Here's how Ottawa County commissioner candidates answered the big questions
OTTAWA COUNTY — The upcoming Aug. 6 primary is perhaps the most hotly contested race in the history of the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners.
Thirty-three candidates have filed for 11 seats, including at least one Republican and one Democrat in each district (another record). Ahead of absentee ballots, The Sentinel sent a request for comment with the same five questions to all commissioner candidates possible.
Contact information was not available for District 5 Democrat Jon Rabideau, District 8 Republican David Morren and District 11 Democrat Keith Courtade.
The following candidates responded in time for inclusion in this story:
Jim Barry, District 1, Republican
Jordan Jorritsma, District 2, Republican
Orlando Estrada, District 3, Republican
Doug Zylstra, District 3, Democrat*
Chris Crothers, District 4, Democrat
Joe Moss, District 5, Republican*
Mark Northrup, District 5, Republican
Michelle Dieleman, District 6, Democrat
Shawn Haff, District 6, Republican
Heather Majestic, District 7, Democrat
Rebecca Patrick, District 8, Democrat
Sylvia Rhodea, District 8, Republican*
Josh Brugger, District 10, Republican
Jason Koert, District 10, Republican
Oliver Shampine, District 10, Democrat
Douglas VanBennekom, District 10, Democrat
Allison Miedema, District 11, Republican*
Dick Van Dop, District 11, Republican
*= Incumbent
The following candidates were contacted, but did not respond by deadline:
Danielle Smith, District 1, Democrat,
Gretchen Cosby, District 1, Republican*
Chris Kleinjans, District 2, Democrat*
Lucy Ebel, District 2, Republican
Jacob Bonnema, District 4, Republican*
Kendra Wenzel, District 6, Republican*
Rachel Atwood, District 7, Republican
John Teeples, District 7, Republican
Angela Stanford-Butler, District 9, Democrat
Phillip Kuyers, District 9, Republican
Roger Belknap, District 9, Republican*
Sara Bajema, District 11, Republican
Portions of some responses were paraphrased. Those sections are in italics. Responses were also edited for length and clarity.
What are your thoughts on current county board leadership?
Barry: The Ottawa Impact dominated board has taken a series of controversial actions since coming to power that have led to at least five lawsuits and an investigation by (Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel). Current leadership is driving an ideological agenda, which leads to micro-management resulting in an exodus of employees with experience and knowledge. Much of the business of the board appears to have been decided before their public meeting. From the feedback I’m receiving … there is general concern about what is happening in governance and with our tax dollars in Ottawa County.
Jorritsma: The existing majority on the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners has demonstrated a concerning lack of cooperation and humility through their time in charge. It should concern members of any organization when its leadership is deliberately stacking committees and censuring members as retaliation for voting certain ways.
Zylstra: We are a growing county with many and diverse needs, interests and points of view. I believe when we have failed, or where leadership has failed over the past year and a half, it is when those basic facts have not been in the forefront of our decision-making process.
Estrada: My thought on this current board leadership is they are really good at getting a lot of attention, (whether) it's intentional or not (and) trying new things at the county level, which is unique.
Crothers: The current county board leadership has been a significant source of concern. Their actions have often led to unnecessary conflicts and costs for the county. The leadership has created a toxic culture that undermines effective governance and alienates many constituents. It is essential to restore responsible governance that focuses on the real needs of our community and moves away from divisive politics.
Moss: The board is led by courageous, conservative parents who stepped into the public square to protect their kids and prioritize the Constitution. Our passion is to promote freedom, protect everyone's God-given rights and preserve the heritage of our American values. I am thankful parents are leading in Ottawa County.
Northrup: The Ottawa Impact majority commissioners have made a mockery of good government and professional leadership — multiple lawsuits, million-dollar expenditures on unnecessary attorney fees, hiring county employees as political patronage, far-right virtue signaling, not meeting the needs of residents, focused on national polarizing issues instead of the county, alienating citizens and (the) business community with shrill righteous biblical preaching, loss of professional employees, fostering a culture of fear with employees, resulting in new unions … I could go on.
Dieleman: I am deeply concerned about the erosion of our county’s integrity and reputation as a result of the current board’s leadership. We deserve stability, transparency and respect from our leaders. These principles should be a given. I want to bring them back. I believe the majority of my community holds moderate views and is frustrated by what Ottawa Impact is doing.
Haff: I have lost faith in the leadership of Ottawa Impact and Ottawa Impact Republicans. We need new conservative leadership that will lead with courage, intelligently defend American values, and implement conservative policies competently.
Majestic: Restoring good governance, fiscal responsibility and transparency from the board of commissioners is the top issue facing Ottawa County today. The lack of predictability and inhospitable environment that has dominated the past 18 months has greatly damaged our reputation and would prove extremely detrimental to our community if it were allowed to continue another four years. I hope to instill trust in our local government again.
Rhodea: The Ottawa County Board of Commissioners is led by courageous, conscientious parents who entered the public square to defend their piece of America and protect their kids. We desire to promote freedom, preserve American values, protect against government overreach, promote the good and the beautiful in Ottawa County, and lead with courage and discernment in county policies and oversight.
Patrick: One of the most important roles of a government leader is to demonstrate trustworthiness. Leaders earn people’s trust when they: follow the rule of law; avoid conflicts of interest; use transparent policies to make decisions; work together with colleagues and staff in good faith; and encourage participation from their colleagues. Board leadership does not appear to value these trust-making behaviors.
Brugger: When explaining why he appointed so many Ottawa Impact-aligned commissioners to county boards in 2023, Joe Moss said, “One of the main reasons I asked all of the new commissioners to be on more committees than usual was so they could learn the county government.” “Learning” county government at the expense of taxpayers and taxpayer dollars best describes the last 18 months of county board leadership. We’ve all paid dearly. It’s time to elect qualified commissioners who have actual experience, and whose only contract is with the people of Ottawa County.
Koert: The majority of our county board has been doing an amazing job untangling the mess that was left for them. I commend the OI commissioners on working with the county and hearing the actual needs of the people and seeing action to those needs. Seeing the budget being the lowest increase for the first time in years was refreshing.
Shampine: I won't mention particular commissioners, but overall, I am quite upset with some of their actions. They are wasting taxpayer dollars and bringing bad publicity to Ottawa County. Some of them have a poor understanding of transparency and how to run a government administration. Instead, they are focused on a divisive campaign that aims to separate us from our neighbors. However, I do appreciate the effort from many of the commissioners to increase public involvement in local government.
VanBennekom: I feel that the current board is not doing enough to help the county. It has lost a large amount of money settling unnecessary lawsuits and paying to replace members of the county government that they fired. Residents of the county that have asked for help from their board members have not received responses, which undermines confidence in the board. The board has also damaged the county reputation by inspiring negative news stories about the county government.
Miedema: I am thankful for the current county board's leadership in focusing on the Constitution, keeping the government in check, and restoring the rights to We the People. Current board leadership is using common sense, discernment and courage and actively seeks information and asks questions to make informed decisions. This is a board that is hands-on and invested in doing the work that is needed to continue cultivating a beautiful Ottawa.
Van Dop: With regard to hiring personnel and contractors, I believe they value political ideology over competence, training and experience. They don’t follow commonly accepted procedures in hiring. I also believe they have wasted significant public funds on unnecessary lawsuits and by not using currently accepted governmental policy in contracting with their law firm without any competition. I believe Ottawa Impact needs to go.
What is Ottawa County doing right?
Barry: There are some hard working, experienced, and dedicated Ottawa County employees that show up every day and serve the public. While the county has some financial storm clouds on the horizon due to exposure and unresolved lawsuits, the county continues to benefit from years of good financial stewardship, which allows the county to face uncertainties on solid footing.
Jorritsma: Ottawa County is one of the fastest growing counties in the state, and we have incredible economic development. People come from around the country to visit our area and that makes them want to move to our community. We have a history and tradition of strong community and family values and that’s what has made Ottawa such a great place to live.
Estrada: The Ottawa County fiscal year budget has a lower increase than previous years from previous administrations.
Zylstra: Ottawa County has a dedicated, professional staff of 1,200 qualified individuals who work to provide the highest quality, most cost-effective, level of county services possible.
Crothers: I am happy about the meeting time change to allow different demographics to be able to attend board meetings. Additionally, our county employees have done an amazing job with their work, despite constant attacks from this board and the toxic work environment that came with that.
Northrup: They have mobilized citizens as to the duties of good government and created a local movement to restore trust in county leadership. They made us appreciate the past with joyfully dull government.
Moss: Ottawa County is cultivating a vibrant community "Where Freedom Rings" and families thrive. Ottawa County has wonderful people, a strong economy and a low employment rate. The current board adopted a budget with one of the smallest increases in recent history at only 3.59%. The county is in excellent financial health, with over $200 million in assets, and maintains its AAA bond rating and a balanced budget.
Dieleman: Despite the overall lack of good governance displayed by the majority of our commissioners, there are still several bright spots in our county government. We have some of the best parks in the nation and continue to prioritize them. Our county clerk has done an amazing job of implementing new voting laws and conducting secure elections. Our health department has promoted and protected the well-being of residents regardless of being under-staffed and under-funded. In addition, significant investments were made to support housing, childcare, and high-speed internet access with ARPA funds.
Haff: The people of Ottawa County are doing many things right. We are good, friendly people who care about our community and each other. Ottawa County has great people working in administrative positions, and they continue to do so even during times of turmoil.
Majestic: Our county has many strong and capable staff that work every day to make this a great place to live. Planning and economic development have guided and supported the preservation of our farmland and groundwater, while bringing new businesses and housing to our community. Parks staff have maintained and expanded our world-class park system. The Community Action Agency, Veterans Affairs, and Community Mental Health have served and protected our most vulnerable neighbors. Our sheriff’s and prosecutor’s offices have worked to reduce crime and ensure our community is safe for all.
Patrick: Ottawa County (is in a) stable financial position and has excellent programs due to the commitment of past boards and the dedication of county staff members.
Rhodea: As one of Michigan’s fastest growing counties, Ottawa County is a beautiful county with a bright future. We are cultivating a vibrant community where freedoms are protected and families thrive. The board has passed numerous resolutions, including the Constitutional County Resolution, which set important policy direction and priorities. Our gorgeous parks continue to expand, and the new Family Justice Center is opening this month.
Rhodea also highlighted the FY2024 budget, the expansion of the veterans department, increased law enforcement pay, body cameras, ADA compliance at county buildings, the health department budget and the county’s “excellent financial health.”
Shampine: Ottawa County has made strong investments in our parks and beaches, which showcase our beautiful landscape. We also have a strong commitment to engaging in politics, encouraging active participation from our residents.
VanBennekom: Ottawa County is one of the fastest growing counties in the state and one of three counties in the state that had a net increase in manufacturing jobs over the last decade. This shows how Ottawa County is a good place for business and for people to live. Ottawa County continues to maintain our beaches and parks, which help bring a higher quality of life.
Brugger: The people of Ottawa County are doing it right. They are standing up to local government leadership that has run amok. They are standing up for transparency. They are standing up for fiscal responsibility and for returning Ottawa County to a place “Where You Belong.” This is what the people of Ottawa County are doing right.
Koert: The OI board is doing many things right, transparently and efficiently. Seeing the headway Joe Moss and OI have made, even with the unnecessary pushback from the media and other commissioners who are not representing their constituents well, is amazing. Joe keeps pushing forward to get things done.
Van Dop: They had some more ADA compliant doors installed. They claim to have extended veterans’ benefits, but was that over budget? They do issue a lot of resolutions.
Miedema: Ottawa County is known for its conservative values and is a place where people have historically thrived in raising families, working hard, strong schools and active churches. We have many talented staff in numerous county departments, working hard on behalf of the people of Ottawa.
Where does Ottawa County need to improve?
Barry: My first priority as county commissioner will be to get the county board back to best practices of good business procedures. Hiring should be based on merit, not connections. Positions should have a written job description, a list of prerequisites for consideration, verification of credentials, and for positions like a county administrator, there should be public input for transparency and for public confidence. Secondly, we need to end the circumstances leading to these numerous lawsuits and get things resolved.
Jorritsma: We need to ensure that our businesses are able to continue operating effectively and that means working as a county to address issues like housing and childcare so that we can combat the ongoing worker shortage.
Zylstra: As a member of the board, I believe we need to work to better represent our diverse population and its needs, interests and points of view in our decision making, and do so in a more open and transparent way.
Estrada: Protocol could be more efficient in running meetings and turning on comments on YouTube livestream of meetings would be great.
Crothers: The toxic environment created by Ottawa Impact must be dismantled to retain talented county employees and ensure effective governance. Ottawa County needs to improve its approach to inclusivity and transparency. The current board's lack of openness has eroded public trust. Additionally, the county must continue to push for affordable housing solutions and public transportation.
Moss: Ottawa County needs truthful journalism that doesn't print fake news and biased articles. At the county, there are opportunities to continue investing in Community Mental Health, especially related to autism and self-directed care that supports parents caring for their kids.
Northrup: Stay local, avoid the national and state-level polarizing political issues. Not needed, just creates discontent. Stop with meaningless time-consuming divisive proclamations and resolutions. Focus on results, such as how to build the economy, more housing, better transportation systems, create daycare opportunities, support more technical education, and training opportunities.
Dieleman: I believe in good governance, fiscal responsibility and common sense. Tax dollars should be spent wisely and in service of the common good. I want to restore trust in our local government. I will not propose or support any action without asking for input. There will be no surprises. I will be responsive and seek out solutions that work for all of us. I will work to make Ottawa County a welcoming place where anyone can live, work and play.
Haff: Ottawa County needs to hire and promote the best people possible in county positions. Many positions will need to be filled by the new board, and several people appointed by Ottawa Impact will have to be fired and replaced with competent replacements.
Majestic: I would seek to strengthen the board's bylaws to give clarity to the community about the board’s purview and ground us in our shared purpose. I want to foster unity among board members and create a healthy work environment. I am committed to following expected operations procedures and making decisions with full transparency. I will work to improve communications with residents and provide opportunities for public input.
Rhodea: The county is working to meet expanding mental health needs, especially (with) an increasing number of children with autism and (intellectually or developmentally disabled) adults aging out of the educational system; as well as supporting the families who care for them. Ottawa County continues to experience challenges with groundwater, affordable home ownership, long-term energy solutions, and childcare, and (the board) remains watchful of ways to help. Our county needs truthful journalism. To that end, Ottawa County needs to strengthen its direct communication with the people.
Patrick: The board should return to more productive work, such as considering solutions to our groundwater needs, making the health and safety of county residents a priority, working on affordable housing, and continuing to maintain and enhance our parks system.
Koert: The county will continue to grow and be in good shape with the good leadership of Joe Moss and improving with properly implemented policies as OI is doing currently.
Brugger: Ottawa County officials need to improve in the following areas: fiscal responsibility, transparency, and in the hiring of senior staff based on qualifications and experience rather than on adherence to a political ideology. In the first 100 days of new county leadership, I hope to join my fellow commissioners in hiring a competent and qualified county administrator and legal counsel. In addition, I will put forth a motion to request the release of all documentation and testimony regarding the $4 million settlement offer to Health Officer Adeline Hambley.
VanBennekom: The county should work to make sure we have a larger housing stock to make living in the county more affordable. As the cost of living goes up, it will be hard for people to continue to live here and it will be harder for people to move to Ottawa County. Over the long run, it may even prevent more jobs from coming to the county.
Shampine: Ottawa County needs to improve its transparency and accountability in government operations. We should focus on fostering unity within our community rather than promoting divisive agendas. Additionally, more attention should be given to sustainable development and equitable access to resources and services.
Miedema: Ottawa County needs to continue having important conversations as it relates to protecting farmland, which is one of the top two economic contributors for our county, and connecting a variety of people with one another as they work to come up with solutions for our current housing needs within the county. Ottawa County also stands in need of truthful journalism. Without truth, we are not a free nation.
Subscribe: Receive unlimited digital access to your local news coverage
Van Dop: Ottawa County needs to get back to conducting business openly. No more behind-the-scenes discussion while limiting public debate among themselves. Hiring personnel ought to be through publicizing the vacancy, receiving applications, reviewing resumes and interviewing multiple candidates, rather than secret no-competition hirings. The chairman needs to take accountability for poor leadership.
What should the county’s priorities be while establishing its budget?
Barry: To quote Abraham Lincoln, “The legitimate object of government is to do for a community of people whatever they need to have done, but can not do, at all, or can not, so well do, for themselves.” With Lincoln in mind, county priorities should be public safety, public health, public parks and finding ways to support economic development, all within a balanced budget.
Jorritsma: There are two pillars when creating a budget for any organization, and those are stability and efficiency. Efficiency means making sure that we are stretching our dollars as far as possible to save people money. Stability means making sure that our departments are able to strategically plan for the future by not drastically changing funding levels from year to year.
Estrada: Making sure deputies with the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office have cameras on their persons and vehicles, so people are not falsely accused.
Zylstra: It should focus on delivering the widest possible benefit to all of its 300,000 residents.
Crothers: The county’s budget priorities should focus on sustainable development, public health and social equity. Investments should be made in protecting our natural resources, particularly groundwater. Affordable housing should be a priority to support economic growth and stability. Additionally, the budget should allocate resources towards maintaining and improving public infrastructure and services, ensuring that all residents have access to the resources they need.
Northrup: Spend money servicing all the community and not on issues that bring nothing to the community. No more lawsuits and stop with severances. Hire and respect professionals. Represent all citizens. Less preaching and more living “faith” by respecting and meeting the needs of all the residents. As a new benchmark for the budget going forward, let’s go back to the budgets of pre-OI anarchy.
Moss: County government is responsible for core government services, especially public safety and protecting the constitutional rights of the people. Ottawa County will continue to prioritize conservative fiscal policy, low taxes, and a balanced budget to meet our short-term and long-term goals.
Dieleman: My top priorities for the county budget are fiscal responsibility and adequate funding for vital services, like food assistance through the health department. As our county continues to grow, I want to focus on ensuring financial stability for residents by encouraging the development of affordable housing while balancing the need to preserve our farmland and groundwater resources and addressing barriers to employment, such as transportation and childcare.
Haff: Public safety is always first and foremost. One way to protect public health and safety is to do more to help those who are suffering from mental health issues. As an attorney, I know how many people break the law because of mental health issues. I want to make sure our parks have all the money they need to stay beautiful and safe for those who want to explore the outdoors. Finally, I want to provide funding to ensure Ottawa Food has a program supervisor.
Majestic: I will prioritize funding for the county’s essential services and make fiscally responsible recommendations for additional funding to be used in ways that will tangibly improve the lives of my constituents. I am passionate about food assistance and affordable housing. With the rising cost of living and relatively stagnant wages, many people are struggling to make ends meet. In a community that is thriving in so many ways, there is no excuse for not lending our neighbors a helping hand.
Patrick: The board should conduct a strategic planning session to establish priorities for the coming fiscal year. It has not done so since 2022. My budget priorities include health, development of our groundwater/drinking water sources, and affordable housing. I would also be eager to hear what my board colleagues, county staff, and county residents had to say.
Rhodea: County government is responsible for the safety and well being of the people while protecting constitutional rights, and should prioritize providing core government services which are required by statute. Additionally, the county should prioritize the needs of the vulnerable whenever possible.
VanBennekom: One of the priorities in the county budget should be to make sure the county is helping the most needy in the county. It is important to make sure that the people who are struggling the most are helped and can be given the best chance to succeed. Another priority should be to invest in the infrastructure in the county so it will be able to serve the residents of the county for years to come. Functioning infrastructure will help both business and residents in the county to live and do business.
Shampine: The county's budget priorities should include: Ensuring fiscal responsibility and transparency in all expenditures; investing in public services that directly benefit residents, such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure; supporting initiatives that promote sustainable development and environmental conservation; and enhancing community wellbeing through programs that address mental health, housing and transportation equity.
Koert: The county has functional services that need to stay in place, first and foremost. Functional services are the core of the county and keep us moving. We have a duty to our veterans to keep making improvements on VA issues. The police that protect us need to have access to training programs and the best resources available to help them in their job. When making budget decisions, the safety of our community and care of our people is at the top of the list for most people, including me.
Brugger: After referencing the same Lincoln quote as Barry above, Brugger wrote: As a fiscal conservative, this means leveraging the smallest amount of tax dollars to do the greatest amount of good for the people of Ottawa County. As elected leaders, we do this best by gathering input from our community members and by working collaboratively and efficiently with the professional staff of Ottawa County. This will largely be achieved by following the same practices and procedures that took place for decade upon decade prior to (the current board being) sworn in.
Miedema: Begin with these questions: What is government responsible for? What is required? What are the needs of the people? Balancing needs and desires of the people with the reality of the budget. Create a strategic plan that looks not only to the current year but also projects to the future. Communication with directors of the departments and county administrator through the budget process is also important. Miedema also highlighted the 2023 Capital Improvement Plan.
Van Dop: The county commission should not get a 60% pay raise. Budgets previous to 2023 should be reviewed with how they have been followed and what adjustments seem to make sense. Massive recent spending needs to be dialed back. Let’s address long-term concerns as well as the short-term ones, such as what can we do to alleviate the falling groundwater levels? What departments or commissions were created recently that perhaps don’t need to be continued?
What is your stance on county involvement in diversity, equity and inclusion?
Barry: I am not interested in reestablishing a formal DEI office with the county. The problem I have with DEI is what are the goals, what are the measurable metrics to determine effectiveness, and at what cost? Increasingly, business and academia are backing away from DEI initiatives. Also, DEI has become a polarizing topic creating dissension within organizations it’s trying to create inclusion and unity in. That said, the only mission of government is service and access to all. That means our programs must meet the needs of all people, that available services are communicated effectively to all people and that we’re taking into consideration the needs of people from different cultures, faiths, ages, education, etc.
Jorritsma: If Diversity, Equity and Inclusion mean following all state and federal laws that relate to anti-discrimination, then I am all for it. However, if it means trying to put critical race theory into schools, then I am against it. I am not opposed to looking at a department or staff member that looks internally at hiring processes for county employees, but I don’t believe the county needs to employ someone to teach controversial theories inside our schools.
Zylstra: My 2019 vote to fund the (DEI Department) was one of the most important votes I’ve taken since I’ve been a commissioner because of the immense promise that department offered. My 2023 vote to retain it is likewise one of my most important votes. My vision of the value of the DEI Department is encapsulated by the statement that we passed in support, namely that “We recognize the importance of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the accomplishment of our mission and hold it as a basic value (to) proactively engage and understand a variety of perspectives across all human differences. We seek to ensure respectful, fair treatment and full, equal access to opportunities and resources so all may thrive and achieve their full potential. We believe every person’s voice adds value.”
Estrada: For the full stance, go to vote4orlando.com. May have good intent here, but I don't believe the government can get the desired results.
Crothers: I strongly believe in the importance of county involvement in DEI. This was a service requested and partially funded by some of our major local employers. It's disappointing how national politics around those three letters has made these important efforts so divisive. The county should reinstate and support DEI initiatives, as they are essential for social cohesion and economic growth. DEI training and resources are valuable tools for local businesses and communities, and it is our duty to ensure these programs are available and effective.
Moss: Ottawa County will continue to prioritize excellence and merit over DEI ideology, and treat all individuals with kindness and respect. As the Heritage Foundation said on June 13, "Racism in 2024 is spelled DEI." Diversity and inclusion are beautiful words that bring value to our relationships and communities. DEI is a left-wing ideology that promotes divisive teachings. DEI has no place in government and should be abolished from all government institutions. Thankfully, it is being removed from governments and corporations nationwide as Americans come to understand why it is so damaging.
Northrup: I supported the closing of the DEI (Department); it had become an instrument of a few to be divisive and destroy a community culture of goodness. However, it was financed by industry and prior to closing there should have been a conversation with industry on what useful aspects could have been retained, better defined. Named something else with a focus on economic development to attract a workforce. Unfortunately, it has become a culturally divisive tool.
Dieleman: Having a DEI department does not guarantee that our community is welcoming to everyone; however, getting rid of the DEI Department in our diversifying county sent a clear message that our current board only wants certain people to feel they belong here. The way the county’s DEI department was closed, without advance notice to the public and without providing real opportunities for residents to give input, was wrong. All people deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. There is strength in diversity. I will strive to ensure that every person who calls this county home knows they belong here.
Haff: Instead of DEI, we should take a lesson from Kent County and create a county/business collaboration to attract the best-qualified candidates from all walks of life. This allows us to leverage the business community and utilize available grants to attract the best candidates of all backgrounds. This is the type of inclusion I support. As a commissioner, I will always hire and promote the best people based on merit and achievement.
Majestic: It is more important than ever to ensure this is a welcoming place. DEI is a tool that can help us in this respect and should be considered as we work to address issues where disparities exist. As a widow and single mother, I know what it feels like to be othered. I do not feel as though I am currently being represented by the board. I will respect and represent everyone in our county — not just the people who look or think like me. When there are differences of opinion, I will work to find compromises that meet as many needs as possible.
Rhodea: Excellence and merit should be prioritized over identity characteristics in county interactions and hiring, treating all individuals with kindness and respect. Diversity and inclusion are beautiful words which bring value to our relationships and communities. However, DEI is a progressive ideology which promotes divisive teachings and practices. I love the people of our county, and oppose teachings that divide us and our children. DEI has no place in government, and is being removed from corporations and government institutions nationwide as Americans come to understand the harmful nature of the DEI movement.
Patrick: Formal, explicit policy statements and concrete actions regarding Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Ottawa County government are a way for Ottawa County to demonstrate that we welcome all. I wholeheartedly support such policies and actions.
Brugger: The America of which I’m most proud and the future to which we all must strive is one that protects everyone’s right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, regardless of race, religion or creed. For you to gain does not mean that I must lose. Rather, when you and I both gain liberty as we each define it, compromising … and accepting differences as we must, when we recognize that with rights come responsibilities, that is when true freedom rings. ... It starts with us, right here in Ottawa County. The role of a county commissioner is to lead and to do what it takes to make Ottawa County, truly, a place Where You Belong.
Koert: Koert writes some companies are getting rid of DEI efforts, then continues: I love natural diversity and people coming together from many different cultures and communities in an organic way. Choosing someone based on anything but merit and work ethic for a job seems unfair to someone who worked hard and earned it, no matter what their circumstances are. Our community is becoming more diverse everyday in a beautiful way, by being a beacon of prosperity for all people and attracting them to live here. It's awesome to see Ottawa County organically become even more of a melting pot of people and cultures.
Shampine: We should be actively involved in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. These principles are essential to building a strong, welcoming and democratic county. They help ensure that all residents have equal opportunities and are treated with fairness and respect.
VanBennekom: I think that upholding the ideals of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is important for the county government to do. The county should make sure that the diverse groups that live in the county are represented in the county government and they are treated fairly by the county government. It is important to stop discrimination against minorities and make sure the government is protecting the rights of everyone.
Miedema: I do not support government funded DEI programs. Miedema linked to the Jan. 3, 2023 resolution to change the county’s vision statement, which (I) agree with wholeheartedly and speaks well to this question.
Van Dop: I understand that the Ottawa DEI Department was created to join with businesses in bringing in more jobs. I support more jobs, along with the housing and transportation needed for employees to fill those jobs. I understand that DEI as practiced by educational institutions is not something that is favored by much of the populace. Perhaps we can work with business to create and fill jobs with a program under a different name. I believe that the county HR department can handle diversity in hiring. I believe in equality of opportunity but not in equity of outcome. Merit should continue to be rewarded.
— Contact reporter Mitchell Boatman at mboatman@hollandsentinel.com.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Ottawa County commissioner candidates answer the big questions
