About John Westra

A Strong Record of Community / Volunteer Service

Volunteerism and Community Service have always been important parts of John's life.  His efforts have earned him the respect and endorsements of residents, as well as business and community leaders.

Ada Township - Trustee - 3yrs

Since being elected trustee in 2004, John has led efforts to improve communication with the community, promote projects like the expansion of the Ada Trail system and find Win/Win solutions for challenging community issues like Reith Reilly.  During this same time period, John has invested his own time/money to become certified as a Master Citizen Planner, Charrette Planner and complete 80% of the requirements to become a Township Governance Academy graduate.  Some specific involvement / accomplishments include:

• Championed and Serves on Communication & Technology Committee
• Championed Village Charrette and serves on Charrette Task Force
• Serves on Forms-based Code Sub-committee
• Serves as a member of the Trails Committee
• Serves as a member of the Public Works Committee
• Involved in championing Safe Routes to School Program

Adacroft Commons Association - President - 4yrs

As the elected volunteer President of The Adacroft Commons Association, for four (4) years, John worked tirelessly to rebuild a sense of community and provide Adacroft with a professionally managed and accountable association. These four years saw many positive developments including:

• A new www.adacroft.org community website
• Creation of a Adacroft Community Business Partner program
• More consistent application of community covenants
• Revival of the community Plat Rep program
• Hiring of a professional management company which saved the community thousands of dollars in maintenance fees.

Yes 49301 Committee - Chairman - 2yrs

Beginning in 1999, after listening to neighbors complain about the inconvenience and loss of Ada identity, as a result of being in the Grand Rapids 49546 zip code, John began lobbying to have ALL Ada Township residents share the Ada 49301 zip code.  After gaining the endorsement of the Ada Business Association, Clement's Mill, Adacroft Commons and the Ada Township Board, John convinced the Post Office to conduct a survey of residents, which ultimately led them to change the zip code to 49301.  This change became effective on July 1st of 2004.  Click HERE for more information.

Important Update!  - Residents are now saving 15% - 20% on their Insurance, as a direct result of the Zip Code Change!

Vote Yes Ada Committee - Member - 2yrs

As a member of the Ada Parks & Trails Committee, John played a key role by creating and donating the voteyesada.com web site, creating an informational brochure and helping get the message out on the important issues of Open Space, Parks & Trails. In just six months, the committee was able to generate enough support to pass the Open Space & Parks proposal. John is dedicated to trail expansion in Ada Township.

YMCA Camp Manitou-lin - Board Member - 4yrs

www.campmanitou-lin.org

YMCA / AYSO - Volunteer Soccer Coach - 12yrs

Young people have always been a special focus of John's volunteer activities. Through his service as a YMCA Camp Manitou-lin Board Member and a volunteer soccer coach, John has been able to provide positive encouragement and growth opportunities for hundreds of youth in Ada and the Greater Grand Rapids area. (See endorsements page)