Meet the Candidates for Grand Rapids Village Council

This November, voters in the Village of Grand Rapids will choose four council members from a field of eight candidates. Each candidate featured below was invited to share a written message directly with the community. These messages are presented unedited—except for basic formatting to match our website style—so you can hear directly from those hoping to represent you.

The order of the candidate messages was randomly drawn using a third-party tool at Random.org, and you can scroll to the bottom of the page to view the drawing process on video.

For more information on the 2025 election—including levy details, deadlines, and candidate events—visit the full election guide here: 2025 Grand Rapids Election Guide

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Doug Grey

Hello, my name is Doug Grey and I’m running for Grand Rapids Village Council. I recently retired from full-time work and decided that I would like to devote some of my newfound free time to serving the residents of Grand Rapids. I’ve been a full-time resident since the mid 90s, but even though I grew up in Toledo, Grand Rapids has always been a part of my life. When I was three years old, my family started camping at Lucy‘s 22 campground and I still have a lot there to this day. I feel that I’ve lived here long enough to appreciate the history of the town and its residents, yet still remember what it’s like to be the new guy in town.

I graduated from Macomber high school in 1977 and was a member of the National Honor Society. Shortly after graduation, I joined the US Air Force and served for four years as a weapons mechanic and was honorably discharged in July, 1981. 

I’ve had a variety of jobs since then with my first “real” job being employed by Cain’s  potato chips in Bowling Green for about 11 years up until the time that they closed the plant in the early 90’s. After that, I spent most of my working years as a truck driver, driving both locally and over the road. 

I feel the biggest challenge facing our village council currently is the excessive bickering and in fighting. I think that overall the majority of the council people are doing a great job, however, something has to change in order to set the egos aside and concentrate more on the business at hand. 

Being here as long as I have been,I can remember years when there weren’t enough candidates running to fill the open positions. That is not the case this year. As voters, you have the choice whether to return some or all the incumbents to office or to vote for one or more of the first time candidates like myself. Choose wisely.

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Jody Donsbach

Hello! My name is Jody Keifer Donsbach and I am asking for your vote on November 4, 2025. I am a lifelong resident of Grand Rapids, who graduated from Otsego High School in 1990 and Bowling Green State University in 1994. I am currently the Director of Choral Activities at Defiance City Schools, where I direct the A Cappella Choir, Eighth Grade Choir and Bulldog Chorale. I teach two high school music electives and serve as the Vocal Music Department Chair for the district. In addition to my teaching responsibilities, I am the Treasurer for the Defiance City Educators Association, where I oversee and manage all of our finances for our 171 members of the teachers union. I also volunteer with Sufficient Grace Ministries Perinatal Hospice and Bereavement Support Services, serving as a Comfort Doula and being on the Virtual Support Care Team. I am a Worship Leader at Grand Rapids Calvary Church and Weston United Methodist Church. For a large portion of my life, I have been devoted to serving others in many different capacities. Serving on the Grand Rapids Village Council has been no exception. 

I have had the honor of serving our community as a Village Councilperson since February of 2016. I am very proud of our accomplishments as a Council! We have facilitated the replacing of sidewalks, we have helped to beautify Lincoln Street, we have continued to maintain fiscal responsibility, we have awarded ARPA money to numerous Village Organizations to use for the greater good of our beautiful Village, as well as used these funds to update the Historic Town Hall. We have also helped to bring a new housing development to Grand Rapids. These are just some of the many highlights of the things that have taken place during my tenure as a council member. 

People often ask me why I want to be a part of local government and serve on the Village Council. The answer is simple. My family has been here for generations and I want to give back to the community that has given me so many wonderful memories and life experiences. I was raised here and it was a great place to grow up! I loved it so much that I chose to stay in Grand Rapids and raise my own family here. My children, Adam and Jenna, were able to experience “town ball,” 4-H, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, playing in the parks, riding their bikes, running on our towpaths and just being able to be kids in a safe environment that is free from the hustle and bustle of big city life. Our Village is charming and quaint, with the right mix of so many things to offer. I want to help preserve our precious gem of a Village while exploring ways to make Grand Rapids even better in the future! 

One of the things I love about serving on the Village Council is that I am part of the Village Council “Team.” The definition of team is “a number of persons associated in some joint action.” A good team member makes it a priority to work together for common goals, leading by example and putting personal feelings and interests aside while remaining open minded to function as a cohesive group. Team members discuss, debate and sometimes disagree; however, the members do these things with professionalism. Team members speak to and work with the Mayor, Village Administrator, Fiscal Officer and fellow Council Members with courtesy and respect. Having a strong desire to work collaboratively with others for the betterment of our Village, these are all aspects that I encompass as part of our Village Leadership Team. 

I look forward to continuing to serve my hometown, the Village of Grand Rapids, with Teamwork, Cooperation, Courtesy and Common Sense Leadership. Thank You for your Vote on November 4th. God Bless our Village and the United States of America.

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Louise Estep

Hello Grand Rapids Residents,

My name is Louise Estep and I am a life-long resident of Grand Rapids.  I grew up across the street from the swimming pool and now have a home on Woodburn Avenue.  My family and I were very involved with the Grand Rapids Swimming Pool and Little League in my younger years.  I began working at Rapids Pharmacy while in Junior High School and remained there through my college years.  I loved talking to the residents and seeing them on a regular basis as they came into the store.  

As a first-generation college student, I put myself through school and have an Associate Degree in Secretarial Science from Owens Community College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Arts with a major in Human Resources from the University of Findlay.  I was employed at Owens Community College for 32 years.  Currently, I am employed by the City of Bowling Green and have been there for 8 years.

My father, Donald Estep, was the Fiscal Officer for several decades and I was the Assistant Clerk for the Village from November 1986 through March 2002.  We computerized the Village financial records from paper ledgers to the State UAN System, which they still use today.  In 2002 I applied for a vacant seat on Council and was sworn in on April 8.  I was re-elected in 2005 and served through December 31, 2008.  I resigned my position to raise my daughter, who is now 22 and is an Associate Scientist in the Biochemistry Lab at Eurofin.  I always said I would run again for an elected position and hearing the turmoil happening at the Village Council Meetings, I knew it was time.  In the summer of 2023, I applied for the vacant seat on Council and was appointed July 24, 2023.  

Currently, I serve on the Finance Committee.  Some accomplishments we have made since then are:

• Awarded $52,500 to Non-Profit Organizations in Grand Rapids from the American Rescue Plan Act Monies received to assist them Post-COVID
• Designated the monies received from Spectrum cablevision franchise fees to be earmarked for continued sidewalk improvements
• Joined the Ohio Checkbook Program – this was a suggestion from a resident
• Updated the Financial Reports on the Village Website so more information is readily available
• Mandated Direct Deposit for all Village employees
• Updated and Consolidated the Pay Ordinances
• Reviewed and Recommended a new Utility Billing Program (The current software will not be supported after 2026.)

I also serve on the Buildings, Parks, Properties & Maintenance Committee and the Streets & Sidewalks Committee.  Sidewalks continue to be replaced.  This year, West River Road, East of Bridge Street and Front Street between Beaver and West Streets were completed, along with leveling/grinding the heaved walks by the trees in the business district.  A sidewalk was also installed from the canal walk bridge to the sidewalk in Howard Park (this was a suggestion from a business owner).  The sidewalks were evaluated and are prioritized based on replacement needs.  I will work to get our streets evaluated and implement a replacement program for them.

Several improvements have been made to the Town Hall – interior painting, tuckpointing and sealing exterior bricks, the chairlift was repaired, and we had a new furnace installed.  We continue to work with the Town Hall Committee and collaborate on improvements they recommend.  New carpeting was also installed at the Village Office.  We apply for the Wood County Parks Grant yearly and I feel it is important to invest money to update our parks for the residents.  One of my goals is to update the playground where the Elementary School was and to name this park.  At Labino Park, I would like to see the surface of the tennis and basketball courts updated with pickleball added.

Communication is key.  I am recommending the Village begin sending out a quarterly newsletter.  We are fortunate to have many new people in our Village and they don’t know when the annual garage sale is, how and when to order passes for the Applebutter Festival, projects the Village and Council are working on, events at the Town Hall, events the Chamber, Historical Society and Arts Council sponsor, etc.  I would propose the newsletter be mailed out and also have an option for receiving it by email.  

I am proud to serve on the Hometown Hero Veteran’s Banner Program Committee.  The first year, we had 14 banners and this year we added another 60!  Contact me if you would like to sponsor a flag.  The deadline is January 31 each year.  I would love to see a Veteran’s Banner on every pole in town.  😊

Once I found out the residents of the Grand Rapids Village Estates did not have the same services as other Village residents, I insisted they be included with the brush pickup and the annual unlimited pickup.  

I spear-headed the Engineering survey for the intersection of Routes 65 and 295 at the South side of the Bridge.  With as many accidents and near-misses that have occurred, we need to look at a safer alternative for the residents and visitors.

There is so much more that I would like to accomplish for the Village.  Voting in the wrong people could jeopardize the future of our Village and lifestyle of our residents.  My heart is here and it has never left.  I am confident we can continue to accomplish great things together.  Please vote for me on November 4.

Thank you!

Louise Estep

419-957-4585

esteplouise83@gmail.com

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Sean Thiebaut

Hello!

My name is Sean Thiebaut and I’m a candidate for Grand Rapids Village council this year. I was raised in Grand Rapids, graduated from Otsego Schools and have lived most of my adult life here. I love the quality of life in Grand Rapids. It’s quiet, safe and the people here have always been warm and welcoming. We are blessed to live on one of the most scenic stretches of the Maumee river surrounded by history. 

I have been watching over the past couple of years, with some dismay, as our local government has come under fire. I believe it’s time to turn the page. We can do better and we must do better for the greater good of our community. 

There has been a lot of talk about revitalization and growth for our community. I believe we are starting to see the beginnings of revitalization in our downtown. A large property owner is beginning to sell off their holdings and there is a tremendous opportunity for investment in our downtown. Two buildings have recently sold and the new owner has some big plans for those properties. I am excited to see these plans come to fruition and hope this spurs more revitalization in our historic downtown. 

I’ve had the opportunity to talk with many of our business owners. Many of the retailers have said 2025 has been their worst year. Unfortunately this is a trend we are seeing across the nation and is not unique to Grand Rapids. As many families struggle to make ends meet, their disposable income has shrunk or disappeared entirely. This in turn has been a blow to our local economy. 

It is the responsibility of both our elected officials and our business community, that we showcase Grand Rapids in the best light. That we show potential investors Grand Rapids is a place worth investing in for the long term. Our local government has granted $7,500 in ARPA funds to the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and an additional $3,380 to supplement an advertising campaign for Grand Rapids. No other communities of similar size in our area have taken similar action. 

There are many residents, including myself, who are concerned about potential development and growth in Grand Rapids. We all choose to call this place home because of the small town atmosphere and quality of life. And I think it’s safe to say no one intentionally wants to see that change. But the devil is in the details or lack thereof. We need to review and update our zoning code. Develope a master plan for Grand Rapids and identify areas where development is most likely to occur. If change is coming then it needs to be on our community’s terms, not just those who would personally profit from it. 

I can understand the challenges our business owners have faced over the last 5 years. However, bashing and maligning our elected officials only creates conflict instead of solutions. Both sides need to work together in a mutually respectful manner to obtain common goals. Individuals may not always see eye to eye on how exactly to get there and that’s called a difference of opinion. No one wants to see our town fail. 

If elected I would like to work on securing funding for the long term maintenance of our historic canal.

Updating village systems to make it easier to pay taxes and utility bills online.

Insuring our local government is participating in local and regional civic and trade groups and councils, in order to network and gain access to potential grant opportunities. 

My father set an example for us. He said: “It only works when you have good people willing to stand up and serve their community.” He served this community as a councilman and a mayor, trying to make decisions that were in the best interests of this community as a whole, benefitting the greatest number of citizens. With your support I would like to continue that legacy of service.

As I have said before, I’m here to listen and working together we can make Grand Rapids a great place to live, work and own a business.

Please let me know how I can be of service!

My contact information is:

Cell: 419-356-1577

Email: seanthiebaut@gmail.com

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Nathan Bolton

My wife Christi and I moved to Grand Rapids in April of 2023 because of the small-town charm and kindness of its residents. We are certain we have made the right decision! I am running for council to preserve our way of life while enacting targeted growth, ensuring our town remains a source of pride for residents and an appealing destination for visitors along the Maumee River.

Below are my main initiatives that if elected I will work to achieve:

• Fiscal Responsibility: I pledge to manage the village’s finances carefully and look to invest responsibly to maintain a strong balance sheet. I will collaborate with other council members to ensure transparency by providing monthly public updates during meetings and sharing balance sheet information on the village website so residents can see how their tax dollars are being utilized.
• Natural Resource Management: A plan should be implemented to maintain the canal and river basin, while reducing future flood risks. I believe the canal is a focal point of our village that makes Grand Rapids a popular tourist destination. I’ll work with other council members through committee to see that any improvements are made with village input and done in a fiscally responsible way utilizing the help of various community groups and organizations.
• Public Safety: Public safety is a crucial part of maintaining a quality standard of living in any community. I understand that residents have voiced concerns about traffic right of ways and speed limits within the village. I will work with council and the Wood County Sheriff’s Office and the Ohio Department of Transportation to expedite the current proposals being made to make changes to improve the safety of our residents as well as those who pass through our village.
• Community Revitalization: A picturesque and inviting downtown is something that should be a focal point for a village looking to bring about community pride. As a council member I will work collaboratively to assist our local businesses to revitalize our downtown business corridor through beautification initiatives which will improve the appearance of downtown. I believe that there should be a plan put in place to improve our village parks to give our residents and their families an inviting place to spend time and participate in outdoor recreation. This could include but is not limited to playground and shelter house construction at the park across from the library.

These initiatives are something that I feel would benefit our village, its residents and businesses alike. I welcome any input you may have by reaching out to me at (419)721-4870. I would appreciate your support on November 4th!

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Matthew Tolles

Hello Grand Rapids Residents, 

My name is Matthew Tolles, and I hope you will consider me to represent you on the village council. My family has a long history in town, starting in the 1950s. I am 22 years old, and I have lived in town for 16 years. I have been involved with Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts from 2010-2021. Then, I graduated from Otsego High School in 2021. I have then helped volunteer with the Arts Council, Chamber of Commerce, Historical Society, and the Town Hall Committee.

I say that to tell you the first thing I want to do is create a Community Leaders Committee. Where it will the leaders of each group will meet quarterly or as needed to discuss the past quarter and next quarter on what will be done in the village, I think this will help with the flow of events and the connection in the town.

A main concern of mine is the safety of the downtown sidewalks. I have heard from a few businesses owners about their concerns as well. The trees need to be replaced as they are heaving up the sidewalk. The trees also have fruit that, when they drop, are being drug into the shops.

I have heard from a few residents that they think I am too young for the job, and I will make too many drastic changes to the town. But I want to assure you, I want to use my age to my advantage. With my age, I have the drive and the determination to make this GREAT village we live in, a place where everyone loves to be. I believe that because my grandpa helped raise me, it has helped me in learning the older values. But I still hope to bring new ideas to the table with my youth. I believe in preserving the past to plan for our future.

Feel free to contact me at (419)353-4350 or Tollesmatthew21@gmail.com

Thanks for your consideration,

Matthew Tolles

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Lynn Sylvain

Hello, 

I am a long-term resident, investor, and business owner and I am running for re-election for council in the Village of Grand Rapids and asking for your support.

Twenty-five years ago, I chose this quaint, historic, canal town to live.  I loved the historic elements mixed with nature, art and a little bit of quirkiness.  I still love it and I still see the same potential for us to enhance all of its finest qualities.

I am intelligent, hardworking and relentless in my pursuit of equality, transparency and continuous improvement.  I believe the Village needs to be run like a business and have a strategy in place that outlines short and long-term goals while preserving our sense of community.  I want the residents and business owners to have a voice in how the Village is managed.  I want everyone to understand the decisions that are being made, the financial data we have and how it impacts our community.

I use facts and data to make educated decisions.  I believe creative brainstorming, collaboration and diversity brings forward the best options.  I support hiring the most qualified individuals to fill all positions in the Village, coupled with a strong succession plan to ensure stability and long-term success.  I believe that elected officials are stewards of the tax payer money and need to act accordingly, competitively quoting all projects, planning for expenditures and reevaluating in open view of the public.  I believe in taking action . . . proactive, educated, risk-appropriate action.

I have worked my whole life, starting with picking weeds out of acres of soy bean fields for pennies a row before I was even a teenager.  I put myself through school earning degrees in Engineering and a Masters in Management.  I spent most of my career working for fortune 500 companies and managed projects worth hundreds of millions of dollars.  There are no projects this Village would have that is too large for me, no process I cannot improve on, no problem too big that we can’t find multiple solutions for.

I am fearless.  I know that can come off as brash sometimes.  I could do better – we all could.  Ruth Bader Ginsburg said “fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you’.  I have ideas for the Village.

While on council I laid out the path for a strategic plan – one that would have been developed by the Council with input from the community.  I have never stopped submitting ideas.  Never quit.  I am persistent in my quest for improvement for this Village.  Every property I have touched has been improved.  The projects I commit to are successful, and the ideas keep coming.

Join me in making the village stronger.  Vote for myself and other new candidates that offer a strong business perspective, a willingness to think about things differently and the desire for inclusivity.  Change is happening, let’s make it benefit this Village.

Thank you

Lynn Sylvain

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Patrick Nagle

Hello Grand Rapids,

My wife Michelle and I moved out to Grand Rapids early 2024. I had just sold my interest in Nagle Trucking and retired. What attracted us to the area was the home that we purchased, The Grand Kerr House. My wife would come to the spa over 30 years ago and she always said that she was in love with the home and if it ever came up for sale she’d like to buy it. 

We have been busy all of 2024 with improvements to the outside of the house with new up lighting , paint and landscape. Also traveling all over Ohio and Michigan hunting down just the right antiques and furniture for the home. I really hadn’t paid much attention to the local politics and activities as we were pretty busy with the home. 

Early 2025 I started to pay close attention to the biweekly village council meetings and I was taken back at how discombobulated the meetings were.  As time went on I learned that there were 4 seats that were up for election and I decided that I could help the village with my life experiences and passion to improve the village. 

As I mentioned earlier in my statement I recently sold my half of my family business and retired. The company that I owned for 39 years was Nagle Trucking of Walbridge OH. Originally my three brothers and I owned and operated the business. In 2008 my younger brother Mike left the business and moved to Texas. A few years later my older brother Steve passed away at 52 years old. That left just myself and my oldest brother Ed as co-owners. Early in 2024 I decided to sell my interest in the business and retired. I have dedicated the majority of my time to our home and more recently to be involved with volunteering for community events and getting active in learning more about the village. 

I feel that my experience with running a business as large as mine was makes me a good candidate for village council. I negotiated contracts with some of the largest companies in America such as Kraft Heinz, Campbell’s Soup, Sauder Wood working and many more. I am tough but fair when it comes to negotiations. I would bring that same toughness and fairness to council and renegotiate our contracts with suppliers and vendors of the village. 

I will also bring my financial skills to council as I did running my business. When I retired our annual revenues among all Nagle Companies were $30M. I will go through all aspects of Grand Rapids financial reports and balance sheets. Recently I learned that Grand Rapids had $5.2M in the bank. Unfortunately the current council had the $5.2M in a basic checking account earning only 0.25%!  That $5.2M should have been deposited in a money market account earning at least 4.5%. Not having the money in the higher earning accounts cost the village at least $150,000 in missed opportunity. 

I also believe the canal has been a failure for the current council. Years ago the state owned the canal or a portion of but Grand Rapids took full ownership but neglected the canal. This town has so many natural resources with the river, canal and parks but we are not capitalizing on them. When ownership of the canal was transferred to Grand Rapids a committee should have been formed and we should have purchased equipment and hired people to maintain and make the canal and river banks beautiful. 

In closing I want to let all of Grand Rapids know how committed I am to making this village a definite go-to destination for tourists as well as making this a safe and beautiful place for people to raise a family and for older folks, such as myself, to make it our final homestead.  Thanks for listening and I humbly ask for your votes.

Patrick Nagle for Grand Rapids Village Council

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Below is a video showing the random pull for the order of names on this website. This was done using Random.org. All names were put into the generator alphabetical by last name. The website then shuffled the names in a random order. Please note you’ll see edits where we redacted private IP information.