Peter MacGregor is not just a leader on the campaign trail but also a dedicated member of the Kent County community. As a longtime volunteer, he has consistently rolled up his sleeves to support local initiatives, from organizing food drives and mentoring youth to serving at community clean-up events and supporting local nonprofits. Pete believes that leadership begins with service, and his hands-on involvement in community efforts reflects a deep commitment to improving the lives of Kent County residents. By working side by side with neighbors, Pete continues to demonstrate the values of integrity, compassion, and service that he will bring to the role of County Treasurer.
“Volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy. You vote in elections once a year, but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in.” – Unknown Author
The Equest Center for Therapeutic Riding – August 2024
I had the privilege of visiting the Equest Center for Therapeutic Riding alongside our local legislators, Senator Outman and Representative Posthumus, as well as County Clerk Lisa Lyons and Algoma Trustee Gordon Pickerd.
The Equest Center for Therapeutic Riding is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals facing physical, mental, and emotional challenges through equine-based therapy. This extraordinary program uniquely integrates academic, social, and physical skills, with horses serving as a powerful catalyst for growth and healing.
I strongly encourage everyone to explore the incredible programs offered by the Equest Center and consider the many volunteer opportunities that are vital to the success of their therapy sessions.
The Center serves a diverse group of clients, including both children and adults, who are overcoming a wide range of challenges such as:
– Cerebral Palsy (CP)
– Down Syndrome
– Developmental Delays
– Autism
– Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
– Visual and Hearing Impairments
– Learning Disabilities
– Hunter Syndrome
– Spina Bifida
– Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries
– Mental and Emotional Impairments
– Muscular Dystrophy (MD)
– Cystic Fibrosis
To learn more or to get involved, visit their website at https://equestcenter.org.
Kent County Youth Fair – July 2024
Earlier this month, I attended the 2024 Kent County Youth Fair and participated in the large animal livestock auction. I purchased two sheep from future farmers Nolan and Haley, who did a phenomenal job!
This annual fair is instrumental in helping the youth exhibit and sell their animals, instilling wonderful life skills as they work hard to raise and train them. County youth fair auctions offer numerous benefits, helping participants develop a wide range of skills and values such as work ethic, responsibility, community engagement, and financial reward.
These experiences collectively contribute to the personal and professional growth of young participants, preparing them for future challenges and opportunities. If you haven’t been to the Kent County Youth Fair.
I recommend you check the fair out next year.
Kent County Salvation Army – June 2024
As an Advisory Board Member of the Kent County Salvation Army, I participated in the National Donut Day on Friday June 7.
I had the honor & pleasure to deliver donuts to our first responders and thanked our police & firefighters for their service to our communities.
The Salvation Army established National Donut Day in 1938 to honor The Salvation Army’s Donut Lassies, who traveled to the front lines in WWI in 1917.
The Ronald McDonald House – June 2024
I had the heartfelt privilege of volunteering at The Ronald McDonald House Charities West Michigan last week.
The Ronald McDonald House offers care, comfort, and a free place for families to stay together while their child receives medical care.
Alongside the Rotary Club, I spent a few hours preparing and cooking homemade meals for the families, providing some comfort during these stressful and uncertain times.
MiCPT Certification – May 2024
As the Kent County Treasurer, I recently attained my MiCPT Certification. This is the cornerstone of the Michigan Municipal Treasurers Association’s (MMTA) educational offerings, called “Basic Institute,” and is essential for all treasury professionals.
This three-year commitment requires attending a week-long education session each spring for three consecutive years. Successful completion grants eligibility for MMTA’s certification, the MiCPT (Michigan Certified Professional Treasurer).
The Institute’s curriculum is developed and endorsed by MMTA’s national affiliate, the Association of Public Treasurers of the United States and Canada (APT US&C). Covering one hundred hours of instruction across several topics such as public finance principles, governmental accounting, cash management, and more.
This continuing education equips attendees with comprehensive knowledge of municipal treasury. This education is ideal for anyone involved in treasury roles and provides essential skills for my professional growth.
In addition to the MiCPT Certification, I also achieved my ACPFIM (Advanced Certified Public Funds Investment Manager) Certification from the Association of Public Treasurers of the United States and Canada.
Volunteering in Grand Rapids – April 2024
At the start of this month, I volunteered to help build a new ramp for a citizen on the west side of Grand Rapids. The ramp build was with Home Repair Services of Kent County and the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids. It’s always nice to find ways to give back to the community!
Calvin University Engagement – April 2024
I was invited to speak to a Political Science class (State & Local Government 204) at Calvin University. While I was there, I spoke about the County and State budget – how their revenue streams differ and the budgeting process. A class of 25 young men and women had lots of curiosity and great questions. Seeing these kids invested in what I had to say gave me hope that some of our young adults will be engaged in our future leadership!
Volunteer Work Around the Community – March 2024
Recently, I was able to participate in the Rockford Lions Club Road Clean-Up Day. Bi-annually our local Lions Club contributes to keeping our county clean and beautiful through the Kent County Road Commission’s Adopt-A-Road Program.
Volunteerism truly enhances the local road network and assists with keeping our environment clean.
Student Statesmanship Institute Program – February 2024
In January, I participated as a mock House of Representatives Committee Chair for Student Statesmanship Institute with NorthPointe Christian High School students. SSI is a program where high school students learn about civics by role playing as state legislators and debating actual bills taken from the Michigan Legislature. The program seeks to launch young people toward achieving their full God-given potential!
I was proud to participate in this program, as I believe it to set the younger generation up for success. I am leaving the world a better place than we found it, and the SSI program is a great organization with the same intentions. These students are provided with fantastic experiences that will translate effectively into the “real world”. Youth is the future, and SSI does a great job in making sure they are on the right path towards success.
Testifying on Senate Bill 705 – February 2024
I had the opportunity to go to Lansing to testify for Senate Bill 705. The bill would amend Public Act 161 of 1895, which requires county treasurers to provide transcripts and records upon request and prescribes the associated fees, to require a county treasurer to provide electronic records of specific property information that the treasurer had direct access to or could otherwise provide. The bill also would require a county treasurer to consider a request for a winter tax bill and a summer tax bill as a single request when charging a fee for their request.
