Grand Rapids Township Democratic Club

From Three Voices to a Movement for Change

Founded in 2021 by just three passionate residents, the Grand Rapids Township Democratic Club (GRT Dems) has grown into a dynamic grassroots force with over 250 members—and counting. What began as a quiet call for representation has become a bold and organized movement for progress, equity, and community-driven leadership.

In a groundbreaking achievement for Kent County, the GRT Dems made history in 2024 by fielding a full slate of seven Democratic candidates for every township position up for election—a first for the county. But this wasn’t just about filling a ballot. It was about giving voters a real choice and a real voice.

The 2024 GRT Dems Endorsed Slate didn’t just run - they ignited a township-wide conversation about long-overdue issues that had been ignored for too long

🚒 Fire Coverage & First Responder Support:
They spotlighted the critical gaps in fire protection and the unacceptable lack of support for our firefighters—those who risk their lives to protect ours.

🏘️  Community Identity: They challenged the status quo of a township that too often feels like a collection of subdivisions rather than a unified, thriving community.

🚶  Pedestrian Safety: They brought attention to the dangerous lack of sidewalks, making it clear that no one should have to risk their safety just to walk their neighborhood.

Local Politics Matter!

Getting involved at the township level isn’t just important—it’s personal. It’s where decisions are made that shape your daily life: how safe your streets are, how your tax dollars are spent, and whether your voice is heard in the halls of local power.

Local engagement is:

✅ Empowering: You don’t have to wait for Washington to make a difference—you can start at your doorstep.

✅ Impactful: A handful of votes can decide a township race. Your voice truly matters.

✅ Meaningful: It’s about protecting what you love and building the kind of community you want to live in.

The GRT Dems are living proof that change starts small—but grows fast when fueled by purpose, persistence, and people who care. Their journey from three members to a full slate of candidates is more than a political success story—it’s a reminder that democracy thrives when we show up, speak out, and stand together.

Ready to be part of the change?

The future of G.R. Township is being written now—and there’s a place for you in it.

Join the GRT Dems

Our Vision for a stronger

Grand Rapids Township

  • Ensuring every resident’s voice is heard and acted upon.

    Transparency and Accountability

    Ensuring every resident’s voice is heard and acted upon.

  • Optimal Emergency Services

    Guaranteeing our fire, police, and EMS services are fully equipped to serve you.

  • Expanded Sidewalks and Bike Lanes

    Promoting a more walkable and bike-friendly community

  • Park Improvements

    Enhancing our beautiful township parks for everyone to enjoy

  • Road Safety

    Keeping our roads safe and well-maintained.

  • Innovative Growth

    Bringing fresh ideas and proactive solutions for sustainable development.

  • Fair Elections

    Protecting the integrity of our elections.

  • Efficient Use of Funds

    Identifying and eliminating wasteful spending to better utilize our tax dollars

Meet our Officers

jUSTIN sHELDON

Chair

Justin has lived in Grand Rapids Charter Township since 2012. Raised in a single-parent, middle-class home near Jackson, MI, he was inspired by family civil servants to serve the community. A former Grand Valley State University professor of Multicultural Diversity and U.S. History, he holds a B.A. in History (GVSU) and an M.A. in American History (Central Michigan University). In 2021 he started a Michigan Democratic Party–sanctioned club that grew to over 250 members and helped him put forward a full slate of Democratic candidates for every Grand Rapids Township office in 2024 — a first for Kent County. Justin currently serves on the Executive Board of the Kent County Democratic Party and is an active member of his local homeowners association board, reflecting his commitment to both county‑level leadership and neighborhood‑level stewardship.

Teri Stapleton

First Vice Chair

A Michigander from the very beginning, Teri was raised in Northern Michigan, graduating from Mancelona HIgh School as Class President and Valedictorian. She graduated from The University of Michigan with a Bachelors of General Studies with emphases in Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology. She also has a Masters in HIgher Education that she acquired during her cancer recovery. She made her home in the Canton, MI area for many years, working in the automotive industry with roles in Finance and Research. She has been married to her loving husband for 24 years and they share three amazing adult children. They have lived in Grand Rapids Twp. since 2015. Teri is semi-retired but has worked in education as a parapro since 2013. She loves to read, workout, travel, visit with friends, cheer for her Wolverines, and spend time with her family. She looks forward to working for the township in an effort to enhance the quality of life for its citizens.

Tim Russ

second vice chair

Tim Russ is a dedicated public servant with a rich background in education, grassroots organizing, and community outreach. He spent over a decade teaching in the Lansing School District and later served as a UniServ Director for the Michigan Education Association, advocating for educators and students across Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo. His outreach work with the NorthWest Initiative helped connect vulnerable residents with vital resources like healthcare coverage, while his leadership in the “Keep Mayor Tony Benavides” campaign delivered a hard-fought victory against steep odds. Tim’s commitment to social justice is reflected in his organizing roles with the National Association of Social Workers and Teamsters for a Democratic Union, including his efforts during the historic 1997 strike. A U.S. Army veteran, Tim brings proven leadership and a lifelong dedication to service that make him a powerful advocate for his community.

Tracey Avequin

secretary

Tracey Avequin is a lifelong resident of the Grand Rapids area and currently serves as Secretary of the Grand Rapids Township Democratic Club. She lives with her husband and two children in the neighborhood between 3 Mile and Leffingwell—just blocks from where she grew up and attended Forest Hills schools. Professionally, Tracey works at a globally recognized medical research institute, bringing a science-based approach to observation, documentation, and evidence-driven decision-making. Her years living overseas broadened her perspective and strengthened her commitment to empathy, clear communication, and community connection. As Secretary, Tracey supports the Club’s officers, candidates, and members with integrity, accuracy, and a collaborative spirit that reflects the values of a growing and inclusive township.

AARON CHRISTENSON

treasurer

Aaron has been a Grand Rapids resident his entire life, graduating from East Grand Rapids High School. He is a graduate of Davenport University. Aaron has worked in the IT industry for or 25 years. He has been married to his wife, Lillian, for almost 24 years and they have two amazing sons. They have lived in Grand Rapids Township since 2015. He loves spending time outside with his family and friends and cheering on the Detroit Tigers.  

Marisa Brizzolara

officer at large

Marisa Brizzolara is a lifelong Grand Rapids resident with a BA in Psychology and Women’s Studies from Aquinas College. Her career centers on advancing equity and support systems for individuals with disabilities across Michigan. As an independent facilitator and active advocate, Marisa brings a spirit of inclusion to both her professional and personal life. She represents Kent County on the Parent Advisory Committee of the Association for Children’s Mental Health and serves on the leadership board of Michigan Advocates to End Seclusion & Restraint (EndSaR). Her involvement also includes MiPAAC, COPAA, Planned Parenthood Advocates of MI, and the Grand Rapids Latvian Association. Outside of advocacy, Marisa enjoys gardening and spending time with her husband and two children.

Ben Lewitt

officer at large

Born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Ben Lewitt has deep roots in the community—he is the fourth generation of his family to live in his Grand Rapids Township home. After spending a brief period in Petoskey, where he completed high school, Ben returned to West Michigan to attend Grand Valley State University and embarked on his career in information technology. Ben is a dedicated advocate for evidence-based science and also an enthusiastic fan of science fiction. Outside of work, he enjoys engaging in local politics, tinkering with computers, exploring 3D printing, and pursuing one of his most ambitious personal projects—building a fully functional R2-D2 droid inspired by his favorite film series, Star Wars.

Jose Teixeira

officer at large

Jose earned his B.S. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and his Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester. He completed postdoctoral training at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, and currently serves as a Professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology at Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine. As principal investigator of a research laboratory, his work focuses on diseases that profoundly impact women’s health. A classical music enthusiast and proud dog dad, Jose is driven by a lifelong mission to contribute positively to the world. That commitment extends to the Grand Rapids Township community, where he strives to leave things better than he found them.

kasen wooters

youth representative

Kasen Wooters serves as the Youth Representative Officer for the GRT Dems, bringing a passionate, next-generation perspective to local politics. In 2024, Kasen managed the Democratic slate for Grand Rapids Township, helping to organize field operations, and engage new voters across the community. As a committed organizer and advocate for youth involvement in politics, Kasen works to ensure young voices are represented at every level of local government.