KENTWOOD, MI -- Three people are vying for the open Kent County Board of Commissioners seat covering parts of Kentwood and Wyoming.

Republican Jill Martinez, Democrat Monica Sparks and Green Party candidate Charlotte Aikens will square off Nov. 6 for the county commission's 12th District seat.

The seat was long held by Republican Harold Mast, who has decided not to seek reelection.

Martinez, 42, works in management at Spectrum Health and is endorsed by Mast.

Sparks, 46, is an entrepreneur and real-estate investor who currently serves on the board of the Kentwood Planning Commission.

Aikens, 40, is a nurse at Spectrum Health.

This year, MLive Media Group partnered with the League of Women Voters of Michigan Education Fund to provide candidate information and other voting resources to our readers. Each candidate was asked to answer a series of questions about their policy stances.

Information on all state and federal races and many of Michigan's county and local races will be available at Vote411.org - the election-information website run by the League of Women Voters.

Answers were lightly edited for grammar and readability.

Why are you running for office?

Martinez:

"In short, because I have a desire to serve my community. I was born and raised in Kent County and firmly believe it is one of the best communities in America to live, work, and raise a family. Within the 12th District -- my district -- I have experienced first-hand the quality of education we offer our children, both as a graduate of Kentwood High School, and, as an involved parent with children -- including two National Honors students -- at Godwin.

"The quality of life we enjoy in Kent County didn't happen by chance. It takes hard work, compassion for all people, financial stewardship, teamwork, the ability to listen, common sense, and strong, conservative leadership. These are the traits and skills that I believe I can bring to my community as a commissioner."

Sparks:

"I am running for the office of Kent County Commissioner to advocate for the continued services for respected seniors, honored veterans, those with special needs, families, individuals and children. Residents deserve access to mental health and healthcare, fair affordable housing, economic development for jobs as well as parks and recreation services for Kent County residents. The county commissioners must not abandon residents when budgeting for Kent County services."

Aikens:

"I have lived in the Kentwood area for 18 years. I have been in the healthcare field for over 12 years which has given me a unique opportunity to get to know our residents on a personal level. What I have found is that people are struggling now more than ever to get the services they desperately need. I first became politically active in 2015 when I got involved in the Bernie Sanders campaign. I admired his sincerity and steadfast message of the vast wealth inequality that exists in one of the richest nations on Earth. I recognize that each of us alone cannot fix everything that is wrong with society, but I am eager and anxious to be part of the solution. I also desire to keep residents both informed and engaged in their local government. If elected I promise that I will always put people before profits, families before corporate interests, and basic human rights will be priority in every decision I am faced with."

What is the greatest challenge facing the office you seek? How will you address it?

Aikens:

"If elected I know I will face many challenges, but being a Green Party candidate is a great challenge. Most people are very familiar with the two major parties and tend to lean towards one or the other. I have found that a lot of people tend to vote not because they are excited about their parties candidate, but they are voting against the other party. People often forget or dismiss other candidates on ballot, and that is unfortunate. I joined the Green Party because I believe people need more options than the right and left wings of a corrupt system. I try to address this challenge through grassroots democracy and speaking with people about their options. Green Party candidates support environmental and social justice, peaceful resolutions that benefit not harm our most vulnerable populations, and will never take corporate bribes."

Sparks:

" ... I am meeting with residents and knocking as many doors as possible to inform and educate citizens on the job description. I am experienced to serve and inclusive of all Kent County residents."

Martinez:

"Kent County is very fortunate today to have a strong board of county commissioners. As a team, they have provided outstanding leadership on virtually every issue. The greatest challenge we face going forward is to find and exercise the wisdom to work together in order to maintain and safeguard our community, while also taking into account new voices and new issues.

"I will listen to the people I represent - all the people - and work to be a voice of common sense and compromise."

What strategies would you use to remain responsive and accountable to the public between elections?

Sparks:

"I will continue to serve with intention and show up as a servant leader to serve my community! I love Kent County and always look to support residents and initiatives that move us forward, together. Some of my memberships and affiliations include: Wyoming, Kentwood Chamber of Commerce, West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, American Legion Auxiliary member D.W. Cassard Post 208, N.A.A.C.P. , Kentwood Women's Club, Woman's Life Chapter 881, Small Business Association of Michigan, and SCORE Volunteer Business Mentor and Counselor."

Martinez:

"I will use technology such as e-mail and online forums to provide a way for people of the 12th District - and the county at large - to voice their viewpoints and to share ideas. I will also use this technology to explain my actions, ideas, and my votes to the people I represent.

In addition, I will hold scheduled listening and conversational events throughout the 12th District and will attend and participate in civic, educational, and public meetings and events.

I am also available to the people I represent by phone and by mail."

Aikens:

"As a nurse I am a public servant and accountable to each and everyone of my patients no matter how different backgrounds and ideologies. People put their lives in my hands and despite our differences it is my duty to ensure that they get the highest quality of care. As a commissioner I would do the same. There are so many people in our community that are in need of care. Be it housing, food, healthcare, or simply clean water to drink, our residents need to know what services our county offers and that they are being properly funded by our tax dollars. If elected I would provide my constituents with a quarterly newsletter that would keep them informed about events and services in our county. I would encourage residents to contact me with their concerns and to let me know how i can serve them better."

The rest of the candidates' responses can be found here.

All responses in the voter guide were submitted directly by the candidate and have not been edited by the League of Women Voters, except for necessary cut if a reply exceeded character limitations. Spelling and grammar were not corrected. Publication of candidate statements and opinions is solely in the interest of public service and should not be considered as an endorsement. The League never supports or opposes any candidates or political parties.