " He also wants to increase access to higher education.
For Mike McGinn, transporations and broadband over homelessness.
his record and approval rate from the public
I believe in the issues Nickles centers his campaign around (transportation, broadband internet through municipalities) personally
mike mcginn is the current mayor, so he has experience mcginn wants to focus on more specific goals (internet access) and less broad goals mcginn is a highly rated mayor
The idea of fixing eductation by modernizing it
I would vote for challenger Greg Nickels against the incumbent because the challenger has ideas to move the city forward, he's a fresh face and has good ideas such as higher education.
He wants to increase access to higher education
City experience working as mayor and for the previous mayor.
Mayor Nickels has the experience, and he has been doing a good job so far.
I liked Greg Nickels' prioritization of homelessness as a target for his administration. I believe a mid-sized city mayor should strive to minimize the negative impact of poverty.
I would vote for him because he seems like he is interested in helping lower class and working class people and families
Mike Mcginn. Because of his campaign about the affordable housing.
I think focusing on infrastructure is the most important thing.
Nationally recognized as one of the best mayors.
I would vote for Mayor Nickels due to his previous experience and success in being an efficient and experienced execultive leader in the community supported by his listing in USA Today.
I would vote for Mike because he is motrintersted in helping people.
Greg Nickles because he seems to be attempting to build infrastructure to help people help themselves.
He was lited as number 3 in the top mid city mayors.
I would vote for Mike McGinn because he was voted one of the top mayors
I agree with Mike's campaign goals to a larger extent. Affordable housing kills property values.
Mike McGinn already has been mayor and has been doing a good job
He seems to care more about the community as a whole than his counterpart.
He is trying to make higher education more attainable for everyone
Greg has the experience of being a mayor and knows how things work.
I would vote for Greg Nickels because he is working towards affordable housing for the homeless.
Greg Nickles wants to do more good for the average person. McGinn is too narrow minded.
I would vote for Mayor Greg Nickles because he is already the Mayor, and looks to have the expertise and experience needed for this position.
As for voting for the challenger Mike McGinn, he has some solid points as to what he is basing his campaign on. The current and running mayor points are not in my opinion.
I would vote for Mike McGinn, I like that his campaign centers on affordable housing and homelessness, very important issues. Especially today in modern times when housing is out of reach for many.
I am more interested in people being able to get higher education than smaller classes
I'd vote for Nickels because he has experience in the position.
It is good to have an outsider doing the job of a tenured politician. They typically will have different opinions on how to tackle issues which would be beneficial. Also, they are less beholden to int
The focus education is very important and he seems qualified.
Vote for challenger because I think there sould be limits to how long someone should hold office.
Has plenty of experience running cities as a major, has also won some rewards for his good work. His campaign is also very strong and works on many issues that are very important in this day in age.
I would vote for Mayor Greg Nickles because of his views on addressing homelessness and housing.
Incumbent Mayor Greg Nickles listed in national ranking as number 3 top mayor, so presuming he must be doing a good job.
I like that he's interested in making the internet affordable for all
He is deserving candidate. I think he would lead the organization well. If he get good opportunity he could do best for the welfare for the organization. He is the right candidate from my side.
It seems that Greg Nickles has more political experience that McGinn.
I would vote for Mayor Greg Nickels because I like his stance on education. It's forward thinking and I think education is our best place to put money to improve the futre.
I would vote for the incumbent Mayor Greg Nickels. I like the fact that he was born and raised in Grand Rapids, MI. I like the fact that he was voted one of the top mayors in the U.S.
Mike McGinn seems like a fresh choice for Grand Rapids. With a new mayor, he comes with new ideas on things that he sees as someone who is not in office. Greg Nickels may seem outdated. Change is good
Greg Nickles seems more 'with the times'; that he wants to move the city forward instead of fixing problems from the past
I would vote for the incumbent because he has already been tested. We are more likely to get someone reliable that way.
He appears to be more equipped for the job
I would vote for Mike Mcginn because he wants to make classes smaller
The only reason I would vote for the incumbent is maybe he has unfinished business. Maybe he's working toward solutions that haven't been finalized yet.
I would vote for Nickels because of his concern with improving public school education.
I would vote for challenger Mike McGinn, because he wants to spend his effort in helping with equality and helping the people who have less.
Mayor Mike McGinn was voted number 3 in the top-5 mid-city mayors.
Advancing education is important. Both seem to do that but the incumbent I believe has a better approach.
Mayor Creg Nicles seems to care about the homeless. He wants to get them off the street and provide them with tools.
He seems to focus on real issues like poverty and educaton.
Challenger Greg Nickels is a good candidate, having received the highest approval rating of any city commissioner. He has a lot of experience when it comes to being in politics and important positions
I am an independent so I vote for who is the best person I believe will do the best job. He seems more qualified than the other person.
I dont think the challanger is going after important issues. The incumbant wins with emphasis on school changes.
Greg Nickles already has experience in the position. Seems like he has done a good job.
I like the thought of someone taking action as he says in his slogan. I think being voted as one of the best mayors shows he is experienced and does what he promises.
The incumbent has been in office for 3 terms. I think I'd rather get some new blood in there after a while. People get too comfortable after being in office for a while.
I would vote for Greg Nickels because he is the incumbent, and apparently is doing a good job as evidenced by being ranked #3 by USA Today as one of the country's best mayors of mid-size cities.
wants to make secondary education a priority.
I like that Mike McGinn is focused on reducing homelessness within the community
I would vote for Greg NIckels because of his focus on schools.
Nickels want to improve mass transit infrastructure
I would vote for Mike McGinn due to his platform supporting higher education
I would vote for the incumbent mayor because he wants to modernize school facilities. Increasing access to higher education is good, but one has to focus on the basics first.
I like that the challenger wants to focus on affordable housing. And his overall plans are more specific than broad which is doable vs the incumbents broad plans
I would vote for Greg Nickels, because I think homelessness is the biggest and most unmet challenge facing us to day.
I might vote more for challenger Mike McGinn over the incumbant because his campaign centers on more tangible goals that would yield benefits sooner
Greg Nickles has plenty of experience as a mayor.
he wanted to make broadband internet affordable, very important
Mike McGinn has a proven track record of success.
Give someone else a chance at being mayor.
He seems like my type of candidate. I like Mayor Mike McGinn because he is somebody who already knows this system and will know what to do and when.
I would like to vote for Greg Nickles because he is very highly ranked in terms of mid-city mayors
I would vote for the current mayor because of his background
I would vote for Mike because he had the highest approval rating.
I would vote against him because he doesn't seem to be representing the interests of the people.
I would want to vote for Greg Nickles because he is already very experienced and has done very well.
An increased focus on homelessness is a good policy,
The main reason I would vote for him is because he already has experience as mayor.
I would want to vote for Greg Nickles due to his focus on affordable housing and class sizes. I feel that those can have an immediate and great impact on quality of life.
Based on the experience of Mike and what he is striving for in the community, I believe he would be a great candidate to help represent the people and the communites ideas.
Because Nickles plans to increase access to higher education and that is important.
I like that the USA Today thinks highly of Mayor McGinn.
Mike McGinn cares more about the issues important to me - I do not have kids so am not very concerned about education. I'm more concerned about transportation infrastructure.
Ginn has more experience in the position
Mike McGnn seems to be focusing on basic human needs (housing and educations), while Greg Nickels seems to step over that and move towards modernizing Grand Rapids. so I'll go for my main man Mike.
I like the challengers stance on making higher education more obtainable or easier to access. I also like the idea that he has experience in the city, but also has experience outside of the city.
I would vote for incumbent Nickels, in part, because he was awarded for being a top mayor nationally.
Mike is for investing in the transportation infrastructure, something which Michigan desperately needs.
I would vote for Greg Nickles because he already has the experience as mayor and would be able to step into office with the knowledge to quickly get things done.
He wants to make higher education more accessible
The current mayor has already proven he can do a good job.
I would vote for mike mcginn. Because the things he stands for wouldn't raise taxes. Greg Nickels stance would cost alot more money. Which would be at the expense of the tax payer.
I prefer his plan. Homelessness and affordable housing are very important issues, as is our school education system and number of teachers. I also prefer his birthplace and family size.
I'm not usually for government messing with the housing market.
I would not vote for Mike McGinn or against incumbent Mayor Nickels because I feel that Nickels campaign centers around the more important issues; classes, schools, and .
I would want to vote for the incumbent because the apparently already has a positive track record, as evidenced by his selection as "best mayor" in USA Today. Good performance should be rewarded.
Mike McGinn wants to improve broadband internet access which is very important to me.
I would vote for Mike McGinn because of his experience.
The two candidates are very similar, so I would vote against the incumbent on the general principle that the longer someone serves, the more entangled with special interests they become.
Because he wants to make smaller class sizes and employ more teachers
I would vote for Greg Nickels, even though it was a close call, I believe this incumbent is more qualified to lead and I like his agenda. It was close because i like Mike's agenda too!
He has mayoral experience and that gives him an advantage.
He's from Long Island where I grew up and currently live
Greg Nickels' plans for infrastructure reform can make a huge difference in every day life for everyone in the region.
Mayor Greg Nickles might not be as productive going forward in a lame-duck term
I support his wanting to aid homeless people. I also applaud his desire for providing affordable housing.
I would vote for McGinn because K-12 schooling needs improvement in most cities.
They both sound like good candidates, but I would choose Nickles over McGinn because he wants to make helping the homeless a priority.
I think Nickels has a larger vision for the city, and is less concerned with smaller details. McGinn is specifically focused on just schools and homeless, without larger vision.
Mike McGinn I like the platform he is running on. Making homelessness and affordable housing a top priority is a significant because it effects the education abilities of children
Making classroom sizes smaller is a huge deal. This needs to have more attention brought to it, and I like his views.
McGinn was rated highly as top mayor of a mid-sized city
The only reason that I would vote for the challenger is his promise to end homelessness because it is a drain on resources, like health care, and it is a basic human right to have shelter.
they both seem to have good backgounds and they ant to do plenty for the people
he wants to help the homeless and make affordable housing a thing
Because McGinn has previous expression being the mayor. He has been the mayor since 2011.
enough experience working in his current tenure therefore he will be able to do the job he's wanting now the right way and in the interest of all people who might vote for him. So he is a good choice.
I want to vote for Mike McGinn because he is from New York.
He already has the experience of being mayor.
I might vote for a challenger on the assumption that incumbents are part of the problem (cronyism, corruption, not doing what voters need/want)
I would vote for Mike McGinn because he wants to make internet access affordable and modernize infrastructure. Two things that never seem to happen.
Because he has high approval ratings. I think that shows he listens to the people.
I agreed most with his platform and purpose. All other qualifications were no better or worse than the other candidate.
I would like to vote for Mike McGinn because I like his experience more, and that he's going to redo the infrastructure.
I would love to vote for Mayor McGinn because I too believe in focusing on homelessness, affordable housing and improving schools.
Vote for current Mayor because he's been proven effective.
As tends to happen with anyone who has been in office for a number of years, there is always the worry that the individual has become complacent and that a new voice of leadership is needed.
For Nickles: his campaign focus on modernizing transportation infrastructure.
Vote for Mike McGinn because he has a large amount of experience.
I would vote for the incumbent mayor because of his established leadership and success as the current mayor.
He is listed #3 in the top 5 mayors by USA today.
I would choose to vote for Greg Nickles becuase I love his push to make class sizes smaller and how he wants to help the impact of homelessness. Also, being the oldest of 6 he would have strong leader
Making affordable housing a top priority.
The only reason I would vote for Mike McGinn is because he would bring a fresh outlook.
Mike McGinn is one of the top five mayors for cities this size.
Greg Nickels' focus on the area's needy while McGinn's focuses don't touch on that at all.
McGinn has received recognition of being a good mayor by the press
I had a former manager named Mike McGinn, whom I did not much care for, therefore, I would vote for Nickles.
I'd want to vote for challenger Greg Nickels, because he wants to increase access to higher education. By doing this, he can improve opportunities for many individuals in the community.
I think he is confident and educated and can do a good job
Tough call, but I'd probably vote for the imcumbent mayor if I thought he'd done a good job.
I would vote for McGinn because he wants to increase availability of higher education and making internet available to all.
Experience - he has been mayor and knows the challenges.
McGinn's campaign initiatives seem progressive.
Mayor Mike McGinn is focused on affordable broadband access. That's an important issue to me.
He wants to tackle homelessness, something I consider important.
I would vote against Mike McGinn because, based on the information provided, he has no major accomplishments in his four-year term.
Mayor has done an adequate job seemingly
I would vote for NIckles because of his proven track record. His main focus on helping those with least is attractive.
Reducing homelessness in a place with actual winter seems very important.
Mike McGinn wants to take on homelessness and provide housing.
Mike promises easier accessibility for higher education, which is important considering how expensive it is today
I'd vote for Mike because he has stronger views on increasing a major problem of lower grade education and teaching vs. increasing problems like transportation and college.
I would vote for Mike McGinn. I like his resume and years of experience.
Id vote for Nickels. The reaosn is that he has a great track record and will reduce class sizes which are a big issue in GR
Nickels is for helping the common person have an affordable place to live.
For Nickels because wants to he wants to modernize transportation infrastructure
McGinn has a focus on education, which I think shows that he is a strongly community minded person. The incumbent also has some policies about proving better access to public transportation that are a
His push for easier access for higher education.
I would want to vote for Mike McGinn. I think he has more experience.
He has more experience as being mayor and has high ranking as a Mid-City mayor.
Nickles is nationally recognized as a good mayor, he also focuses on social policies that would benefit the most vulnerable in the community.
I would vote for Mike McGinn because he has more experience in higher positions.
Greg Nickels is a local resident and has very good credentials.
Mayor Greg Nickels has previous job experience as a mayor . he is focused on increasing teachers, making smaller class sizes and making housing affordable and ending homelessness
I would vote for the incumbent Mayor Greg Nickles because he is for better education and has been voted one of the top 5 Mayor's. He has the experience needed to continue in his position. best quailif
He wants to help the homeless and make house available for more.
I would want to vote for Mike McGinn, because Greg Nickels has too much political experience. He is a career politician where as I am impressed with McGinn's experience in the Grand Rapids Initiative.
His ratings as number 3 for all mayors. I like the idea of helping to lower prices on broadband interent. Sometimes an incumbent needs more time to accomplish their goals
His platform is based on transportation improvement and helping the poor.and other issues that are important to me. HIs ranking as top 5 best mayors is pretty impressive as well.
Mike McGinn supports affordable internet
He has been in office for quite some time and was rated highly
It seems that Mayor Nickels is now focused on the future, indicating that he must have completed many of the goals he set forth to accomplish during his first terms.
I would vote for Mayor Greg Nickels because he already has experience being the mayor so would do even a better job the second time around.
Greg Nickels wanted to decrease homelessness and improve public education. These are both important contributions to a city.
Nickles: was City commissioner. McGinn: voted 3rd in USA as best mayor in 5 best cities.
Nickles' campaign platform issues are important to me
I would vote for challenger Mike McGinn because his campaign focuses on issues that I am interested in.
He has experience as a Mayor and knows what the title and job entails. This is proven by him being voted "Top 3" out of 5 for best Mid-City Mayor.
Educational priorities, I like both candidates goals but think that reducing class sizes as the incumbent wants to do is more important.
Greg Nickles wants to modernize the transportation infrastructure.
I would vote for Greg Nickles because he wants to make high speed internet affordable.
Because there are recognized nationally for being of one the best mid-city mayors and also there campaign targets important issues.
I would vote for Mike McGinn if I was pleased with the way he has been the current mayor.
He wants to help homeless people and improve schools.
He has experience and hasn't messed things up in his current term, he seems competent.
The challenger is trying to better the school systems by making class size smaller.
The broadband internet thing is really neat. I've never heard of any candidate focusing on that. The internet is not really a privilege anymore, it's a necessity.
I like Mike's idea of decreasing class sizes and decreasing homelessness.
I like his emphasis on modernizing transportation infrastructure and broadband access
I wouldn't vote for Mike McGinn. I would vote for Greg Nickels because he is for increasing education and having more affordable broadband.
I would vote for Mike McGinn because he is wanting to take care of the homeless.
I would vote for Mike because of his stance on high speed internet
I would choose Mayor Mike McGinn because he wants to help the homeless.
McGinn's experience overall seems more directly involved with constituents than Nickles'
Mayor Mike McGinn was ranked as the 3rd best mid-sized city mayor.
I'd want to vote for Mike McGinn because one of top priorities is homelessness.
I would support Greg Nickles because he wants to address the issue of homelessness
Greg Nickles' emphasis on reducing homelessness
I don't have one at the moment. Honestly, I would need way more information than what is provided before making a decision.
Education is such a huge problem in our school systems. I think that should be a priority in every community.
He has done a good job at being Mayor up until now, there would be no reason to influx a new person into that position.
he is focused on making higher education affordability he has a very high approval rate in Grand Rapids
Mayor Greg Nickels is listed as #3 in the top 5 mayors of mid-size cities.
I would vote for Mike McGinn because I like how he is helping the homeless and needy.. I also like the fact that he cares about the education system.
I would want to vote for for Greg Nickels because he had the highest rating of a I think a commissioner that had ever been in my city. McGinn's didn't seem as impressive - ranked 3/5 in a different
McGinn is ranked by USA Today so he is an establishment candidate, which is not good. I like the idea of fixing the education system with new teachers. For these reason I would vote for Greg Nickels.
More experience, improving the future, transportation improvement
He wants to improve the education system.
Sometimes it is tempting to vote for somebody completely new to breathe new life into something. That would be a huge factor for voting for challenger Mike McGinn over the incumbent.
He has done a good job as Mayor of Grand Rapids having been awarded one of the best mid-sized mayors multiple times.
Greg Nickels based off of the information provided he seems more trustworthy and recommended
They were voted on of the best Mid-town mayor's.
I would vote for Mike MicGinn because I do not consider the situation about homelessness to be a priority.
I would vote for the challenger because he has a lot of awesome experience, makes higher education a priority and wants to make internet affordable
he wants to work on the school system and lowering class sizes
The current mayor platform is much more appealing to me because of the smaller class sizes.
If I had to vote for Greg Nickels, it would be because of his goal to increase access to higher education.
sometimes you need fresh ideas and perspective
for incumbent is because he has more experience
Nickels states he wants to do something about homelessness and affordable housing, making those priority issues.
Mike McGinn was recognized nationally as a top 5 mid city mayor.
As the oldest of 6 children, he has probably had some experience leading people from an early age.
Mike McGinn because he is investing in the kids future. Everyone can get behind kids.
Mike McGinn has more relevant experience for the task at hand and has received recognition for performing well in that position.
This would really depend on how i thought the incumbent was doing at his job. As it is stated Greg is voted as one of the top 5 best city mayors. I would probably vote for him.
No on McGinn. Says his top priority would be homelesness. He should be most concerned with those that are paying for services through taxation as opposed to those consuming services.
Voted in the top 5 best mid-sized city mayor.
I would vote for Mayor Greg Nickels because I believe in his top priority.
Mayor Mike McGinn has served in the position before to high praise, while Greg NIckles has not.
I would vote for Mike McGinn because he wants affordable housing
I prefer Mayor Greg Nickles because he has the experience that is needed for the job
I would personally want to vote for Mayor Mike McGinn because he is for increasing access to higher education.
Because he already has the experience of being a mayor.
One of the things his campaign centers on is "affordable broadband internet access".
Mike seems more interested in social welfare, so helping the homeless and educating our children are for the betterment of society.
I would vote for Mike McGinn because he is focusing on homeless issues and helping the poor.
He is more concerned with the people i.e the homeless and the need for affordable housing and bettering schools.
I would personally would want to vote for the challenger Greg Nickels because of him making homelessness and affordable housing a top priority. i also like that he intends to hire new teachers.
I would vote against challenger Nickels because his platform sounds too old and familiar and nothing ever really gets done about public education and homelessness,
Modernization of the schools would be a good thing for everyone.
so I can vote for the future's interests relatve to infrastructure and education. I think he's more progressive and pushing of what the city actually needs. I trust his ratings with respect
Greg Nickels seeks to help the homeless and to improve schools at the lower levels, which I find personally important and useful.
I like to vote for Challenger Greg nickel because he is undert asking steps to help the poor.I also wish he could do a ittle more for infrastructure and development of Grand apids, MI.
I would vote for Greg Nickels because Mayor Mike McGinn had four years to addresss issues in office already. He could have handled such non issues as affordable internet in the previous four years.
Greg wishes to reduce class sizes. Too often class size keeps some students from individual attention and help.
I would like to vote for Mayor Mike McGinn because of his goals to make homelessness and affordable housing a top priority. Shelter is a basic need and homelessness is such a problem.
I would not vote for either of these candidates
He is concerned with improving infrastructure and providing cheaper broadband access. Both of these would directly benefit me. Because of these policies, I would vote for Greg.
I would vote for Greg Nickels because he wants to help the homeless find affordable housing. It seems like he is for the poor people and also, he wants to reduce class sizes which will help education
Mayor Greg Nickles has prior experience as mayor
Mike McGinn is already in office and already has the experience in office
I would vote for Mayor Greg Nickels based on his plans in regards to education and housing.
One of his platforms focuses on affordable housing for the poor.
The onyl thing that I can think of is he wants to help the homeless out. I would think that there would be a lot of Vets in this group. And we should do all we can to help them out.
Time for some fresh faces around city hall
He wants to challenge homelessness which would be a big issue for me. I think that feeding our countries homeless and getting them into a more permanent shelter is a top priority.
I would tend to lean my voter towards incumbent Mayor Mike McGinn, it seems to me he has been doing a great job as mayor so far, he has every indication of continuing to do so.
I would want to vote for Greg Nickels based on his platform, these are issues that are important to me; while I understand the issues of Mike McGinn they do not hold as much of a personal affect on me
McGinn is for revamping the schools, an important issue in Grand Rapids
i would vote for neither because i do not identify with any of their stances and both have had years in public sector work leaching off tax dollars.
I would vote for incumbent Mayor Mike McGinn because I like his campaign ideas.
I like that McGinn is focused on affordable housing and smaller class sizes. That means better education for our children and less homelessness.
Mayor Greg Nickles is more experienced and has the backing of the media.
I would vote for the incumbent because he seems to have a good track record.
Would vote for Greg Nickles because he has experience as a mayor and the challenger does not
I would vote for Mike McGinn because I like his stance on making higher education more affordable.
Voting for current mayor: He was seen as one of the best mayors in US for mid sized cities. His agenda such as improving the infra structure is good for businesses. He served on some board in the c
I would vote for the challenger because he didn't spell his campaign slogan wrong.
Incumbent was rated a top mid-city mayor, thats impressive!
I would vote for the incumbent because of his prior experience.
Because he was voted one of the top 3 mid sized city mayors.
Greg Nickels will be my choice I like both of them. However I liked his stand on housing and homelessness. I also think it is very important to reduce class size.
I like that he wants to make homelessness his top priority.
I'd vote for Greg Nickels because he wants to bring forth more affordable internet and better public transportation.
He seems to have been very successful in his current position and would probably also be successful as mayor
I would personally vote for Mayor Greg Nickles because I feel he has more experience in a leadership role. I was impressed that he was voted as one of the top 5 mayors in the mid-city area.
he gives info on how he plans to accomplish his goals
I think I would vote for Greg Nickels because he received the highest approval rating than any other commissioner IN Grand Rapids
I would vote for the incumbent because he was listed as a top 3 mayor.
He's for affordable Broadband internet access.
The first reason I would vote for Greg Nickles against McGinn would be because of his high approval rating as commissioner.
I like that he wants to bring broadband to the city and focuses on affordability for higher education
I think homelessness and housing costs should be priorities. If housing costs are kept low it frees up money for higher ed which is part of Nickels' platform.
would vote for incumbent mayor mike mcginn because he was rated very highly (number 3) for best mid-city mayors
He is a successful mayor with a proven record and should be given more time to continue his work.
I might vote for Nickels because he's from LI, and I'm from NYC area. REally they don't seem that different.
I would vote for McGinn because he is trying to help schools and better education for children instead of worrying about lowering internet costs.
Mike McGinn, because his campaign promises are more in line with what I am concerned with particularly accessibility of higher education.
mike mcginn has more experience in the job
He is doing more for the entire community instead of focusing on just one class.
Greg, because of the affordable internet.
I would vote for Mike McGinn because he supports helping homeless people and making cheaper housing a top priority. He grew up in a large family and knows what it feels like to be less wealthy.
I feel that addressing homelessness and education are what is important and what should be addressed. Affordable broadband is shallow and unimportant.
I would vote for the mayor because he seems focused on addressing poverty.
I have three children in school so education is a top priority so Mike McGinn would be a good choice.
I would want to vote for Greg Nickels since I have school going children and the issue of class size and deteriorati quality of elementary school on the nation is something that affects me personally.
I think I prefer what his campaign centers on.
Mike McGinn has more experience as mayor.
Greg Nickels is for helping the homeless. Reducing class sizes is a good idea also. I'd vote against the Mayor's ideas of government internet and not everybody need to go to college.
I like the things his campaign centers on.
Would vote for Mayor McGinn because he has already made a positive impact on the city.
I would vote against the current Mayor if purely for the reason that politicians should not remain in office forever. It is time for a change in leadership.
One reason that I would vote for the incumbent is because he has experience at being the mayor.
I like that Mayor Greg Nickles is for smaller class sizes.
Because of their stances on specific issues.
I would vote for Nickels because he has a good agenda.
Greg nickels wants to work with the homeless and I think that is a great cause. Especially in Vets that serve our country.
I would probably vote for Greg Nickels mainly because it seems odd that Mayor Mike McGinn has the internet as one of the things he wants to work on...that doesn't really seem like a city issue to me.
Nickels has good morals, and a positive goal in mind, improving education benefits for children.
I would elect Mayor Mike McGinn because he has a great track record as a mayor.
He seems to have a little more going for him although the other candidate is already a mayor I believe the Resume of the challenger is a little better.
I think that the incumbent generally has an example, especially one that has held the office since 2011. I also think that he seems to be competent, and his goals with the homeless are noble.
I would vote for Greg Nickels because he supports improving broadband Internet access.
New blood would put a fresh perspective on things
McGinn is more progressive than Nickels and I found that attractive in a candidate.
Mike McGinn seems to have policies to benefit the poor and strengthen education
He seems to be doing a fine job as it is, with no alarms or red flags that he's a bad mayor. I appreciate his efforts to close class gaps and helping to improve the education system.

Both candidates seem to have similar qualifications. No preference there, I see them about equal in that regard. Both are capable of doing the job.
I would vote for the incumbent because he has been a good mayor.
I would vote for Mike McGinn because he has a pretty convincing experience. I think a new change is good. I wouldn't vote for Greg because it might be boring to have the same Mayor again.
He also cares about homelessness and education.
I wouldn't vote for McGinn because he isn't working to improve the technology of the city.
He would want to reduce the cost of broadband and move towards the future
mkaing affordable housing/ending homelessness a priority
Mike McGinn wants to provide broadband internet which will give lower socioeconomic people better tools to be successful in school and work.
I would want to vote for Mike McGinn because he has already served as the Mayor quite successfully.
His goal is to increase access to higher education.
Mayor McGinn has a high satisfaction rating.
I also like how he was voted top 5, and how he has experience in government already.
He has very good experience as a highly regarded county commissioner and as a legislative aide.
His platform on education and hiring of additional teachers.
Greg Nickels has served for a long period of time.
Mayor Mike McGinn seems like he has accomplished a lot.
I would not want to vote for McGinnis because there are things that have to be changed first; lower education needs improved before investing on higher education
I would vote for Greg because I agree with modernizing school facilities
I would vote for Mike because I like his stance on education
The challenger is an unknown, he has not been a mayor before and has no experience in this area.
He also supports education by wanting to reduce class sizes and modernizing the infrastructure.
Nickles wants to hire more teachers and reduce class sizes.
Mike McGinn is from a hard-working background; he had to fight to get attention in the political sphere.
He has past experience in the mayoral position and has done well in the past.
Supporting higher education strikes the chord
McGinn has a lot of experience as the mayor.
Incumbent Nickels campaign proposal to make broadband access more affordable sounds good too.
Mayor Greg Nickels seems to have been doing a good job so far so that's a reason to vote for him.
Mayor seems to be doing a good job since the city is the second largest in Michigan
The incumbent must be doing a good job because he was rated in the top 5 mayors in the midwest.
Making homelessness and affordable housing a top priority is important
He wants to increase access to higher education.
I wouldn't vote for Mike McGinn because he doesn't see the small town picture like Greg does.
I would vote for Mike Mcginn because he offers to modernize schools, making smaller classes, and bringing new teaching jobs.
For Mayor Mike McGinn - Rated #3 of Mid-City Mayors
Challenger Mike McGinn has had extremely high approval ratings.
The Mayor has both past and present experience. I like candidates who are good at their job, or have been good at a similar job.
Infrastructure spending needs to be increased all around the country. +1 for McGinn.
I would want to vote for him because he was voted one of the "Top 5 Mayors." That is pretty big.
I would vote for Greg Nickels because he is focused on lowering the costs of broadband internet.
i don't want to vote for McGinn because he's already been mayor since 2011, and maybe he's done well, but its someone else's turn.
I dont want to vote for McGinn because his priority is broadband interenet - which most people already have
Redcuing class sizes, modernizing school facilities, and hiring new teachers
He was listed as number 3 in Today's Best Mayors.
I would vote for the incumbent Mayor Greg Nickels as his plan is very similar to that of the challenger Mike McGinnis. Also, his credentials are essentially equivalent.
Listed as #3 in USA Today for best Mayor
I like that he is hiring new teachers. That is creating jobs in an area that is very important.
mcginn was rated one of the top 5 mayors in this size city
I like that McGinn is seeking to improve and update transportation infastructure.
I like that he supports improving classroom conditions.
I really like the idea of Affordable broadband Internet access. THis is certainly something a local community can do. So many communities are in bed with cable/broadband companies and get kickbacks.
Mike McGinn already has 4 years of experience being the mayor.
Greg is from the West and offers new perspectives.
He's a new mayor, and came from the West, so offers new perspectives.
If I voted for Greg it would be his selection into the top 5 Midwest mayors
I would vote for Mayor Nickles as he campaigns for access for higher education
He is also thinking about improving education not just higher education, but education in general.
vote for Mike McGinn because he seems like a complete Democrat
Mike McGinn was rated the third best mayor of a mid-size city.
I feel that McGinn shouldn't prioritize broadband internet, as the nation is already sufficient (almost) enough with that. It's not too important of an issue.
I feel that broadband access is already being implemented throughout the states, and I feel that it isn't that big of an issue to prioritize, so that's one strike for Nickels.
He wants to reduce class size and modernize classrooms.
I would vote for Mike Mcginn because I feel strongly towards increasing access to education
Nickels is focusing on issues that are current.
I like that he wants promote affordable housing.
I like that mcginn is highly rated as a mid sized city mayor.
I wouldn't want to vote for the Challenger Mike McGinn.
As commissoner and city council member, he has received honors from the people. His focus is solely on the people, the homeless, and the way people can live easier.
I would not vote for Greg because he has never been mayor.
Again, I wouldn't want to vote against the current mayor. If anything, it could be that he's possibly been mayor for too long and we need fresh people.
i think primary education is a better thing then secondary, they can always go out of state
I dont really know much about them so at this point I would just skip the election.
I would want to vote for the incumbent Mayor Mike McGinn because he has a proven track reconrd in getting things done and being well liked in the community
Mike McGinn will improve infrastructure.
I like that he wants to increase access to higher education and change transportation infrastructure.
I would vote for greg nickels due to his increse in higher education
Mike McGinn wants to modernize transportation which is great.
He has the highest approval rating ever.
He is trying to make affordable housing a high priority it seems like. That will help a lot of young adults.
I can relate with Greg Nickles because I am also 1 of 3 children.
McGinn's ideas will hurt the city's economic prosperity. More teachers and smaller class sizes is not always the answer and these funds have traditionally been put to poor use.
I would chose Greg because seems to be a new and up and upcoming competitor, sometimes new blood is needed to help spark changes.
I liked that Mike focused on higher education because that is important to me.
I liked that he has been mayor, and so he is already familiar with the problems at hand.
The mayor has been voted top 3 best mid west mayor.
McGinn also had a consistently high approval rating in his previous ventures. I like the combination of innovation and stability.
Greg Nickles was born in Seattle and I hate that city to the core so I would vote for McGinn.
incumbent is dealing with issues that are far reaching and not relevant to Grand Rapid community, which is focused more on manufacturing. Blue collar
He has the experience and has been successful
I believe reducing class sizes will improve education.
I felt he had more experience then Mike McGinn.
I think his priorities don't match mine. I'm all to helping the homeless and providing housing for them, but they themselves have to work hard to get themselves out of their situation.
I would bote for Greg Nickles because he seems family oriented
Nickels is rated as one of the best mayors according to Newsweek
He is the oldest of 6 children so he is likely a natural leader.
I would vote for Greg Nickles because he was listed as number 3 in the 5 Best Mid-City mayors. That is an achievement it itself!
Mike McGinn seems a little fake and out of sync, He does not know what he is talking about and he does not seem to produce much change in the world or even a community, in my opinion
I support his goals for reducing homelessness and getting affordable housing.
One of Greg Nickels best features is that he was ranked third of all the Mid-city mayors. Having that ranking shows that he's been doing a good job.
I would vote against the incumbent if I felt that he was not already doing enough.
I like his platform better. I also like that he is a highly rated mayor with lots of experience.
He also has a great idea of focusing on some secondary education efforts.
Ooops, I listed two reasons in the last box. First box: been doing a good job as mayor. Here: concerned with the homeless.
He has a good history as mayor - listed as #5 in list of best mid-size city mayors.
I like that Greg Nickels stands for increasing access to higher education.
Greg Nickels puts affordable secondary education at the top of his list. This is unrealistic for a city mayor.
I would want to vote for Mayor Greg Nickles because he wants to improve things that are relevant to me.
McGinn was voted as one of the best mayors in a USA Today poll, so he must be well liked by the citizens he serves.
I think Greg Nickles campaign on increasing access to higher education is a very good idea.
There is no second reason. I do not like his platform period.
He appears to have been a popular and effective city commissioner.
His previous experience as mayor helps him to understand the job and what it requires.
Greg Nickels has enough experience that I could be persuaded to vote for him.
Greater access to higher education and improved infrastructure are both high priority issues in my mind.
I'd vote for Mike McGinn because I like that he is from Seattle
challenger seems to have had a lot of success before
the challenger seems like someone who would raise taxes for what he is claiming he will do.
Greg Nickels gives pragmatic solutions to improving education - hiring new teachers and lowering class size, for example - whereas Mike McGinn's campaign gives only platitudes with regard to education
Mayor Greg Nickels has a lot of experience, and was a very popular and effective Mayor.
I liked that Nickles was wanting to help find housing for people that can't afford it. It's a basic need and everyone has a right to it.
I would vote for Mayor Greg Nickles because he was selected by USA Today as being one of the top five mid cities managers in the nation. That is quite an achievement.
McGinn wants more people to go to college.
I would vote for the incumbent based on his ranking as a top 3 mid-city mayor.
I wouldn't vote for McGinn. I feel that Nickles has a great background and I like his platform more.
Higher education has increased in price drastically over the years. It's important everyone that wants it gets this opportunity. Greg can offer this.
I care more about access to higher education than lowering other class sizes
Because of what his campaign centers on.
As much as I would like to vote for Greg Nickels because of broadband internet access and affordable higher education (which are more relevant to me right now), Mayor McGinn has better priorities.
Because he know thee rules and he will do the promised things after election perfectly.
Nickels had a broadband plan, which is something that would attract tech startups to the city
Another reason I would vote for Mayor Mike McGinn is because he is already the current mayor, and seems to be doing a great job seeing as he is in the "Top Five Mid Level Mayors".
Do not like second candidates priorities. To me, someone having a place to live should come before broadband
I don't like the current mayor's policies
Greg Nickles we should give chance to a new person
Greg Nickels worked with the previous mayor so he has dealt with the issues of the city for a while
My second reason would be he seems competent because he was a good city commissioner.
He's been ranked highly, the incumbent I mean.
I like Greg Nickles' plan to make Internet broadband less expensive/more accessible.
Wants to focus on improving city infrastructure
I would vote for Mayor McGinn due to his position and increasing access to higher education.
I would vote for Greg Nickles because he wants to improve access to higher education.
I would vote for the current Mayor because he was voted top 5 best small city mayors.
I wouldn't want to vote for Nickels because his views weren't as good as McGinn's.
I like that he is making housing more affordable for lower income people.
Voting for McGuinn becasue he wants to modernize our schools.
I wouldn't vote for Mike McGinn because I don't think he has as much experience.
I wouldnt want to vote for mike because he wants to help the homeless and give handouts
Mayor Greg Nickles has a good history of work experience
The city might need a change of leadership to move to the future
Because he wants to help build transportation projects.
once again i wouldnt vote for either of them, unless i lived in the area and knew them personaly.
Maybe, the fact that a fresh idea, might be better than the present ones.
He grew up in a big family, he knows how to work with people.
Incumbency tends to lead to less production
I think it is important the Nickles is for having a modern internet available to more people.
He is interested in increasing access to higher education.
I would want to vote for May Greg Nickles because he is concerned with primary education and making sure students get the attention they deserve.
He was ranked as a pretty good mayor so he's probably been doing things well. Don't fix what isn't broken.
I like that he prioritizes affordable housing.
Mayor Greg Nickelsis has lead the community as Mayor since 2011 and has already proven his leadership.
Because he has been mayor and done well since 2011.
The transportation being moderize could have some good results.
He wants more access to higher education.
I favor Mike McGinn's effort to increase access to higher education. If those without the means desire to advance their education, they should be assisted in doing so.
I would enjoy both of them in office, really. I prefer Mr. Nickles to Mr. McGinn, though. due to his wider range of issues.
Mayor Mike McGinn has a lot of experience as being mayor.
I would want to vote for Mayor Mike McGinn because he is doing a good job in office.
Greg Nickels focuses on practical improvements, such as higher education, internet access, and transportation infrastructure.
Everyone now needs access to high speed internet. At this point, it is a need. Reducing the cost and making it affordable would help people across the board.
My second reason I'd want to vote for Mike McGinn is because that he wants to increase access to higher education; I find that very important in these difficult financial times.
I believe he is more capable than Mike to make efforts to improve the city.
Their both great candidates by the information provided, I'd have a hard time choosing between the two.
Trying to provide better high speed internet to people.
McGinn has the highest approval rating in Grand Rapids history.
Voting for Mike McGinn because he is very supportive of education and investment in teachers and students within the community
"USA Today" recognized Nickles as a top mayor. The publication isn't the most scientific or credible but I doubt that would include Nickles in a feature like that if he were terrible or corrupt.
I would want to vote for challenger Greg Nickels due to his emphasis on broadband internet.
I liked the challenger's position on education.
I would vote for McGinn because he would be a fresh face with fresh ideas.
I would not want to vote for Greg Nickels because I personally don't care about housing the homeless. I find most people are homeless because they choose to be.
He has never been mayor and I'd like to see how he performs.
I would vote for Mike Mcginn because his focus on education will inadvertently help the homeless that Greg Nickels is using as a platform.
HIS ATTITUDE AND CHALLENGING THINKS ARE POSITIVE
would vote for McGinn because I like his platform of increasing access to broadband and fixing the infrastructure.
He wants to make broadband internet access affordable.
He wants to focus on making higher education a priority.
He is interested in smaller classroom sizes and helping teachers, which, again, isn't on Greg Nickels' agenda. I like that Nickels is interested in higher ed, but basic education is more important.
He's listed as number 3 in USA Today's 5 Best Mid-City Mayors.
I would want to vote for Greg because of his proven track record as mayor and his stance on improving education in the city.
Families afected by homelessness is very sad. It affects the children in so many ways. SO affordable housing is so important.
Homelessness is very costly. Mayor Mike wants to help homelessness.
greg is very popular due to his performance
challenger is for making affordable housing a priority which i approve of
The incumbent is part of a collaborative coalition with other cities to keep the city great.
McGinn was among the top 5 small city mayors.
increase opportunity for higher education for incumbent Mayor Greg Nickels
Gregs Nickels grew up on Long Island so I would not vote for him, but if I had to he wants to increase broadband access.
I would vote for Mike because he is a very intelligent man with experience that would help him be a great mayor
He has all the qualities I want in a pollitician.
Mike McGinn is interested in improving infrastructure. That is necessary in many US cities right now. Greg Nickels has a good platform but McGinn has fresh ideas that would be helpful for the city.
Vote for: His mission statement is more well thought and specific, whereas the challenger has a vague statement.
The challenger seems to want to do too much with things not in his control such as affordable housing
I like that Mike McGinn wants to provide available broadband service.
He has experience being a mayor, while Greg Nickels does not.
I like that he has experience being the city commissioner and wants a rail system.
I also like his education stance, funding for more teachers etc.
He seems like he'll make things better for all and not just some people.
He seems to be the most well liked commisioner in Grand Rapids.
I would vote for Greg Nickels because he cares about the school system. Im not sure why McGinn would care more about internet?
I like the that he is reducing class sizes and helping improve the education system.
Would not vote for McGinn because he is from a family of 6 and i cannot relate
Mike McGinn wants to reduce class sizes.
Access to higher education is vital. To keep up with the world, higher education should be made available to more people
Against Nickels because he cares about internet as a top issue,not helping people
I would vote for Nickels because of his endorsement by USA Today
Lack of position on biggest social issues
Mike McGinnn is a fresh voice and not beholden to old interests.
I would vote for Mike McGinn as he is looking to upgrade the infrastructure of Grand Rapids
I would probably vote for Mike McGinn also because he wants to curb homelessness.
i think the incumbent mayor is a better canidate, not that the challenger is a bad one.
I would vote for Greg Nickles because he wants to modernize transportation. I believe updated transportation is important for citizens, especially when it comes to safety.
Would vote for Challenger; tech platform for faster internet
Wants to introduce affordable broadband internet.
Homelessness/affordable housing is a big problem.
I wouldn't vote for Greg Nickles because his agenda is not coinciding with the city's economy
I would vote for Mike McGinn because his campaign is centers around schools by reducing class size, teachers, and new facilities.
The Statement that he wants to Modernize traffic infrastructure.
Another good reason to vote for Greg Nickels is his great rating as a commissioner.
I would vote for Mike McGinn because he is considered a good mayor and has great priorities when it comes to higher education
The incumbent has broad experience and apparently successful performance in the mayoral office; the challenger, while experiences has a much narrower field of experience.
Because he has received highest approval ratings of any city commissioner in the city's history
The incumbent mayor has a lot of experience on the job, which I like.
One vote for incumbent Mayor is his campaign stance on increasing access to higher education.
I would vote for McGinn because he's looking to bring education up to speed by valuing teachers more, allowing them an easier time to focus on truly reaching children.
I would want to vote for Mike McGinn because the class divide being made smaller will definitely add to a better economy.
Mayor Greg Nickels supports making higher education easier to reach and I support that as well.
Greg Nickles was number 3 on the list of top mayors of the city.
i would vote against the challenger because i disagree with his policy to make housing more affordable because that is not what is important right now.
Greg Nickels received high approval ratings as city commisioner.
I would vote for Mike McGinn because he values education and allows poorer people to have it.
Greg Nickles priorities are in reducing homelessness and increasing affordable housing which is not an important issue for me
I tend to vote for the new challenger if I agree with their views - new blood in government can be a really good thing.
For challenger because he wants to hire more teachers.
Greg Nickels has experience at doing the job already.
I can't vote for Mike McGinn because he's just going to throw more money at an ever worsening educational system instead of focusing on systemic problems.
I would want to vote for Greg Nickles because he wants to modernize the infastructure
I may not vote for mcGinn because im more interested in access to higher education than homelessness and affordable housing.
He has a good history in politics and seems like a family man.
Another reason is that he is focusing on the future and not just the immediate present.
no reason not to vote for either one, so why chance
Greg Nickels wants more access to higher education, but what about those without education to start with?
McGinn is interested in affordable higher education.
I like that his priorities are helping reduce homelessness and improve class sizes for children.
Nickles wants to modernize transportation infrastructure.
trying something new, giving someone else a cahnce
McGinn is more centered on important issues like curbing homelessness and improving our educational system
I would want a new mayor to try and see if he can do new things
Another reason to vote for the challenger, over the incumbent, would be that the challenger would be a new face for the city. Although the city seems to be doing well, change is always a good thing...
Mayor Mike McGinn has a long history of being an excellent Mayor to the community.
His desire to decrease class size in schools.
Improving transportation is a good policy
McGinn's prioritization of transportation infrastructure seems like it should be lower on a major's list for a mid-sized city.
It seems like he is more interested in fixing current problems
Mayor Mike McGinn. He has a good experience in serving the community
He has more executive level experience than McGinn.
Incumbent looks to be technologically forward thinking and progressive.
Mayor Nickels centers his campaign on equality, higher education and creating jobs for educators.
I would not vote for Greg because he is more focused on helping companies than people.
I wouldn't want to vote for McGinn because, while helping homeless is a noble task, in context it seems he wants to throw money at the problem.
I would vote for Mike McGinn because he cares about the homeless
Mike has a more impressive background, and experience with the job.
Greg Nickels is focused on affordable housing which doesn't effect me
He seems to have a bit more experience in the right areas than his counterpart.
He has the highest approval rating for city commissioner in the city's history
I would not vote for Greg because he seems to be focusing on rich people problems; college, internet.
I would vote for Greg Nickels because his initiatives are more important than Mike McGinn's internet initiative.
Mike McGinn is only focused on a few small issues, but Nickles would have long term effects on his campaign.
I would vote for Mike McGinn because he is also qualified for this position as Mayor. And I like what he stands for and what he plans to do for the citizens and schools in the area.
maybe keep the current mayor in office if he currently doing well for his townfolk
I like how Mike McGinn also wants to hire new teachers and update education, that is essential with the population boom and to strengthen peoples lives, that would get my vote as well.
Like that Nickles focuses on homeless, its a big problem
I'd vote for Nickels because he has good ratings in the position.
He has good experience for the job as already involved in the politics of the city for which he is running to be the mayor. He has the potential to know many of the issues while also adapting new idea
The incumbent, with his initiatives, seems focused on big business through technology.
Vote for challenger because of his high ratings of previous job.
His policies seem really helpful like decreasing school classroom sizes so our new students coming up will have a more solid chance in school and will have more 1 on 1 experiences.
I would vote for Greg Nickels due to his position on addressing the quality of schools and teachers.
Mike McGinn is challenging a presumably successful mayor, so based on his background, there is no obvious reason to elect him.
Mike McGinn has experience as mayor and has done a good job, he's received praise for his work.
Greg Nickels has proven experience in the mayoral office.
Mike McGinn is for helping the homeless problem, which, I'm sure is rampant in Michigan.
I wouldn't want to vote for Greg Nickles because he seems to want to ignore big issues like housing and education
I would vote against Nickels because it's hard to know what he's really like.
He has been very successful in the city council.
Mike Mcginn seems to have a lot of previous experience that will help him be a good mayor
I would vote for the challenger because he has a proven track record that seems very impressive. I could get behind his agenda more than the incumbent.
I would vote for Nickels because he is concerned with the plight of the homeless.
I still don't want to vote for either of them.
I would vote for Mike McGinn because I agree that helping the homeless is extremely important.
Mayor Mike McGinn has a good platform based on educational reform that I like (reducing class sizes, more tech and more teachers).
I would vote for McGinn because he plans on advancing public transportation.
He wants to hire more teachers, there is a shortage of teachers at the moment.
I would vote against Mike MCginn because he seems to focus on secondary issues except for secondary education.
Challenger Greg Nickels wants to increase access to higher education which is a very important topic and issue throughout the country.
emphasis on schools, reducing class size and hiring teachers - adding jobs.
Has children, seems he knows how to manage his house, and can manage the city.
I respect his campaign goals of reducing homelessness and improving children's education. I think it shows he is investing in the future of the city.
I liked that he was a part of a larger family.
Because he is running on improving the public education system by hiring more teachers and reducing class size.
I like that Mike McGinn wants to increase the number of teachers in the district
I would vote for Nickels because he has a proven track record and was previously recognized as a good mayor.
It's good to change mayors every now and then
I would vote for Mike McGinn due to his 7 years of service as city commissioner
I would vote for the incumbent mayor because he's managed to make the top 5 list of mayors. So he has experience on the job and there's no need to fix something that isn't broken.
Greg Nickels, because he was rated best serving city commisioner in history.
I might not want to vote for the incumbant because focusing on the local economy would probably have the effect of making housing more affordable as well.
I would vote for Mayor Greg Nickles since he will promise to modernize our infrastructure.
Nickles has a lot of relevant experience.
I like Mike Mcginn because he is willing to do what is necessary to get the job done
I would consider not voting for Mike McGinn because he isn't local so he may not understand all of the various issues as well.
I would vote for the current mayor for his education stance
I would vote for him because of his experience.
I like campaigning to grant higher education access to more people
He is a conservative, I am a liberal so I will vote against him.
Incumbent focuses on making life more comfortable.
I would want to vote for Greg Nickles because he wants to help out schools.
Getting children a better education in their younger years is very important.
Because he has had really good ratings in the past.
against gregg because of spending money on access to higher education
Greg Nickles was voted one of the top mid city mayors, which means he was making pretty good changes in the city during his term.
Mike has great family values and grew up in a nututing family enviroment.
I wouldn't want to vote for McGinn because he does not have the mayoral experience.
I don't think having large class sizes is a high-priority issue.
Greg Nickels does have experience as the incumbent and has apparently done well, so that would be a reason to vote for Nickels.
McGinn focuses on homelessness and affordable housing
Mike Mcginn has the alliteration going for him. Mmm
I would also vote for the challenger Mike McGinn because of his rankings that were presented and his growing up in the North east, and being exposed to the diversity of the NE.
Incumbent Nickels brings his experience of already having served as Mayor.
He supports better access to broadband internet.
I would not vote for Mike McGinn because one of his important issues is "broadband internet access." There are more pressing issues on the city than that such as education, transportation, & housing.
I has his own family so he probably has good family values.
I wouldn't because I am already sure of the current mayor. I am uncertain about the challenger.
I would vote for Mike McGinn because he has already proved he could do the job by being the incumbent.
He's been Mayor for a long time and is rated top 5.
Because he is the highest rated in his position ever.
Again, there is no way I would vote for this person because I feel that he is focusing on issues that are non important to me....internet??? NO WAY! Equality is what I'm concerned about.
For challenger McGinn: he received good evaluations in his previous position.
Mayor Greg Nickles did not establish a care to improve broadband internet access.
I would vote for Mike McGinn because of his success as Mayor so far.
I would NOT vote for Greg if he did NOT also include Mike's agendas as well because they are also very important but Homelessness and affordable housing is near and dear to me.
Mike McGinn wants to come up with a way to make housing affordable for homeless people and I tihnk that is a significant issue that can help all people
With better access to higher education, career mobility, options, and pay rate could be higher for most if not all of the city.
Mike McGinn wants Transportation system upgrades. What has Mayor Nickles not done that allowed the system to be in need of upgrades, or Has the Mayor not maintained it properly?
i wouldn't vote for Nickels because we don't need to provide more people a chance for college, rather we need to reform that system as a whole.
I would also vote Nickles because he wants to make housing affordable.
Nickles sees that supporting infrastrucure projects, like WiFi and transportation, for being an economic stimulus. It's a wider way of thinking.
Mike McGinn because of the devotion to education on a primary scale
Affordable housing and helping lower the homeless population is a huge passion of mine.
Their credentials seem the same. Their origin and family are irrelevant to me. They have the same amount of experience and received comparable accolades.
He is working to improve the school system for child
I would vote for McGinn because he is concerned about helping our children with their education by reducing class size, fixing schools and hiring new teachers.
I wouldn't vote for incumbent Mayor Greg Nickels because he is incompetent in what he is doing. He is not suited for the job. He is all about promises. Even though hes done a pretty good job in the pa
I want to vote for Mike McGinn because he wants to increase access to higher education.
He was voted #3, so he must be pretty good.
Vote for challenger as the problems of housing and schools are more pressing than what sounds like cronyism in incumbent's issues of college, internet, and transportation.
Know what to expect from the Mayor more than the challenger
I would vote against Greg Nickles because his campaign has been said before but hardly ever gets done.
I like that he puts a focus on increasing higher education. That is in line with my interests.
He would help people with Affordable Housing
I don't like Grek Nickels for simply throwing money at school in hopes that they approve.
I find McGinn's ideas "more supportable" than Nickels.
Vote for incumbent because he is experienced.
Administrators should be refreshed every time and i vote the challeger
The challenger clearly has a wealth of experience and would be qualified for the job. However, it would be tough to vote against the incumbent when he has been voted one of the top mid-city majors.
For Nickles: his focus for affordable broadband access.
wouldn't vote for Greg Nickels because his experience doesn't qualify him for such a large position.
I would vote against Greg Nickles due to his more individualistic policies vs the communcal policies of the current mayor.
His view on increasing higher education.
The only reason I wouldn't vote for Mike McGuinn is because he seems too liberal on some things and what he plans to do with his term doesn't give me the same heartfelt reaction Greg Nickels would.
Mike McGinn has served on term and has a few goals which are very concrete. Transportation improvements would affect every member of the community.
Nickels, because he wants to improve education
Nickels has been in Grand Rapids city government for longer than McGinn.
He has been the incumbent for a while and knows how the city works
Mayor Nickles as the incumbent is more experienced and better suited for the role.
Greg Nickels wants to modernize transportation infrastructure which might convince many individuals who drive to forgo using their cars. This would cut down on the amount of cars on the roads.
I think he is smart and has what it takes
I like his affordable housing initiative.
I would want to vote for McGinn because he wants to make public education better for all
Into innovation and increasing education
His first term is receiving national recognition, so presumably his first term was successful.
Affordable higher education would allow for more meaningful discourse on campuses and might finally logic away this social justice censorship that has infected places of higher learning since the '70s
Modernizing schools is a priortty to him and to me since I believe education is an important issue.
I would vote for Greg Nickels because he wants to accomplish things that would have direct bearing on his constituents--dealing with homelessness and improving schools.
Incumbent Mayor Mike McGinn wants to reduce class sizes
Mike McGinn wants to prove schools through modernization and smaller more intimate classes.
Mike has a really great approval rating and seems like he brings a lot of good ideas to the table
I wouldnt vote for Greg because he isn't interested in major problems, only common ones.
Mike McGinn is from an area of the country that I am favorable towards.
Id vote for Nickels because he had highest approval ratings
Nickels is for helping students get the attention they need.
Against McGinn because he wants to build affordable housing
I think that I might vote for the incumbent solely based on his education policies. He understands that good education changes communities and neighborhoods for the better overall. That's how you fix
He's done well as mayor up to this point.
Mike McGinn would like to help the homeless.
To have new blood in the mayor's office and his advocacy for education.
His social policies sound progressive and would help the homeless.
I would want to vote for Greg Nickles because he plans to improve internet connection.
He is all about taking action and getting things done.
I would vote against Mike McGinn because he is not the best candidate for the job. Although he has a few good experiences and his office is looking to better education, he doesn't have the experience
I would want to vote for McGinn because of his very high approval ratings.
To give an incumbent more time to accomplish his goals
His leadership background. Mayor of a city is a big job.
He seems he would only care about himself
already the mayor, why mess with what is working
he has a track record of doing good things for the community
He has experience in office and has awards and recognition to show for it.
Because Mike McGinn has no experience being a mayor, just like President Obama didn't and doesn't have any experience being a President.
He has high approval in his current position, so is probably well liked in his community.
I would vote for Greg Nickles because he is the incumbent and done a fine job so far
Campaign priorities: I would vote for McGinn because he is focused on affordable housing and the homeless issue. Also lowering class sizes, add teachers Nickles on higher education, already good
I would vote for Nickles because he has been effective in office and will probably be able to advance his platform
I would vote for challenger Mike McGinn because I feel he would do the most good for the city.
Mayor Nickles plans to make post secondary education more easily accessible.
Incumbent has been named top 5 mayors and obviously seems to be doing a good job.
Greg Nickles wants to increase access to higher education.
I would vote for challenger Mike McGinn just to get some new blood in the office.
There campaign is nicely centered on important issues.
I like that he was voted one of the best mayors.
I would want to vote for Greg Nickles because he wants to improve schools, by making classes smaller and hire more teachers. [In the last question I forgot to mention his name, sorry.]
The challenger is from a larger family so he would understand the need to help families out.
As a college student, higher education and it's affordability is paramount to me.
He comes from a large family and knows what it's like personally to have to share resources.
he has significant experience as a city commissioner
-i don't know anything personal about them
I wouldn't vote for Greg Nickels because of the expense of higher education availability.
I would want to vote for Mike because he wants to increase public transportation.
I would not vote for Greg Nickels because broadband internet access is not as important as many other issues.
Nickels' is rated as a good mayor so probably has been doing a decent job so far
Greg Nickles has received the highest scores ever for his performance as a commissioner.
Mike McGinn is making education a priority, decreasing classroom sizes and hiring more teachers.
I would support Greg Nickels because affordable housing is one of his priorities
Nickles is also in favor of reducing classroom size
I wouldn't pick this candidate at all. Again, I would need way more information than what's provided. I'm very hard on making decisions when it comes to voting.
Homelessness is also something that is near and dear to my heart so that is something that I would be very supportive of.
He knows the community and is focused on helping everyone cope with the economics of society.
(I aidentally put two resons in the first one, so I'll repeat the second one I put) he has a high approval rate in Grand Rapids
Mayor Greg Nickels has been doing the job for four years and seems to be doing it well.
I would want to vote for McGinn because he wanted to improve schools and hiring more teachers is always good.
Greg Nickels was a city commissioner for seven years so he knows how the system works.
He wants to find ways to solve homelessness in the city.
The challenger has a lot of experience in Government and seems capable.
I would vote for Nickles because he places a large emphasis on education which is a key issue for me.
They have served 11 years in the government so they should know the ropes.
I would vote for Mike McGinn because I believe having fast and affordable broadband internet accessible to eveyone is important.
I like that Challenger Greg Nickels is making the local impoverished people a priority. I feel like that is more important than getting better internet service as McGinn is focusing on.
The current mayor has bettter education and professional background
If I had to vote for Greg Nickels, it would be because he seems to have more experience in politics/holding office.
I like his education reform ideas, smaller classrooms etc.
for incumbent is that his goals are more with my interests/concers
Nickels wants to make school class sizes smaller.
Homelessness is a problem that needs to be dealt with. It's good to see a candidate campaigning on that issue.
Mike McGinn because he has a high approval rating which means he can say alot of good things that people like and only act on a quarter of that.
Greg Nickels grew up the oldest in a family of six. This makes me think that he grew up in a character building environment.
Mike has experience working for another mayor. I would vote for him if I thought Gred wasn't doing well as the mayor and I thought homelessness was a big problem in the city.
Mike McGinn policies center around what I feel to be more important isuuses
I would vote for Mayor Greg Nickels because I like his ideas for better education.
Making homelessness and affordable housing a top priority is a good idea
Mike McGinn cares about homelessness and keeping class sizes small, which is important in fostering a good learning environment for the city's students.
I prefer Mayor Greg Nickles because he is already the Mayor and you know what you have
Another reason I would want to vote for Mayor Mike McGinn is because is for affordable broadband internet access.
McGinn also centers on "increasing access to higher education".
His high and record breaking approval ratings as city commissioner
I would also vote for him based on the fact that he was already doing the job.
He is more for the people and community.
I would personally wouldn't want to vote for the incumbent Mayor Mike McGinn because, between the two, he doesn't seem to have the same variety of political and community experience.
I would vote for the incumbent because he has been doing great so far and you shouldn't fix what isn't broken.
Sometimes a new person to do the job is good, and helps to avoid corruption.
Because he would provided an interesting change and dynamic to the city.
Greg Nickels is well-rated and seems to be a rising political figure.
I would want to vote for Greg Nickles because he has successfully solved many problems.
I would vote for Greg Nickels because he is addressing some serious issues facing larger cities such as homelessness.
Both candidates have valid ideas. But to be honest, I'd need to know more about their viewpoint of other important issues before voting for either one. Have business experience, integrity?
Mayor Mike McGinn was listed in USA Today's Best Mid City Mayors as #3-very impressive. This is another reason why I would vote for him.
Both candidates are running on issues that should be solved without election promises. These are basic things that should be taken care of efficiently without need for positional compensation.
Greg Nickels cares about homelessness, an issue that is important to me.
HE comes from a large family and he is the oldest of six siblings, meaning he is probably very responsible.
I would want to vote for the Mayor Mike McGinn because he was ranked as one of the best mayors in the country.
I would vote against Mike McGinn because his only focus is on materialistic things like broadband internet.
Greg Nickels has experience in Grand Rapids and knows the situations and problems to be addressed.
He was listed as number 3 in USA Today's poll as best mayor
A new perspective on issues facing the city.
May be student class size. But I do not think that is a big issue.
He seems to have some success as a city councilman.
McGinn has had great ratings as a City Commissioner
i am more interested in cheaper internet access than affordable housing for the poor, there are tons of social services to help the poor with housing already.
Mike McGinn plans to make higher education more affordable.
I like McGinn's experience as being a Mayor. He has shown that he is competent and can handle the job.
Mayor Greg Nickles focuses on more important platforms.
I would vote against Greg Nickels solely because Mike McGinn is currently serving and see no reason to change.
Mayor Greg Nickels wants to modernize the city with better transportation and affordable internet so I would vote for him over Mike McGinn who does not mention specific things for the city
I wouldn't vote for Mayor Greg Nickels because I think we have more important issues to deal with first before homelessness.
What speaks for Greg - but he would not be my choice - is that he was not born in NY. Seattle is still too big for a mid sized city but closer than NY to have a good background. He served on some bo
I would vote for the incumbent because I strongly believe in increasing access to affordable Internet.
Challenger Mike doesn't have mayoral experience, i'd vote against
I would vote for the incumbent because I support his focus on transportation and internet access.
Because he is focusing on higher education and I think that is important.
I like that he wants to invest in teachers.
He's already had a lot of experience as mayor.
His wanting to improve the transportation infrastructure.
He is focused on some important issues such as housing
I think that the mayor's idea of increasing access to the internet and education will greatly improve our future generations.
A new mayor. The other guys has been mayor for 4 years. I like goverment constantly changing and one person not holding power a long time
He was a city commissioner for 7 years. and Mike McGinn was only Mayor for 4 years
I would vote for Greg Nickels because he wants to reduce class sizes and is focusing on education.
He's modernizing the transportation infrastructure.
I would vote for Greg Nickles because of his stance on education, like trying to get the class sizes smaller.
He wants to work on the infrastructure of the city
would vote for greg nickels, because he wants to work for affordable housing
His focus on infrastructure (both digital and transportation) intrigues me and seems like it could be important groundwork for the future.
I would vote for McGinn because he seems to have a lot to offer with his background history.
Both seem to be good candidates, but Mike McGinn has the highest approval in history in his old post.
better for community, or seems so based on article
He has done well at his other job which he held for seven years.
Greg wants to make it easier to get higher education.
I would also vote for Mike McGinn because he wants to improve our education system.
I truthfully can't get over the fact that someone thinks affordable internet is an issue that needs to be addressed. Also, the candidate with experience in the voting area is important.
He is new and could run it a little differently
I would vote for the mayor because he wants to improve public education.
Greg Nickels also seems favorable because better tarnsportation is a must for most all growing cities.
I would like to vote for Greg Nickels as I live in an expensive housing area where people cannot afford housing. This initiative by Greg Nickels is something that our community can benefit from.
Greg Nickels modernizing of school facilities is an ok idea.
I think he has a better background as far as experience over Greg Nickels.
Mayor McGinn and his policies have obviously made an impact by his being voted one of the best mayors of a mid-sized city by an independent source.
I like the challengers goal to improve affordable housing initiatives.
I like the fact that he plan to make it cheaper to get internet services.
He wants to help the issue of homelessness
I would vote for Mayor Greg Nickles because he was voted number 3 as mayors so his campaign promise about getting results is obviously working and he is making the people happy.
To get a fresh view of the mayoral position and maybe get more done.
Nickels is clearly doing a good job by being a highly rated Mayor. Why change?
Sometimes change can be good and getting someone new who has fresh ideas can be great for a city.
Because it's good to have a fresh face in office that might can see things the last Mayor couldn't.
I think Mayor Mike McGinn is a better fit.
I like the Idea of lowering the Class size
I think that affordable housing is a very important goal and I think that it is important for a mayor to have a strong viewpoint on helping house the residents in their city.
I also like Greg Nickel's emphasis on public transportation infrastructure which seems to be lacking in many cities.
Nickels seems to be too stuck in his ways to change.
Mayor Greg Nickles has the experience of the office. He was voted one of the top 5 mayors in the country. He has a good track record.
He's worked under another Mayor, so besides having been Mayor, he's got a long history of experience of the role.

I would be against the incumbent because access to higher education doesn't seem like a top priority for a city mayor. They should be more focused on city infrastructure and small government.
I would vote for Greg Nickles because, like I said, he is familiar with the job and he has been Mayor. I also like his stance on homelessness and affordable housing. This makes Mike sound spoiled.
He wants to increase access to higher education.
I would vote for Nickels because he has the experience of being a city Mayor.
He wants to reduce homelessness which shows he cares about his community and humanity
because his education goals are close to my own
He has been a successful mayor and has a proven track record of success.
He is top listed in the list of best mayors.
I would maybe vote for Nickles, I do agree with some of the things he is running for and he does seem to have his fair share of experience.
He seems to be doing a great job as mayor already, as he is ranked in the top 5.
Mayor Mike McGinn is focusing on resources for the homeless and early childhood education. These are the two most vulnerable groups.
I would vote for nickels because he has a solid plan about improving lower education which in turn will provide more qualified students for higher levels
I would vote for Greg because of his stance on homelessness
Public transportation is an important issue.
He could bring in fresh perspective to the role of mayor. New ideas, etc.
McGinn wants to bring higher education to more people.
Mike McGinn has previous legal experience as an assistant.
He is focused on increasing infrastructure.
Coming from a big city makes all the difference
His education seems impressive along with the kind of practical experience he has
Nickels served as the commissioner for a long time and has been praised universally for doing a good job.
Another reason to vote for Incumbent Nickels is because his campaign proposal to modernize transportation infrastructure sounds attractive too.
Challenger received highest approval ratings of any city commissioner in Grand Rapids' history
I would not vote for Greg Nickles because he is talking about making broadband internet more affordable. Really? There are far bigger problems in the world than affordable internet.
For Challenger Greg Nickels - wants to decrease class size and focus on homelessness
Greg Nickles hasn't been in any scandals I don't think.
He is a new candidate and that means he probably has fresh ideas.
Full spectrum education reform is a must if America is going to stay competitive in the future. +1 Nickles.
I would vote for him, because he came from a large family. That usually means he has learned patience. He probably has learned how to compromise.
Greg Nickels is more focused on lowering costs for people.
will not vote for McGinn because his priority is broadband internet, which mostly everyone already uses anyways
i want to vote Mcginn because a priority for him is improving transportation infrastructure
He is focusing on the homeless which is important to me.
I wouldn't vote for Mike McGinnes because his plan is essentially the same as the Mayor Greg Nickels. I would let Mr. Nickels have longer to implement his current plan.
He is the incumbent and already knows the job, pitfalls and all.
nickels had a high approval rating amongst the people
It seems that McGinn is doing a good job as mayor since he is ranked number three of mayors of midsized cities.
Reducing class size is relatively important although some research suggests it does not make a difference. I think it does make a difference. But you might need to restructure system to do this.
If change is what is needed the I would vote for Greg Nickels.
I like McGinn's approach for securing cheap broadband internet for everyone.
I like McGinn's approach of bringing broadband internet to everyone as cheaply as possible.
I would vote for mayor Greg Nickles as he campaigns for transportation's mordernization
He has more experience having been mayor since 2011.
Greg Nickels is for improving transportation
Nickels wants to increase access to higher education.
I would vote for McGinn because homelessness is a huge problem in the US.
He wants to increase acess for people to get a higher education which means more well educated people.
I think improving transportation infrastructure is important.
I would definitely vote against Challenger McGinn. I don't like how he runs his campaign..I am not a fan of his priorities.
McGinn does focus on the people, but the mid to higher class. Education is important, but he does not focus on the lower class.
I would vote or Mike because he is for higher education.
I like what Grey Nickles is campaigning for.
he's already been mayor and won awards for it
He wants to modernize public infrastructure and transportation
He has proven to be a successful candidate in the past and supports higher education.
I would vote for incumbent Mayor Mike McGinn because I support his educational inititatives
I feel Mike McGinn's campaign objectives more will affect me more than greg nickles
He was listed as #3 for mayor in USA Today's survey, so he is also well-liked and must be somewhat efficient.
Greg Nickles wants to improve the school system in a way that will benefit the city most
I like that he is striving for cheaper broadband Internet access.
I would vote for Mcginn because he is trying to make classrooms smaller for a more personal experience for children. I like that.
McGinn would bring a fresh perspective to the city.
I liked that Greg focused on reducing class sizes.
Greg Nichols has served as city commissioner for several years
Nickels seems to have more obvious experience as a Mayor which could mean that he also has a better idea of what goals are realistic.
McGinn wants to increase the budget on education.
He plans to tackle the issue of affordable housing
He is from Long Island, NY, which is where I am from.
He could bring a fresh outlook to the job.
I would vote for incumbent Mayor Greg Nickles because we both agree on the importance of education.
I would vote for Greg Nickles because he has relevant experience to do the job right
Nickels has been doing a good job so far so why replace him
He is concerned with infrastructure which is a very pressing issue.
I would vote for Greg Nickles since he is focusing on higher education and affordable internet services. In today's world, both of those are extremely important to get anything done.
Mike McGinn looks like an accident waiting to happen. He does not have enough practice
I like Mike McGinn's goals of making higher education affordable (I have $200,000 in student loan debt)
Highest approval rating of any city commissioner in the history of the city, so people like him a lot.
Greg Nickels is focusing a lot on education and how we can improve it. I like that he is trying to focus of the future of his state by increasing education.
If I was happy with the current situation then I would vote for the incumbent.
I would vote for incumbent Mayor Greg Nickles because I like his goals better.
I would in the end vote for the incumbent mayor however. He has a focus on their county and the education in that county.
I would choose Mr. Nichols due to his desire to support higher education.
He has high approval ratings in his current position as comissioner
I think it is very important to reduce class sizes and Mike McGinn is also in favor of it.
He was reelected , that means he is good.
Mike McGinn has a proven track record as mayor.
I would want to vote for Mayor Greg Nickles because he was listed number 3 in the list of top 5 mid city mayors.
It may be time for a change considering that McGinn has held this office for so many years.
Mike McGinn may have new and fresher idea's to bring to the table instead of the status quo that Mayor Greg Nickles may be stuck at.
A fresh perspective is needed and the old tired regime needs to go.
The USA endorsement is telling. Some more investigation would be needed.
McGinn seems competent and it's good to have someone with a new outlook on things.
Mike McGinn's campaign goals are more in line with my own.
As someone with a school-aged child, I would like to see improvements to the local schools.
I'd vote for Mike McGinn because sometimes it is better to get a new start with things and elect someone new.
The incumbent has been in position before so he knows the job
i would vote for the incumbent because i would want better internet in my home.
Mike McGinn has experience and has proven himself to be a noteworthy leader
Mike McGinn has a long list of experience, he has served in many public offices and is the highest rated city commissioner of all time.
I do like that the mayor was focused on higher education. He has seems to be doing an alright job right now.
I wouldn't vote for challenger Mike McGinn, not because he doesn't have enough experience because clearly he does. The only problem is way replace someone who is already doing good in the position.
reducing class sizes sounds like a great idea.
He was elected best mid major city mayor
He has been involved with the city for so long.
Reduction in class size provides a much better learning environment for children. It's cliche' but children are our future.
I care about affordable housing, it's a major issue in Michigan
What his campaign centers on is more in line with my thinking.
I would like faster, more affordable Internet.
He is good leader and he will give the broad band connections to all to use the internet.
McGinn had a more specific plan for eduction, which if carried out would really improve the schools
One reason is that he seems down to earth. Greg Nickels came from a rather large family and seems to be involved in the community.
Experienced candidate has a place to live
He kept his promises from the previous election
Greg Nickels: He should also have a chance
I would vote for Greg Nickels I feel like he is competent and capable of doing the job well
He wants to help high school kids go to college.
I guess the challenger has lots of experience.
Mayor McGinn is 3 on a top 5 list on mid city mayors.
I like the idea of someone new as mayor to bring about change and fresh innovative ideas.
Highly rated commissioner, showing great ability to work for the city
I would vote for the challenger for his goal of reducing homelessness in the city.
I would vote for Greg Nickles because he wants to make broadband internet more readibly available.
I would vote for Greg Nickels because of his prior experience.
I would like to vote for McGinn because he wants to make broadband internet more acessible.
It's good he's trying to make higher education more accessible.
I would vote for Greg Nickels because I agree with what he stands for.
I would vote for Greg because he seems more credible with his history
He's been ranking one of the best mid city mayors
Because he wants to make public schools better. He always wants to help poor people, something that Nickels knows nothing about.
If i knew him and his reputation in the community was better than the challanger.
He is doing a great job, to have been voted #3 is outstanding, and I agree with his ideas about education.
If I thought Mike McGinn could do a better job
Greg Nickels has been the Mayor so he has the experience already.
I woujld for the Nickles due to him wanting to make housing more affordable and available.
I like that he wants to increase access to higher education.
I would want to vote for Greg Nickles because he has a proven track record as mayor and a high approval rating.
He's been the best city commissioner so I think he would be qualified.
I do like that he wants to improve public transportation.
Mike McGinn is trying to Modernize transportation which will help lower pollution from cars in our city because it will lower the need for using your own personal vehicle.
Because he campaigns for affordable broadband.
Adding more teachers would mean being able to have smaller class sizes whihc mean each child could have more attention in case they needed help.
He has more experience serving as an elected official.
Greg Nickle's plan to reduce class sizes, modernize school facilities, and hiring new teachers is a worthy goal.
I don't have any more reasons to give. Mr. Nickles is my preferred candidate, but I would like either of the men to be mayor.
Greg Nickels want to reduce class sizes. That's important.
I would want to vote for Greg Nickels because he wants to help the homeless.
Addressing homelessness and affordable housing requires considerable capital.
He wants to reduce the class numbers, which would greatly help teachers, as well as hire more teachers for the over flow.
the other candidate has the experienece on an incumbant
I'd want to vote for incumbent Mayor Nickels because I appreciate his stance on helping those less fortunate by making homelessness and affordable housing a priority - both issues go hand in hand.
He could offer a new and possibly improved direction for the city.
I would support the other candidate because of there high rankings on the city council
Nickels is focused on improving schools.
I would vote for Mike McGinn because he seems committed to helping the homeless and community.
I would want to vote for incumbent Mike McGinn due to his emphasis on homelessness.
I would support Nickels because he has a high approval rating.
I would want to vote for Greg Nickels because I do think high schools need more funding.
he has experience being mayor and was named one of the top five mid-size city mayors.
He has a solid background with the commission
Supporter of public transportation initiatives
NO I AM NOT SUPPORTING THE OTHER CANDITATE WITHOUT KNOWING WHO AND ABOUT HIM OR HER
He has the necessary experience to get the job done
He had the highest approval rating in his previous position.
A reason to support Mike McGinn is he has a little bit more experience in dealing with current issues.
He has already done a good job, since he was number 3 on that list of the best mid-city mayors. He's already shown he knows how to handle what the job entails, and succeeded.
I wouldn't want to vote for Mike because his focus on broadband internet is important but shouldn't be a top priority for his campaign.
He supports transportation and ifrastucture. I think it's very important to expand and maintain the highways, bridges and so forth.
challenger is for tackling homelessness problem
The challenger would help public education more.
Nickels is for improving public transportation.
I wouldn't vote for Greg because Mike seems to be more people oriented while Greg is worried about internet service.
The other candidates has some good qualities as a person it seems.
Greg Nickels is highly regarded and has an important platform that includes reducing homelessness. He has a good record and is well liked.
I may vote him for one reason which is his mission towards striving for increased education access.
The challenger doesn't have the experience
Greg Nickels has a desire to modernize the education system which needs to keep pace with the technological advancements.
His focus is in education, and he might be able to bring a fresh perspective to the positionl.
I agree that access to cheap broadband is important for all.
He seems to have a focus on helping people.
I would ote for Nickels because he already has experience as mayor.
He has a very impressive background and would be able to do the job well.
Would vote for Greg Nickels because he supports higher education
Greg Nickels understands the importance of the internet.
He has held the position for several years, and was one of a select few mayors who was selected for top 5 mayors
Mike because he wants to help the homeless and school education
I would vote for Nickels because he has more experience
No one of them mentioned how they'd improve security in the city
He is already experienced at the position.
I would vote for Mike McGinn as he is focused on higher education and making it easier to attain that.
I would vote for Nickels because of increasing broadband access, I think that's important
Voted 3rd in the best Mid-city mayors in the USA
homeless issues are important for cities and the incumbent is focusing on that.
I would vote for challenger Greg Nickles because he wants to make broadband Internet access more affordable. I believe that Internet access is a necessity and should be in every home.
Would vote for Nickels; more of a future looking feel about him
Has experience since 2011 and was in USA Today's top 5 best mayors.
Modernizing transportation infrastructure is good for everyone.
I would vote against Mike McGinn based on his stance on homelessness and affordable housing. That issue doesnt seem to be as important as other issues.
His placing of homeless and affordable housing as his main issue.
Mike McGinn seems genuinely concerned for his fellow citizens.
I felt that the mayor's planned actions were more down to earth and immediate in nature.
He has already been mayor and have the experience.
I like Nickel's policies on homelessness and affordable housing.
I would vote for the challenger because of his campaign stance on ending homelessness and giving more access to public housing/making it a top priority.
I would vote for May Greg Nickles because he clearly has a lot of experience in the position with success in the role as well, being voted in the top 5.
I would like to vote for Nickles because transportation is important to me.
Mayor Greg Nickels wants to increase internet broadband but I do not see that as a major issue worth voting someone into office on, I do not support it.
Greg Nickles is for modernizing school facilities.
Greg Nickels has served for seven years as city commisioner in Grand Rapids.
Provided he hasn't messed anything up, it is a safe pick.
For challenger because he wants to address homelessness.
Greg Nickels stands for addressing homelessness, he clearly cares about the less fortunate members of society.
I can't vote for either of these clowns. They just want to expand government services and spend more of my tax dollars to get re-elected. They're everything wrong with the current political system.
I would want to vote for greg nickels because he's the incumbent.
Nickels has more experience as being mayor
Based on all the facts, I think Mayor Greg Nickels is more qualified to continue on as mayor.
Mike has experience and wants to help people get their life started with buying homes.
for Greg: he wants more wireless internet coverage... (but again this is selective because it only targets people who have access to internet devices and I am biased because i do)
Politicians seem to have a higher chance of corruption if they've occupied a post for a long time, so it might be good to bring in a fres perspective
platform focused around increasing access to higher education
I think both candidates have adequete past experience for being mayor of Grand Rapids
I like the new challengers approval rating
I would vote for incumbent Mayor Mike McGinn over the the challenger because he seems to have been doing a very good job for the last couple of terms.
Some of the campaign topics of Greg Nickles helps those in the middle class and up only like faster internet access.
The challenger is concerned about homelessness, which is a good position to take
McGinn has been voted as one of the top mayors of mid-sized cities, so I think he must have achieved recognized results.
I would not vote for him because he seems focused on creating and expanding new ideas without fixing the current problems
He has a good track record of serving the community
I think it's good to get new people in office, no career politicians!
Mike McGinn would bring a fresh perspective, and improve the economy by moderning infrastructure which would promote business and create jobs.
I would vote for Mike because he wants to help the poor
McGinn also wants to reduce class size; this goal is rooted in class warfare rather than improving conditions for those in the bottom tier.
I would support Greg Nickels because he is for education reform
Greg certainly is no slouch. He seems to have a solid background, and some good ideas for his Mayorship
Mike McGinn is focused on higher education which would benefit me
He has a great history of previous leadership skills, in my opinion.
he knows how to run the city as a mayor as he has for his last term
I wouldn't vote for Mike because it seems he doesn't have a lot of experience with this type of work.
Nickles wants everyone to prosper in society by making sure they have the small but life changing things that make life easier.
Mike McGinn is the type of candidate I would vote for above Nickles. McGinn looks to stand for the betterment of the citizens, and will have a big impact on families and children in the area
I would not vote for the incumbent Mayor Nickles, I think centering on affordable broadband and infrastructure is not as important as affordable housing and homelessness.
Nickles might not have enough expierence
I'd vote for nickels because his campaign issues are slightly better.
The incumbent supports technology, which is the path for the future and affects me more.
He is covering very important issues that we really need this day and age. Like affordable college and getting internet access to more people.
Greg Nickles is focused on better access to higher education, so this is a reason to re-elect him.
Greg Nickles has done great work as city commisioner.
Mike McGinn would offer a new face to the office, with new ideas.
He is looking at the future success of the city.
I'd vote for McGinn because he seems willing to tackle big projects and issues
He is doing a good job and is highly rated.
Greg Nickels wants to make internet access more available which I respect because i love using the internet.
I would want to vote for McGinn because he's been doing a great job already,
Mayor Mike McGinn appears to have more overall experience than Greg Nickles, not only serving already as mayor but also as an aid to city council and a former mayor.
Both have great track records. Nickels was voted a top 5 mayor of mid city mayors in the whole country. That is pretty good. Edge to Nickels.
He wants broadband internet to be cheaper!
I like that he wants to help others get higher education.
Mayor Mike McGinn is also a good candidate because he already has a few years of Mayor experience.
The years of expeirence would make me want to vote for him. Other than that I would have to read more about him.
I wouldnt vote for him - does nothing to add to jobs.
It is good to bring in fresh blood and fresh ideas.
I like that he is planning to modernize the city to keep it up to date.
He seems to have a good track record in office.
He's the best city commissioner in the history of the city.
He has experience being the mayor of this city
I would vote for Mike McGinn because high speed internet and public transportation are important issues to me personally.
I would vote for Mike McGinn because of his central focus on upgrading transportation and the internet access, making our city more attractive to business investment
The incumbent mayor has worked in a previous mayor's office. If the city is doing well, then he knows what he's doing and has past work experience to draw upon.
I believe in the importance of higher education. I like that McGinn is for making higher education more accessible to all.
I might vote for the incumbent mayor because it sounds like he is doing a good job right now and sometimes it is best not to force major changes when major changes aren't necessary.
Greg Nickels wants to give compassion to the homeless which is very important to me
He has a strong desire to see reforms for social justice causes
Nickles wants to help improve the lives of homeless people.
I like greg nickels because of his drive to win the job.
I would like to vote for Mike McGinn because he is trying to modernize infrastructure and transportation which is needed in many towns around the country
I wouldnt vote for the challenger because he wants to reduce the difference in income status
I would vote for him because he doesn't seem to want to give to the poor.
He seems to represent the people, he is selfless.
I would want to vote for Greg Nickles because I feel that he's the one willing to help with homelessness and rising housing costs.
So far he seems to be doing a good job since he was chosed as ne of the top 5 mayors.
Because he has experience in politics and was voted as a favorite.
because he is voted 3rd in the usa today poll
Mike McGinn has a focus on building transit, which is something that any city needs to implant itself as one of the top ranking citties to move into the new era.
Greg has a great proven track record to show he has what it takes to lead and help support this community and people.
I would vote for Nickels because he is already doing a great job as mayor as shown by landing a top 5 best mayors spot.
Affordable housing is something I would potentially care about, so that would make me more inclined to vote for Nickels.
Greg is fresh and probably less jaded and corrupted
I feel his ranking as a top mayor is a great reason to vote for him.
I would support McGinn because he plans to reduce class sizes, which I think is a major issue in today's schools.
He seemed to do a great job as city commissioner.
I would want to vote for Mike McGinn because he seeks to increase access to modernize transportation, and in a big growing city that is an important current issue for now and the future.
He is the oldest of six which means he's probably a good leader.
I wouldn't because I think the internet is a silly goal when there are so many more important vital issues.
Greg Nickels because he would make housing more affordable for everyone.
He's been commissioner for quite some time and has high ratings.
Because he has experience in the job already.
I feel we should help those who don't have as much as us. Helping the homeless population is very important. Helping to build these people up instead of shunning them, will only give them confidence,e
I would vote for Greg Nickels because of what his campaign centers on.
When there's no significant difference between two candidates, I always vote against the incumbent.
I would vote for Mike, the current mayor again if Greg were NOT willing to broaden his scope of what needs to be done in its entirety.
Nickels wants to modernize the transportation system which is a good thing for any city.
Housing can be quite expensive and a program to extend Section 8 assistance could get many off the streets and many struggling families into a position to live better.
I like that Mayor Nickles is addressing homelessness, as well as a complementary program with that in mind.
I would vote for Nickels because like most cities, they probably badly need infrastructure improvements, i.e. bridges, dams.
Finally, they both have good ideas on education, but I think Nickles' ideas were slightly better because he noticed some of the problems with education.
He's been in office and has a track record.
McGinn does seem concerned specifically for the homeless. It is important to do so.
Faster internet access is great, his views are more future, not now, and the future is great to look towards.
I would not vote for a mayor whose team misspells their slogan.
I would vote for Nickels because he would modernize transportation infrastructure.
I would vote for McGinn because his proposal of cheap broadband internet access for everybody sounds very appealing since it would definitively boost the economy and create more jobs for the people.
I want to vote for Greg Nickles because he was listed as number 3 in USA Today's "5 Best Mid-City Mayors"
Getting some new perspectives and ideas in the mayor's office would be good.
I might vote for incumbent if challenger's approaches to housing and schools make no sense (not enough informaiton)
He wants to help the community by making education better.
His desire to reduce class sizes is a very important factor for me.
Mike McGinn seems to me to have a more down to Earrth history.
He too has good ideas to help the future.
Vote for current mayor because he support cheap internet.
Rating approvals he has taken are very important and i vote the new blood
I would vote for him because of his experience and his past track record.
For Nickles; his desire to increase access to higher education.
would vote for Mike McGinn because he has a history of success that has been publicly acknowledged in his position.
I would vote for the current mayor for his support of pprimary and secondary education in the city.
High approval ratings as city commissioner.
Greg Nickels has big goals but they are so large and abstract that the chance of him accomplishing them is slim.
Strong platform on infrastructure and education.
Nickels did a stellar job as commissioner
Nickels wants to modernize transportation
I prefer Mayor Nickles campaign/governing agenda to that of Mike McGinn. I am concerned about education.
I'd want to vote for incumbent Mayor Mike McGinn, because he wants to reduce class sizes, modernize school facilities, and hire new teachers. These things will improve children's education.
He's done a good job, higher education access initiative.
I want to vote for the challenger because he has the highest approval rating of any city manager in Grand Rapids history
His campaign initiatives focus on education.
Greg Nickels wants to lower teacher to student ratio for classrooms which serves the double purpose of creating jobs while improving foundational education.
Has legislative experience that will make him good at passing new laws that benefit everyone.
I would vote against Greg Nickels because he has less experience.
challenger Greg Nickels wants to increase access to higher education which is very important
Mike McGinn had success at his last position and was well liked.
I wouldnt vote for Greg because I think that transportation isn't a big problem.
Greg Nickles has already served that particular office, indicating that he could do it well for another term.
Id vote for Mike McGinn because he increases higher access for education
McGinn is for helping me get better internet.
For McGinn because he wants to help out education
I think that I would not vote for the current mayor because maybe the city could use a new perspective on things. The challenger could bring fresh ideas to the city and create new policies for everyon
He wants to reduce class sizes and emphasize teachers.
Greg Nickels was a top ranking city commissioner.
Because his stance on reducing class sizes.
McGinn would better the city's transportation infrastructure.
I would vote for Mike McGinn because he was voted top 5 best mayors.
Mike McGinn was City Commissioner for seven years and has had the highest praises of anyone with that title.
I would support Mayor Greg Nickles because he wants to enforce higher education which I believe should be at the top everyone who's in office list. He also has more experience than the other candidate
I would want to support Mayor Nickels because he has political experience.
Incumbents can get lazy or make pay to play deals, therefore, vote for the challenger, mix it up!
fresh person in office after such a long time
He is already doing the job might as well keep it that waty
He seems to want to solve current problem rather than make promises for the future.
I would vote for Mayor Greg Nickels because I can trust him.
Mike McGinn wishes to provide affordable internet access and give students better opportunities to attend college.
I would vote for Greg Nickles because he wants to tackle homelessness.
Would vote:McGinn more experience as mayor. Wouldn't vote: Nickles campaign focus and experience are less than incumbants.
McGinn also has an attractive platform, I am a big believer in education. I could see myself voting for McGinn depending on how each handles himself during the campaing and on their other positions
I would vote for Mayor Nickles because he already has experience in office
He's worked as an legislative assistant to the previous mayor, so he know the inner workings of the position he is running for.
Wants to make higher education more accessible.
Mike McGinn wants to make affordable housing a priority and help end homelessness.
I would want to vote for challenger Mike McGinn because he was highly ranked as a city councilmen.
Maybe if I wanted a change of pace and maybe it would work out.
If I didn't like the way Mike McGinn was handling things, I would prefer to have a new mayor.
I would want to vote for Mike Mcginn becuase he want to improve transportation infrastructure.
He wants to address the needs of the homeless.
The challenger has real world issues he is fighting for
I really like that Mayor Mike McGinn is focusing on education. Success starts with education.
-McGinn has better goals in my opinion (fighting homelessness, focus on primary education)
I would vote for Greg Nickels because he has a lot of history working on community projects.
I would want to vote for Greg because he wants to make classroom sizes smaller.
I do like that Greg Nickels is for higher education which will open many more opportunities.
Nickels' plan to decrease homelessness (presuming it's a good plan) will help many people and be a good step toward other benefits
Greg Nickles wants to modernize transportation and make broadband internet widely available which could attract businesses.
Greg Nickles is making one of his top priorities internet connectivity. I don't feel that that is really a mayor's responsibility and it seems frivolous.
I would support Greg Nickels because he wants make improvements to the local schools
Mike McGinn seems equally qualified, but Nickles is proven to be right for the job so far
I have no reason. I wouldn't vote for him.
As a city commissioner for seven years he would be well-versed and experienced in the inner workings and issues within the city and would be highly competent and able to move the city forward.
If the work that has been done by the incumbent has been not up to par with peoples expectations would be a good reason to put someone else into that position.
Has a proven record in local government.
He wants to make internet affordable for everyone
I would want to vote for McGinn because he talked about improving transportation I think. And it seems like that would be good for manufacturing.
Mike McGinn is the incumbent so he has all of his administrative officials set. He has experience in the office of Mayor.
He wants to improve the transportation infrastructure.
His priorities are those that are important to a lot of people--reducing class sizes as well as putting an end to homelessness and providing affordable housing. They are human issues.
Mike McGinn would bring a new energy to the position and city. One example of this is his desire to bring high-speed interent to all residents.
Mayor mike also has bad a proven track record
He is for trying to eliminate homelessness.
If I wanted more change in the school system, I would vote for Nickels.
He was ranked number 3 in best mid city mayors
he has 7 years experience as commissioner
I am impressed by the background of challenger Nickels, growing up as the oldest child in a family of six certainly has to have an impact on him and allows him to have a deep understanding of people.
I would vote for Mike McGinn because he wants to decrease homelessness.
Change is not always a good thing. If it "ain't broke, don't fix it"
i like the better internet need, his goals are outside the normal goals for someone
McGinn wants to increase access to higher education.
Greg Nickels has more high level experience.
He seems to embrace technology to better the citizen's lives.
Greg Nickels because he has the experience McGinn lacks.
If I thought Gred was doing a good job with education and i thought that he was handling things well then I would vote for him. It would depend on my priorities in the city.
Thinking of the future with hes emphasis on technology
He cares about transportation, which is important for a place that relies on industries and has to get its workers to their jobs.
You may want the challenger Mike McGinn because he brings change
I would want to vote for challenger Greg Nickets over incumbent Mayor Mike McGinn because making homelessness and affordable housing a top priority.
I would vote for Greg Nickles because he has the experience already of the Mayoral position.
Nickles wants to make homelessness and affordable housing a top priority.
His years of political experience and high ranking by USA today as a best mid-city mayor
I thought Greg Nickels platforms were ok but not very realistic.
Has had several years experience in the current position.
The next reason why I would want to vote for challenger Greg Nickels is because he received the highest ratings of a city commisioner in Grand Rapids history.
I would vote for the challenger because his experience is worth a chance to be the chief executive.
Access to higher education is very important.
because he's steady in what he's dne for the citry.
he wants to reduce homelessness, decrease class size
The incumbent has experience in the position and probably is already good at getting things done within the current administration.
i would like to vote for Greg Nickles because he is more active.
I would also vote for Mr. Nickels due to his stance on education and class size, that is a real issue. I, do agree with Mayor McGinn though on college expense and lowering the expense.
Affordable housing is important--as long as taxes are not raised to accomplish this, but rather some government belt tightening. This goes for what both candidates wish to do.
Personally, I like the fact that Mayor Mike McGinn is the oldest of 6 children. I have 7 children and I see how the oldest is a role model for the others and must learn how to be a leader.
He seems to care about modernizing the city.
He wants to provide cheaper housing and improve homelesness rates. I think this is a great idea and would vote for this.
He is more experienced and has a proven track record.
I would want to vote for Mayor Mike McGinn because I like his initiatives about providing internet access.
I would vote for Mike McGinn based off of his accomplishments listed.
He wants to focus on education , which is a top priority issue in my opinion.
• he was former executive director of the Grand Rapids Great City Initiative
He's been doing a good job already as mayor.
He wants to hape with higher education. And if a student who has great grades and con not afford it this might be a good thing.
Mayor Mike McGinn was voted one of the best mayors in the country.
He seems to have good leadership qualities.
Mike McGinn believes in the same values I do
The incumbent mayor has been very highly rated among other Mid-level mayors
Mike McGinn was voted one of the best Midwest city mayors.
I like how Nickles wants to have cheap internet access. Internet is essential now a days and a lot of companies overprice their internet.
Mike McGinn has an interesting viewpoint and has some new ideas
I would need more information than what was given to invalidate reasons one and two.
I actually would vote for Mike McGinn because he does seem to have experience in holding other city office positions which gives him a lot of experience in other areas of city management.
I would vote for Mayor Greg Nickels because he is experienced in this position and has been doing the job well.
I would vote for the incumbent because I strongly believe in increasing higher ed access.
Incumbent is for better internet services, thats a great thing, he has my vote
I would vote for the challenger because his stance on affordable homes is admirable.
Because he is focused on taking action and getting results.
I think that in the this country it is ludicris from anybody to be homeless
I agree that affordable broadband internet is a high priority.
One of his policies is to improve schools and having children this is important to me
Mike McGinn has the right idea on fixing some our problems by giving proper education to our future. His platform gets the problem fixed at the source by reducing classroom sizes and new hires.
He want to improve transportation infrastructure.
He wants to make higher education access easier. As a young person that is very important to me
He seems more qualified and with getting the highest approval ratings that makes him look like a very strong canidate.
I would not vote for Mike McGinn because he does not focus on issues I am interested in.
I would vote for Nickels because I feel like his political views are more in tune with my own.
He seems to be a good mayor (winning that award) so it seems like he's already doing a good job, he might accomplish more if he gets more time as mayor
He is a strong candidate focused on building infrastructure for the future.
I'm so confused. I already wrote about supporting Nickels. I think they're about the same though so have no other reasons, except maybe McGinn and affordable housing.
I would vote for Mayor Nickels because he is pushing to help with higher education.
Greg Nickles has been doing a good job according to the ratings of best mayors
political affiliation-i lean towards democrat
He is trying to bring higher education to more people
Successful position during time on counsel.
I would personally vot for Mike McGinn because he stands up for the people who are more helpless and the educaiton system.
I cannot think of a reason to vote for the other candidate. I can't get passed the silliness of running with internet affordability as a platform.
I would vote for the challenger because he wants to make higher education more accessible.
Higher education is also a top prioirty i focus years so Greg Nickels also looks appealing for this reason.
Higher education is one reason as people need to go to college in today's world to learn new tech skills.
Well, you can vote for the incumbent Mayor cause he's already use to doing the job.
He was raised in an area that probably is more like MI as opposed to Mike McGinn being from NY.
Mr. Nickels stand on making homelessness a top priority sounds promising. However, he did not specify what he would do to resolve the issue.
He wants more access to higher education
I would vote for Mike McGinn because he is also top in his field and looking toward the future.
Because he was voted 3 out of the top 5 mid city size mayors.
His agenda helping the homeless is a good platform.
Mayor Mike has been mayor for three years.
I think that the challenger has gone through the process of getting acquainted with the city of Grand Rapids more than the incumbent has.
Another reason to vote for Nickels is his emphasis on education. Human capital is the most important thing to enable economic growth.
Mike McGinn has a fresh quality to him. He has worked for various mayors and served on multiple municipal boards. He knows the community. He knows what people want.
He goals are admirable, helping to make higher education affordable is very important.

He doesn't seem to emphasize what I think most cities' problems tend to center on.
He has served the city for years and received high ratings in his position.
I would vote for Nickels because he has worked in the city for years.
He shows he cares about children because he wants to reduce class sizes so each child gets more individualized attention
Providing smaller classes sizes shows that he values the education of the children in the area.
He wants to decrease economic inequality.
Although I do not care about affordable internet, I do think he has some valid reasons for running and that he would be beneficial.
I like his platform of extending broadband internet throughout the city and modernizing infrastructure.
Mayor Mike McGinn was voted 3rd best for mayor of a mid size city.
I would vote for Greg because he served on the board of the Rapid Transit
Mr. McGinn could have a solution for the homeless that Mr. Nickels hasn't thought of.
He has ideas surrounding improving public transportation.
He is focused on making higher education more affordable.
He supports higher education which will help many people get a job
Nickels agenda of expanding broadband in the city will bring the city more sophisticated.
Challenger seems to be attacking important issues plaguing Michigan today
Modernizing transportation infrastructure helps commerce and economy per McGinn
In would vote for Mike Mcginn because he grew up in a big family and probably knows a thing or 2 about being poor. I'm confident that he will help the poor people.
For challenger Nickels - has experience with city council
He comes from a progressive state and probably will bring progressive ideals.
Homelessness is a major problem in our country and we need to put social policies in place to deal with it. +1 Nickles.
i wanna vote McGinn because he's one of the better mayors in america
served on the board of the rapid transit
He has a better focus on education than the current Mayor.
Mayor Mike was named in the top 5 best mayors. So I figure he doing his job very well.
his campaign focus is more aligned with things I care about
He seems compassionate. He wants to help homeless people and wants to increase affordable housing--both of which are a part of the same problem. Helping the poor is always a worthwhile goal
If things are not going well while Mike McGinn is the Mayor i would want someone new like Greg Nickels.
Mike has been the mayor for a long time, so no reason to mess with success.
McGinn has been the mayor for years and has done a fine job, so no need to risk change.
He would know what the city really needs since he was their mayor. So I trust his judgement.
Greg Nickels seems like he cares about the welfare of the residents
He wants to modernize transportation infrastructure to making things easier and more convienent for people to get around.
He has received a high grade for mid sized city mayors.
He seems like a family man,grew up in a big family he has the understanding for the less fortunate.
Nickles focuses on the lower class and homeless. He wants to get those people in a safe place. He wants to help those who are struggling into a nice place.
I would vote for Greg because he is for the homeless.
Grey Nickles has experience with being a mayor already.
He wants to increase access to higher education.
I would vote for challenger Greg Nickles because he is forward thinking and his policies are aimed at making us more competitive in the 21st century
He is the oldest of 6 children and is probably a born leader.
I am also one of 3 children so I can relate.
I like Nickels's ideas. They seem focused on modernizing the city for all citizens and not just the least well off.
Experience in the city over the several years.
I liked that Greg focused on hiring new teachers.
Nickels was also in support of reducing the homeless problem with proper housing which appeals to me.
He was listed as one of the best mayors of a mid city
He wants to improve access to higher education, which is a very timely, important issue.
He is from NY I am from NY so that creates a level of trust.
Mike McGinn has already been successful in city politics via the commission
Wants to take care of homeless and poor people.
I would vote for the incumbent if I did not have access to broadband internet.
I like that Greg Nickles already has experience as mayor and was highly rated.
The challenger also is worried about broadband internet, but a lot of the people there probably don't even have internet in that city.
I would really have to see the information you presented earlier to find a second reason.
He wants to increase access to higher education
He's listed as the #3 in a list of current best mid-city mayors.
He has served on many boards- like the Kentwood Community Council and the Rapid Transit board.
I really Like Mike McGinn's campaign ideas on affordable housing and on reducing class sizes and hiring more teachers.
McGinn is for hiring more teachers which the city can't afford and illustrates he is in the pocket of the teacher's union.
Primary education is an issue that needs addressing. Our class sizes are too big and we have a lot of school facilities that need to be modernized.
He grew up in a large family and so he has a better understanding of the importance of family to a city.
I would vote for Mike McGinn due to his previous experience as a mayor.
Homelessness is a huge problem that does not seem to get the attention it deserves. I appreciate the fact that Mike McGinn wants to address the issue.
The incumbent wants to increase affordable housing
Greg Nickels may underestimate the responsibilities of the office since he is coming from a different branch of the city government
Mike McGinn wants to increase affordable broadband interent. With the increasing importance of the internet in everyday life, this is an essential step to take.
Another thing about the mayor is his being voted in the top mayors in that city size. That does say that he is doing something right.
Focusing on the homless and afforabible houses is a great reason.
Things are clearly working in grand rapids, and I wouldn't want to change it
He's the incumbent who has been listed as number 3 in USA Today's "5 Best Mid-City Mayors." He's been around and he's doing a great job.
I would rather vote for the incumbent if things are going well in town.
Going to college at better rates would be ideal.
He will increase the highest level of education.
McGinn proposed to increase teacher pay, which would help attract good teachers to the area
Greg Nickels could possibly get my vote based off of the work he wants to do with public schools.
Nickels is trying to help everyone, rather than focusing on the majority
I don't like the challenger Greg Nickels
I would vote for Greg Nickels because I want him to continue what he is doing for the city
He also wants to make public transportation more efficient.
Greg NIckels isnt quite a politician in my eyes.
Wants to increase public education funding
His goal of reducing classroom size in education is a good platform piece.
He has very high ratings and has been mayor for 4 years already.
The mayor has had success in grand rapids.
who ever has the better reputation id vote for.
He has been the Mayor for a while and knows the city better.
If I agreed that one of the things he wants to accomplish will benefit me
Greg Nickels was voted a top 5 mayor in the Midwest.
I would vote for Nickles to him supporting more housing for those in need
He seems like he has experience in other political areas that would be useful for being mayor.
His priorities seem to be geared towards making the city more competitive and attractive for investment.
Mike McGinn is focusing on Higher Education which will bring higher paying jobs due to better industry moving in with a better employee pull to hire from.
Because he has been commissioner for 7 years and has the highest approval rating of any commissioner in city history.
Helping to make more affordable houses for people who usually can't afford one to begin with.
He has been recognized as a great mayor.
I agree with Greg Nickles about the problem of homelessness. It's an issue that needs to be addressed in most communities.
I would want to vote for Greg Nickels because he wants to decrease the gap in classes.
He wants to address affordable housing and homelessness, which are massive issues.
plus he knows how things work in the city hall
I'd vote for incumbent Mayor Nickels because he has the experience and know-how to get things done, as evidenced by his listing as #3 of the top 5 mid-city mayors.
His background shows a wide array of diversity which could offer better ideas for improving the community.
Mike mcginn was alredy mayor sometimes change is good.
They seem to be a good person with experience
I would want to vote for incumbent Mike McGinn because he has already been recognized as being among the top mayors of mid-sized cities.
I would support Nickels because he seemed to have been successful during his time as mayor.
He is going to make some technology changes, which could make things more efficient for Grand Rapids' citizens.
He is probably a good leader since he is the oldest of 6 children; usually the oldest child in a family are good leaders.
He is a highly rated mayor according to the press
He wants to make class sizes smaller for schools.
I would vote for Mike McGinn to help out the homeless.
I owe over 100k in loans, so his interest in increasing access to higher education might include better loan practices or interest rates, which would directly benefit me.
Because he was considered a top major of American cities. So he must be doing a good job.
McGinn is the incumbent; Nickels might be a good change of pace.
I would vote for Mike because he's from a large family and most likely isn't selfish
I would also like to vote for him because of his long history in politics.
Greg Nickels is aware of the issues the city is facing from a unique perspective, an insider's perspective as he is already doing the work.
His efforts to modernize transportation, could help the economy quite a bit.
Focus on people issues, education, housing
He brings a new and fresh perspective to the position; new ideas and new approaches.
It seems like Mike McGinn is more focused on providing for low income and homelessness than on giving people the tools to help themselves.
I like his policy of support for higher education.
People like the job he is currently doing and there might be no reason for change.
Great personality and love for the people
Nickels would like to hire more teachers which would be a huge help.
His slogan of "Vote for the Future Now" is very catchy and inspiring.
Greg Nickels wants to increase access to higher education.
Children need a good academic base to succeed in life. The earlier that school is made a priority, the better
McGinnis is there worried about the living 's of the city
He is highly thought of for the job he has done so I know what he will likely do.
I would vote for Nickels because he wants to increase access to higher ed. College is too expensive right now.
He's already been the mayor, so the population is familiar with him.
Wouldn't vote for incumbent; Some of the background seems to sound like nepotism
Wants to address homelessness and affordable housing.
Received the highest approval ratings as city commissioner in city's history.
His desire to decrease class sizes and to hire more teachers.
I would pick incumbent Mike McGinn for his leadersship experience.
I felt that the challenger's stated interest in transportation infrastructure reflects his experience on the transportation board and perhaps a narrowness of vision.
He is making affordable housing his top priority.
I would like to vote for McGinn because he is not the incumbent, and may bring a fresh perspective to the city.
Another reason is his stance on education--reducing class size, hiring new teachers.
Increasing access to higher education hopefully would mean handling student loan debt in a different way, which would be a gain for everyone looking to focus on their careers after high school.
Mike has a lot of experience and someone new in the office can be a good thing.
He is the oldest of the sixth children in his family and that makes him probably more responsible.
Mike McGinn's campaign seems to be focused on more specific, achievable outcomes.
I like the other principals he is running this campaign on.
Vote for incumbent because he wants to increase infrastructure.
Seems to well liked, rated 3 in mid city mayors
I also liked on what is campaign centers on.
He knows the ins and outs of being an important figure
For Greg Nickels: increasing access to higher education would benefit society, if bright young minds (from all classes) were to be educated and developed
I like his priorities for reducing homelessness and class sizes
McGinn has received the highest approval rating of any city commissioner in Grand Rapids history
he has experience and therefore knows what to do expect in office
Another reason I would vote for the incumbent over the challenger is because he wants to improve the living conditions for the homeless and help the education system, which helps everyone.
He is looking toward the future with improving infrastructure
McGinn has the experience holding the office so there is no learning curve for him to get results on the job.
I would not vote for him because he seems more interested in the needs of the wealthy
Reducing class size and rehiring more teachers is very important for the city's future.
Mike McGinn is a proven leader evidenced by his record breaking approval ratings, involvment and familiarity with community needs from experience in Community Council and he is future oriented.
I would support Greg Nickels because he wants to improve the infrastructure of the area
Greg shows some interest in improving public education
He seems to care about those who will be electing him into office, to serve the needs of the community.
he was rated the 3rd best mayor for mid-city mayors
He knows how to get things done in the city.
Education focus does not affect me as much.
He is more favorable to the young adult generation which is important to help out new generation the best we can to set a solid foundation for America.
One of Mike McGinn's top priorities is funding and improving education in Grand Rapids.
He knows the problems there are already, since he already has the position as Mayor. And he is for cheaper internet, which is a bonus.
Nickles is less likely to have made social promises with other politicans that keep him from doing the right thing.
I would vote for greg because he seems to be a family man.
I would vote for McGinn because of his emphasis on higher education
He wants people to be able to afford higher education
He does seem to want to modernize the area.
Mayor Mike McGinn is focusing on the homeless, which is also a very important topic throughout the country.
I would want to know more what he stands for before I could vote.
has good approval (Highest rating). Seems like he has the experience and support to do a good job.
He could bring a fresh perspective to how things are run in the city and is qualified to do so.
He would take less time getting things up and running than if a challenger won.
He wants to improve transportation infrastructure.
Wants to revamp the school system and hire better teachers.
Greg Nickels wants to make secondary education more accessible
He has served Grand Rapids in a greater capacity outside of the mayoral office.
he was named one of 5 top mayors in country by an organization
I would vote for Nickels, because he served under the previous mayor and so would know what to expect.
Greg Nickels wanted to hire new teachers I believe
New challenger and would like to see what he can do. Mayor can't change an awful lot.
McGinn's inclusion in a magazine seems like it is just for show.
Greg Nickels seems like he has a great plan
I would like to vote for Mike McGinn because he is focused on higher education which creates jobs and a better economy
I like his policies as well, access to higher education is a good stance to take.
Because of his proposals against homelesness
Mike McGinn has served the city for seven years. He knows the ins and outs of how the city should run, making him a good choice for running the city.
He shows he has the passion to help beter the community, and was listed as one of the best mid city mayors.
His large family he came from, i feel would assist him in many leadership ways.
I would vote for Nickels because he promises to address homelessness in the city.
I prefer to vote against incumbent candidates to force change in government.
greg nickels because he will reduce class size which would mean everyone would be on a more level playing field.
Children are the future. Period. We need to invest in our children, the future, just like the wealthy invest in their portfolios ( for their FUTURE retirement). The children are tomorrows leaders, etc
Against McGinn: he's never been a mayor before; already have a suitable one.
I would vote for Greg Nickels because of his success as city commisioner.
Nickels platform points are overly broad "safe" promises designed to appeal to everyone. McGinn's proposes things that might not be universally acceptable.
Because he was voted one of the top 5 mayors in the state.
Nickels is going to find a way to make higher education accessable to everyone
He promotes social equity needed in this country
School modernization I feel is far behind the times, with updated schools the children will have a chance to understand current technology and be exposed to more effective ways of learning.
The Mayor knows people already and so has a head start at working on Transportation, Education, etc. issues.
McGinn seems more specifically concerned about schools (K-12) versus the incumbent, who only champions reform in higher (college) education.
His views on getting the future sorted for future generations is great.
I would vote for Nickels because he has been the city commissioner for seven years and he has received the highest approval ratings of any city commissioner.
I want to vote for Greg Nickles because he centers on making homelessness and affordable housing a top priority
I like his focus on homelessness and hiring more teachers.
I might vote for incumbent if approaches to problems of college, broadband, and transportation are brilliant.
I like that he focuses on helping the homeless, as they are often forgotten about.
I would vote against Nickles since it looks like his solution to everything is to just throw more money at it.
Sometimes new people can bring fresh ideas to the table.
The incumbent is rated as one of the top mid-city mayors (top 5) so clearly he is getting the job done.
His view on the homelessness and affordable housing.
Only thing about Mike McGinn that makes me pause is that one of his main goals is affordable internet. Not sure what the internet issue is but seems kind of unimportant.
Nickels, because the people respect him.
His ranking in the top 5 of mid city mayors.
Nickels has a focus on homelessness and affordable housing
Mayor Mike McGinn was listed as # 3 in USA Today's 5 Best Mid-City Mayors. This proves he's doing an excellent job.
His approval rating for his current position is high.
Affordable housing is an important safety net and can help people achieve the means to support themselves and become a productive contributor in our society.
I would vote for Mike McGinn because he has more executive type experience, not just as mayor but also on the Kentwood council.
always good to bring in new viewpoint and get rid of people in power
Already proven to be a good mayor. Don't know how well McGinn would do
Greg Nickles would like to provide widespread internet, which I highly favor.
Id vote for McGinn because of broadband internet
McGinn is for maintenance of infrastructure in much need.
For Nickels because he wants to lower broadband pricing
His outstanding approval rating as commissioner.
Greg Nickels wants to update the transportation network.
His campaign for easier access to higher ed.
He wants to increase affordable higher education.
Mike McGinn wants to increase and make higher education more accessible which would be great for the community.
I would vote for Mike McGinn only because his office would enforce better education and smaller classrooms. Since he would be new at this position if elected, he might bring fresh ideas and new vision
I would want to support mayor Nickels because I believe that homelessness in Grand Rapids is a big problem and he's willing to prioritize it.
Being a city commissinor gives him experience
His platform stress help for the poor which I am very much concerned with in this country. THIS needs to be addressed. It's ridiculous with our resources that we can't feed our children!
wants to control the size of school classes
He has success outside of hte political ring and seems to be able to get results.
He was ranked high on "best mid-city mayors".
I would vote for Mayor Nickles because his background seems to be similar to mine.
Plans to create job market for teachers, and improve schools in the area.
Sometimes change is good and he has a lot of experience in leadership positions.
Mike McGinn wants to modernize schools and hire new teachers.
I would want to vote for mayor Greg Nickles because he received awards for being a mayor of a mid-sized city.
I would say they are qualified and the sometimes new is the way to go.
I would want to vote for Mike Mcginn because he want to increase access to higher education.
He wants to reduce class size and improve education.
The mayor has been in for several years and has not made progress on his issues
Affordable housing is also a serious issue--it's near impossible to find.
Education is important and I like that he has a focus on it.
I like his emphasis on doing something about homelessness
because he has the highest approval rating ever in Grand Rapids
I would want to vote for Greg because he wants to help teachers.
Mayor Mike McGinn wants to reduce homelessness which will increase the quality of life for all residents.
Again, not enough information to make a sound judgement.
Modernizing transportation would be a worthwhile investment that would benefit all members of the community and is something that the US needs to address as a whole.
Coming from a different city gives a different perspective on problems that long time politicians in that area just do not see.
he wants to focus on helping homeless people
McGinn wants to modernize infrastructure which is a major problem in most US cities. Infrastructure is typically dated and needs repair.
He wants to make higher education more accessible.
He seems to have been doing a great job so far, having been voted as one of the best mayors in the country.
Mike Mcginn wants to improve the Grand Rapids school system which is a vitally important issue.
He will expand classes and make education better.
If I viewed homelessness as a situation that needed to be focused on, I would vote for Nickels.
affordable broadband is something everyone can use
I would vote for Mike McGinn because he wants to increase affordable housing.
I think some of McGinn's ideas are a little too socialist
McGinn wants to make broadband Internet access affordable.
Greg Nickels wants to provide more access to high level education.
He has a good track record as city commissioner.
Greg Nickels is also investing in education but for adults
Mike is in good standing because of his record and sounds like he would be able to accomplish things. If I thought the previous major did a better job than Greg I would vote for him.
He is a fresh face -- while Mike McGinn is familiar with the position, it might get easier to be lazy in another term.
You may prefer Mike McGinn because he is different
Another reason I would want to vote for challenger Greg Nickels over incumbent Mayor Mike McGinn is because he wants to reduce class sizes, modernize school facilities and hire new teachers.
Sometimes change is good, so a new candidate can bring in fresh new ideas.
Nickles wants to reduce class sizes, modernize school facilities, and hire new teachers.
His passion for making newer technology more accessible to everyone
He's been in government positions longer.
Affordable internet access is a necessity.
he's a very highly rated mayor in a middle state.
he comes from a large family and is used to working hard
He wants to work on mass transit, which would help many people get around the city.
There isn't enough space to explain why both are poor candidates.
It might be good to have someone new in office. A change of perspective.
He wants to modernize schools, which is definitely something I can get behind.
He wants to increase access to higher education, every NEEDS a college degree to earn a living wage now-a-days.
Because of what they believe in and if I agree with it
I would vote against Greg Nickels based on the fact that sometimes, change is good.
He brings new perspective and ideas to the position. I don't believe people should serve as career politicians.
• he is for fffordable broadband Internet access
He's focusing on schools and primary and secondary education.
It goes back to helping students out who can not afford to go to colleage.
Mike McGinn has a similar background to mine.
Public transportation is important for Grand Rapids, and the current Mayor supports that.
I like how Nickles would like to make higher education more available to everyone.
Mayor Greg Nickles could become complacent and do less.
Mike McGinn is for making our schools better - i might vote for him because of that
I would vote for the challenger because the homelessness problem is a significant one and he would be taking steps to alleviate it.
I like his focus on reducing class sizes and hiring new teachers.
Transportation and infrastructure are also very important and necessary.
He already has experience of being the Mayor
Mike McGinn seems to believe that everyone deserves a place of shelter. By being a city commissioner, he has hands on experience on how to go about this issue.
seems to be interested in more than just the school systems
He is a highly rated mayor and has obviously done a good job for 4 years
Mayor Mike wants to help the homeless and fund for more affordable housing
I would vote for Greg Nickels because he has experience as mayor.
I like that he wants to decrease classroom size
He is a successful city commissioner who seems capable.
They are not that different! But maybe McGinn becuase of homelessness.
I would vote for Mayor Nickels because he already has the experience of being Mayor.
Making housing affordable is also a good goal.
help commnity in a way that i would want to visit
He has been voted as one of the best mayors for smaller cities.
Mike McGinn is a new challenger, but overall I think he is better in restoring the city's infrastructure and education system overall.
He knows how Grand Rapids works so he would be used to the job
I would vote for the challenger because he wants to work on improving public transportation.
Transportation ! I live in a place where traffic is bad and commute time is too much. Public transporation can be imporved greatly.
Well you could vote against Greg Nickels's government affordable housing ideas cause they usually back fire.
He was listed as one of the 5 best mid-city mayors.
I agree with his campaign to reduce class size and make schools more modern.
Mr. Nickels position on reducing the size of classrooms is also potentially promising. Again, he did not provide specifics on how he would accomplish this goal.
Because Greg Nickels has no mayoral experience.
His values and ideas for the future mesh with my own.
Mayor Mike is more experienced in the area.
I think that educating the populace and modernizing the city with broadband and better transportation is very important.
I wouldn't vote for either because I don't vote
Mike McGinn is going to offer better solutions for education.
There isn't anything alarming about him either, he seems like he wouldn't do a bad job either. He has a history working with the city too.

I would not vote for Greg Nickles because he's talking about modernizing transportation when there are more pressing matters. I just don't see how anything he's doing will help people.
I would vote for Mike because he is for broadband.
While the challenger's vision for the future in interesting, it shows he is perhaps out of touch with everyday concerns (forcus on higher education instead of what is happening in the schools NOW.
Although it is contradictory to a previous reason I gave, I would possibly like to vote for Nickles because he is the incumbent, and has more experience and established relationships.
Vote for incumbent because he wants to increase access to higher education.
Greg Nickels has experience and has been recognized for doing his current job well.
-I would vote McGinn, because while the entire education system is a mess, primary is in need of more help.