Bio — Jessica Gutowski Slaydon for Cannon Township Trustee

I'm Jessica Gutowski-Slaydon, and I was appointed to a vacated seat on the board during the March 25th Cannon Township Board Meeting. I am thrilled to serve the people of Cannon Township! I am running for office for the next term. I won the August 6th primary and now move on to the November 5 General Election. As your community-loving resident since 2014, I take great pride in our Cannon Township.

I have been married 12 years to my husband, Jake, and I am a mother to three boys—Blake, Dax, and Parks. Blake and Dax attend Lakes Elementary, where I’m actively involved and a member of the Parent Teacher Organization.

I am the President of Swift Printing, a women-owned, family-owned, B Corp business - where I’m a third-generation team member. In my free time, you’ll catch me at the BLI singing with the Bridge Street Band or catching frogs at turtle town with my boys. I love this community and I want to see it continue to thrive.

Photo of Slaydon Family. Photo Credit: Jarrett Schwarz

As a Republican candidate for this partisan position, I am committed to working with everyone to make Cannon Township an even better place to live.

Some of my endorsements include:

Supervisor Steve Grimm

Clerk Jim Alles

Treasure David Spencer

Trustee Henry Betten

Trustee Cy Balk

Trustee Todd Olson

Former Trustee Joe Gavan

Former Trustee Terry Brod

Chair of the Cannon Township Planning Commission, Jeff Twyman

Kent County Commissioner Katie DeBoer (Former Cannon Township Trustee)

Kent County Treasurer Peter MacGregor (Former Cannon Township Trustee and Supervisior)

Kent County Drain Commissioner Ken Yonker

Kent County Clerk and Register of Deeds Lisa Posthumus Lyons

Former Cannon Township Trustee Chuck Bloom

I’d love to add you to the list - let’s connect!

Jes, Jake and the kids downtown Rockford

Jes leading the Annual Donut Dash to support the GRPD Foundation

Walt Gutowski, Blake Slaydon & Jessica Gutowski-Slaydon at Sullivan's Field

Blake and Dax Slaydon at Lakes Elementary

The Slaydon's with the Bostwick Lake Crew for the unofficial Triathlon.

Vision for Cannon Township

As a member of the Planning Commission, I understand the importance of balancing development, property rights, and the preservation of our township's beautiful natural assets. My focus is to continue prioritizing safety, maintaining quality roads, supporting excellent schools, and preserving our natural resources. I am committed to educating residents and visitors about the beauty of our community for future generations, in line with the Township's Master Plan.

I’ve always had a call to serve, whether it be organizing a fun run/walking group to meet new people or facilitating my kids' idea to build a Little Free Library for our neighborhood. I feel fulfilled when I am a good steward for our community.

In 2022, I became involved with Cannon Township, initially joining the Zoning Board of Appeals as an alternate and swiftly transitioning to the Planning Commission. I have a passion for understanding due process and a commitment to learning. (Check out my experience below.)

I believe in approaching leadership with respect for all. I value understanding the history and reasons behind decisions. I want to learn from as many people as I can. Let’s connect!

Experience

CAREER

Swift Printing Co. Grand Rapids, MI July 2014 - present

AWARDS

Crain’s Grand Rapids Business Journal Inaugural 40 under 40 Recipient. 2023

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS

Michigan State University Extension Citizen Planner Certificate, January 2024
Michigan State University Extension Introduction to Lakes and Steams Certificate, March 2024
Florida Southern College, Lakeland, FL — B.S Communication - Graphic Design & Public Relations. May 2009
West Catholic High School, Grand Rapids, MI. May 2005